Deep Space 9 Superior

[the Fifth Race]

This thread was a wonderful find for me too. I was so happy to be able to talk about DS9 with others who appreciated it as much as I did. Most people I talked to about Trek didn't like DS9 and said that it was not like Trek as we know it. I personally thought it was better!

Well said Kris, this thread is what the people that post here frequently made it, and that is a pretty wonderful place. Say what you want about DS9 and it's fan base - We have always been the smartest and best looking of all the Trek fans. Personally I am a fan of Star Trek in general. I love it all, I just recognize DS9 as the smartest, the most entertaining with the best characters, and generally the best written of the various Trek shows.

I may buy TOS on Blu-Ray, I watched TOS as a kid when it first aired, so have a soft spot for it. We're having the basement refurbished and I will finally have what I've dreamed about for ages, but thought I'd never have, a media room! Splashed out on a home theatre system with 52" TV and got the HDPVR box so will subscribe to HD and will be able to record tv shows. I'll start recording VOY and ENT when the 'Space' channel starts to show it from the beginning again.

I own the entire TOS Hi-Def Blu-Ray DVD Box Set and I must say it looks fantastic. Those studio sets and backgrounds have never looked more fake in Hi-Def In all seriousness if you are any kind of fan of TOS it is definetly worth buying (especially if you can find it used).

That's awesome you got a Hi-Def ready television and better yet a DVR. Your whole life will change for the better, especially being such big television fans (like us all). You have heard both me and a few others on here that also own Tivo or another kind of DVR spout on about how great and life-changing it truly is.

[jelgate]

Well said Kris, this thread is what the people that post here frequently made it, and that is a pretty wonderful place. Say what you want about DS9 and it's fan base - We have always been the smartest and best looking of all the Trek fans. Personally I am a fan of Star Trek in general. I love it all, I just recognize DS9 as the smartest, the most entertaining with the best characters, and generally the best written of the various Trek shows.

Are you talking DS9 fan or this thread?

[Rac80]

Are you talking DS9 fan or this thread?

seesh this thread ya goofball!
Yes we are the smartest and best looking Trek fans! I am like you fifth, I love all things trek (even TNG is better than no trek at all ) but DS9 holds my heart.

With all of the fancy home theater glitz available these days do any of you ever see the movie theater going the way of the dinosaur? Sometimes I do, then I go to a movie and realize the theater gives us a shared experience you miss at home. We saw Taken recently (great movie!) and it was fun to listen to how the rest of the audience reacted to the movie. The gasps and groans were coming from more than us.

[jelgate]

Yes. Its rare for me to go to the movie theaters but when I do I can't help but notice that the movie theaters are quite less packed for when I was younger.

[Rac80]

Yes. Its rare for me to go to the movie theaters but when I do I can't help but notice that the movie theaters are quite less packed for when I was younger.

being notoriously stingy I only go to matinees or second-run theaters and around here those are usually quite full. (knows when jelgate says younger he is talking three or four years )

[knowles2]

Yes. Its rare for me to go to the movie theaters but when I do I can't help but notice that the movie theaters are quite less packed for when I was younger.

Same here, I think it because there so many more of them nowadays, in the UK a lot were built and bought with the intention of converting them into casinos as and when the government allowed it, unfortunately that plan went up in flames and so we are left with loads of cinemas which are often empty, with many hardly making any profits. But i am not complaining, with nice new cinemas and several of them have bars and clubs near them nowadays.

Also it brilliant when you get an entire cinema screen on your own like I did a few months ago.

[Krisz]

Same here, I think it because there so many more of them nowadays, in the UK a lot were built and bought with the intention of converting them into casinos as and when the government allowed it, unfortunately that plan went up in flames and so we are left with loads of cinemas which are often empty, with many hardly making any profits. But i am not complaining, with nice new cinemas and several of them have bars and clubs near them nowadays.

Also it brilliant when you get an entire cinema screen on your own like I did a few months ago.

