The Armchair Squid: Star Trek: The Jem'Hadar

Episode: "The Jem'Hadar"

Series: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Season 2, Episode 26

Original Air Date: June 12, 1994

As he sets out on a camping trip in the Gamma Quadrant with Jake, Nog and Quark, Benjamin Sisko's greatest worry is how he's going to endure the bartender's company for the duration. Little does he know the journey will lead to an encounter with the Jem'Hadar, the soldiers of the Dominion. While the Deep Space Nine gang has only heard general allusions to the Dominion, the Jem'Hadar know plenty about Starfleet.

"The Jem'Hadar" is the season finale and it sets the table for many stories to come. The Dominion, not the Cardassians, are the primary adversary for Deep Space Nine and they provide much of the narrative drive for the next five seasons. The full implications of this initial encounter, especially in regards to Odo, are not yet apparent. In truth, the total concept wasn't fully formed by the writing staff at this point.

The Jem'Hadar demonstrate clearly that they are not to be taken lightly. Their attack upon (and destruction of) the USS Odyssey was intended to demonstrate to the viewers that our dear Enterprise could provide no significant challenge for the new enemy. In fact, there was talk of the Enterprise itself being destroyed in what would certainly have been a memorable crossover. Goodness, how the future of the franchise might have played out differently from there!

Thoughts on Season Two

General Impressions

The producers told the writers that their job for Season 2 of Deep Space Nine was to set the new series apart from The Next Generation. I feel they did a wonderful job. DS9 brings quite a lot to the Star Trek party. Sitting in the stew with one planet is new ground allowing for deeper understanding of the politics and culture of a single world. Developing the characters of Odo and Dax provide new windows as well. Most importantly, DS9 allows for greater moral ambiguity among the principals than we ever saw on NextGen. Even more than the universe expansion, giving everyone more elbow room provides a much broader scope for storytelling.

Favorite Episode: "Necessary Evil"

Case in point, this story quite simply never would have been written for NextGen. "Necessary Evil" is a flashback tale, a glimpse of Tarak Nor, the Cardassian name for Deep Space 9 before the Federation took control. It's a noir mystery with Odo in the lead, a better one than any of Picard's adventures on the holodeck. The ending, in particular, is decidedly new territory. There is real damage between Kira and Odo with no promise of repair. That never would have been allowed on the Enterprise.

Least Favorite Episode: "Rivals"

Chris Sarandon guest starring definitely seems promising. Quark is conned by a conman who is then conned himself - sure, why not? Unfortunately, Sarandon isn't charming enough to sell it. There is a better secondary plot developing the Julian/Miles bromance.

Favorite Recurring Character: Garak

No one else is in the running. I won't pretend otherwise. In "Cardassians," Garak delivers the best line of the series so far: "I never tell the truth because I don't believe there is such a thing."

Wow. Just, wow.

Favorite Blast from the Past: Three Klingon Warriors

In "Blood Oath," three Klingons from the original series return. Kor, Koloth and Kang are out for vengeance. Apart from some good Dax development, "Blood Oath" isn't the strongest episode. But the basic fact of the reunion is fun. Plus, Kor will be back.

Favorite Guest Actor, One-Shot: Cress Williams

via Memory Alpha

I admire an actor who can do a lot with a little. In "The Jem'Hadar," Cress Williams plays the role of Talak'talan, the leader of the soldiers who capture Sisko and company. He doesn't get much material but he makes the most of it. His contempt for Sisko is palpable and natural. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he's the rare actor, at 6' 5", who can make Avery Brooks look short. And he moves beautifully. The moment on Deep Space 9 when he steps out of the containment field as if it's not even there is downright badass.