Season 7
Episode 14
Plot Summary: Odo comes across another one of the hundred changelings that were sent out away from the great link. This guy, Laas, has different opinions of humanoids than Odo but they become friends nonetheless. Through conversations with Laas, it is revealed that the only thing keeping Odo from joining Laas in the search for other errant changelings is his love for Kira. Laas gets in trouble when a Klingon starts making prejudiced remarks and attacks him with a knife. Although the knife can't hurt him, Laas kills the Klingon. This lands him in a holding cell, and puts Odo and Sisko at odds about Laas's guilt. Eventually, after a lot of talking with Odo, Kira realizes that she's the only thing keeping Odo away from his people. She wants what's best for Odo, so she frees Laas and sends Odo after him to leave with him. Odo talks with Laas, and says he can't go because he loves Kira. The two lovers reunite, and Kira promises that she doesn't mind him acting like a changeling, because that is what he is. Odo responds by covering her with himself. Kinda creepy, if you ask me.
Sub-Plot: Nada.
My Opinion: Chimera was a very effective episode, one of the best character development episodes of the year. Probably it's greatest asset is it's ability to bring up and expand upon scenarios we haven't yet seen. The first of these great scenarios is Odo's predicament. For once he has the option to be with other changelings, but NOT the founders. This is accomplished by bringing up a very old plot device, a great use of continuity. The plot device, of course, is that the founders had sent out 100 infant changelings to explore the galaxy. Odo was one of the hundred. I often thought this should be brought up again, and, along with my cousin, wrote and sent in a script in which the issue was discussed. The script started out similarly to this episode but went off in a completely different direction. Maybe I'm a little biased towards this episode because of my love of the idea :) Another one of the new situations brought up is Odo and Kira's compatibility as members of completely different species. It is mentioned that they will most likely not be able to have children. The over all answer to the compatibility thing, is that love prevails all and nothing can stop it. Although this is more sentimental than factual (there have been no incidents reported of humans and liquid being able to reproduce.), it is still presented well, and works on the level it's supposed to. Another very poignant issue is Laas's killing of some Klingon extra. The whole concept of prejudice and racism is faced here, and unless the Klingon was going for his disruptor, Laas really is guilty of murder. Of course to Sisko and Odo, who aren't sure of this, the whole issue is a befuddled mess. Unfortunately (But maybe fortunately!), the issue is never resolved. Kira lets Laas go free, so he and Odo can go off together. This brings up my only complaint of the episode. Kira let a murderer go for personal reasons. This really doesn't show strong moral character, maybe only strong affection for Odo. But doing this and lying to cover it up, if Sisko finds out her career should be vaped. Not a big problem but it still disturbs me a tad.
Wrap-Up: A very good episode with many new ideas, Chimera was well-written and well-acted. AND made a good use of the Odo/Kira love relationship (That's a first!). I give it four stars!
Review by review by -William Phillips
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