An examination of the horrors of war

Matt’s Take on Episode 2.5: “Cardassians”

This episode is another one that delves into the horrible abuses and lingering hatred engendered by the Cardassian occupation. The idea that a war orphan would grow up in a society that hates his own kind is particularly intriguing when that individual also comes to hate their own kind. It’s fascinating that Rugal’s adopted father clearly hates Cardassians very deeply, but that he sees Rugal as his own son. It’s amazing the mental gymnastics that people will do in order to avoid changing their prejudices. 

Garak Steals the Show

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier … Spy? Doctor Bashir and Garak are one of the most compelling pairings on the show, and Garak always steals any scene that he is in. His mysterious air coupled with his deceivingly gregarious personality make him irresistible on screen. It’s also fun to watch Bashir try to keep up with Garak’s machinations in these byzantine political situations. This is only Garak’s second appearance in the series, and I’m glad that there will be many more. 

Keiko Almost Does Something Right

In the scene where Keiko and O’Brien are having an argument about Rugal playing with Molly, O’Brien comes off as unintentionally racist, and Keiko rightfully puts him in his place for this. She also made the constructive decision to let Rugal interact with Molly, and she seems to have no trouble with him being a Cardassian. All good so far. But then she makes the incredibly stupid mistake of serving him a traditional Cardassian dish. How is she so woke on one hand, but so clueless to not realize that he hates being a Cardassian on the other hand? At least this leads to a moment of bonding between Rugal and O’Brien as they refuse to eat the ugly dish.

Cardassian Politics

Byzantine is the perfect word to use here. There are conspiracies on top of conspiracies, and the Cardassian Empire is one that is in its twilight, certainly having left its best days behind. The rivalry between Gul Dukat and Pa’Dar drives this plot and, while I don’t want to recount every twist and turn, it wraps up in a satisfying way as Bashir connects the bread crumbs (with a healthy amount of help from Garak) to confront Gul Dukat in the end. This is not the first or last time that Dukat will be foiled by our heroes! Also, I noticed in this episode that Gul Dukat seems kind of short, at least in comparison to the other characters. He seems taller on the viewscreen.

Sisko’s Morally Ambiguous Decision

I don’t necessarily want to say that the ending is abrupt, but I’m surprised by Sisko’s decision to return Rugal to Cardassia. We learn at the hearing that Gul Dukat likely was coming to use Pa’Dar’s son against him in a political context, and that he is responsible for Rugal being left behind. That being said, it doesn’t change the fact that Rugal hates everything Cardassian and that he is now being ripped away from his adopted parents, who are the only parents that he’s ever known. Yes, there are questions surrounding the adoptive parents’ prejudice against Cardassians, but Rugal says repeatedly throughout the episode that they treat him very well. And do we believe that Pa’Dar isn’t racist toward Bajorans? How is this supposed to turn out well for Rugal in any way? I still get the sense that Pa’Dar is more concerned that his political career was saved than for his son’s well being at the end of the episode. Sisko says in his log, “Although I am convinced his Bajoran foster parents treated him with love, Rugal has been the clear victim in this conspiracy. I believe it’s time for his healing to begin.” I’m not so sure that his healing is about to begin. It seems more likely to me that he has once again played the role of a victim and a pawn.