Episode Discussion
The Orb 164: We Don’t Need No Galacticization
“The Homecoming” 30th-anniversary reflections. We jump into Season 2 as we discuss how this story of Bajoran isolationism transforms storytelling in Star Trek and rings true three decades after it aired.
The Orb 163: Neither Enemy Nor Devil
“In the Hands of the Prophets” 30th-anniversary reflections. We close out Season 1 by discussing how the story bookends the pilot while setting the series on course for its destiny of richly intricate serialized storytelling.
The Orb 162: Pliable Truths
“Duet” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how a story pitched by interns to save budget broke the dam and unleashed the potential of the young series.
The Orb 161: You Told Me This Story This Morning
“Dramatis Personae” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the writers put a distinctly DS9 twist on a TNG premise to deliver masterful character development.
The Orb 160: Will the Real Lwaxana Please Stand Up?
“The Forsaken” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the writers put a distinctly DS9 twist on a TNG premise to deliver masterful character development.
The Orb 142: In Awe of the Pylons
“Hear All, Trust Nothing.“ We discuss how this humorous installment in the Star Trek franchise successfully captures the feel of the richest and most serious series while also delivering plenty of laughs.
The Orb 138: Boxes of Memorabilia
Top 10 DS9 episodes. We tackle this question to which answers are very subjective. Chris and Matthew independently created their top 10 lists and did not share before the discussion. How many choices will overlap? Will their top pick be the same?
The Orb 137: A Disturbance in the Link
“The Search, Part II.” We discuss the introduction of the Great Link, the quiet threat of the Dominion, the slowly unfolding absurdity of the Founders’ simulation, and the importance of this episode to Odo’s character development over the course of the series.
The Orb 136: Shift in Tone
“The Search, Part I.” We discuss how the arrival of a cloaked starship named Defiant, a new path for Odo, and a growing feeling of family to kick off Season 3 signaled a change which would send ripples through DS9’s storytelling.
The Orb 134: Coffee in the Afternoon
“Armageddon Game.” We discuss the Miles/Jules relationship, the O'Brien's marriage, the original concept for the episode, and the story's warning that is even more relevant in today's world.
The Orb 131: No Easy Answers
"The Way of the Warrior," Part 2. We discuss the insidious nature of the Changeling threat, the tough choices faced by Sisko and the Federation, how DS9 offers rich character development amid bigger storylines, Worf finding a new path for himself aboard the station.
The Orb 130: Perfect Storm of Wonderfulness
“The Way of the Warrior,” Part 1. We discuss DS9’s fourth season premiere and what amount to a soft reboot of sorts—one that would propel the series to become what many consider the most complex and interesting installment in the franchise.