Mirror, Mirror?

Matt’s Take on Episode 17: “Dramatis Personae”

Mirror, Mirror?

I really enjoyed this episode because it reminded me of a mirror universe style episode. In many ways, this episode introduces us to the personas that our characters will assume when they actually do come into contact with the mirror universe later on in the series. Kira, in particular, really shines in her subversive role throughout the episode, and I would argue that her mirror universe character is one of the most memorable. 

Divided Loyalties

Odo and Quark’s conversation, always delightful, is especially funny as Quark bemoans the damage that the Klingons did to his holosuite, only to be threatened by Odo into giving up information about the Klingons. I suppose Odo is justified in his strong-armed tactics, as Quark did almost directly ask for a bribe in exchange for his information.

The bulk of the episode shows the crew slowly slipping into factions, lining up behind either Sisko or Kira, and Doctor Bashir provides a hint of this by mentioning cracks in the “uneasy alliance” between the two. For me, the most interesting part of the episode was waiting to see which side of the fence characters would choose. It was also entertaining to watch Odo’s reaction as he slowly realizes that everyone else on the station is starting to whisper conspiratorially as they attempt to recruit him. 

Jadzia adds a healthy dose of comedy to this episode, as the telepathic force that is directing everyone’s behavior seems to be causing her mind to wander. She is constantly being cut off as she is in the process of telling a rambling story from one of her past lives, but I really would like to hear these stories! Unfortunately, the rest of the crew doesn’t seem to be willing to suffer through it, and she spends a great deal of the episode in a haze. She chooses to support Kira despite her long past with Sisko, and I found this to be a little surprising. Maybe her mind was too addled by the telepathic force for her to make proper decisions?

For whatever reason, I thought that Sisko’s doddering with this clock and his oblivious attitude throughout the episode was rather amusing. It was also fun to see O’Brien become such a ride-or-die Sisko enthusiast and throw his weight around!

It appears that if Odo hadn’t been around to save the day Kira would have won this mutiny. Given Sisko’s state of mind, being that he seemed like an absent-minded emperor who was content to wile away the hours while his subordinates ran amok, this isn’t too surprising. I would like to see a rematch where both parties are in full possession of their faculties!

Odo Saves the Day Again

Odo certainly seems to come to the rescue a lot in this first season! It makes sense, as he is a totally different life form than everyone else, so he is unaffected by a lot of what everyone else has to deal with. This isn’t really a complaint so much as an observation. I always enjoy seeing him in action, and the way that he is able to trick everyone for their own good is rather satisfying when the telepathic entity is whisked out of the airlock. This is a solid episode which just makes me look forward to the mirror universe episodes even more!

Return to Jim’s Take: “Whose Side ARE you On?”

Return to Rhonda’s Take: “Odo most revealed as he dissembles”

Return to Ray’s Take: “Telepathic field ramps up characters”

Return to Episode Logs or Episode 17 Guide