Unforgettable Voyages: Ranking the 20 Most Epic Episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space 9

Summary

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine broke the mold of the original vision by exploring the impact of Starfleet's decisions on a micro and macro level.

Commander Sisko's character development and the multidimensionality of the DS9 cast were significant achievements, introducing depth to episodes that otherwise could have been simplistic.

"In the Pale Moonlight" is an awe-inspiring exploration of moral dilemmas, questioning Roddenberry's idealistic portrayal of utopia by exposing the difficult choices required to uphold it.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine garnered acclaim for its mature and darker approach, seamlessly blending the core ideals of Star Trek with a nuanced and complex morality. Departing from Gene Roddenberry's original vision, DS9 revitalized the Star Trek universe with contemporary relevance by trading starships for a space station. This allowed Deep Space Nine to delve into the far-reaching consequences of Starfleet's decisions on both a micro and macro scale. Many of the series' standout episodes breathed new life into familiar Star Trek themes, while also probing the personal sacrifices required to uphold the utopian vision of Starfleet and the Federation.

Commander Sisko, portrayed by Avery Brooks, emerged as a completely fresh and unique Star Trek protagonist. As a grieving widower and devoted father, Sisko had to navigate responsibilities that extended well beyond those expected of him by Starfleet. Initially disillusioned, Sisko quickly rediscovered a sense of purpose in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The character development of Sisko, along with the ensemble cast of the series, served as a remarkable triumph, infusing depth into episodes that might otherwise be dismissed as superficial and dispensable within the Star Trek franchise.

20 Emissary

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's pilot episode sets the show up perfectly. It retains many elements from iconic episodes like "Encounter at Farpoint" and "Where No Man Has Gone Before". In this episode, Commander Benjamin Sisko impressively justifies human existence to beings of enormous celestial power. However, it also quickly distances itself from the "traditional" Star Trek format by introducing a subtle conflict between Sisko and Captain Picard (played by the talented Patrick Stewart). By choosing an orbital location for the series, DS9 distinguishes itself as a Star Trek show that will explore the consequences of its characters' decisions. Right from the start, Avery Brooks captivates as the charming protagonist, skillfully navigating the complexities of interacting with the diverse range of characters under his command and protection on DS9.

19 Little Green Men

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, known for its darker tone, always balanced the serious with the lighthearted. One memorable example is the fourth season episode, "Little Green Men", where Quark, Rom, and Nog find themselves unexpectedly transported to Area 51 in 1947. During the 1990s, Area 51 gained cultural significance through The X-Files and the infamous fake alien autopsy video created by Ray Santilli. In this episode, Star Trek brilliantly weaves a unique and comedic narrative within this iconic setting, exploring potential mysteries of the paranormal. The episode stands out as one of DS9's best Ferengi-centric comedies, with Quark sensing incredible profit opportunities that could profoundly alter human history.

18 Past Tense

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine effectively employed the concept of time travel to shed light on the potential future of society, emphasizing the consequences of neglecting social inequality in 1990s America. By stranding Sisko, Dr. Bashir (Alexander Siddig), and Lt. Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell) in the year 2024, the episode revealed an alarming scenario in which the United States had implemented a dehumanizing policy of segregating the homeless and marginalized population within isolated "Sanctuary Districts". Unintentionally altering the course of history, Sisko and Bashir unknowingly disrupted a critical turning point that ultimately influenced Star Trek's portrayal of social progression. The significant Bell Riots depicted in DS9 served as a catalyst for a more compassionate and egalitarian response to social inequality. Regrettably, even in 2023, the thought-provoking narrative of "Past Tense" remains distressingly relevant within the realm of Star Trek.

17 Inquisition

Dr. Julian Bashir's character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 5 underwent a complete transformation for the better. It was revealed that he had been replaced by a Changeling imposter and his true genetic enhancements were exposed. This revelation set the stage for the episode "Inquisition", where he was falsely accused of espionage. This complex episode capitalizes on the audience's recent doubts about Bashir, introducing a level of uncertainty to the narrative. However, it is later unveiled that this situation was actually an elaborate simulation orchestrated by the secretive Starfleet organization known as Section 31. This revelation brings a sigh of relief as it assures viewers that Bashir's character has not undergone further changes.

16 Waltz

15 The Siege Of AR-558

In the episode "Waltz," Sisko and his longtime adversary Gul Dukat, played brilliantly by Avery Brooks and Marc Alaimo respectively, find themselves stranded on a planet together. Despite their mutual animosity, they engage in a gripping and intense dialogue about Dukat's heinous war crimes. As the Cardassian delves deeper into madness and obsession, their interaction unveils both their underlying similarities and the stark contrast in their personalities. This particular episode serves as a crucial stepping stone towards their ultimate confrontation in the Bajoran Fire Caves.

