Summary for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode
Shadows and Symbols

Season 7, Episode 2

Guest Stars:
Jeffrey Combs as "Weyoun"
Casey Biggs as "Damar" and "Dr. Wycot"
Barry Jenner as "Admiral Ross"
J.G. Hertzler as "Martok"
Deborah Lacey as "Sarah"
Megan Cole as "Senator Cretak"

Special Guest Star:
Brock Peters as "Joseph Sisko"

Written by: Ira Steven Behr and Hans Beimler

Events:
We get a quick review of the major elements of the current story line which were aired previously.

The last scene of that review segues into the opening scene (and I'm glad it did).

We are re-introduced to Ezri Dax, and the opening scene provides a quick explanation for how she came to be, delivered at break-neck speed by a very nervous Ezri Dax.

In case you didn't catch all of it, here's the profile.

Ezri, an unjoined Trill acting as Assistant Ship's Counselor for the USS Destiny, agreed to host the Dax symbiont when the symbiont was being transferred back to Trill. While underway the symbiont took a turn for the worse, and being the only Trill on board, Ezri agreed to host it. The joining was complete by the time they reached Trill. The Symbiosis Institute gave her some counseling and books to read, but could not reverse the joining.

Ezri explains she was not prepared to be a joined Trill. She had not trained for it nor passed the tests that Jadzia had to pass. In fact, Ezri never wanted to be a joined Trill at all. As Ezri describes it the joining was an "accident".

Ezri is obviously very relieved to be with Captain Sisko. Most of her conversation and explanation is interspersed with comments which only the Dax symbiont could provide since only Dax knows Jake and Ben. Judging from the behaviour it seems that Dax is in something of a panic trying to deal with Ezri. Ezri is in even more of a panic trying to deal with Dax (and Jadzia, Lela, Tobin, Emeny, Audred, Joren, Kurzon, and Torias). The performance is quite manic with occasional lapses into a more relaxed state as she settles down.

Ben shows a calm delight in being reunited with Dax. He knows Ezri Dax isn't Kurzon or Jadzia, but somehow knowing they reside within Ezri gives him a sense of peace and tranquillity that is obvious in his demeanor.

Ezri explains that she has taken a leave of absence to work out her difficulties adjusting to being a joined Trill. Dax's trust in Ben really shows here as Ben is the one she turned to for help adjusting.

Best line from the scene:
Ezri talking to Jake: You seem taller. Or am I shorter?

Most obscure line:
Ezri explaining her abundance of emotion: Must be the Emeny in me.
This took awhile for me to figure out before I realized she was talking about one of Dax's previous hosts.

With Ezri's recent history explained, Ben explains they're on the way to Tyree, and Ezri promptly joins the expedition along with Jake and Joseph (Ben's father).

The scene cuts for opening credits and commercials.

The episode continues in a candle lit room where Worf, Martok, Julian, Miles, and two Klingon stand-ins are performing the dedication ceremony in preparation for their upcoming battle. They must participate in and win a great and hopeless battle on behalf of Jadzia so that Jadzia's place in Sto-vo-kor (Klingon Valhalla) will be assured.

Before completing the ceremony with the slitting of their palms, Quark interrupts with the words "Quark, son of Keldor". Quark has decided to volunteer to accompany Worf and his companions on the mission because he too has loved Jadzia Dax.

Best line from the scene:
Worf: Jadzia Dax [Klingonese] Sto-vo-kor [more Klingonese]

The scene cuts away to a runabout where the Siskos and Ezri are bound for Tyree. Ben applies a hypo-spray to Ezri and as the discussion continues we learn that Ezri has had a very unfortunate accident all over the control panel thanks to space sickness brought on by her adjusting to the joining. Ezri walks back to the replicator and orders an Iced Raktageno and Jake follows her. Jake tells her he is glad she is here because his father is much happier. She reassures him that his father will be all right and when asked why, explains that she has known him for a long time and that she was also an assistant ship's counselor.

This is an interesting sign that the Dax symbiont is very much a participant in what Ezri says and does. Turns out Ezri hates Raktageno and that it was Kurzon who liked it. Considering how many times we've seen Jadzia order that drink its surprising Ezri credits Kurzon. At any rate, this experience reminds her to be careful with her symbiont-induced impulses.

