Why is Jadzia sidelined?

Rhonda’s Take on Episode 2.4: “Invasive Procedures”

Why do episodes about Dax always sideline Jadzia? Seriously, last season the episode titled “Dax” kept her silent. This episode she’s lying on a gurney in Bashir’s infirmary. Yes, we get a brief moment to see who Jadzia is without the symbiont Dax and we get a truly caring moment between her and Julian (who for once seems like a friend, rather than romantic pursuer), but we don’t get Jadzia at her best.

It’s also unfortunate that we had an evacuation of the station last episode for an impending military attack and then in this episode another evacuation due to a plasma storm.

I’m sure both of these were oversights due to the hectic nature of television production.

Like “Dax,” this episode delves into the Trill culture. We’ve known that being selected for the joining is an honor and that only a small portion of the population are suitable (it won’t be until “Equilibrium” next season that this will be called into question). Here we get to see what happens to someone rejected by the process.

Of course, Verad’s insistence that he wishes he didn’t have to steal Dax from Jadzia only reinforces how unsuitable he is for the honor of receiving a symbiont. Still, I felt bad for him when Jadzia seemed condescending, rather than consoling, as she says, “They were only looking after your best interests.” When Bashir removes the symbiont and she tells him that she feels so alone, we understand why Verad so desperately wanted to be joined. We see what a difference having Dax makes when Verad goes from a sniveling Trill to a confident adversary and from the man Mareel wants to support to the one who would abandon her. Once the Dax symbiont is removed from Verad, he tells Mareel that he feels “so empty.” Despite being angry that he ever thought he had a right to steal Dax, it’s hard not to pity him.

It’s unclear if Verad was so weak and whiny before his rejection by the committee or if it is a result of the rejection. John Glover plays the wheedling Verad and the confident Verad Dax with equal skill. 

Speaking of guest stars, it was a lot of fun to see Tim Russ playing a Klingon. I almost missed our future Voyager crew member, Tuvok, under the makeup.

Despite my complaints about Terry Farrell not being given her due, this is an excellent, must-see episode. In addition to the Trill canon, the episode \provides some great fight scenes, including a Kirk-life punching from Sisko on Verad’s goons. Quark gets to scream his way into saving the day. Bashir gets to show off his medical skills. And, in the end, Dax is back where the symbiont belongs: with our beloved Jadzia.

Return to Episode 2.4 Guide or Season 2 Log