Station log: stardate unknown

The Dominion War arc continues this week in this episode written by Bradley Thompson and David Weddle. It first aired on 13 October, 1997.

With Worf (Micheal Dorn) currently serving on a Klingon vessel commanded by Martok (J.G. Hertzler), he is shocked to see his son, Alexander Rozhenko (Marc Worden) joining the crew (not to mention that it’s troubling for the viewer that he’s older here than he should be considering his last appearance on The Next Generation – but perhaps Klingons age differently).

While Worf deals with that Kira (Nana Visitor) has problems with Dukat (Marc Alaimo) who, apparently, isn’t above using his own daughter, Tora Ziyal (Melanie Smith) to get closer to the Bajoran major who wants nothing to do with the Cardassian, and the current head of the station.

There is friction between Alexander and Worf, and they have not seen one another in many years. Meanwhile Ziyal and Kira are eager to catch up and firm up their friendship, but her father’s presence is trying and infuriating to the Major.

Alexander is determined to prove he is a warrior and has the mettle to survive aboard a Klingon ship, but with his father there, and his inexperience blatantly evident, Alexander may nor survive his tour of duty.

But parents can reconnect with their children, and family isn’t always about blood.

It’s a solid episode, and lets Worf’s character grow a bit, but definitely takes us a bit away from the war front.

Station log: stardate 51145.3

LeVar Burton directs this episode that was written by Rene Echevarria. It first debuted on 20 October, 1997.

With the Defiant operation out of Starbase 375, Sisko (Avery Brooks) is temporarily relieved of command, and Dax (Terry Farrell) is given temporary command.

On Terok Nor (Deep Space Nine under Cardassian rule) Kira’s resistance learns that the Cardassians and the Dominion may have a way of bringing down the mine field around the wormhole, allowing for reinforcements.

Things get even more complicated when a changeling arrives on the station seeking Odo (Rene Auberjonois), and they link with one another… leading to one wondering about where his ultimate loyalties lay.

There is a lot going on in this episode for the war arc, we get a look at Kira’s resistance, which includes Jake (Cirroc Lofton), Quark (Armin Shimerman) and Rom (Max Grodenchik). And Dax in command on a military mission shows us, and her, how much she enjoys it.

This is episode demonstrates the beauty of the serialized storytelling that is becoming part of the Trek universe at this point. There are lots of moments of great import happening, but only if you’ve been following along, and seen the developments of character and story.

The Human Adventure continues next week as I explore The Complete Series on DVD, now available from Paramount Pictures. Boldly go…