Kira at her absolute most annoying. It is obvious throughout the series that she is a hateful, resentful, and close minded individual. And we have the privilege of having an episode dedicated to that...
It's a lazy thing to say, but I just find this episode to be boring. And that's a real shame because it has a lot going on and it should have been much more enjoyable. Maybe it's just the concept of a religious cult that instantly makes me want to switch off.
This is still a great character piece for both Kira and Dukat. They're complex relationship has a lot of depth by this point, and it's fascinating to see their characters growth here. Kira reacts to everything in far more subdued way that she once would have, using words, logical arguments and restraint rather than aggressively lashing out. It also looks like Dukat genuinely believes in the pah-wraiths even through his own egotistical needs.
This is the third time we've been to Empok Nor, but it's the first time where it's felt like the DS9 set slightly redressed. A good way to save money, unfortunately it takes me out of the episode.
The episode has a couple of genuine "oh, shit!" moments - the reveal of the baby, the airlock sequence (why would she agree to meet there?) and Dukat's fake pill - which help it along, but this is all a bit too lacklustre for me. I'm also frustrated at how gullible the people shown here are.
Yes, I like Dukat. Yes, I think he's a fascinating multidimensional nemesis. Yes, I like the occasional Kira and Dukat episode (would be a shame to not continue the story of their complicated relationship). Yes, I accept that this show features many mystery and religious topics. It's the core of this show and I'm fine with that as long it's not a gimmick like in other shows of the franchise. But this is a step too far. Him studying and using the power of the evil spirits to achieve personal and political goals makes sense. Him becoming an actual cult leader is just stupid. And the notion that cult member commit mass suicide is so 1970s. Is that still relevant? Other than making a comedy from it like in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt? And is that relevant to the story. We already knew that Dukat wants to use the power of the Pah'Wraith. But ultimately, this cult has no impact on the big picture. It's not as if these guys are a new Circle that is able to create division, fear, turmoil or civil wars in the sector or even on Bajor.
PS: good job not dying in the depressurized airlock. Tip. You won't freeze immediately (limited heat transfer in a vacuum) but you better breath out quickly as soon as the door opens to avoid lung rupture and ebullism.
The story of Skrain "Jim Jones" Dukat, but with a twist. Didn't really enjoy this one but it was useful in showing the development of Dukat's character arc and foreshadowing the upcoming struggle.
Shout by Maria AntoniaBlockedParent2021-02-14T05:43:07Z
Ok so I will admit... I always liked Dukat. I trully did. He was a interesting and nuanced character at first... then he went in that "I'm a villain" arc and eventually he began his religious path. This episode is nightmare inducing. I can see the anti-cult message here (a staple in ST), and I get why at the time this was a important thing to be put out there, but it was horrid. Not a pleasant one.
A weak episode for sure. And a sad one.