Tag Archives: Star Trek

The Death of Vedek Bareil and Saving an Unlikely Friendship

Rhonda’s Take on 3.13 “Life Support” For thirty years, I’ve blamed Kai Winn for the death of Vedek Bareil. She is, of course, the driving force in his poor medical decisions that lead to his death, but she doesn’t seem to be at fault in the shuttle explosion that sends him to death’s door. SheContinue reading “The Death of Vedek Bareil and Saving an Unlikely Friendship”

“Past Tense”: Social Commentary and Character Development Create a Classic

Rhonda’s take on 3.11 & 12 “Past Tense”: Parts 1 & 2 What more can I add to the conversation about this well-regarded set of episodes from Deep Space Nine? Little that hasn’t already been said, but, if you’re reading this blog, you must care what us Ponderers think, so here goes. Unlike some twoContinue reading ““Past Tense”: Social Commentary and Character Development Create a Classic”

Zanthi Fever turns DS9 from Dark Trek to Rom-Com

3.10 Rhonda’s Take on “Fascination” It’s interesting that this tale of unrequited love followed two episodes where our female leads experienced at least infatuation–Dax with her ill-fated romance with Deral in “Meridian” and Kira with her ill-fated interest in Riker (thinking it was Will, being kidnapped when it turned out to be Thomas) in “Defiant.”Continue reading “Zanthi Fever turns DS9 from Dark Trek to Rom-Com”

When Kira falls for the Riker charm

3.9 Rhonda’s take on “Defiant” How can you go wrong with an episode featuring Marc Alaimo as Gul Dukat sparring with Avery Brooks as Commander Sisko? Jonathan Frakes appearing as Will/Thomas Riker is simply (as Boimler from Lower Decks would say) “Captain Kirk with Trip Tucker sprinkles”! Nana Visitor’s master performance was the Maraschino cherryContinue reading “When Kira falls for the Riker charm”

“Meridian”: The Full-on “Ick” Factor, AKA The Episode that Killed this Blog (Almost)

We don’t often bring our personal lives into these reviews, but it feels important to acknowledge that the last time we posted to Ponderings from the Promenade was in February of 2022, nearly three years ago. I won’t bore you with the details, but I will squarely place blame on “Meridian” for putting the finalContinue reading ““Meridian”: The Full-on “Ick” Factor, AKA The Episode that Killed this Blog (Almost)”

Garak and Quark question love and loss

Rhonda’s Take on Episode 2.18: “Profit and Loss” “That’s the thing about love. No one understands it, do they?” Garak delivers this line at the close of the episode, but it so concisely summarizes the theme of the episode, I’m using it as a starting point. During this episode, we follow Quark’s love story andContinue reading “Garak and Quark question love and loss”

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?”

We’re all just particles: What’s the difference?

Ray’s Take on Episode 2.16: “Shadowplay” Odo has no patience for humanoid romantic coupling. In case you missed it previously, Kira despises Quark.  Jake doesn’t want to join Starfleet but also doesn’t want to disappoint Benjamin. Sisko accepts this easily and with encouragement. He’s a pretty great dad. Bareil gets shut down because of Quark,Continue reading “We’re all just particles: What’s the difference?”

Romance and familial bonds in “Shadowplay”

Rhonda’s Take on Episode 2.16: “Shadowplay” If you asked me to describe any Star Trek show, I don’t believe I would think to include “romance,” but this episode reminded me how much romance does exist in the franchise. I’m not talking about the one-episode stands Kirk had in TOS or the cerebral on-again/off-again Imzadi relationshipContinue reading “Romance and familial bonds in “Shadowplay””

Lovecraftian monster aids mending bridges

Ray’s Take on Episode 2.12: “The Alternate”  Odo claiming that death rituals are his hobby is somewhat disturbing. If you’re going to sell counterfeit death disks, make sure the celebrity is actually dead. I think I may have just come up with a new Rule of Acquisition.  Dr. Mora is played by James Sloyan whoContinue reading “Lovecraftian monster aids mending bridges”