Episode Discussion
The Orb 121: A Totally Different Type of Normal
The Mirror Universe, Part 2: "Through the Looking Glass." We explore DS9's second trip to the Mirror Universe, including parallels with Discovery, character differences, and why this could be called Star Trek: A Star Wars Story.
The Orb 120: The Ultimate in Narcissism
The Mirror Universe, Part 1: Crossover. We explore how DS9 took a seed planted by TOS and breathed life into the Mirror Universe, a place that we now consider an integral part of Star Trek.
The Orb 119: The Other Side of the Glass
DS9 25th Anniversary. We look back at the series we love in a casual chat about why it has come to be our favorite Star Trek, how it opened up the full world of Gene’s vision, and why it has stood the test of time.
The Orb 116: Untitled Bashir
"Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" Commentary. We discuss what happens to the rule of law when nations go to war, as Bashir is once again tapped by Section 31.
The Orb 114: Life Is Way Bigger Than 140 Characters
Past Tense, Part II. We conclude our look at this two-part story, discussing how B.C., Vin, and Sisko reflect the realities of our society, anger vs. reason, and more.
The Orb 113: Path through Hell
Past Tense, Part I. In Star Trek’s 2024, America has tucked away undesirables in Sanctuary Districts. We dive into the first part of this glimpse at the humanity’s difficult road to Gene’s future.
The Orb 109: A Spiritual Hat Trick
Rapture. When Benjamin Sisko arrived at Bajor, he was told right away that he was the Emissary. He didn’t believe it. By the end of the series he did. We discuss the key turning point.
The Orb 108: Never Turn Your Back on Boushh
By Inferno’s Light. We delve deep into the second half of the fifth-season duology in which Worf defeats the Jem’Hadar, Garak becomes a hero, and the Klingons set up shop on Deep Space 9.
The Orb 107: A Merit-Based System
In Purgatory’s Shadow. We delve deep into the first half of the fifth-season duology in which Bashir gets replaced, Dukat switches sides (sort of), and Worf worries about opera.
The Orb 100: Mistrust in a Micrososm
The Ship. As we reach our 100th episode, we mark the occasion with a quiet moment from DS9—one that put our characters under pressure, tested their resolve, and highlighted the rift between the Federation and the Dominion.
The Orb 99: Admiral Denorios and His Ginormous Belt Buckle
"Emissary" (Part 2 of 2). We conclude our look at the DS9 pilot by discussing the events inside the wormhole, moving the Station, the nature of Orbs, the Prophets retroactively tampering with the timeline, and much more.
The Orb 98: We're Gonna Do All the Consequences
"Emissary" (Part 1 of 2). When Deep Space Nine premiered, the idea of a show set on a space station didn’t sit well with all fans, but this was hardly the show’s most unique element. We break down the DS9 pilot.