PAST PROLOGUE (production #404; first season) Directed by Winrich Kolbe; written by Katharyn Powers
This early episode (regarded as the first one after the pilot by many) introduced us to the Cardassian Garak (Andy Robinson) and, by extension, to all the intrigue which would inform many of the episodes of the series. Garak is, on the surface, a tailor, but most suspect he has remained on the station to spy. I guess the writers made him a tailor in homage to the famous spy story "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" - or something. He introduces himself to Bashir as the episode begins; Bashir is understandably flustered but excited by the prospect of interesting subterfuge. On top of this, we are re-introduced to the famous Klingon Duras sisters (played by Gwynyth Walsh & Barbara March), who arrive on the station on their own underhanded mission. (They became even more famous when they appeared in the film Star Trek Generations in '94).
Garak and the Klingon sisters are the more interesting aspects of this episode; there's a great scene of the 3 of them meeting in Garak's shop and one of the sisters threatens to pull out Garak's tongue, even hissing at him. You're guaranteed some memorable moments with these Klingon females.
But, the main plot concerns a Bajoran terrorist (or freedom fighter, depending on what side you're on) being pursued by the Cardassians; Sisko is forced to grant the man temporary asylum. This Bajoran & Kira have a personal history and Kira's loyalties are soon put to the test. There's an interesting confrontation between Sisko & Kira in which Sisko shows a bit more edge than previous series leaders. The climax seems to state that, generally, terrorists are called that with good reason, regardless of what side one is on. BoG's Score: 6 out of 10
BoG
Galaxy Overlord Galactus
Posts : 3265 Join date : 2010-02-28 Location : Earth-1