Deep Space Nine continues exploring its frequent and often strange means of time travel in “Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night.” As an added bonus, the story adds a uncomfortable twist to the already odd physical attraction Dukat has for Kira. Kira’s mother, Meru, was Dukat’s mistress during the occupation.Kira is depressed on what would be her mother’s sixtieth birthday. She never knew her mother, who died in a slave labor camp, but still feels the longing every child has for maternal comfort. She receives a message from dukat informing her that he is nostalgic for her other, too. He was in love with her.
Kira does not want to believe that, so she convinces Sisko to let her use the Orb of Time to go into the past and find out for certain.
What she discovers is that her mother is a collaborator. Dukat offered her special treatment, which she readily accepted. Dukat was motivated by sexual attraction and she was willing to accommodate. Worse yet, she rows to enjoy his company. Seeing her mother act this way sends Kira over the edge. She sets a bomb to kill them both.
But before the bomb lows, she watches her mother listening to a transmission from her father. It becomes clear Kira and the rest of her family are also getting special treatment because she is staying with Dukat. Kira realizes her mother is not a collaborator, so she rescues them both before the bomb goes off.
Kira return to the present confused as ever. She loves her mother in spite of what she has learned about her, but is still appalled to learn she really did fall in love with Dukat.
The episode, unlike much of Trek, leaves it up to the audience to make up its own mind about Meru’s actions. I am at a loss myself. Being a cynical soul, I am confident most anyone would collaborate if the choice was between a life of luxury doing so for you and your family versus living and dying as a slave. Anyone who claims otherwise lacks the ability to look at the scenario realistically. At the same time, it is still traitorous. Doubly so if you come to enjoy it.
I have mixed feelings, but the episode made me work through the issue. Anything that makes you think is good, no? Just try not to think about the whole mother/daughter fetish Dukat obviously has…
Rating: *** (out of 5)
