Deep Space Nine's Epic Star Trek Resurgence Demands a Spectacular Revival
Deep Space Nine's unexpected return in Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4 sparks the need for a revival, as exciting crossovers pave the way for a nostalgic DS9 comeback
Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episode 7 - "A Few Badgeys More"
Summary
The inclusion of Deep Space Nine in a cameo appearance during season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks highlights the necessity for a genuine revival of the cherished series. Star Trek: Picard season 3 heavily relies on the Dominion War plotline from Deep Space Nine, but fans were let down by the lack of DS9 characters.
The crossover between Star Trek: Lower Decks and Deep Space Nine suggests that an animated revival could be a successful and logical way to revive the show. In season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Deep Space Nine makes a surprise appearance, showcasing Captain Benjamin Sisko's space station and emphasizing the importance of a return for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine on Paramount+. Deep Space Nine, which aired its last episode in 1999, revolutionized the Star Trek series with its 7-season run, introducing serialization and character-driven storylines that anticipated the style of contemporary Prestige TV. While there have been DS9 crossovers in Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Picard, it is high time for the beloved series and its cast to make a genuine comeback.
Deep Space Nine’s Surprise Return In Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4
The Dominion War in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine served as the bedrock for the central storyline in Star Trek: Picard season 3. This narrative revolved around the covert infiltration of Starfleet by Changelings. The initial half of Picard season 3 was predominantly shrouded in mystery, as it explored Captain Vadic's motivations (portrayed by Amanda Plummer) for pilfering the remains of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart). Additionally, it delved into the link between the Changelings' replacement of Starfleet Officers and their pursuit of Picard's son, Jack Crusher (enacted by Ed Speleers). Ultimately, the acts perpetrated by Section 31 against the Changelings during the Dominion War became the driving force behind Vadic seeking retribution against the United Federation of Planets. However, fans of DS9 felt let down by the absence of any characters from the series in Picard season 3, especially considering the significant role played by the Dominion War's aftermath in its storyline.
In Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 7, titled "A Few Badgeys More," Deep Space Nine unexpectedly reappears. The malicious A.I. known as Badgey, created by Lt. Samanthan Rutherford, seeks revenge on his "father" and the USS Cerritos. However, when Badgey's personality splits into various entities, the original corrupt version expands his scheme to conquer the entire galaxy. Through merging with subspace, Badgey gains control over every starship and starbase in the galaxy, even managing to overtake Deep Space Nine. Fortunately, Badgey realizes the futility of dominating the galaxy and opts to transcend into a higher state of existence.
Lower Decks’ Crossovers Means It’s Time For A DS9 Revival
The sighting of Deep Space Nine comes after the events of "Parth Ferengi's Heart Place," an episode from the fourth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. This episode marked the return of Grand Nagus Rom (Max Grodénchik) and his Bajoran wife, First Clerk Leeta (Chase Masterson). In the sixth episode of Lower Decks season 4, significant developments regarding the Ferengi were showcased, with Rom officially expressing the Ferengi Alliance's desire to join the United Federation of Planets. These connections between Lower Decks season 4 and Deep Space Nine continue from where they left off in the sixth episode of Lower Decks season 3, titled "Here All, Trust Nothing," where the USS Cerritos visited Deep Space Nine and characters like Colonel Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) and Quark (Armin Shimerman) made their return to Lower Decks.
In the realm of Star Trek series, Star Trek: Lower Decks stands alone as the sole production that has ventured back to Deep Space Nine, reuniting cherished characters with their original actors providing the voices. Given its placement within the late 24th-century timeline, Lower Decks has successfully become the optimal medium for revisiting Deep Space Nine, exploring comedic elements in animated form to the fullest extent possible. Nonetheless, each visit to DS9 serves as a stark reminder of the fervent desire among fans for a complete revival of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, ideally portrayed through live-action.
There is a strong desire to see not only the DS9 characters who have already returned, such as Kira, Quark, and Rom, but also beloved favorites like Dr. Julian Bashir, Chief Miles O'Brien, Lt. Ezri Dax, and Jake Sisko. The biggest obstacle, however, is whether Avery Brooks would reprise his role as Captain Benjamin Sisko, which is the main issue preventing a live-action Deep Space Nine revival. Nonetheless, the crossovers in Star Trek: Lower Decks demonstrate that an animated DS9 revival can work effectively, making it the most logical approach to bringing back the show after 25 years. Regardless, it is high time for the return of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The current season of Star Trek: Lower Decks streams on Paramount+ every Thursday for those who are interested.
