“By Inferno’s Light’ is the conclusion of the two part re-emergence of the Dominion as the major villains of DS9. It is the biggest escalation since the third season and something of a course correction after the whole Klingon-Federation conflict that just sort of limped along there for awhile. As such, it has a lot to accomplish I ashort period of time.The episode runs through three stories. One, the Dominion fleet that came through the wormhole in the cliffhanger is heading for Cardassia. Dukat has arranged for Cardassia to join the Dominion while he takes over the government himself. Two, the Changeling posing as Bashir puts his plan into motion of luring the entire Federation-Klingon fleet into a massive star explosion that will destroy them and the entire Bajoran system. Finally, Worf, Garak, the real Bashi, and Martok facilitate a prison break.
The results are Cardassia becomes the foothold for the Dominion in the Alpha Quadrant, the Changeling dies while failing to destroy the fleet, and everyone escapes the Dominion prison for a hero’s welcome home. Gowron resigns the Kkitimer Accord reestablishing the Klingon alliance with the Federation and appoints Martok head of the permanent imperial military presence on DS9.
It is an exciting episode that sets up much of the story arc that will carry through the rest of the series. But it lacks a lot of hart. There is a brief attempt to add dimension to the Jem Ha’Dar when one refuses to fight Worf any further in sporting combat because he realizes killing him would not defeat his spirit, but that is about it. The episode isall about foreshadowing worse things to come. It could have been better, it could have been worse.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
