Day 130: DS9, Resurrection

Show: Star Trek; Deep Space Nine

Episode Particulars: S6EP8, “Resurrection”

 Summary: Deep Space Nine gets an unexpected visitor; the Bareil from the Mirror Universe, who immediately proves he’s not like his counterpart by taking Kira hostage. Once Kira extricates herself from that situation, she talks things over with Bareil and eventually gets Sisko’s permission to let Bareil stay on the station, especially since he has no desire to go back where he came from. Kira and Bareil start spending a lot of time together, Kira because of her lingering feelings for Vedek Bareil, and Bareil because he’s curious about this universe, especially the religious aspect of Bajor. But you’ve got to be tough if you want to survive in the Mirror Universe, and even if you find yourself in a new world, old habits die hard…

Standalone Thoughts: Even though there’s nothing all that special about it, I liked this episode. I think it’s mostly because it’s a good concept, is a creative way to bring Bareil back, and was executed well. Philip Anglim plays the Mirror Universe Bareil very differently than he played Vedek Bareil, giving him a slightly more energetic tone of voice and changing his posture. In fact, his attitude combined with his outfit gives him a Han Solo vibe, which may or may not have been intentional but definitely works for the character. But we can see traces of the old Bareil in there, which is very important as the episode progresses, and gives the story and Kira’s conflict that much more bite. For her part, Visitor’s take on Kira works well too; it might seem like Kira fell back into a relationship with Bareil a bit quickly, but something about Visitor’s performance makes it feel perfectly natural for her character at this point in time. The two performances mesh well, and while I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say there’s chemistry, their interactions are very pleasant to watch.

The other thing worth noting about this episode is that we get to see more of the Bajoran religion, which I think does tie into the feel of this episode. The combination of focusing on spiritual elements, the softer lighting inside the Bajoran temple, and the flute-heavy music that permeates the episode gives off a calm, pleasant feel that lingers even when things get a little more serious in the last act. That particular tone wouldn’t suit DS9 full time, but it works in small doses, and having an episode like this shortly after the Dominion Occupation arc was probably a smart move. If “You are Cordially Invited” was meant to dispel the tension by making us laugh, this episode is here to make us relax a bit. Since I seem to remember that things are going to get a bit more serious in tomorrow’s episode, that makes it even more appropriate.

How it Relates to the Whole: This being a slightly different Mirror Universe episode, there is no real bearing on the main plot. Nor is there much connection to the rest of the Mirror Universe stories. It’s mostly a standalone, but at least it’s a pretty good one.

Other: *Just one observation today. Whoever designed this lamp;

…is both creative and has a sense of humor. A lamp that’s actually shaped like a lightbulb isn’t something I’d have come up with on my own, but seems obvious upon reflection. I’m not sure if it was made specially for the show or was a lucky find, but I’d be curious to know who came up with it.

Best Line/Exchange: Not a lot jumped out today. But there was one bit of pretty good acting…

Sisko: I know what you’re going through, Major. When I met the other Jennifer Sisko, it was…very confusing to say the least. I knew she wasn’t my wife. But sometimes, she would smile at me a certain way. And then the light would hit her eyes. (He gets a faraway look in his own eyes and his expression changes slightly) And it was my Jennifer. (He slowly shakes himself out of it) At least that’s what I wanted to believe.

Kira: Captain, I know this man is not Vedek Bareil. He doesn’t talk like him, he doesn’t act like him, he’s a totally different person.

Sisko: But you still feel this connection with him that you can’t explain, don’t you?

Kira (slight pause): It’s not a problem.

Sisko: Good. Just make sure it doesn’t become one.

Avery Brooks’ acting during the monologue is fantastic, indicating Sisko’s getting lost in a reverie just by pausing and tilting his head slightly. And the words really do sound like something you’d hear someone in love say about the effect their lover has on them. Then, of course, he snaps back to business and gives a semi-order that is both sensible and clear without spelling things out. I’d say the writing, acting, and camera work all came together perfectly for this scene, and it’s always awesome when that happens.