The Orb
The Orb 127: True IDIC and Finding Common Ground
Why DS9 endures. We discuss the reasons we love Deep Space Nine and never tire of rewatching the series, and how the setting challenges the residents of the station to embrace diversity and find common ground in a way that no other Star Trek series does.
The Orb 126: Thrown Back into the Mythology
DS9 Documentary: Season 8 premiere. We discuss the rough outline for the premiere episode of a hypothetical eighth season put together by the Deep Space Nine writers during their reunion.
The Orb 125: Create Your Own Truth
Mob mentality and “A Man Alone”. We discuss mob mentality and “A Man Alone” within the context of social media and the troubling state of discourse in today’s world.
The Orb 124: Ferengi for the Win
The Mirror Universe, Part 5: "The Emperor’s New Cloak." We explore DS9’s final trip to the Mirror Universe, including the choice to center the story on the Ferengi and how the DS9 writers added texture and nuance to the mirror.
The Orb 123: In a Mirror, Reversed
The Mirror Universe, Part 4: "Resurrection." We explore DS9’s fourth trip to the Mirror Universe, including how the reversal of the mirror reflects on our own struggles and why this Kira story isn’t really about Kira.
The Orb 122: An Evilish Tint
The Mirror Universe, Part 3: "Shattered Mirror." We explore DS9's third trip to the Mirror Universe, including the Sisko family connection and whether these are simply playful jaunts or chances to further develop the DS9 story.
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.