Summary for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode
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Season 7, Episode 3

Guest Star: Andrew J. Robinson as "Garak"

Written by: Rene Echevarria

Events:
The episode opens with Ezri trying to chat with Morn, who is as tight-lipped as ever. Ezri is trying to re-acquaint herself with DS9 and its occupants, experiencing a curious form of deja vu. She knows this is her first time here, but with Jadzia's memories she is also quite familiar with the place and the people.

She wanders into the Temple of the Prophets on-board, and stands looking at the site where Jadzia had died. Coincidentally Kira also steps in, and noticing Ezri they discuss the event. Kira is trying not to think about Jadzia's death or she might not want to return to the Temple. Ezri is trying to get used to the idea of recalling the deaths of Dax's previous hosts.

Giving Kira her privacy so she can say her prayers, Ezri visits Quark's where Quark serves her up a mug of bloodwine. Ezri doesn't like it.

They chit-chat and Ezri announces she's returning to her old post on the USS Destiny. Quark tries to persuade her to stay, reminding her of the Tongo games he and Jadzia used to play. Ezri recalls that Quark owes her (that is, Jadzia) ten strips of latinum from their last game. Quark of course recalls this differently.

Ezri points out that only Quark and Sisko seem to be comfortable around her. She believes the rest of Jadzia's friends need time to get over their loss.

Worf walks through the entrance and Quark draws Ezri's attention to him. There is a long meaningful look shared between Ezri and Worf, and she offers him a timid smile. His face is dead pan, and he turns and leaves as Quark expresses the belief that the two of them must have a lot to talk about.

The scene fades out to the opening credits.

After the commercials the episode continues from within the Captain's office. Ben is interrupted from his work by a doorbell, and he opens up a side entrance to be delighted by the sight of Ezri. Note that I believe this is the first time a side entrance to the Captain's office has been shown.

Ezri explains she is entering the office through the side entrance to avoid running into Worf. Ben realizes things didn't go well between Ezri and Worf, and suggests that Worf might be honouring Trill customs which include the prohibition that prevents joined Trills from associating with the spouses of their previous hosts. Ezri explains that Jadzia had explained everything about "Trill traditions" to Worf and that they do not preclude talking to each other.

Looking through the main door Ezri can see Worf and announces he is in pain. When asked how she knows she explains that she was his wife.

This segues into a discussion about Ezri leaving DS9. Ben gives the impression that this topic has been discussed before. Ezri explains her reasons. She doesn't want to hurt Worf any further than he has already been hurt, and she feels that with fewer reminders of her past as Jadzia it would be easier for her.

Best line from the scene:
Ezri: "These pronouns are going to drive me crazy."

Another good line from the scene:
Ben: "I'm going to miss you, old man." (Ben's first reference to Ezri as "old man")

The scene cuts back to Quark's, where Julian, Miles, Odo and Garak are seated at a table. Julian, Miles and Odo are discussing a holo-suite program they wish to play in (the battle for the Alamo from Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico). Miles is to play Davy Crockett, Julian will play Colonel William B. Travis, and Odo will play Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Garak is busy working on a PADD. When asked when he can have the costumes ready Garak announces that his shop is closed. Apparently Star Fleet Intelligence has Garak decoding Cardassian transmissions since Garak had invented several of the basic codes when he worked for Cardassia's Obsidian Order (Cardassia's version of the CIA). He announces he won't be free for anything else until Cardassia is free of Dominion influence.

While these discussions are taking place several patrons of Quark's are trying to squeeze through the space between Garak's chair and whatever lays on the other side of the aisle. After being jostled repeatedly Garak complains loudly about this and people give him a little more space. Garak decides he needs to return to his shop to continue his decoding and leaves.

The scene moves to Garak's workshop, where Garak is working on the codes. His heartbeat becomes louder, he is sweating profusely, and as Odo comes in to discuss some matter with him Garak collapses complaining that he can't breathe. Odo promptly calls the Infirmary.

The episode cuts to commercials.

When the show continues we learn that Garak has suffered from an attack of claustrophobia, which he claims he's suffered from for as far back as he can recall. At Garak's request they reconvene the discussion on the promenade where there is more room.

Garak tells Ben that he won't be able to decode any more transmissions for an undetermined period of time, as he cannot concentrate properly while suffering from the claustrophobia. We learn that sewing seems to calm him down. With Garak gone Ben asks Julian what can be done to help him, as Garak's skills are needed. Julian suggests that Garak get "his head examined".

The scene cuts to Ezri's quarters where she is standing on her head (something that Emenee Dax used to do to calm down). Ben has asked her to use her counseling skills to help Garak. Ezri complains that she's still an assistant counselor and is still in training. Ben persists and Ezri agrees to try.

The scene cuts back to Quark's, where Julian and Quark are discussing Ezri. Quark is trying to find out how interested Julian is in pursuing a relationship with Ezri. Julian gives the impression he isn't. Quark on the other hand is showing lots of interest in such an opportunity.

