The Orb
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 118: Devilishly Smart
Rom. When we first met him in “Emissary,” Rom was just another Ferengi; but that quickly changed. We explore how he became one of DS9’s unexpected standouts and key characters.
The Orb 117: A Flash in the Pan Love Affair
Natima Lang. We focus on the Cardassian professor and dissident who appeared in the second-season episode “Profit and Loss,” and how she influenced Quark and Garak.
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 115: Kind of Like a Jazzcat
Music and DS9. We take a look at the show’s music, why Star Trek rarely uses pop, why jazz fits the series so well, and what it could be like if today’s artists replaced the jazz.
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 112: The Goodmiral
Remembering Barry Jenner. In only 12 episodes, Admiral William Ross turned the tide of the war through firm yet thoughtful interactions. We remember the man who brought the character to life.
The Orb 111: Temporal Bluetooth
The Orb of Time. This mystical object offered DS9’s writers a unique way to facilitate time travel; yet they only used it twice. We explore the reasons, how it works, and imagine new stories.
The Orb 110: Sleeping with the Enemy
Kira Meru. When her mother was ripped away to serve as a comfort woman aboard Terok Nor, Nerys’s life changed forever. We discuss the shocking truth revealed in “Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night.”