Deep Space Nine: The Misunderstood Star Trek

Could you imagine a Star Trek that wasn't about traveling the stars or going to the next big planet in the galaxy? How could there be a Trek show that doesn't feature the crew of some incarnation of the Enterprise? Wasn't it bad enough that they took Star Trek to a Next Generation featuring a crew other than Captain Kirk and Spock? What more damage could they do now?

Starting during the sixth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine takes place on a space station where instead of traveling to different stars and meeting new civilizations, the different stars and civilization would visit them! The station is a docking port and is at the heart of the final frontier. Think of it as LAX in space. A bunch of ships would be coming in and our of a wormhole that rested right by the station and different races would come in and out for repairs, shore leave and other situations.

Starring Avery Brooks as Commander Benjamin Sisko, the story begins as he loses his wife and most of his crew during a Borg attack which takes place during an episode of Next Generation. This is a perfect way to tell the audience that this is in the same universe as the other Treks but focusing on someone different. Someone that is not a captain of the Enterprise. Saving his son from the battle, Sisko is assigned to other duties before landing on the post that would change his life forever.

Deep Space 9

A year later, Sisko and his son Jake are approaching a space station orbiting the planet of Bajor. Bajor, a once rich and highly cultural planet filled with lush green fields and spiritual people, was occupied by a race known as the Cardassians for many, many years. It was an occupation and many Bajorans died during the harsh treatment and circumstances. Not only did they take over the planet, but they even transported many of them to work endlessly and tirelessly on the station to produce ore. Think of it as the Holocaust but in space. Full of ruthless, racist and brutal guards, the Bajorans only had their faith to keep them going. Many rebelled, however they were met with the most dire consequences of pain and suffering. It was time for a change and thus, the Federation comes in to protect the planet. Not many are happy due to this, as they find it to be a chance for the Federation to do the same damage as done by the Cardassians.

The Bajoran Wormhole

A wormhole is near the planet of Bajor. Now, the interesting thing about this wormhole, is that it's stable and made from an unknown entity. As the Federation is still unclear as to who or what created this particular wormhole, the Bajoran's see it as the gateway to the Celestial Temple. Inside it are believed to be the Prophets, Gods of Bajor. The fact that it is right near their planet is one of the reasons for their beliefs. In addition, the wormhole released these objects called Orbs of the Prophets, cases the size of a fire hydrant that when opened, create a vision and engulf anyone to the temple. For example, there is an Orb of Time or an Orb of Prophecy.

The Federation is also attempting for Bajor to join them as it can be one with many of the other planets, however the negotiations don't really go anywhere as the inhabitants are content that their faith will protect them from any future problems. Once the Federation takes control of the station, it remains a Bajoran-run station. Benjamin has a complex role as both a Federation Commander and the Emissary of the Prophets. As he is in a station in the sky and guarding the wormhole from any outside intruders, he is seen as a God to the Bajoran people. As he is uncomfortable with this at first, Sisko gets more used to the idea and we see his journey go farther and farther to his eventual destiny.

Along with the ride, is Chief of Security Odo, a shapeshifter sent many years ago from the Founder Homeworld. Not one with humans, Odo takes the form of a Bajoran as he was raised by a Bajoran as a test subject. Dr. Bashir is a young doctor intent and excited to be a part of his posting on the station. Major Kira is the Bajoran liason officer and second in command of the station. Having direct contact during the Cardassian occupation, she lost nearly her entire family due to the brutality and is at first quite hot headed when she discovers that the Federation has come to the "rescue". Jadzia Dax is a Trill who has 5 lifetimes worth of experience due to a worm placed inside her belly known as a simbiot. Her previous life, Curzon, was a close friend to Benjamin and her memories have retained their relationship. This crew is highly diverse and they have to come across their differences before becoming a family.

Major Kira Nerys

A few returning members from Star Trek: The Next Generation are part of the crew, like Chief Miles O'Brien, who becomes chief of operations of the station. Mr. Worf also returns and mind you, both of these returning characters much more fleshed out in this series than ever before.

As the show continued, it focused more on war against a group known as the Dominion. The Dominion are from the Gamma Quadrant, located from the other side of the wormhole. Their role is bent on taking over the Alpha Quadrant and defeating the Federation once and for all. It is during this time where the station as giving a starship to combat it's enemies. In around the third season, Commander Sisko becomes Captain Sisko and is now in charge of a starship of his own. 

The coolest thing about this show, is the station and the life aboard it. The Promenade set reminds me of a mall in space and the time and energy used to build these sets are out of this world. I'm just glad the show lasted as long as it did. The shops, little stores and shops are what makes me love the show all the more interesting and fun. There are Klingon restaurants, tailor shops run by the only remaining Cardassian on the station, as well as Quark's Bar. Quark is a whole other entity and he's one of the most greedy members on the station. He has a great character arc as well.

I'm going to end this blog with a question. What do you like/dislike about Deep Space Nine? Do you feel it strayed too far away from the heart of Star Trek? Please share your responses here. I would love to read what you put!

UNTIL NEXT TIME FOLKS!!!!!

Sources: 
Image of Kira:  http://herocomplex.latimes.com/tv/tvs-top-50-sci-fi-characters-mr-spock-starbuck-and-tobor/#/0

Deep Space Nine logo and station: http://www.fanart.tv

Bajoran wormhole GIF:  http://startrekships.tumblr.com/tagged/ST%20DS9

Enterprise-E:  http://startrekships.tumblr.com/