Jim’s Take on Episode 2: “Past Prologue”
It’s all about trust, isn’t it? Can Sisko trust Kira to respect his decisions? Can Kira trust Sisko to have her back? Can Bashir trust Garak? (Umm, probably not.) At first, Kira trusts Tahna Los, despite his allegiance to the dangerous Kohn-Ma terrorist group. How does that work out? Kira also trusts Odo, but does he deserve that trust? Can Kira even trust herself to make the right choices? Can you trust me? I could be a very unreliable narrator! Who knows? (Obviously, that’s rhetorical. Of course, you can trust me. I’m just a plain, simple, fan who wants to write about a show he loves.)
It makes perfect sense that Deep Space Nine has to tackle trust issues head-on as soon as possible. These characters don’t know each other yet, so they don’t know who they can trust. They’re all new to viewers at this point too, so people watching don’t know who THEY can trust. This isn’t a typical team of Starfleet’s finest that you might find on the bridge of the Enterprise. They have many different allegiances and their loyalty can’t be guaranteed. A Bajoran terrorist, a Starfleet Officer, and a lone Cardassian walk into a bar… It sounds like the set up for a nerdy joke or a fight to the death. Which will it be? Who can they trust?
Of course, Sisko does begin to earn Kira’s trust and respect, but she also learns that she better show that respect in return. The look on his face and the tone that suddenly hardens in his voice when he says, “Go over my head again and I’ll have yours on a platter,” is enough to strike a little healthy fear into anyone’s heart. You will earn that man’s trust, or you will not be around long to betray him! Best believe it or pay the price. We also see the bond of trust reinforced between Kira and Odo, and learn that maybe Dr. Bashir CAN trust Garak…or can he? Lursa and B’Etor certainly shouldn’t have!
One thing we can safely trust is that this 28 year-old TV show about the future has some astonishingly relevant ideas that we’d be wise to ponder seriously today. Tahna Los and his “Bajor first! Bajor for Bajorans!” agenda sounds terrifyingly familiar. He justifies violence and terrorism with a thin facade of patriotism and a selfish desire to chase away any allies so Bajor can be “independent” jerks who don’t trust anyone. If he had his way, Bajor would fall fast. Kira is smart enough to know this, but there are plenty of people around today who seem unable to trust this obvious truth.
Trust me, your plain, simple guide, when I say that this is a great episode full of character development and valuable lessons learned. Would I lie to you? Never! Pay heed to the words of our good friend Garak and keep an open mind in all things. It’s the essence of intellect! We can all trust Garak, right? I mean, he does make a great suit.
Return to Episode 2 Guide
Continue to Rhonda’s Take
Ponderings from the Promenade: A Journey through Star Trek Deep Space Nine 
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