Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Plots

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine also differs from previous Star Trek series in that it contains story arcs which span several episodes and, indeed, seasons. Other Star Trek series tend to largely restore the status quo ante at the end of an episode so that the episodes can be seen out-of-order without compromising their plot. Here, however, not only are events in one episode often referenced and built on in later episodes, but sometimes several episodes in a row would be cliffhangers. This trend is especially strong near the end of the series' run, by which time it has become very much a serial.

Related Topics:
Status quo ante - Cliffhanger - Serial

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One such story arc is that of Benjamin Sisko's role as a religious icon. He initially faces it with open discomfort and skepticism, referring to the Bajoran Prophets simply as "wormhole aliens" and striving to keep his role as commander of the station distinct from any obligations which the Bajoran people try to place on him. Later, he becomes more accepting of his role, and by the end of the series he appears to embrace it.

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The episode "" introduces the Dominion, a ruthless empire in the Gamma Quadrant. It is led by "the Founders," comprised of a race of shapeshifters known as Changelings (the same race as station security chief Odo). They were once persecuted by non-shapeshifters (whom they call "Solids") and they are now out to control any who are not like themselves. The Founders have created two races to serve them: the Vorta, sly and subversive diplomats; and their vicious shock troops, the Jem'Hadar. These races worship the Founders as gods.

Related Topics:
Dominion - Gamma Quadrant - Founders - Changeling - Vorta - Jem'Hadar

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The Dominion invades the Alpha Quadrant, forms an uneasy alliance with Cardassia, and eventually goes to war with the other major races. Throughout the series, loyalties and alliances change repeatedly: alliances with the Cardassians are made, broken, and remade; a short conflict with the Klingons flares, and the Federation finds an alliance with the Romulans.

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Another example of DS9s darker plot material is Section 31, a secret organization that exists apart from, but dedicated to the preservation of, the Federation. This undemocratic shadow organization justifies its unlawful, ethically questionable tactics by claiming that it is essential to the continued existence of the Federation. Section 31 is prominent in several episodes of the Dominion War plot.

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Additionally, interpersonal conflict and animosity between regular characters (e.g. Quark and Odo, Sisko and Picard), something previously forbidden by Rodenberry in ' and Star Trek: The Next Generation, also featured prominently. This was brought about at the request of the TNG writers, who felt that the prohibition on interpersonal conflict between the main TNG characters limited their ability to develop new and interesting stories.

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In DS9, the Ferengi are no longer an enemy of the Federation, but rather an economic power whose political neutrality is mostly respected. Several episodes explore the capitalist nature of the Ferengi and these episodes are by far the series' most comedic. Ferengi are guided in their lives and in their business transactions by the Rules of Acquisition.

Related Topics:
Capitalist - Ferengi - Rules of Acquisition

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Several of the characters have their own personal demons and stories that are rather specific to their character.

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The character of Jadzia Dax is a Trill; she is a young woman who has been joined with the Dax symbiont which is more than three hundred years old. This gives her the memories of seven previous lifetimes in which the symbiont was previously hosted by men and women. As such, Jadzia's behavior incorporates qualities from each gender. Because Commander Sisko was a good friend of Dax's previous host, Curzon, he often calls Jadzia "old man".

Related Topics:
Jadzia Dax - Trill - Dax symbiont

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Odo is a shapeshifter who handles station security with a strong sense of justice and fairness. He is driven by a desire to find other shapeshifters like himself and to find out where he came from. He eventually discovers that he is one of the Founders, and he is torn between a longing to reunite with his people, his duty to the station, and his love for Major Kira.

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Worf, a character from , was added to the DS9 cast in the fourth season to help sagging ratings. Several episodes follow his efforts to balance his Klingon heritage with his Federation duty.

Related Topics:
Worf - Klingon

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