Jake is surprised to learn of Ezri's profession and Ezri explains that she wasn't always as confused as she is now and that she was considered a very promising young officer.

The scene cuts to Deep Space 9. We notice right away that there are no ships surrounding the station (last episode there were about six at one point). We cut again to the Captain's command station where Kira and Admiral Ross are discussing their options regarding the Romulan refusal to vacate Bajor's moon, Durna.

Ross tries to placate Kira's outrage with many nebulous statements that essentially boil down to nothing more than an assurance that the Romulans will leave when the war is over. Kira offers him no relief. She is determined to blockade Durna until the weapons are removed. Ross makes it clear that if Bajor insists on this policy the Federation will not participate in it. The Federation views the Romulan involvement in the war as more important than freeing Bajor's moon. Ross offers his personal sympathy but explains that he is following orders.

Kira explains the Bajoran scanners have determined that the 7000 plasma torpedoes stored on Durna are not operational yet as they lack launch sequencers. Her plan is to blockade the moon and prevent the sequencers from arriving. Ross explains point blank that against the Romulans, Bajor cannot win, and then walks out of the Captain's room.

The scene cuts back to the runabout where we see it approach Tyree (a planet that appears to be covered in desert and mountainous terrain with little vegetation and no visible bodies of water, but several craters can be seen).

Jake asks why they don't scan for the Orb of the Emissary and Ezri explains there is too much ionization in the atmosphere for the scanners to function properly.

While preparing for transport down to the surface Ben hears a woman's voice say "Dr. Wycot, please report to Isolation Ward 4" No one else hears this voice.

The scene cuts to the planet's surface where the four beam in. They are wearing the latest Trek outfit, hooded cloaks for desert conditions (which no doubt will appear at the next Trek convention '-). A quick scan by Ezri does not pick up the orb so they must walk. When asked, Ben points in a direction and says "That way," and the four start their 'trek'.

The episode breaks for commercials.

The episode returns with a Klingon warship cloaking. On the bridge we see Worf and companions performing their duties. We are told of their mission. They are seeking to destroy a Cardassian shipyard by firing an electro-magnetic pulse at the sun of the system where the shipyard is situated. They expect to trigger a solar plasma ejection that will incinerate everything within a hundred million kilometres, including the shipyards.

Following the explanation there is a flaring of Worf's temper when Quark expects a "thank you" from Worf for risking his life to help Worf get Jadzia into Sto-vo-kor. Worf pronounces that Quark, Miles, and Julian are there only to prove they were worthy of her and that, in fact, they are not. Worf then leaves the bridge and we can see that Martok has been listening to the exchange.

Best lines from the scene:
Quark: All I'm asking for is two little words.
Worf: BE QUIET.
Quark: That's two words all right. Just not the two I was hoping for.
[Note: You've got to give the Ferengi credit. He's got guts.]

The scene cuts back to Tyree where Ben and Ezri have taken the lead in marching across the desert. Ezri expresses concern for Joseph, but when Ben calls back to check on his father, his father reassures him that he is fine. We learn from Ben that any of them can return to the runabout at any time, so we are reassured that this is not some kind of a forced march. All are there by their own choice.

The scene cuts to Cardassia Prime, where Damar is entertaining a young Cardassian lady (Siana) he met the previous night. He is boasting of throwing the Federation out of Cardassian space, as we get to look at a Cardassian stellar map with several icons moving about (including Federation symbols).

They are drinking Kanar, giving credence to the suggestion from the previous episode that Damar is developing a drinking problem.

Weyoun interrupts Damar's 'courtship' with a need to discuss the war with him. When Damar wishes to allow Siana to listen in Weyoun explains that if that happened he would be forced to execute her. Siana prudently excuses herself.

Weyoun explains that assault ship production must be increased by 15% at the Monak shipyard. These ships are needed to retake the Chentoka system.

Damar's attention has wandered after the departed Siana, but is pulled back by Weyoun. Damar takes another slug of his Kanar and Weyoun gives this a very disapproving look.

