Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Season 2 (1993–94)

Star Trek: DS9: Season 2 (1993–94)

26 episodes, approx 44 minutes each.

The second season kicks off with a single story stretched over three full episodes. It's a Bajorian themed tale, which means Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) plays a key role. I'm not a fan of the character. Her quick to anger attitude grates me, and how she jumps all over every opportunity to remind everyone within earshot that she was a member of the resistance, carrying out guerrilla attacks against Cardassian military from age twelve... yadda yadada.

It's the fault of the producers/writers, not the actress; proof of which comes later in the season when, without going into details, Nana gets to show a very different side of the character. And, to be fair, when the regular Kira is allowed to smile, to experience joy (of the non-religious kind), then she is somewhat likeable; if only it wasn't such a rare occurance.

Elsewhere, like in Season One, we get another teasing mention of a Delta quadrant race that'll shake the DS9 universe in a BIG way in subsequent years. Dropping in references of that nature shows that those same producers/writers weren't just thinking a few weeks ahead, but had a more expansive plan; while being vague about it allowed them to make changes, if need be.

The highlight of the season for me was during Episode 16: Shadowplay, wherein Odo (René Auberjonois) must converse with a small child. Aware of how his suspicious nature is perceived by most people, he attempts to soften it. It's an excellent scene that's a million miles away from the broad strokes about politics and religion that the series too often got bogged down by.

Overall, there's coldness still between many of the crew (besides Dax), only really beginning to warm when one of their own is threatened. You could argue it's a symptom of them being rarely at ease, needing always to be on edge due to their location. Whatever the case, within that framework we're treated to some previously unseen backstory for a couple of the station regulars, including my favourite inhabitant, Garak (Andrew J. Robinson), the "simple" tailor.

In the final episode there's an admirable effort to juggle the differing aspects of comedy, drama and sensitivity that isn't wholly successful, but it's notable for at least one reason that I won't elaborate on other than to say that it too could've been a lot stronger than it is. I do feel that overall it's a better season than the previous one, but still not the best that DS9 has to offer.

Deep Space Nine (aka Terok Nor). Orbital Docking Station / Location: Denorios belt.

Armament: 48 phaser arrays (rotary mounts); 36 phaser emitters (stationary mounts); 3 phaser emitters (sliding mounts); 48+ torpedo launchers. / Defences: Deflector shields