Customer Reviews

Star Trek - Deep Space Nine, Episode 40: The Maquis, Part 1 [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Maquis, Pt. 1" is one of the better Sisko stories of the fantastic 2nd Season. This also sets-up one of DS9's ongoing plotlines that are dealt with in many seasons to come. Sisko is caught in the middle of a conflict between and old friend and a Starfleet treaty. This is a compelling show with some standout scenes between Sisko and Dukat. If you are trying to collect pivotal episode's from DS9's run, or just want some riveting drama, this is for you. The only fault is the performance from Bernie Casey, who doesn't deliver on the level he should be. Other than that, everything is golden.

Bajorans are not the only species to get their butts kicked, tortured and killed by the ruthless Cardassians. The Star Trek counterpart to German Nazis of WWII, the Cardassians are efficient in document keeping, technology, torture, interrogation and systematic killing - not to mention, propaganda.

The Federation treats their treaty with Cardassia like gold, but many in the Cardassian High Command are not so honor-bound to the tenuous document of peace. As the Federation makes concessions to the Cardassians, giving up planets and colonies to Cardassia, some Federation citizens have refused to leave the homes and planets that they have occupied for years, in some cases - generations.

Some of these Federation citizens have been killed, but many are tortured, kidnapped or simply disappear (ala Cardassia) and the Federation continues to turn a blind eye. The Federation citizens who have stayed behind are tired of turning cheeks and join the once Bajoran-exclusive underground rebellion force called the Maquis.

They introduce themselves to Cardassia and the Federation by using an implosion device to destroy a Cardassian cargo ship as it leaves DS9. Believing they can quell any rebellions by mercilessly destroying those responsible, the Cardassians up the stakes. They find the Federation Officer responsible for destroying the Bak Nor ship, kidnap him, torture him, extract a confession and kill him. They have no idea what can of worms they have just opened.

As Sisko partners with the now outcast Gul Dukat to defeat the illegal Maquis, the two begin to have a professional respect for one another, but the underlying distrust and hatred between them will raise its head many times throughout the entire series - up until the final episode. Sisko begins to discover just how deeply rooted the Maquis has become over the past few years - common citizens and farmers, all the way to Starfleet captains are involved and they aren't playing games anymore. He begins to truly sympathize with their cause, but knows he needs to stop it to avert a war between the Cardassians and the Federation.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of this 2-parter is the relationship between Quark and the Vulcan Sakonna, a member of the Maquis. The Vulcans are revered as intellects, calm, philosophical and always logical. The Ferengis are known for being cunning, yet cheats - thieves and arms merchants - Ferengis will sell their own mother if they can make enough money and it would be hard to imagine how the two races would find common ground, much less respect one another. Quark, enraptured by Sakonna's beauty (even though she's cold as ice), shares the Rules of Aquisition with her and the Vulcan is intrigued by the logic that penetrates Ferengi philosophy. Who knew that Quark could be so suave? A great episode.

Not really a good episode This is a part 1 and 2: But the plot is good. maybe a 2 & 1/2.