Jim Lancaster

Quark: Star Trek’s greatest ladies man?

Jim’s Take on Episode 18: “Profit and Loss” When most people think of the greatest “romancer” in Star Trek, the first name that comes to mind is surely Captain James T. Kirk. Even people who don’t watch Star Trek know of Captain Kirk’s reputation as a lover of alien ladies who need some help understandingContinue reading “Quark: Star Trek’s greatest ladies man?”

Jadzia Dax: The Most Interesting Woman in the Universe

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.17: “Playing God” Finally! It’s about time we get an episode that focuses on one of DS9’s greatest assets, the magnificent Jadzia Dax. The writers of DS9 were clearly overwhelmed by the greatness of their own creation. There is no other conceivable reason that this amazing character, portrayed by the equallyContinue reading “Jadzia Dax: The Most Interesting Woman in the Universe”

A good day for everyone, except Quark

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.16: “Shadowplay” There is a lot going on in “Shadowplay.” Odo and Dax get a rare chance to team-up and solve a mystery. Kira gets to have a little love in her life, while still thwarting Quark. Jake gets a job while revealing he doesn’t want to go to Starfleet Academy.Continue reading “A good day for everyone, except Quark”

Miles Edward O’Brien: The Most Dangerous Game

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.15: “Paradise” From previous viewings, I have strong memories of “Paradise” as a Sisko episode. Mostly because of the scene where he proves himself to be a formidable, indomitable, badass by walking himself back to Alixus’ torture box instead of bending to her “cult leader” beliefs in any way. I stillContinue reading “Miles Edward O’Brien: The Most Dangerous Game”

The Rough Road for O’Brien Begins Here

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.14: “Whispers” Another great tradition of DS9 begins with this episode. Because O’Brien is the beloved and adorable “everyman” of Starfleet, the writers can’t resist coming up with strange ways to inflict awful tortures and emotional damage on him! This is the first of many really weird and terrible things thatContinue reading “The Rough Road for O’Brien Begins Here”

Bickering and bonding at the heart of this episode

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.13: “Armageddon Game” There are many great character duos in Star Trek’s long and storied history. Kirk and Spock. Data and Geordi. Odo and Quark. Seven and The Doctor. Michael and Tilly. Mariner and Boimler. I could go on listing awesome duos all day. But none of them can really compareContinue reading “Bickering and bonding at the heart of this episode”

We all have issues

The Alternate Investigates Familial Relationships Jim’s Take on Episode 2.12: “The Alternate” What has the universe come to when you can’t trust the Ferengi Seal of Dismemberment? I know Odo’s just doing his job here, but it’s Quark I feel for. I mean, what’s the poor guy supposed to do with 5,000 pieces of PleggContinue reading “We all have issues”

This one’s about luck and, lucky for us, it’s funny!

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.11: “Rivals” When you come right down to it, many things in life are simply a matter of luck. Some people seem to have it, and some people just don’t. Personally, I think I’m right in the middle of the luck spectrum. I don’t have DEEPLY bad luck that thwarts everythingContinue reading “This one’s about luck and, lucky for us, it’s funny!”

DS9 challenges the core Star Trek ethos

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.10” “Sanctuary” What does a moral, empathetic, forward-thinking, society do when faced with millions of refugees who need help? This is not an easy question to answer, and it’s one that still divides nations today. All the choices are hard and no answer may really be “right.” Once again, DS9 digsContinue reading “DS9 challenges the core Star Trek ethos”

Ben Sisko suffers loss…again in this heartrending episode

Jim’s Take on Episode 2.9: “Second Sight” Poor Benjamin Sisko just can’t get a break. His life has been full of turmoil, crushing despair, and a myriad of challenges that would destroy a lesser man. His strength, resolve, and courage have allowed him to meet all of these challenges head-on and come out on top.Continue reading “Ben Sisko suffers loss…again in this heartrending episode”