They built a new cinema complex where I used to live in the UK. It had a bowling alley as well as the bars and night club. The bowling alley had to be closed as the cinema was right above it and you could hear the bowling balls clattering below! Daft planning! LOL! I remember the old cinemas with the 'Circle' and 'stalls' seating. I do miss the odd grandeur of the old cinemas and it was a sad day when my old local cinema was converted into a multi screen.

The last movie I'd seen in a cinema until I made the mistake of going to see Indiana Jones IV was Titanic! I thought that IJ IV was a movie that should be seen on a cinema screen, shame it was, well............!

Getting a cinema all to yourself is great! I used to go to my local one back in the UK where a friend was the projectionist. I got in for free and because I worked Saturdays I could go on my day off during the week, so outside school holidays the matinee performance was usually played to an almost empty theatre. It felt like I had my own personal screening on occasion. This was in the '80's when many cinemas were struggling and it was thought the dawning of the VHS video age was the death knell of the cinema.

Seems though the cinema going experience is something people still want and what you say Lady Rac is very true. The cinemas are still here and show that sharing that 'big' screen experience with others can never be replaced by the home theatre system.

I'm going to go to the cinema to see the new Trek movie.

[Alder]

I'm going to go to the cinema to see the new Trek movie.

I think I may do the same...I half want to see it, and I'm half scared to...

I need to check when it comes out over here. (Scotland.)

[Rac80]

I think I may do the same...I half want to see it, and I'm half scared to...

I need to check when it comes out over here. (Scotland.)

yep yep, we have that on our "must see list" along with the new harry potter. those are always better on a huge screen where you can see every little detail.

Have any thoughts on IMAX? we have seen a variety of IMAX shows...mostly nerdish science ones (the undersa, the mars rover, etc...) and we did see Superman Returns on IMAX. (our daughter talked us into that one.) I found it is great for the science shows, not so much for a regular movie. any thoughts?

[knowles2]

yep yep, we have that on our "must see list" along with the new harry potter. those are always better on a huge screen where you can see every little detail.

Have any thoughts on IMAX? we have seen a variety of IMAX shows...mostly nerdish science ones (the undersa, the mars rover, etc...) and we did see Superman Returns on IMAX. (our daughter talked us into that one.) I found it is great for the science shows, not so much for a regular movie. any thoughts?

Scifi and fantasy and action and horror films are the only kind that can really take advantage of IMAX technology, anything else is wasted. Even 3d is wasted on most other type of films.

[USS Defiant]

Have any thoughts on IMAX? we have seen a variety of IMAX shows...mostly nerdish science ones (the undersa, the mars rover, etc...) and we did see Superman Returns on IMAX. (our daughter talked us into that one.) I found it is great for the science shows, not so much for a regular movie. any thoughts?

Like yourself Lady Rac, I have only seen the occasional science/nature programming in IMAX. I know that the Sony Metreon here in San Fran is going to show the new Trek movie in IMAX whenever it debuts. - Brothers Fifth Race, Starbase and Weyoun from San Jose along with myself are all planning on seeing it opening night together.

[USS Defiant]

DS9 Season IV Episode Discussion
Episode #72 The Way of the Warrior: Part I & II

synopsis:

Spoiler:

The Way of the Warrior: Part I -- A fleet of Klingon ships is stationed around Deep Space Nine, and the Promenade is swarming with Klingons. However, the warriors aren't their usual antagonistic selves. General Martok, who leads the force, tells Sisko they have come to help the Federation fight the Dominion. Sisko finds this odd, since the Federation neither requested nor expected help. Garak and Odo then have a run-in with Drex, a young Klingon, who later attacks Garak for no apparent reason.

When a freighter is stopped by a Klingon Bird-of-Prey, Sisko confronts its commander, Kaybok. Under orders from the Klingon High Council to assist the Federation alliance, he insists the freighter must be inspected for Changelings. But Sisko, aboard the Defiant, forces him to let the vessel pass. Martok later has Kaybok killed for not carrying out his orders. Since Martok will not explain their motives, Sisko summons Lieutenant Commander Worf, formerly of the U.S.S. Enterprise, hoping the Klingon officer can determine their plans.