"The Siege of AR-558" in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine portrays the harsh reality of war, depicting Dominion forces engaging in a brutal battle with Commander Sisko and his team during a routine supply mission. This episode stands out due to its treatment of Nog's Starfleet career, as he sustains serious injuries that have a lasting impact on his character development. Unlike other instances in the series, Nog's wounds cannot be magically healed, and he must confront his trauma in subsequent episodes. Additionally, the normally lighthearted Quark experiences a profound transformation as he grapples with the repercussions of his nephew's injuries, offering audiences a deeper insight into the complexities of the Ferengi species.

14 You Are Cordially Invited

Star Trek's best wedding episode "You Are Cordially Invited" becomes even more poignant and heartrending when seen within the larger context of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 6. Set just after the reclamation of Deep Space Nine from the Dominion, the wedding between Lt. Commander Worf (Michael Dorn) and Jadzia Dax is a jubilant celebration of homecoming and the bonds among the entire DS9 crew. Simultaneously, it serves as a remarkably touching and humor-filled wedding comedy. The unorthodox Klingon wedding customs are expertly employed for laughs, yet beneath the surface, "You Are Cordially Invited" resonates with a tender melancholy that is further amplified upon revisiting it after Dax's tragic demise in the season 6 finale.

13 It's Only A Paper Moon

"The Siege AR-558" has received praise for its realistic depiction of the harsh realities of warfare, but its spiritual successor, "It's Only a Paper Moon," delves even deeper into the issues of post-traumatic stress. This episode showcases how Star Trek: Deep Space Nine utilized familiar franchise elements like holodeck episodes to explore new territory. Ensign Nog fully embraces his Ferengi heritage and immerses himself in assisting Vic Fontaine (James Darren) in managing his holographic nightclub. By turning his back on Starfleet and retreating into a virtual world, Nog avoids confronting the traumatic experiences he endured during the Dominion War. This exemplifies DS9's ability to skillfully merge visionary science fiction with gripping emotional storytelling.

12 Sacrifice of Angels

"Heralds of Sacrifice" marks a monumental and audacious interstellar battle within Star Trek lore, as Sisko and his crew endeavor to reclaim Dominion-controlled Deep Space Nine. This captivating altercation not only serves as a triumphant culmination of the gripping "Operation Return" storyline but also delves into the depths of Sisko's character, presenting him with the quandary of invoking his esteemed role as the Bajoran Emissary to beseech the celestial Prophets for intervention in the Dominion War. Ultimately, this introspective journey reaches its zenith with Sisko making a desperate plea to the Prophets, resulting in the reclamation of the station, though at a poignant sacrifice to his future joy. Despite the foreboding undertones of the episode, witnessing the crew triumphantly regain their cherished abode remains an unparalleled source of exhilaration.

11 Homefront/Paradise Lost

The retrospective documentary What We Left Behind, from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, highlights that Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor), a former terrorist, would not have garnered sympathy if the show had been made post-9/11. Considering this, it is intriguing to examine "Homefront/Paradise Lost" as a remarkably prophetic tale depicting the erosion of civil rights in the quest against an elusive enemy. Sisko's relentless pursuit to expose the conspiracy led by his former mentor Admiral Leyton (Robert Foxworth) and prevent his military coup serves as a courageous declaration on how our adversaries triumph by coercing the abandonment of one's principles.

10 Take Me Out To The Holosuite

9 Improbable Cause/The Die Is Cast

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine features some of the holodeck's finest episodes, and "Take Me Out To The Holosuite" stands out as the ultimate example. The show is at its best when it showcases the entire ensemble cast, and this episode, being the first-ever sports movie within the Star Trek universe, perfectly demonstrates this dynamic. As the brutal Dominion War nears its end, Captain Sisko leads his crew in a thrilling underdog story against a Vulcan baseball team. This heartwarming tale not only showcases the unwavering loyalty Sisko inspires in his crew but also emphasizes the importance of relaxation and enjoying the company of friends. The final scene, taking place in Quark's Bar, where the Niners celebrate their victory, is a truly captivating and unforgettable moment.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's intriguing character, Elim Garak, portrayed by Andrew Robinson, captivates audiences with his masterful performance. In the episodes "Improbable Cause" and "The Die is Cast," viewers are treated to a deeper understanding of Garak's intricate past. In this two-part storyline, Constable Odo, portrayed by Rene Auberjonois, embarks on an investigation into an assassination attempt on Garak, unveiling a sinister plot orchestrated by the cunning Cardassian and Romulan intelligence agencies to strike at the Dominion. This enthralling political thriller sheds light on Garak's unyielding determination to regain acceptance within Cardassia. Additionally, it reveals the nuanced conscience that resides within the enigmatic tailor, as he experiences profound remorse and shame when forced to resort to torturing Odo for valuable intel on the Changelings.

