Show: Star Trek; Deep Space Nine
Episode
Particulars: S3EP23, “Family Business”
Standalone
Thoughts: While I like this episode, I have to admit that I’m probably particularly
biased towards this one. Like I said back in “Rules of Acquisition”, I like
stories of women defying expectations and being just as good at something as
men are. However, I’m very aware that a lot of Ishka’s dialogue could come
across to other people as her (and by extension the writers) standing on a
soapbox. So while I mostly enjoy it, I know others will probably be as annoyed
by it as I was by “Duet” or “Past Tense”. But as they say, to each their own.
Leaving that aspect out of it, the episode has a lot
going for it. There’s a lot of comedy, mostly in Quark’s exasperation and the
way the Ferengi live (you pretty much have to pay for everything, including
entering someone’s house for a visit), but there’s also a surprising amount of “feel-good”
elements too. Ishka has some sweet conversations with both her sons, Sisko and
Kasidy’s date feels realistic and cute, and Rom finally stands up for himself
and proves he can come through when something really matters to him. If you’re
in the mood for a pleasant Star Trek episode,
and don’t mind the aforementioned soapboxing, this one would fit the bill
pretty well.
How it Relates to
the Whole: This being a Ferengi episode, it mostly only relates to other
Ferengi episodes, although this episode establishes quite a lot in preparation
for future events. We meet Brunt and Ishka for the first time, both of whom
will be important in different ways. Brunt will be a recurring thorn in Quark’s
side, and Ishka’s drive to be a businesswoman will wind up going in some surprising
directions before this is all over. It also, as I said in “Meridian”, marks the
return of Jeffrey Combs to DS9,
though you probably will have a hard time recognizing him under the makeup and
with the pointed teeth. That said, if you’re familiar with his voice, you’ll
eventually be able to tell that it’s him.
As for the overarching plot, Sisko is officially introduced
to Kasidy Yates, who will also become a recurring character, though I don’t
believe she gets quite as much attention as a lot of the other supporting
characters. But at least she has a good introduction.
Other: *Once
again, Pel from “Rules of Acquisition” is never mentioned over the course of the
episode, even though bringing her up would be very appropriate. I guess the
writers either forgot about her or didn’t think including that bit of
continuity would add anything to the story, which I disagree with but obviously
can’t do anything about. Still, I’ll hold out hope that she gets mentioned in
later Ferengi stories.
*While Quark’s away, O’Brien and Bashir attempt to break
into the bar in order to get their dartboard back. Both Odo and Sisko catch
them at it, but other than a few pointed comments, they leave the men to their
work. I guess it’s due to the “frontier” nature of the station, but I’m a
little surprised by how blasé they are about Starfleet officers breaking and
entering. Maybe it’s because they know O’Brien and Bashir aren’t up to anything
malicious.
*At one point, both Quark and Ishka break the fourth
wall, looking out at the audience because they’re exasperated by something Rom
said. While it’s amusing on one level, I don’t think the wall break was
necessary. But that’s just me.
Best
Line/Exchange: While there’s a lot of decent conversations in this episode,
not a lot jumped out at me. So as often happens, I fall back on the comedic.
(Quark arrives in
the FCA offices, panting)
Quark: That is
the steepest forty flights of stairs I’ve ever climbed! Seven strips of latinum
to use the elevator, talk about inflation!
I mostly like this because of the delivery, but it’s also
a nice bit of worldbuilding, implying that the FCA made the stairs that steep
on purpose to encourage people to pay to use the elevator. I definitely don’t
want to live in that society, but you have to sort of admire their ability to
monetize practically everything.
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