Yet another Ezri-cetric story in only a handful of episodes. The writers are certainly trying to map out her character before she gets lost in the ensemble cast of the final story arc. In hindsight, there is not much need. It is in the final arc where her character shines the brightest. But before then, we haveto sit trough pdestrian offerings like “Prodigal Daughter” and ’Field of Fire.”The story is straightforward. A murderer has killed three young officers on DS9. Ezri calls upon the memories of Joran, the past host who killed three people himself, to solve the crimes.
The first thing that struck me about the episode ishow awkwardly Ezri fits I the role of ivestigator. The notion ezri, the counelor, would take center stageas opposed to Odo, the constable, is ludicrous even wih her special insight due to Joran. The story remids me way too much of Tng’s “Eye of the Beholder,” an episde in which counselor Troi solves a ystery of acrewmember’s suicide. “Field of fire” hasa better eding, but still…flashbacks to “Eye of the Beholder” are unadvisable for those with good taste.
I do not find the psychological games Joran plays with Ezri as compelling as they were surely meant to be. For someone who has had so much trouble adjusting to the memories of eight lifetimes of mostly good past host, Ezri does ot seem sufficiently spooked or manipulated by Joran. Her character has not progressed in strtength that obviously, so it is just plopped on us abruptly she can handle him.
The surprising plot twist I the murder’s identity--he is a traumatized Vulcan who resented his victims ecause they had photo of themselves laughing. He winds up being more of a creepy psycho than does Joran. I am curious how may ans were upset a Vulcan was portrayed as psychotic. Deep Space Nier slaughtered all sorts of Trek’s sacre cows, but considering how Vulcans are goig to be portrayed from here on out on ENT, fans ought to be nostalgic or when they had it good with a murderous loon Vulcan.
“Field of Fire” is a entertaining episode, but nothing special. At this point, the seventh season feels like it is meandering as badly as did the final season of TNG. That will change, but not for a coule more episodes. Until then, I am kind of twiddling my thumbs.
Fun fact: “Field of Fire” is directed by Tony Dow, Wally Cleaver himself.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
