An excellent first season installment that "delivers the goods" for Trekkers and others alike- solid acting, mysterious aliens, phaser battles, ship-to-ship battles, and a strong, well written story that comes complete with moral dilemma.
It's another "Odo centered" episode that gives us more insight into him, especially his efficiency and integrity as a law enforcement officer, while at the same time giving us a peek past his cold exterior to see his inner loneliness and vulnerability. Guest star Randy Oglesby as Ro-Kel/Ah-Kel is excellent as a ruthless smuggler (or pair of smugglers) who manages to be truly menacing without playing it too far over-the-top (quite an accomplishment in the Star Trek Universe!) Guest star Cliff De Young gives a solid performance as Croden, a roguish visitor to the Station who we initially distrust yet eventually feel compassion for. Mr. De Young's excellent acting (and a good script) make his character three-dimensional and totally believable, escaping the "cardboard cutout" quality of so many Star Trek characters. The character of Croden reminds us of the basic truth of people- that no one is all good or all bad, but a combination of both, and that both must be acknowledged hand-in-hand to truly know and understand a person's character.
Like the best episodes in the Star Trek Universe, this one makes you think and ponder your own moral standards- and wonder what you would do were you to be in the character's situations. That is the basis for any type of excellent drama and it is presented quite well here.
I give this one an 8 out of 10.
It's another "Odo centered" episode that gives us more insight into him, especially his efficiency and integrity as a law enforcement officer, while at the same time giving us a peek past his cold exterior to see his inner loneliness and vulnerability. Guest star Randy Oglesby as Ro-Kel/Ah-Kel is excellent as a ruthless smuggler (or pair of smugglers) who manages to be truly menacing without playing it too far over-the-top (quite an accomplishment in the Star Trek Universe!) Guest star Cliff De Young gives a solid performance as Croden, a roguish visitor to the Station who we initially distrust yet eventually feel compassion for. Mr. De Young's excellent acting (and a good script) make his character three-dimensional and totally believable, escaping the "cardboard cutout" quality of so many Star Trek characters. The character of Croden reminds us of the basic truth of people- that no one is all good or all bad, but a combination of both, and that both must be acknowledged hand-in-hand to truly know and understand a person's character.
Like the best episodes in the Star Trek Universe, this one makes you think and ponder your own moral standards- and wonder what you would do were you to be in the character's situations. That is the basis for any type of excellent drama and it is presented quite well here.
I give this one an 8 out of 10.