Worf starts a fight with Drex, Martok's son, in order to get the general's attention, but Martok won't reveal why the Klingons are on Deep Space Nine. Worf's allies are equally closed-mouthed, but he soon learns the truth from a Klingon officer indebted to his family. Realizing he is betraying his own people, Worf reluctantly informs Sisko that the Klingons are planning a massive invasion of Cardassia. Apparently, a coup on that world has left a civilian regime in power, one which the Klingons insist is backed by the Dominion. But, with no proof to support this belief, Martok is asked by Sisko to call off the invasion. However, the Klingon general instead leads his fleet on a course into Cardassian space.

The Federation orders Sisko to remain neutral until word is heard from the Klingon leader, Gowron, who Worf believes is using the Dominion takeover idea as an excuse to reclaim their race's warrior heritage. Garak is allowed to learn about the dire situation, after which he tips off Gul Dukat on their homeworld, allowing the Cardassians a chance to defend themselves. The Federation condemns the invasion, at which point the Klingon Empire withdraws from their peace treaty. Gowron then comes to Deep Space Nine and offers Worf the chance to redeem himself by joining his people in the assault on Cardassia.

The Way of the Warrior: Part II -- Torn between his duty and his people, Worf declines, prompting Gowron to excommunicate Worf's entire family. Worf then attempts to resign from Starfleet, but Sisko refuses to accept his resignation at this critical time. Sisko decides it's time to speak with Dukat, now part of the new government, and tells him that he will help escort the ruling council out of the war zone, even though, as Worf points out, he might actually be helping the Dominion. Sisko, Worf, Dax, and Bashir take the Defiant to a rendezvous point, where Dukat's ship is under heavy fire. The Defiant decloaks and prepares to attack the Klingons, ending two decades of peace.

While engaged in battle with the Klingon vessels, Sisko and his officers beam aboard the Cardassians, losing the Defiant's cloaking device in the process. They head back to the station with two Klingon ships in pursuit, while Bashir tests the blood of the council members to make sure they aren't Changelings. When they finally reach Deep Space Nine, several dozen Klingon ships arrive ready to attack.

Sisko prepares the station for the imminent onslaught. Martok demands for him to surrender the council members, but is told that the Cardassians are not Changelings. However, Gowron says that this doesn't matter because the Alpha Quadrant will be safer with Klingons in control of Cardassia. Sisko refuses his demands and warns Gowron that several weapons upgrades have been made to the station. Gowron dismisses the threat and the Klingons attack.

Deep Space Nine opens fire, inflicting heavy damage on the Klingon fleet, but Gowron doesn't give up, and Klingon boarding parties begin to overrun the station, fighting in Ops and on the Promenade. The attackers are contained, then several Starfleet ships appear on the scanners. Sisko points out to Gowron that splitting the Federation, the Klingons, and the Cardassians is probably just what the Dominion wants. Gowron sees the logic and opts to stand down, but tells Sisko that he will not forgive or forget what has happened. Afterward, Sisko convinces Worf to remain as his new Strategic Operations Officer. But Dax interrupts the celebration with some grim news. The Klingons are refusing to give up the Cardassian colonies they've seized, meaning they are there to stay.

The core of the episode's first half (The Way of the Warrior: Part I) deals with Worf's investigation of the matter. He is able to persuade one of his late father's old friends to tell him the truth, which puts Worf at the center of another loyalty dilemma. Klingon leader Gowron asks Worf to abandon Starfleet and join him in this mission. Worf refuses, which pits him against his own people, and informs Sisko of the Klingons' threatening intentions: They intend to invade Cardassia because they believe it has been infiltrated by the Founders.

