The title of today’s episode in another Biblical reference. More specifically, it comes from the concept in exegesis of "types, shadows, and symbols” in which a less literal meaning is searched for in prophecy rather than looking for accurate predictions of the future. Such would certainly apply to Sisko’s experience upon finding the orb of the Prophets. Not to mention the planet Tyree, which it was buried on, sounds like a reference to Tyree, a city prominent in both Biblical and early Christian history.Sisko’s journey of discovery does not actually take up the bulk of the episode as you might expect, now does the introduction of Ezri. In fact, there are three stories running at the same time with a brief interlude into Damar’s continuing breakdown. Each of the stories could have made for an episode in itself. Perhaps they should have been. Thigs feel incredibly rushed as the writers try to et it all in.
Take a deep breath. There is a lot to absorb.
Ezri was never meant to have the Dax symbiont. The little guy took a turn for the worst on the trip back to Trill. She happened to be the only Trill onboard the ship, so it had to be implanted in her. Ezri is overwhelmed by the flood of memories from eight lifetimes, so she seeks out Sisko, a source of strength for two of Dax’s past hosts, for help. Sisko loosens up himself when he discovers the Dax legacy will continue.
It is because of her Kurzon and Jadzia memories she is able to convince Sisko to open up the Orb of the Prophets when he discovers it. He needs the extra boost to resist the Pah’Wraith’s influence urging him not to. When he finally opens the Orb, the wormhole is restored.
I had forgotten just how annoying Ezri’s insecurities were at first. She grows into a much better character, particularly compared to Jadzia, but getting passed this notion that she is unworthy on being joined and everyone around her agrees is painfully irritating to watch. I had also forgotten that Jake had a puppy love crush o her, too.
I am also bemused they hauled out Brock Peters, who was 72 at the time, to march through the desert with his son, grandson, and Ezri. Peters was a highly professional, dedicated actor who probably insisted on going all the way, but someone in production should have put the brakes on the idea. It feels cruel.
In the second story, Worf is not happy that O’Brien, Bashir, and Quark have tagged along on the dangerous mission to destroy a Dominion shipyard in order to ensure Jadzia gains entry into Sto Va Kor, the Klingon version of heaven. He snaps at them that they are unworthy of even knowing her. His real problem is his resentment at not ensuring her entry into Sto Va Kor himself, but comes to appreciate what the three meant to Jadzia and apologizes. They destroy the shipyard, so presumably Jadzia makes it to Sto Va Kor.
The final story is a Cuban missile crisis allegory between Bajoran and Romulus over the missiles housed at a hospital on a Bajoran moon. Kirasets up a blockade and dares the Romulans to break it. She is bluffing. The Bajoran ships will be slaughtered in a battle with the Romulans. They know it, so they are not going to back down. The stalemate is broken up by Adm. Ross in order to preserve the Federation-Romulan alliance.
The only real flaw with the episode is that it is too crowded. One of the stories should have been cut out to give the other two room to breathe. I would have voted to move the Worf story to another episode and have Kira’s stand off as the B-story. But I hae to review what is there and not what I wish was. Nothing in the episode is bad, but it probably could have been more memorable had it not crammed so much in.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
