Deep Space Nine-Season Seven Episode Two

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Shadows and Symbols

Season 7 Episode 2

Plot Summary: Shadows and Symbols takes place right where Image in the Sand left us: The introduction of Ezri. After she establishes her identity, she decides to head to Tyree with the Sisko trio to help them search for the Orb of the Emissary.

Meanwhile on DS9, Kira is planning to set up a blockade in front of the moon on which the Romulans have been stock-piling weapons. Odo and her discuss this over their evening mush.

Once on Tyree the foursome wander aimlessly through the dessert. Daddy nearly passes out from the heat, Ezri makes a few funny comments, and Jake makes blatant passes at her. Sisko ignores them all and focuses on whatever is inspiring him to press on.

DS9: Kira sets up her blockade and tries to bluff the Romulans by saying she'll fire on approaching "medical" ships.

Tyree: Sisko finally decides upon his digging site and sets to work with an under-sized shovel. The paghwraiths throw him some nicely-done visions to try to hinder his progress.

DS9: Tension builds. Kira tosses out witty threats. Romulan head honcho rebuts them. The "medical" ships near the Bajoran Blockade...

Tyree: Somehow Sisko overcomes his visions and gets the box with the Orb of the Emissary open, bright light flashes. Some nice visual effects appear.

DS9: All of a sudden the wormhole is blown open and some red space-gunk (Which I do believe is supposed to be paghwraiths.) is spat out. The Romulans back down, thanks to Starfleet's persuasion, and peace returns among those defending the Alpha Quadrant.

Tyree: Sisko then has an Orb experience in which he finds out his mother was a prophet and that he is of Bajor.

After the action Sisko and Co. return to DS9 and everyone acts happy! Then Ezri is shown again and the episode is over!

Sub-Plot: OK! I figured out which of the three was the sub-plot! I asked myself: "William, which of the three was the most useless? Which of the three had virtually no point to it other than to show of special effects? Which of the three had Quark?" Of course, the answer to all three questions was: Worf's story! Ah, yes, Worf, O'Brien, Bashir, Martok, and Quark accomplish an impossible mission so Jadzia can get to Sto-vo-kor. Joy.

My Opinion: Let's start with the bad news, shall we? Worf's story. Yes it was pointless. Yes, it gave us a hefty amount of those cringe moments. Yes, it was pretty darn stupid. But hey it had awesome special effects! Did you see those shipyards blow up!? And-oooh-that sun! BOOM!!!

On to the real story. We'll start with Kira's half. This story ended with a typical "Nick of Time" ending, however, for once, it fit. The "Poker hand" between Colonel Kira and That Romulan was both well done, and even gripping at moments. The last time I felt tension this good was when Belanna and Tom were floating in Space! (jk)

Sisko' s half was well-played as well, his crazed search for the orb kept me riveted as well. And the visions he was having actually had me wondering if the whole thing wasn't just a story in Benny Russell's mind.

Ezri was probably the most interesting part of the show. At times she over-acted a tad, but for a first performance, I was quite impressed. Most of the episodes humor was given to her (Unless of course you actually find Quark humorous:), and most of it came across well. She should be a very interesting character. I only have one problem with her. Ask yourself: "How did the Season Premiere end? Ezri. How did this episode begin and end? Ezri. And what was the primary focus of next week's preview!? EZRI! Do you notice a trend here? It's the dreaded "Seven of Nine Syndrome" all over again! At least for the moment. We can pray that this season will be about the characters we know and love. I don't want to watch "Star Trek: Ezri."

Wrap-Up: Alrighty then, let us see: We have a dingy sub-plot, some nice special effects, great character interaction, a good amount of tension build-up, on location footage, spooky paghwraith visions, nice character development, Ezri moments, and no Vic Fontaine! I think that averages out to about four stars. Wouldn't you agree?
review by -William Phillips

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