Captive Pursuit (31 Jan. 1993)

For the first time an alien comes from the other side of the wormhole. He has ship trouble and seems very reluctant to accept any help. Chief O'Brien quickly finds out he has a secret.

Director:

Corey Allen

Writers:

Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman (creator),

Stars:

Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Alexander Siddig

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Avery Brooks	...	Commander Sisko
Rene Auberjonois	...	Odo
Alexander Siddig	...	Doctor Bashir (as Siddig El Fadil)
Terry Farrell	...	Lieutenant Jadzia Dax
Cirroc Lofton	...	Jake Sisko (credit only)
Colm Meaney	...	Chief O'Brien
Armin Shimerman	...	Quark
Nana Visitor	...	Major Kira
Gerrit Graham	...	The Hunter
Scott MacDonald	...	Tosk
Kelly Curtis	...	Miss Sarda

Storyline

Deep Space Nine detects an unknown ship coming from the Gamma Quadrant at the other side of the wormhole. The ship has severe engine trouble and its pilot seems very nervous and reluctant to accept any help. Finally O'Brien convinces him to come on board. He introduces himself as Tosk and he apparently comes from a very different culture as he understands nothing of the ways of the Alpha Quadrant. He claims the wormhole caused the ship's problems. O'Brien seems to really like the guy, but senses quickly he has a secret. He also finds out Tosk lied, discovering his ship has weapons damage. Then Tosk is caught trying to open a weapons locker by Odo.

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Plot Keywords:

asylum | hunt | 24th century | sexual harassment | first contact

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 January 1993 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Television

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When the Tosk character opens the doors to the wall control panel, it shakes the entire mounting, revealing that the control panel is only a flimsy sheet of plastic or some other material, which isn't a solid and interactive computer screen.

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Quotes

O'Brien: You know the old saying - a man who's always looking over his shoulder is waiting for trouble to find him.

User Reviews

Original and Touching Story, and one of Colm Meaney's Best Performances

Guest star Scott MacDonald great performance helps to make this memorable episode one of the best of DS9's first season, and a remarkably original show. MacDonald plays opposite Colm Meaney's Miles O'Brien as Tosk - a new species of alien which has just emerged from the Gamma Quadrant through the wormhole in a battle-damaged ship. Tosk is an intelligent creature, but so radically different from his human benefactors that he seems incomprehensible. O'brien is convinced that he means no harm, but is taken aback by Tosk's attempt to steal weapons from a secured weapon's locker. When Tosk's pursuers arrive, everybody is in for a surprise.

As one of DS9's most unilinear and self-contained stories, Captive Pursuit is nearly unique among the post-TNG franchise episodes. It intelligently explores cultural difference without relying too heavily on the tired old Prime Directive.

Colm Meaney gives one of the best performances Miles O'Brien experienced during Captive Pursuit. Despite Tosk's reptilian appearance and mannerisms, Meaney and MacDonald give their characters a certain odd and subtle chemistry which helps to carry the intelligently plotted story and well-written script. Avery Brooks also makes a very nice impression with his sparing but crucial portrayal of Sisko in this episode. Corey Allen's directing is economical and clean.

Highly recommended for Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike