I have to suffer through the annual DS9 mirror universe episode. Ugh.“Through the Looking Glass’ has the same problems as the previous installments and the future editions, for that matter. The novelty of these stories is seeing familiar characters in different world. Once the newness has worn off the concept, there is not much left beyond placing said characters in situations for shock value, often stretching credulity in the process. This time around, we get Rom hanged, a guest appearance by Tuvok from VOY, and Sisko having sex. Twice.
Someone else may find that sort of stuff thrilling, but I cannot get past how meaningless it all is. The characters from the real universe are going to go back home once their adventure is over and none of what happened in the mirror universe is going to matter in the grand scheme of things to them or us.
With that I mind, there is no heart to the story of our Sisko trying to convince mirror Jennifer to join the human resistance or he will have to watch her die again. We have already seen Sisko dealing with the pain of losing his wife and coming to terms with it for real. Why add a less meaningful alternate universe story to the mix? It cheapens what has gone on in the real universe. It is not like Sisko can get Jennifer back by saving her here. What is the point?
All right. Sisko has a strong sese of justice, so he wats the Terrans to be free. I will give the episode an extra star for character consistency I that regard. But otherwise, these episodes are an awkward roadblock to the growing ension of the Dominion threat. Odder still, they are ow showing an escalating war themselves. Why do that when you are building up to a big, consequential conflict in the real universe? It is distracting and anticlimactic unles, like me, you are in denial these mirror universe episodes exist.
Rating: ** (out of 5)
