I am a big fan of Odo centric episodes in general, but “Things Past” is near the top of the list because it takes the most honest look we have seen at the character thus far. On a minor note, we also learn much more about Dukat’s mindset. The difference between the two is how the revelations about Odo will make some of his decisions regarding his people more clear in the future while Dukat will, for better or worse, do a 180.The thing about Odo up until this point is how he managed to work in law enforcement for the Cardassians during the Occupation yet still remain so trusted by the Bajorans. Surely some Bajorans would think he was a puppet controlled by their oppressors. Surely he is holding some dark secret about his past actions that would change opinion of him. Lo and behold, he does.
Odo, Dax, Sisko, and Garak are traveling back from a conference on Bajor when some sort of radiation surge combines with traces of Odo’s Changeling DNA to put the four of them in some sort of coma in which they are living the lives of Bajorans accused of an assassination attempt on Dukat seven years prior. I am not big on the implausible set up, but I assume the writers did not want to use flashbacks or time travel as a plot element again. I will ot question their judgment too much considering Odo’s guilty conscience plays such a large role in setting up the scenario. It serves as a nice touch.
The truth is Odo once allowed three innocent Bajorans to be executed for the crime seven years ago because he failed to investigate properly. Presumably, the incident is what inspired his staunch pursuit of justice we have seen in him so far, even to the point the was willing to be judged by his own people. He is not even certain he has not screwed up other times and sent more innocent Bajorans to their deaths.
Now that we know he has feet of clay, it will not come as much of a shock when he betrays his friends next season by connecting with the Female Changeling. His actions will not ruin the character for me, surprisingly enough.
As for Dukat, ’Things past” shows him as the brutal dictator who needs to be loved. I suspect it is ore because he has a huge ego to feed rather than the symbiotic relationship that exists between n abuser ad his victim. Whatever the root cause, future stories will drop this aspect of his character in favor a ruthless ambition for power without the need for his subjects’ admiration. He is still one of the best trek villains ever, but I am disappointed to lose that part of him.
I really like this episode. The atmosphere reminds mea lot of the second season’s “Necessary Evil,’ which also ranks near the top I my book. ’Things past” shines a much needed light on some of odo’s emotional issues to tell us why he is the way he is beyond the social alienation he has experienced since his lab rat days. The episode adds a much appreciated extra dimension to him.
Rating: **** (out of 5)
