Summary
Star Trek: DS9's first season focused on the aftermath of the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, highlighting the Bajoran problems faced by the Starfleet crew.
Bajoran antagonists were integral to the initial episodes of DS9, delving into the political unrest and strife within Bajoran society.
The lack of action by Starfleet during the Cardassian Occupation resulted in animosity towards them and doubt about Bajoran acceptance into the Federation.
The initial challenge faced by Star Trek: Deep Space Nine proved to be its greatest strength, foreshadowing future triumphs. DS9 is renowned for two things: its uneven first season and its immensely successful Dominion War storyline. However, these factors are more intertwined than fans may realize, as DS9 had already begun experimenting with arc-based storytelling right from the beginning. The series unfolded during a pivotal period for Bajor, portraying Commander Benjamin Sisko (played by Avery Brooks) navigating the complex political negotiations involved in transitioning from Cardassian occupation to self-governance, and the conflicting visions for the planet's future.
Given this context, it would have been predictable for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's first season to revolve around Starfleet's efforts to prevent the Cardassians from retaking Bajor and the space station. However, DS9 took a much more captivating approach, choosing to delve into how the aftermath of the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor posed significant challenges for the station's Starfleet crew. Throughout season 1, DS9 faced issues of greater magnitude from the Bajorans themselves, ranging from a terrorist leader's attempts to close the wormhole to the reactivation of a deadly biological weapon in "Babel".
Star Trek: DS9's Earliest Episodes All Had Bajoran Villains
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In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's pilot, Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) was the only exception, as three out of the first four episodes featured a Bajoran antagonist. "Past Prologue" delved into Major Kira Nerys' (Nana Visitor) background by introducing Bajoran terrorist Tahna Los (Jeffrey Nordling), who sought refuge on the station. Los' presence sparked conflicts between Kira, Sisko, and even within Kira herself. The episode revealed that many Bajorans were skeptical of joining the Federation, fearing it would lead to another form of occupation. However, Los' fervent beliefs ultimately influenced Kira to embrace a positive future for her people.
Kira played a vital role in the early stages of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as she served as Sisko's connection to Bajoran society and culture. In "Babel", Kira takes it upon herself to find Dr. Surmak Ren (Matthew Faison) in order to cure the individuals infected with the virus he had engineered. Season 1 of DS9 focused on the idea that Bajor's challenges couldn't be solved overnight, which differed from previous Star Trek series. The hidden bioweapon in "Babel" symbolized the underlying resentments and political ambitions that posed threats to DS9's Bajoran storyline.
Sisko's Bajoran Problems Were Starfleet's Fault
Ultimately, Starfleet and the Federation share some blame for the challenges faced by Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 1. If they had taken action during the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor, the situation could have been vastly different. Due to the Prime Directive, Starfleet refrained from getting involved in local political disputes, and as the Cardassians had deceitfully conquered Bajor and established their own government, the occupation was considered a local matter. Consequently, Starfleet had the opportunity for 50 years to assist the Bajorans with weapons or impose sanctions on the Cardassians, but they chose not to.
This lack of action is why there is significant resentment towards Sisko and Starfleet at the beginning of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It also explains the skepticism of many Bajorans regarding Federation membership. The Federation failed to aid Bajor during its darkest times, making it difficult to accept their membership offer now that the Cardassians have departed the planet. DS9, being a crucial Cardassian stronghold during the Occupation, unsurprisingly contains remnants of the resistance movement such as unexploded weapons, like the one discovered in "Babel." The fact that Starfleet didn't thoroughly search for sabotage and potential traps set by the Resistance reflects their underestimation of the Bajorans.
DS9's Cardassian Occupation Aftermath Was Groundbreaking For Star Trek
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One of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Bajoran villains, Ibudan (Stephen James Carver), brought to light the underlying resentments against those who served the Cardassians. When Constable Odo (Rene Auberjonois) was framed for Ibudan's murder, the fair and impartial lawman was accused of collaborating with the Cardassians. It revealed the deep-seated wounds from fifty years of oppression and the ease with which these resentments could be exploited. This was a groundbreaking moment for Star Trek, as it delved into the aftermath of Starfleet's actions, or lack thereof, which was rarely explored in previous series.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was able to challenge Gene Roddenberry's vision by highlighting that saving the day was not as simple as overthrowing a dictator or an oppressive force. Throughout seasons 1 and 2 of DS9, the establishment of Bajor's new government became a crucial storyline. It allowed DS9 to delve into the complex and intertwined spiritual and political challenges faced by Bajor, as well as the numerous obstacles hindering progress. The Bajor arc in DS9 likely set the foundation for the show's ahead-of-its-time long-form storytelling approach.
DS9 Season 1's Bajoran Arc Never Gets Enough Praise
When reflecting on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, discussions often revolve around its perceived over-reliance on Star Trek: The Next Generation. DS9 heavily leaned on TNG characters and storylines that would have fit better in The Next Generation. An episode like "Move Along Home" lacks the essence of DS9 that is present throughout the rest of the first season. The political tensions on Bajor and the task of uniting factions under one spiritual leader became the central theme of early DS9, providing it with something that TNG never had - lasting consequences.
Originally, it was planned for the season finale of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 1 to feature the USS Enterprise-D aiding Sisko and his crew in confronting a Cardassian invasion. However, this would have further undermined DS9's independence, considering how heavily it had already relied on its predecessor. Instead, DS9 season 1 concluded with "In the Hands of the Prophets," a mature exploration of religious orthodoxy and extremism that sets the stage for Bajor's future in DS9 season 2 and ultimately resolves Sisko and Kira's conflicts.
The Bajor arc in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was not meant to be a practice run for the Dominion War, but it showcased the writers' skill in seamlessly blending long-term storytelling with the episodic format of Star Trek. Without this complex portrayal of the consequences of a harsh occupation on both political and personal levels, it is doubtful that Deep Space Nine would have emerged as a groundbreaking addition to the franchise.