Best lines from the scene:
Quark: "Ready for a little competition?"
Julian: "You're insane."
Quark: "And you...are going to lose."

<chuckle, I did predict this, didn't I?>

The scene cuts to Garak's shop, which now appears to be open for business again. Ezri interrupts Garak as Garak sews using a rather neat little device that does not seem to use a needle or thread. As Ezri tries to help Garak she seems to spend more time describing her problems to him than listening to him about his problem. It turns out Garak was locked in closets as a youth because his father believed this would teach him a lesson. Ezri jumps at this as the cause of his claustrophobia and tries to convince Garak that he is currently punishing himself for things that are not his fault. She also applies this to her own spacesickness which she attributes to Torias Dax's shuttle accident.

In this scene we learn that Garak's father was the head of the Obsidian Order when he was a boy, and we learn that Dax's 3rd host, Tobin, was unable to discipline his children.

After these revelations Garak's claustrophobia begins to return and Ezri's spacesickness also starts to return. She attributes this to their discussion, and with an obvious problem with her sense of balance she leaves the shop while Garak returns to his sewing.

The scene cuts to Ezri walking the halls of the station; turning a corner she almost bumps into Worf, who towers over her. Timidly she greets him as "Worf" and Worf responds "Ensign" and begins to walk past her.

Ezri makes claim to being his wife. But Worf points out that she isn't Jadzia, that Jadzia died and went to Sto-vo-kor (Klingon Valhalla). Worf announces he does not know Ezri and does not want to know her, and then he departs down the hall.

The episode cuts to commercials.

The show continues from within Ezri's quarters. Ben signals the door and upon receiving permission to enter is asked by Ezri if the Chief could make adjustments to spin the station a little slower ;-). She does look a little queasy. Ben informs her that Garak is back to decoding Cardassian transmissions, congratulating her on what she did to help Garak.

Ezri explains to Ben that she has had a conversation with Worf and that he doesn't want anything to do with her. Ben offers to talk to Worf and Ezri forbids it by explaining that Worf feels intimidated by Ben. Ben laughs, loving the idea that he can intimidate Worf. He drops that subject and invites Ezri to stay on as the station's counselor to help with morale. Ezri objects based on Worf and on the fact she is still an assistant counselor still in training.

Ben explains he has had a talk with Star Fleet Medical and convinced them to promote her to counselor with the rank of Lieutenant.

With one obstacle out of the way Ezri falls back on her main reason for wanting to leave: Worf.

Best line of the scene:
Ben: "You just say the word and I will intimidate him for you."

The scene cuts to the replicator cafeteria, where Ezri is trying to decide what to eat. Obviously her memories of her various hosts are conflicting over the choice (Tobin was a vegetarian).

Julian comes to the rescue by ordering two hot Fenalien toddies. He invites Ezri to join him and they sit at a table to chat. Julian points out that Ezri has Jadzia's eyes. Ezri realizes he is flirting with her, and asks him to stop. She explains that Jadzia could handle flirtation, even enjoyed it. Then Ezri reveals a secret about Jadzia. Had Worf not come along Jadzia would have picked Julian for love. This brings on a very poignant moment for the two of them. Julian looks struck down and quite vulnerable to his emotions for Jadzia. Ezri reaches out a hand and hold's Julian's hand, suggesting that he really misses Jadzia. Julian confesses that he does and probably always will.

But Julian also says that talking to Ezri makes him feel better.

Worf, who sees this, walks out of the area.

Julian is called to a medical emergency in Airlock 7 where Garak is trying to claw his way out of the station, overcome with his claustrophobia again.

This too is an interesting image as the camera positions us outside the airlock looking at Garak pounding on the airlock window.

I admit this is one of my favourite scenes from the episode for its poignancy and vulnerability. Siddig and Robinson both put in powerful performances in this scene that generates a lot of sympathy for Julian and Garak.

The show cuts to commercials.

When it returns we see Ezri and Garak sitting on a cliffside overlooking the ocean at sunrise (or sunset). Obviously a holo-suite program is playing and the landscape is beautiful and tranquil. Ezri is giving Garak instructions on breathing to help him reduce the stress he is going through.

This scene gives us a better idea of why Ezri is a counselor. She is very reassuring to Garak and is willing to make arrangements with Quark to keep the holosuite available to him "26 hours a day" (the station runs on a 26 hour day).

The scene cuts to the Infirmary where Julian is busy removing a feather from Quark's ear while Quark screams in agony. Apparently the feather got lodged there during something called a "Tympanic Tickle".

While getting some anti-biotic Julian is accosted by Worf, who raises him off the ground and holds him there by the strength of his forearm across Julian's chest.

Apparently Worf is angered by Julian holding Ezri's hand, and despite his effort to get free or explain the situation Worf warns him that he'll regret it if he dishonours the memory of Jadzia.