The scene cuts to DS9 and Kira's quarters where she and Odo are discussing the crisis. Kira explains that only 12 impulse ships could be spared for the blockade. Kira will be commanding the fleet, and Odo chooses to join her. Kira explains her strategy. She doesn't expect her fleet to stop the Romulans with firepower. She's hoping that the Romulans will value their alliance with the Federation enough not to force the blockade.

Best line from the scene:
Odo: I was hoping our relationship was going be a long and happy one but I suppose I'm willing to settle for short and exciting.

The scene cuts to Tyree where Ben continues to lead his expedition through the desert. There is a certain amount of mania about Ben's efforts to find the orb while Joseph, assisted by Jake, struggles to keep up. Jake offers Joseph a trip up to the runabout but Joseph refuses, desiring to stay with Ben through this 'trek'.

In this scene we get a view of Tyree's suns, thus showing us this is a planet circling a binary star system.

At the top of a ridge Ben drops his pack and grabs his baseball and shovel and proceeds on. Ezri, coming across the pack, grabs some water rations from it and follows.

As Ben arrives at a pass between two rock formations he again hears the woman's voice calling for "Dr. Wycot". Ben palms his baseball nervously, believing this might be the place where the orb will be found. Ezri, who has caught up, takes the ball from his hands and throws the ball into the desert. Ben decides to start digging where the ball lands, recalling the vision which the Prophets had sent him last episode.

Best line from the scene:
Ezri: Ben, maybe my memories are playing tricks on me but have you gotten stranger?

The episode cuts to a commercial.

The episode continues, showing the blockade fleet before Durna. Durna is a small, cratered moon very close to Bajor. The fleet is a ragtag group of ships, some reminiscent of the Maquis ships and others similar to the cargo ship docked at DS9 during the opening credits. There are a couple of other ships which don't match either configuration.

On board the flag ship Odo gives Kira a data PADD containing the Mike Hammer story "Kiss Me Deadly" so that she can pass the time while she waits for the Romulans to arrive. When asked why, Odo explains that Hammer is "as tough as they come and hates waiting almost as much as you do," which delights Kira.

Their discussion is interrupted by a transmission from Ross on DS9. Ross informs Kira that a fleet of 14 Romulan warbirds are on their way to Durna. Cretak, who sits beside Ross, explains they are carrying much needed medical supplies and will arrive in eight hours. They exchange words about what will happen if the ships try to pass the blockade. Kira is adamant that she will try to stop them. Cretak is adamant that the blockade will be passed. And Ross is trying to talk Kira down from her position.

It is interesting to note the body language between Cretak and Ross. Trying to fit onto the same screen, Ross is huddled to the side holding his hands. Cretak is expansive, occupying the largest part of the screen.

Ross does admit that he isn't pleased to hear about the approach of warbirds and gives Cretak a side-ways glance. Cretak never takes her eyes off of Kira.

Cretak appeals to Kira's logic by asking if she thinks her fleet can maintain the blockade. Kira gives her such a pretty smile and says "We'll find out soon," and ends the transmission.

The scene cuts back to DS9 where Ross admits being concerned and Cretak admits to her belief that Kira is bluffing.

The scene cuts back to Tyree where Ben continues to dig. Joseph and Jake have caught up and find some shade to sit under. Ezri provides Joseph with a water ration bag which Joseph drinks down thirstily.

Meanwhile, Ben hears that woman's voice calling for "Dr. Wycot" again. He looks around and is showing serious signs of mania.

Best lines from the scene:
Ben: I wish he'd get there.
Ezri: Who?
Ben: Dr. Wycot. They're waiting for him in the isolation ward.
Ezri: You have definitely gotten stranger.

The scene cuts to the bridge of the Klingon warbird, where we find a discussion between Martok and Worf in process. Martok is challenging Worf to defend his behaviour towards Miles, Julian, and Quark. Worf backs down.

The trio enter the bridge with Quark complaining about ghak being served for all three meals in the day. They exchange a few words of sage advice, and Worf approaches them. Julian refers to what appears to be an incident involving them in the mess hall, and Worf interrupts to apologize and thank them for their help. He explains that Jadzia had considered all three friends, and that Worf had been somewhat jealous of the attention they received from her.

