Station log: stardate unknown

LeVar Burton directs this episode that was written by Ronald D. Moore, and sees Martok (J.G,. Hertzler) get his first assignment following his arrival on the station and his escape from the Dominion internment camp.

Worf (Micheal Dorn) joins him as his first officer aboard a klingon bird of prey, the Rotarran, in this story that first aired on 28 April, 1997.

Dax (Terry Farrell) joins the crew, and they discover the ship hasn’t been very victorious in battle, and the crew are less than thrilled to be serving under their new captain. Very soon Worf has his loyalties tested as he may be forced to support his captain, or his crew.

What follows is a captivating episode that features some gorgeous model work with the bird of prey, and has some great character beats as we follow the crew of the klingon vessel.

Dax is welcomed by the crew and she attempts to warn Worf about the dissension that is growing, but when it comes to a head, Worf is forced to stand against his friend and captain and fight for the crew and their desire for victory, battle, and a good cup of blood wine.

Worf has a plan to show the crew that Martok is the leader they need, but it may cost him, but in the end, there may be so much more to gain, as they claim a victory over the Jem’Hadar, rescue some stranded klingons, and Worf is welcomed into the House of Martok.

This is a superior episode, and I loved it a lot.

Station log: stardate 50814.2

Rene Echevarria pens the teleplay from this episode from a story by Gary Holland and Ethan H. Calk. It debuted on 5 May, 1997.

Captain Sisko (Avery Brooks) commanding the Defiant arrives in orbit around a planet that is surrounded by an powerful energy field. When they go down to the surface, they discover a small colony, populated by their descendants.

It seems the Defiant and its crew crashed/will crash due to a time travel incident, and they live out their lives on the surface of their new home, where their progeny now thrive.

But if they have a chance to avoid the accident, what will happen to the colony? Each member of the crew has to decide what they should do, and how it will affect their future generations (if any).

I love a smart time travel episode that throws in the need for some thinking and some life-altering choices.

It also gets the Odo (Rene Auberjonois) feelings for Kira (Nana Visitor) back on track, to a stunning conclusion by episode’s end.

There are some fantastic moments, as the crew come to terms with their potential future history, and the lives on the planet that could be lost… I love how this one plays out, and it’s great seeing their interactions.

The Human Adventure continues as we begin closing in on the end of the fifth season. The Complete Series on DVD is captivating, entertaining, and allowing me to boldy go…