Series: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Season 4, Episode 13
Original Air Date: January 29, 1996
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| via Memory Alpha |
Odo, as previously discussed, is in love with Kira. Unfortunately, the Major is falling for her former comrade in arms, Shakaar, now First Minister on Bajor. Further complicating the situation for the constable, he is in charge of Shakaar's security during his visit to the station meaning he needs to spend far too much time in the vicinity of the budding love affair.
"Crossfire" is all about Odo. After the "Homefront/Paradise Lost" story, this one feels lighter on the surface, though anyone who has experienced unrequited love knows it's no laughing matter. Even beyond the Kira situation, the episode involves meaningful development in Odo's relationships with others, particularly Quark and Worf. This exchange between the two security officers is especially satisfying...
Suddenly and unexpectedly, I have mixed feelings about the Odo/Kira story. I understand that it's meaningful self-actualization for Odo but honestly, Star Trek should be above the typical "will they? won't they?" schlock that was ubiquitous on mid-90s television. Admittedly, with an actor of Rene Auberjonois's ilk in the role, the trope plays better than it would for most. I have the benefit of knowing where this is going and fortunately, the writers don't leave the question dangling for as long as they could have. Overall, I love the Odo story. I wonder what it could have been without this element.
Acting Notes
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| via Battlestar Wiki |
Bruce Wright played the role of Sarish Rez, Shakaar's right-hand man. He guest-starred on the original Battlestar Galactica series as well as Cheers and The X-Files. Films include Speed, Apollo 13 and The Negotiator.
My husband would love this for sure.
ReplyDeleteI disagree that it was a “will they/won’t they” situation. The whole thing happened by accident, really. As late as the second season, when “Necessary Evil” explores the origin of their relationship, they certainly had an opportunity right there to revise it in that direction. It wasn’t until “Heart of Stone” the next season, when Auberjonois chose to act in such a tortured fashion late in the episode that it pointed in that direction. It was literally following his acting. So they had to play out everything that was in the way, including his people and, obviously, Shakaar.
ReplyDeleteWho was the biggest victim of the hard pivot away from Bajoran affairs the series took after the third season. Too little interest from the fans. Although conceptually, it was absurd, as the Bajorans were literally the whole reason the series premise existed. It simply wasn’t enough to dangle Kai Winn here and there as an increasingly one-note villain. This was the biggest failure of the series.