The final dozen episodes of the last season have a continuing theme that deal with the Dominion's stranglehold on the Alpha Quadrant, which is only strengthened by a newly formed treaty with the Breen. The leader of the Cardassian alliance, Damar, is having serious second thoughts as he drinks away his guilt and hates looking at his own reflection. Being occupied by allies like the insufferable founders and the creepy Vorta doesn't sit too well with him.
He changes course after Ezri and Worf are captured after a crash landing in a runabout rescue and offered to the female Founder as a gift by the Breen. Damar aids in their escape and tells them to inform Captain Sisko that he's now on their side.
The most fascinating story line here however is the relationship between Kia Winn and Gul Dukat. Dukat has surgically altered his appearance to become Bajoran after encountering the evil version of the wormhole aliens called the Pagh Wraiths in the episode "Tears of the Prophets," which was also the last appearance of Jadzia Dax. Dax is killed by Dukat after he secretively enters the station and encounters Dax about to open the orb of contemplation. Dukat then opens it and his Pagh energy is released and all the orbs go dark.
Now disguised as a Bajoran farmer named Anjohl Tennan, he seeks out the Kia to play to her ambitions and get her to open the book of the Pagh Wraiths in order to release them and bring about the "restoration."
In her own vision, Winn first thinks that the prophets have spoken to her about a farmer restoring the land. When Tennan introduces himself, she believes he is the guide to help her with the restoration. Ultimately, they become more than just spiritual buddies. They become bed buddies as well.
In her second vision, the prophets reveal to her their true identity and she freaks, demanding Tennan (Dukat) get her the orb of prophesy. Too bad for her, they are in no mood to talk to the power hungry egomaniac.
Desperate, she consults Kira Nerys for advice. Kira explains to Kai that her troubles began when she took power. If she wants the prophets forgiveness, she must step down as Kai, give up her political power and walk the path of the prophets.
Kai Winn is having none of it. "Bajor needs me" she asserts. Later, after Tennan reminds her she will continue to walk in Sisko's shadow, she decides to seek out the Pagh Wraiths. Afterall, what have those other prophets given her?
"I'm a patient woman, but I have run out of patience. I will not serve gods who give me nothing in return."
I reserve some judgement here, as I can see her point. The wormhole aliens, AKA prophets, were useless in helping the Bajorans during the occupation of the Cardassians.
I've enjoyed the way the last episodes are breaking up the story lines. We go from the Dominion ship with Damar and Weyoun, to the trials of a newly formed friendship between Worf and Ezri (who is carrying Jadzia's former symbiot), Captain Sisko and his conflict between walking with the prophets and his new marriage to Kasidy, and best of all, the return of Gul Dukat and his relationship with the equally deranged Kia Winn.
No comments:
Post a Comment