With that somewhat enigmatic warning Worf storms off, warning Quark of the same consequences as he passes the room Quark is in.

The scene cuts to Garak's shop where Ezri discovers Garak back at work sewing. She asks how he is doing and he launches into a rather vitriolic dressing down of Ezri's ability to either counsel or live up to the memory of the previous hosts of Dax.

Best line of the scene:
Garak: "Now get out of here before I say something unkind."

Upset, crushed, hurt, Ezri walks along the Promenade until she finds herself in the Temple where she huddles against the wall and cries.

The episode cuts to commercials.

When it resumes, we are in the Captain's office where Ben and Ezri sit discussing her future. Ezri has decided to resign Star Fleet, convinced she doesn't deserve the symbiont and can't do her job. Ben takes a hard line towards this development. He too pushes her about how she is unable to deserve the symbiont she has received nor the uniform of a Star Fleet officer. He then dismisses Ezri.

The scene cuts to Worf's quarters, where he is working on his Bat'leth with a pronged instrument. He waves this back and forth along the cutting edge of the Bat'leth, either sharpening it, cleaning it, or electro-plating it (take your pick). Miles signals his arrival and Worf invites him in.

Once again Miles has arrived with a bottle of blood wine so as to talk with Worf. This time they skip the drinking and get right to the talking. With some very clever use of psychology Miles convinces Worf to talk to Ezri.

Best line of the scene:
Worf, upon seeing the bottle: "Oh no, not again."

The scene cuts to Ezri's entrance into Garak's shop. Garak is surprised to see her again, and Ezri offers him her apology for not being able to help Garak with his problem. She explains that she won't be returning to the Destiny, but rather she will go to Trill.

In discussing the Destiny and its mission we learn that the Federation are seriously considering the launching of an offensive against the Collandra system, thanks to Garak's work decoding messages.

This bit of news sends Garak into a rage. We finally learn what his real problem has been. He has hoped that by decoding the messages he could somehow free his people from Dominion influence, but he realizes that by decoding messages he has ensured the deaths of his people. He labels himself a "traitor" and the guilt is tearing him up inside. His claustrophobic attacks prevented him from decoding messages and offered him some means of escaping his fate.

Garak collapses at this realization and Ezri calls out a medical emergency.

This is another powerful performance by Robinson, and Garak's guilt and self-hatred is well done.

The scene cuts to the Infirmary, where Ezri and Garak discuss their new understanding of his situation. Garak announces he will return to the decoding and asks Ezri about her plans. She announces she'll stay on the station and resume her Star Fleet duties.

The scene cuts to the Captain's office, where Ezri learns that Ben never submitted her resignation to Star Fleet. He'd hoped his stern words would provoke her into staying. However we learn that Ezri will not be staying on the station because of Worf.

The scene cuts to her quarters, where Ezri is packing. Worf rings the bell and is invited in. They discuss Worf's difficulty in accepting that Jadzia lives on in some way, and he apologizes for his behaviour towards Ezri. He explains it may take a long time to accept it, and that in the meantime he hopes she will give him the space he needs to adjust. He also makes it clear that he doesn't want her to leave the station, that Jadzia wouldn't want her to leave on his account.

The scene cuts to a reception room where Ezri is being promoted with various dignitaries and station personnel in attendance. Julian and Miles kid with her. Odo and Kira invite her for dinner (a very nice exchange, that one), Jake comments to Ben that Ezri is "cute", and Ben reminds him that Ezri is about 300 years too old for him, Quark offers her a plate of food which he nervously takes back when she mentions Worf, Garak reassures her that he is doing well again. And like the beginning of the episode Ezri wanders in search of Worf.

When she finds him he has a tankard of blood wine in his hand. They look at each other, Ezri obviously unsure of herself. Worf manages a grim smile and raises the tankard in salute to her. Ezri smiles back.

A very touching finale for a very moving episode.

End of episode.

Personal reflections:

I found the episode very moving. The concept of love lost and then re-discovered yet unattainable creates a deep sadness for the star-crossed lovers. Funny but at no time did I feel Ezri was being guided solely by the recalled emotions of Jadzia. Granted there are differences between the two, yet Ezri persistently cared for Worf's feelings and it was her empathy for his pain that kept pushing her to leave the station.

Ezri came across as a very confused and vulnerable young woman. Nicole DeBoer deserves kudos for playing her role so well, evoking pathos in this viewer for her plight.

Andrew Robinson also played a most excellent showing of Garak, emoting the self-loathing of a person who believes himself a traitor to his people trapped in that role and unable to escape it. I was very impressed with his performance.

And Alexander Siddig deserves credit for his scene in the replicator cafeteria. Julian too is locked into a helpless position of loving Jadzia deeply yet unable to let go of her memory. Siddig did that scene with real emotion and the dilemma his character faces was heart-felt.

Thanks for your attention.



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