Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV Series) Strange Bedfellows (1999) User Reviews

Like all the later episodes, this is part of one long and intricate plot that lasts through the finale.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 28 January 2015]

The final 10 (give or take) episodes of "Star Trek: Deep Space 9" were completely unlike previous shows. Instead of a single self- contained or even two-part episode, ALL the later episodes form one gigantic episode with the same plot threads running throughout.

The two biggest and most important plots concern the Cardassian alliance as well as Kai Winn's commitment to the Prophets. As far as the Cardassians go, this is the low point for the Union. The Vorta (and, in effect, the Dominion) seem to have less and less regard for their Cardassian allies--and it is becoming more obvious by the alliance with the Breen. You just wonder how much Weyoun 8 can disrespect and disregard the Cardassians until the Cardassians fight back and help the Federation. As far as Kai Winn goes, this is THE episode where she finally realizes her visions are NOT from the Prophets but from the Pah-Wraiths (the Bajoran version of demons). She is appalled and contrite...to a point. But when it comes down to it, her allegiance if governed more by a thirst for power than for what is right.

Well made and really, really tough to score because of the style of plot. However, the episode did have a few funny moments between the Cardassian leader and Weyoun 7 and 8!

Changing sides

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 22 January 2010]

With the Breen now part of the Dominion's alliance the position of the Cardassians is further weakened as Weyoun gives away an unspecified amount of their territory and sacrifices half a million Cardassian troops when he fails to provide the reinforcements Damar thought he had promised. Damar isn't the only person having problems on Cardassia; Ezri and Worf are locked in a cell awaiting execution. Back on DS9 Kai Winn learns that her vision wasn't from the prophets as she initially believed but from their evil counterparts the Pah-wraiths which leads her to realise she has gone astray, unfortunately she still doesn't see that she needs to step down but instead feels she can fix the problem, something that is bound to lead to things getting worse. This episode had some fun moments; Damar's reaction to Weyoun Seven's demise at the hands of Worf was priceless.

I enjoyed this episode, the Breen are a good new villain, made better by the fact that we never see them as they all wear masks and clothing that covers every inch of their bodies, we can't even understand what they are saying, it appears that only the Vorta can understand what they are saying.

Damar and Kai...

[Zaffy-1 · 9/10 · 12 July 2017]

Oh..Damar owns this episode. His quotes about Weyoun are some of the best in the history of the show. I couldn't stop laughing with every of his mentions about the next Weyoun clone.

Kai, the real villain of the show. Representing all the worse in those religious leaders that are thirsty for power and glory. I hate this character. Ducat is an angel comparing to her.

The Kai Has Not Changed--She Is Only Outing Herself

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 12 November 2018]

This is a good episode. I was wondering how long Damar would continue to accept what the Dominion was doing to the Cardassian military. Gul Dukat was so smug alll along, embracing these awful characters. Once the Breen got involved, the Dominion took on a whole new being. Meanwhile, the evil prophets are led by Dukat in disguise and he takes Kai Winn into his hands and drives her to reject her religion. Of course, her allegiance to the prophets was never there to begin with. She was never called. She is strictly an opportunist who knew how to control the sheep that call themselves Bajorans. We have a whole host of forces in motion and continue to move toward a conclusion.

The episodes just keep getting better and better!!!

[Blumanowar · 10/10 · 31 December 2021]

Truly these last few episodes are what everyone whose watched the series has been waiting for. Great writing, good acting and I'm so very glad I hung in here to the finish.

Sleeper Hit with Peak Characterization

[Walnut_ · 10/10 · 11 August 2023]

On the surface this seems like a pretty typical late DS9 episode - it's fantastic, but it's not extraordinary in any way, and more of the midpoint for most (but not all) of the stories it tells rather than the incitement or the conclusion.

But as you watch you realize everything about it is executed perfectly. The dialogue, the drama, the acting, the occasional comic relief, the cinematography - the episode is excellently directed, written, performed and shot.

What really gets me is how perfectly every character is handled. Damar's arc didn't start here but he's treated so right by the episode. In normal times, his Cardassian First approach is hardly ideal, but this episode really makes you feel for the Cardassian people and understand his character.

Kai Winn has one of her brief moments of brilliance when she realizes her mistake with the pah-wraiths and seeks redemption, but in classic Kai Winn fashion can't completely let go of power and it all comes crumbling back down. Kai Winn's characterization has always been impressively complex, and it's done right here.

And this pattern continues for basically every character. Worf and Ezri are great as usual (Ezri also has several pleasantly suprising jokes in this episode, which they pull off tonally as gallows humor) and even the characters with only brief appearances reinforce the idea that the writers are on top of their game - the scene in Quarks where Julian, O'Brien, and Quark talk about missing Ezri is just perfect.

And the cinematography. Part of me wants to say it's a bit over the top or cheesy, but I just love it. The shot of Damar throwing his drink on the mirror, Dax and Worf upside down, even "Oh, there you are Damar," it's all great.

In short, I really can't imagine much you could change to make this episode any more effective - certainly not on a contemporary broadcast TV budget and schedule! DS9 does it again. My thanks to everyone who helped bring the episode to screen.

Good episode that develops the overarching narrative

[snoozejonc · 7/10 · 19 October 2023]

Dukat continues to manipulate Winn whilst Worf and Ezri await their fate on Cardassia.

Worf and Ezri frustratingly continue to be at odds, but their arc improves considerably towards the end of the episode thanks to the involvement of another character and related events.

The most compelling scenes involve Dukat and Winn. Winn in particular has some character defining moments that if you have experience dealing with people who crave power, attention, adulation, you should recognise certain characterisations. Some parts are a bit moustache twirly, with the only thing missing being an evil laugh, but it does not impact negatively. Her scene with Kira is particularly good. Louise Fletcher, Marc Alaimo, and Nana Visitor are on great form.

It is an essential episode to watch for continuity and starts to put key plot developments in motion. For the first time in this final arc of the series I feel intrigued about what comes next.

Tied Up With the Wrong Characters

[frankelee · 4/10 · 29 June 2022]

Kai Winn and her new romances and religious struggles would have been better covered in one 8 minute segment than over three episodes and it really does wear the viewer out. Far worse however is another episode of Great Value Worf. The Klingon officer we all knew so well from TNG was never the same on DS9, but boy the more they use him the more the fact that he's a cut rate version, written by writers who aren't nearly as good sticks out like a sore thumb. Every scene where he whines at Ezri just grates. They brought him back to try and save their ratings, I don't know if that worked, but I do know they were never actually able to recapture the character correctly.

This episode is about wearing down shoe leather, and it's not an especially enjoyable walk.