After Worf has said these things and departs, Quark reveals a little more of his personal vanity '-))

Martok then announces they have arrived...at the Monak shipyard. The viewscreen provides us with a very interesting view of what a shipyard looks like. Several construction stations pass by our view. Each has a central hub and five long arms, attached to each arm is several huge pincers for holding the ships being constructed. A few ships are shown in various stages of construction, but most of the pincers seem to be empty.

Best line of the scene:
Miles: You want to complain about the ghak that's fine with me. But don't complain about it when we are in the mess hall sitting at a table surrounded by a dozen Klingons.

The scene cuts to Ben still digging in the sand. There is a metallic sound as his shovel hits the casing of the orb. All notice this sound and Ezri and Jake approach as Ben pulls out the case of the Orb of the Emissary. Ben's mania seems to subside as he announces he is going to open the case. But he hears a man's voice say "Mr. Russell". Ben holds up his hand and notices he's holding a pencil.

Ezri and Jake stare on, Ezri asking what's wrong, but Ben stops moving.

The scene cuts to Ben's hand, holding the pencil in front of a wall covered in words. He hears a man's voice say "I said put down the pencil."

The shot pulls back and we see a man in a medical outfit looking on at Ben, addressing him as "Mr. Russell". Ben is wearing glasses, and explains he hasn't finished his story yet. He tells the doctor that Captain Sisko has found the orb, but he hasn't opened it yet.

The episode breaks for commercials and I break out into hives '-(

I'll skip some details and provide the gist of what happens here. Ben is caught in a trance where he believes himself committed to a mental institution where he is "Mr. Russell," who is writing the Deep Space 9 saga on his walls because they won't give him paper. He believes it is important for him to finish his story, and the doctor treating him believes he is delusional and must stop writing to be sane again. This exchange continues for some time.

Meanwhile Jake tries to open the case for the still motionless Ben Sisko, but is jolted by an electrical shock indicating that only the Emissary can touch it safely.

Elsewhere, the Romulans have arrived at Durna 2 hours early. Kira informs them that they may not pass the blockade without being fired upon.

Cretak and Ross try once again to talk Kira down. But Kira remains firm and follows her government's decision.

Back on DS9 Ross asks Cretak if she still believes Kira is bluffing. Cretak announces that she had better be, because Cretak isn't bluffing.

Meanwhile, back at Monak, the Klingons have arrived at the sun and have found a weakness they can exploit for their plan.

Best line of the scene:
Quark, sweating profusely: Take me out of the oven, Moogee. I'm cooked.

Meanwhile, the doctor offers Ben a paint roller filled with white paint to paint over his story. Ben giggles madly and holds the brush to the wall without touching it. But it is obvious by the way it shakes that he is very tempted to follow the doctor's orders.

Meanwhile, on Tyree, Ben is covering up the case with sand, exclaiming that he has to do this. When Ezri tries to interfere Ben shoves her aside in his mania and continues.

The episode cuts to commercials.

The episode continues with Ben struggling to decide what to do with the paint brush while on Tyree he has covered up the case of the orb. Ezri and Jake try to snap him out of it by encouraging him to open the case.

Meanwhile, near Durna, the Romulans power up weapons and Kira gives the order to her fleet to hold position.

Meanwhile on DS9 Ross is hoping Kira gives in.

Meanwhile at Monak the Klingons have reached firing distance and are preparing to create the solar plasma ejection. They decloak and on Worf's command they fire. But the shot proves ineffective so they must try again. But three Jem'Hadar ships, having detected them, are closing in and firing.

Meanwhile, on Tyree, Ben is preparing to slam his shovel into the dirt where the case resides. Ezri stops him, reminding him of his promise to Jadzia to make things right again.

Ben reaches his crisis point, and drops the shovel. In his delusion he drops the brush and prepares to write the next line of his story. The doctor interferes and is thrown across the room. An orderly who tries to intervene is dropped by Ben. Ben then picks up his pencil and writes "opens it". On Tyree Ben does so and a brilliant light leaves the case and Ben enters another Prophet-inspired vision.

Almost instantly the light passes DS9 and the wormhole opens. Kira gets the news and the Bajorans on the bridge are pretty happy about it.

From the wormhole a stream of flame erupts and is dispersed in space.