The episode's second half delves into a series of action scenes and pyrotechnic numbers as Sisko must take the Defiant to meet Dukat and rescue Cardassian council members before the Klingons capture them. Then Gowron directly confronts DS9, threatening to attack the station unless Sisko agrees to surrender the council members. Sisko refuses, assuring Gowron that the Cardassians have not been taken over by the Dominion. Gowron does not care. He wants total control of the situation.

Behr and Wolfe's teleplay manages to work the character dynamics almost perfectly while simultaneously throwing us all this plot and action. The character core focuses on Worf, showing a man who has lost direction and purpose since the destruction of the Enterprise. He has even considered resigning from Starfleet, which echoes back to the beginning of the series, where Sisko's loss nearly caused him to toss away his career.

Worf's integration into the crew is plausible and brings up all sorts of interesting character possibilities. Obviously, he has similarities to Sisko and Dax and already knows O'Brien from the days on the Enterprise. But there's friction with Quark, who complains that Klingons make his customers uneasy. Odo also has some doubts about Worf's loyalties (and I thought that Odo's flinch of surprise when Worf tells him that he's read his security file was a very nice touch; it's details like that which makes this episode so professional).

Director James Conway's pacing is dead-on center, and the entire cast is terrific. The subplots, such as Sisko's intimate discussions with Kasidy Yates, and Kira's humorous attempts to "develop her imagination" make good background material.

Overall, "The Way of the Warrior" is a great installment. It has a fairly earth-shattering plot, exciting special effects and action, good character moments, and a smooth integration of Worf and the Klingon presence. Most importantly, this episode has the sense that it's genuinely continuing the DS9 story with these changes. I give it a 8.6 rating.

[Rac80]

Like yourself Lady Rac, I have only seen the occasional science/nature programming in IMAX. I know that the Sony Metreon here in San Fran is going to show the new Trek movie in IMAX whenever it debuts. - Brothers Fifth Race, Starbase and Weyoun from San Jose along with myself are all planning on seeing it opening night together.

IF we go opening weekend it will be to a mantinee...notoriously cheap here! you will have to tell us if IMAX is worth the $$$$.

[the Fifth Race]

IF we go opening weekend it will be to a mantinee...notoriously cheap here! you will ahve to tell us if IMAX is worth the $$$$.

I don't blame ya Lady Rac. If I had my druthers I would also prefer go see a middle of the week bargain (if you want to call it that) matinee, maybe a week after it's opening. There would be half the amount of people and I can go to a local theater instead of driving in to the city for the IMAX. All I know after being talked into this by brothers Starbase and USS Defiant - is it better be good!.

[the Fifth Race]

DS9 Season IV Episode Discussion
Episode #72 The Way of the Warrior: Part I & II

I really enjoyed re-watching The Way of the Warrior. I wouldn't call it DS9's best season opener, but it played more like a good scifi movie than it did an episode. I also found it refreshing to see two hours of show with very little technobabble. I laughed a lot, but I also yelled a lot, great stuff.

I love that this drama has two female commanders and two black male leaders who are neither cops nor drug dealers. DS9 had a knack for not pandering to the myth that most scifi fans are middle age white guy's like myself. - DS9 (like TOS before) deserves major kudo's for breaking down big pieces of the color barrier in scifi.

Quark had me in stitches, first explaining to Odo that everyone on his Ferengi ship thought he was a good critic, then hearing Odo read the note about how Rom had "borrowed" his disruptor, a beautiful scene for both, just this side of over-the-top. Ditto the scene with Dax and Worf in the holosuite: the transition from Klingon posturing to actual fighting - to Dax revealing that entire charade was ploy to pick Worf's brain - worked seamlessly. Bashir and Odo had that hilarious exchange about how Odo could become a subject for a Klingon opera, and Dukat as the subject of a Sisko-Dax bet offered some welcome comic relief.

The mixture of intrigue with the whole Federation/Klingon/Cardassian conflict coupled with the daunting shadow the Dominion cast over them all truly is DS9 at it's best. I give it a 8.3 rating.