8 What You Leave Behind

"What You Leave Behind" is the ultimate conclusion of Star Trek, as it beautifully concludes the spiritual journey of Sisko and the tumultuous Dominion War, while also providing a satisfying resolution to the character arcs of everyone else. The ending of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is highly successful due to its innovative approach of dedicating nine episodes to resolving each character's individual journey. This groundbreaking approach in the 20th century Star Trek series foreshadowed the direction the show would take in the 21st century. From the profound impact of Cardassia's fight against the Dominion to Odo finding his purpose in the Great Link and Sisko's selfless sacrifice, "What You Leave Behind" remains an unparalleled and epic finale in the Star Trek universe that still captivates audiences.

7 The Way Of The Warrior

"The Way of the Warrior" is a groundbreaking Klingon action film that pushed the boundaries of Star Trek, while also introducing Michael Dorn as Commander Worf and completing the cast of Deep Space Nine. Worf's internal struggle between his Starfleet duties and his Klingon heritage reaches its peak when the Klingon Empire declares war on Cardassia and the Federation. In this crucial moment, Worf is adrift, but finds solace and guidance from Captain Sisko, who offers him a pivotal role on the space station to address the Klingon crisis. This turning point in Deep Space Nine is often regarded by fans as the show's equivalent to Riker's iconic beard transformation.

6 A Call To Arms

5 Trials And Tribble-ations

: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's season 5 finale showcased the intense stakes that the show grappled with when the Cardassians regained control of DS9 as a stronghold for the Dominion. Although cliffhanger endings were not uncommon for Star Trek in the 1990s season finales, the typical resolution would swiftly occur in the following season premiere. However, "A Call to Arms" defied expectations as it seemed like all hope had vanished, leading Sisko and his crew to spend a full six episodes of DS9 season 6 in their mission to reclaim the station. Serving as an explosive season finale, "A Call to Arms" fundamentally altered the landscape of DS9 and the Star Trek franchise as a whole.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's contribution to the celebrations of Star Trek's 30th anniversary was not only inventive but also incredibly enjoyable. The arrival of Starfleet's Department of Temporal Investigations at DS9 led to an intriguing interrogation of Sisko regarding his unauthorized mission into the Star Trek: The Original Series era. The ensuing adventure, cleverly inserting Sisko and the DS9 cast into the iconic TOS episode "The Trouble with Tribbles," was a delightful attempt to thwart an assassination plot against Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) involving a highly explosive Tribble. The meeting between Kirk and Sisko on the bridge of the USS Enterprise is a standout moment that unquestionably justifies the episode's prestigious ranking.

4 Duet

3 The Visitor

"Duet" proves to be an exceptional episode in the early seasons of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, which were generally uneven. The initial focus on Kira's determination to expose war crimes gradually evolves into a more profound exploration. The individual suspected by Kira, Aamin Marritza (portrayed by Harris Yulin), is not actually a war criminal, but rather assumes the identity to atone for his own inaction during the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor. This thought-provoking Star Trek episode delves into the way evil proliferates when good people remain passive, while also navigating the challenges of taking a firm stance. Furthermore, it challenges Kira's prejudice against the Cardassians, as she sympathizes with Marritza and doubts that he should bear the blame for Cardassian war offenses.

The deep bond between Sisko and his teenage son Jake (Cirroc Lofton) serves as the heart of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This is exemplified in the powerful episode "The Visitor," which portrays the bleak existence Jake experiences without his father. Sacrificing his promising writing career, the elder Jake Sisko (Tony Todd) has devoted his entire life to rescuing his lost father from a tragic temporal accident. The poignant finale, where the aged Jake sacrifices his own life to reunite with Sisko, stands as one of the most emotionally devastating moments in Star Trek.

2 Far Beyond The Stars

Star Trek: The Original Series reached greatness by delving into relevant political issues of the 1960s through a sci-fi lens. What sets "Far Beyond the Stars" apart is its ingenious approach of utilizing the racism and social inequality of 1950s America to compel Sisko into facing his apprehensions and uncertainties during a crucial moment in the Dominion War. The tale of Benny Russell (Avery Brooks) and his determination to combat racism serves as a profound source of inspiration for Sisko, shedding light on the current state of both the United States and Star Trek, three decades after the commencement of TOS. It effectively portrays that there is still a long way to go in achieving true equality.

1 In The Pale Moonlight

The Dominion War arc provided a captivating opportunity to examine how Starfleet and the Federation's commitment to peace would fare against an existential threat such as the Founders. The episode "In the Pale Moonlight" serves as the quintessential representation of how the Dominion War and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine tested Roddenberry's vision. By showcasing the lengths to which Sisko is willing to go in order to safeguard the utopian ideals of Starfleet and the Federation, DS9 reiterated the significance of Roddenberry's utopia during the 1990s.

Sisko commits multiple crimes and becomes involved in a political assassination by manipulating the Romulan Star Empire into allying with the Federation against the Dominion. Despite the guilt and torture he experiences, Sisko ultimately justifies his actions as necessary for the greater good. This thought-provoking portrayal of morality exemplifies Star Trek's core values by highlighting the difficult choices required to preserve them. "In the Pale Moonlight" not only represents the pinnacle of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine but stands as one of the most exceptional 45 minutes in the entire Star Trek franchise.