Upon seeing this Kira gives the order to her fleet to lock weapons on target.

On DS9 Cretak announces Kira has run out of time.

At Monak the Klingons are taking a pounding and control panels explode, sending Klingons flying. Miles has re-calibrated the weapon and Martok (with Quark's encouragement) gives the order to fire.

It works. The solar plasma ejection erupts, destroying the pursuing Jem'Hadar ships and the Monak shipyards as well. Martok offers his hand to Quark, the rest of the crew celebrate, and Worf completes his dedication ceremony for Jadzia.

Meanwhile, at Durna, the Romulans turn back. Ross explains to a surprised Kira that he told Cretak that if she didn't remove the weapons he would. Cretak backed down.

Meanwhile, back in Ben's vision, Ben finds himself facing the image of his mother, Sarah. She explains that he has finished his task and fulfilled his destiny. That the Pah Wraith has been cast out (the flame that was ejected from the wormhole).

Sarah explains that for a time a Prophet inhabited the human Sarah Sisko's body so as to create Ben. Ben was "necessary". "There could be no one else" explains the Prophet.

And the vision ends. Ben closes the case and is himself once again.

Later, at DS9, Ben and family and Ezri arrive to a jubilant crowd of Bajorans, grateful for his return.

Ezri, who trails in Ben's wake, sees Kira, Miles, Julian, Odo and Worf and greets them like an old friend. Jake explains who she is. Worf refuses to believe it and walks away. The rest appear stunned and pleased.

Ezri wanders somewhat aimlessly looking at the promenade and the crowds.

Best line of the scene:
Ezri, as she passes the senior staff: Worf, we need to talk.

End of episode.

Personal reflections:

A story well told. The momentum built up until the climactic conclusions of the three sub-plots. There was certainly a feeling that the conclusion of all three sub-plots occurred at the same time. The anti-climax of Ben finding the orb followed by Ben's visual delusion was very well timed, keeping the viewer (that would be me) sitting on the edge of my chair waiting...waiting.

Avery Brooks deserves unconditional praise for his portrayal of "Mr. Russell". It was convincing, engaging, and tugged at the heart-strings. His build up to the visual delusion sent by the Pah Wraith was manic and reminded me of his portrayal in "Dramatis Personae". Avery does 'crazy' very, very well.

Nichole DeBoer, in her first real episode, also did very well as Ezri Dax. I haven't seen her before in anything but the last episode so she is new to me. But her delivery and ability to keep her pronouns straight were impressive. The potential for her character is remarkable and I have to say I expect Trek to do more with her than one season of DS9. She is engaging, has obviously watched a fair amount of Terry Farrell's performances, and she is very convincing. Last episode I described her as child-like, and there is a certain quality about her that suggests this. Like a very nervous girl on her first date (those who may have watched the show Blossom may see some similarities). But the other spoilers have also described her as impish. And having seen her performance I too can use that word to describe her. She does have a mischievous air about her (much like Jadzia Dax did).

True to some predictions, Quark did manage to get on board the Klingon vessel. And he showed a lot more gall and guts than I'd have given him credit for. His scene with Worf over "just two words" really impressed me with "the little Ferengi" and I hope this is a sign of what is to come with him this season.

Odo and Kira are definitely hitting a new high with their maturing relationship. It was great to see them relating to each other so well.

And kudos to the writers for giving Ross a backbone. I'm disappointed we didn't get our battle with the Romulan fleet but I am delighted to see the resolution we were given. I admit Barry Jenner's portrayal of Ross buffaloed me completely right up to the end. I thought here was another episode with a weak-kneed Federation Admiral who has forgotten who his friends really are. So his participation in resolving the conflict was truly appreciated.

One thing is for sure. I expect to see a rather blatant rivalry between Julian and Quark over the affections of the sweet Ezri Dax. Worf's dismissal of her at the end of the episode, just after he secured Jadzia Dax's place in Sto-vo-kor, seemed perfectly in line and I expect he and Ezri are due some tough times.

One thing for those of you who have advance knowledge.

Please keep it out of your comments on this episode. I know some things too, but not everyone does. So don't spoil the show for others, please.

Thanks for your attention.



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