Bad Ideas will lead to Bad Times for Bajor

Matt’s Take on Episode 12: “Battle Lines”

This is a Bad Idea

As soon as you find out that Kai Opaka is going on this tour into the wormhole in a tiny runabout craft, it is pretty obvious that something bad is going to happen. Her insistence at investigating the distress signal seals that fate, and I just can’t help but wonder how Sisko is going to explain this when he gets back. I mean, he took the cultural and religious head of Bajoran society into an extremely dangerous situation (at her insistence, but who would care about that fact) and comes back with the news that she is gone. It would be a political catastrophe for the Federation.

Ennis and Nol-Ennis

The war between the two groups would be more interesting if there was a concrete reason given for the conflict, although I suppose that’s part of the idea here. This show is commenting on the stupidity of conflict, and the fact is that now they are fighting simply for the sake of fighting. I appreciate that commentary, and I think that the writers do a nice job of showing the hopelessness of the situation with the twist that these two groups are locked in a perpetual struggle from which not even death can release them. 

Odo Needs Answers

“Opaka’s people are on subspace to me every five minutes!”

I really liked this line from Odo as O’Brien and Dax are preparing to go in search of the missing runabout, because it foreshadows the reality of the political situation and the catastrophe that this is going to cause. I also enjoy his exasperated expression as O’Brien and Dax descend in the elevator, promising to “stay in close touch by subspace.” I really feel for him in this scene!

The Kai and Kira

We get some great insight into Kira’s character as she mourns for Kai Opaka, only to be mystified by her reappearance, and then as she breaks down over her past personal trauma while seeking guidance and acceptance from her religious idol. This makes Opaka’s decision to stay behind a much stronger emotional punch, as Kira is clearly dedicated to her beyond anyone. 

Summary

“Battle Lines” is an extremely fateful episode for our heroes, as the loss of Kai Opaka will open the door to the most horrible character in the entire series. I can’t adequately express how much I disdain Kai Opaka’s replacement, and it makes me wish that we could have had Opaka for much longer than we did!

Return to Jim’s Take: “The pointlessness of war writ planet-sized”

Return to Rhonda’s Take: “A Master Class in Filmography to develop themes of faith and the damages of war”

Return to Ray’s Take: “Planet of the living Kai”

Continue to Adam’s Take: “A ‘godless future’?”

Return to Episode Logs or Episode 12 Guide