Star Trek: Deep Space Nine — 2x20 — The Maquis, Part I

Aired 1994-04-24

SpaceOpera.com rating:7

Average reader rating:6.53

Synopsis

Sisko uncovers a Federation terrorist group whose actions could start another war with the Cardassians.

Filler rating: not filler

Numerous major long term plot threads are serviced here.

Remarkable scenes

Jadzia mentioning dating captain Boday, a Gallamite with a transparent skull.
Hudson and Sisko reminiscing.
Sakonna discussing a business proposition with Quark.
Dukat sitting in Sisko's quarters.
Kira's report on what Jake is doing.
The first sight of a Maquis vessel destroying Cardassian ships.
Quark's meal with Sakonna.
Sakonna: "I wish to procure weapons."
Quark's reaction to Sakonna's request for weapons.
Odo defending the security procedures of DS9 when it was Terok Nor.
Rules of Acquisition; 214. Never begin a business negotiation on an empty stomach.

Review

I like the direct continuity with TNG: Journey's End, the previously aired episode. I'm fond of Sisko's attitude toward the Maquis. Sympathy, but ultimately regarding them as criminals and thinking they should be stopped at all costs. Hudson's involvement with the Maquis was un unsurprising twist, given how much not-so-subtle foreshadowing there was. Overall the political drama is subtle, nuanced, and realistic. This sort of ugliness is a not at all unexpected consequence of the Federation signing such a bad treaty. It's nice to see that the Native Americans from TNG: Journey's End aren't the only colonies that decided to ignore the resettlement provision and adding the element of rebellious militarism certainly enhances the drama.

3 reader comments

This is a terrific beginning for an epic story in two parts. There is not a single false note in this.
Of course, being an historian and a lover of classic literature, I always appreciate the more grandiose episodes of Star Trek.
by Tallifer | 03/20/2011 at 1:18 am

Strong episode. Nicely paced, explains the back story for the Maquis perfectly. This had to be solid of course as it sets up Voyager.
Love the Sisko/Dukat partnership which at the time I thought was to become something akin to O'Brien/Bashir but thankfully the creators made sure that their relationship stayed more like Picard/Q.
The point is the writers are using the 'unlikely pairing' angle again and it works so well.
Shame we hadn't seen Hudson prior to this episode to make it more wrenching and less predictable when his revelation comes to light but that sort of continuity and almost serialisation is to come later in the series.
Overall a good outting, shame about part two.
by Bernard | 04/03/2011 at 11:19 am

Cal Hudson was played by Bernie Casey, a very well known TV and movie actor who has many credits to his name, among them Roots, Murder She Wrote, Babylon Five, and the James Bond movie Never Say Never Again. Bernie Casey also played football for two NFL teams: The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. So far as I know Bernie Casey is the only actor to appear on any Star Trek episode or feature film who also played football for the NFL. Another interesting study.
by Jeff Browning | 10/25/2011 at 1:05 pm