Plot – Ezri lost, Sisko and Kassidy getting married, Dukat disguised as a Bajoran, a disease that’s killing the Link, Ezri and Worf getting it on, the Breen, Prophecies of doom if Sisko gets married…there is so much happening in this final arc. I was asking for trouble by doing this randomly and it is typical that it would be one of the final ten of DS9 that pops up first when the show was at its most serialised and involved. I would say that although you are having to catch up with an awful lot here, it is all explained concisely and clearly and the episode itself is a singular entity that can be watched on its own merits.
Character – I really like that Sisko and Kassidy’s relationship has been full of bumps…but they have all been plot driven bumps rather than the obvious route of having them doubt their relationship. Kassidy was running supplies for the Maquis, Ben couldn’t handle her encroaching on his work, the Prophets warned of nothing but sorrow should they get married and pursue a life together…these are all circumstances coming between them. What I really enjoy about their relationship is that there is never any doubt that they are attracted to each other and want to be together. Their chemistry and the writing never goes down the obvious route of them simply getting on each other’s nerves.
Sisko has gone from refuting that he is the Emissary, to getting used to the idea, to embracing it and now he is taking their advice on his life choices. I guess finding out that they had a part in your existence has something to do with that. The transition has taken place over seven seasons and some absorbing stories so his initial decision here to adhere to Sarah’s advice is reasonable and understandable. I like how awkward and uncomfortable the scene is where he tells Kassidy, it’s a pretty fucked up situation to be told that your godlike mother in law to be doesn’t want you to be a part of her sons’ life. Kassidy reacts like anyone would, incredulously, and handing him the ring back in silence. But then I love the fact that Sisko fights his mother’s wishes at the end and does what will make him happy, rather than her. He’s never been one to play by the rules and he has always gone done a path of his own choosing. He knows that the consequences could be huge, but he’s never been afraid to face a challenge either. It promises dark times ahead for Sisko, and that is the best kind of DS9.
Ah Kai Winn, she lights up the show whenever she turns up with her greasy, conniving presence. She grins her way through a scene where she bombs Sisko’s wedding plans and gets herself involved in a way that would suggest it would be a personal insult to the people of Bajor if she wasn’t. Perhaps the reason the Prophets have never spoken to Winn directly is because of their unusual relationship with time and they know that she will ally herself with the Pagh Wraiths. I’m not sure that it is explicitly stated but it is certainly implied.
Winn and Dukat as a sexual pair is so twisted it blackens my mind to think about it. How it plays out is just perfect; Dukat transformed and prostrating before Winn, playing up to her ego. Winn, in a position of power and arrogance thinking she is receiving wisdom from the Prophets through this man. And having not had any jiggy jiggy for some time (she’s the Space Pope, you know) it is a chance to get her end away, feed her egotism and do the work of the Prophets all in one. They are delicious scenes of manipulation with both parties thinking they are on top.
Solbor’s disgust for ‘Anjol’ is ever present despite the fact that he never says a word. Ultimately that discontent will lead to his death but not from the hands of the person you might think.
You might think that Kira is being cold by dismissing Kassidy over the Prophets but her faith in her Gods is absolute and let’s not forget that she gave up Shakaar for exactly the same reason.
DS9 can be just as guilty as all Trek for adding cast members to episodes where they don’t belong merely to fulfil a contractual obligation but Quark’s appearance here leads to one of the best scenes in the episode. I love it when he gets a chance to show that he is more than a greedy capitalist – and his advice to Sisko about Kassidy is subtle and beautiful. I like how nervous he sounds giving the advice too, Quark has felt the sharp edge of Sisko’s tongue enough times now to be wary of pushing him, especially when he’s vulnerable and in pain.
Performance – I’m very keen on the chemistry between Michael Dorn and Nicole de Boer. For Worf to have decent chemistry with one Dax is fortunate, with both is unexpected. There’s such an unusual mix of tension, sexual chemistry and a desire to respect one another that it all coalesces into a fun and unpredictable relationship. I would have loved to have seen more of this had the series continued. I think they would have been great friends ala Sisko and Jadzia.
It’s that awkward transition phase here where Ezri has given in to her lust for Worf (or rather Jadzia’s lust for him) and now regrets it and Worf thinks they are going to be together forever because he’s the sort of fella who mates for life. This material should be painfully awkward but the actors walk the line carefully and it plays it far more entertainingly than it should. The occasional acts of torture from the Breen help to make the situation more tense and dramatic. They are working through their issues in a stifling atmosphere.
Production – How is Marc Alaimo looks more menacing the less make up he has on?
The staging of the Pah-Wraith vision that Winn has is dramatically different to the ones that Sisko usually has with the Prophets, featuring some menacing low angle shots of the figures, menacing music and darker, more intense lighting. It screams that this isn’t the Prophets talking to Winn without ever telling us.
Those Breen pain sticks. Ouchie. That’s a pretty nasty weapon for Trek and the attacks are directed with real punch.
Best moment – The moment Dukat walks on to the station masquerading as a Bajoran. It’s filmed as an important moment and it stands out because there are so many possibilities that could play out. Just what is he going to get up to incognito?
Worst moment – The two most tedious things to talk about – dreams and kids. Trust Ezri to be into dream analysis. It’s the one point where the episode loses focus a bit. Especially the agonising moment when Ezri says ‘kiss me Julian’ in her sleep. At least it gives Worf the chance to throw some shade (‘Dr Bashir is a Breen’).
A reason to watch this episode again – What’s especially impressive is how the writers are juggling multiple plot threads, all of which are progressed significantly in this episode but none of them feel rushed or like they are merely transition pieces. Til Death is an episode in its own right and a puzzle piece of an arc and those two things do not contradict each other. Suspense is the key word here, each plot is packed with suspense (Will Winn discover Anjhol is Dukat? Will Sisko defy the Prophets? Will Damar snap Weyoun’s neck? Will Ezri and Worf die?). It’s a fine episode with the standout scenes being the intimate wedding scene and the shock news about the Breen joining the Dominion at the climax.
**** out of *****
Clue for tomorrow's episode:
https://www.theincomparable.com/randomtrek/
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