"You can run if you want to, but you can't outrun death!"
Wait, I get a creepy Bashir-centered episode? Really? Wow. And it isn't even my birthday.
In case it wasn't already obvious, I loved this one. Absolutely loved it. It admittedly wasn't perfect, especially in terms of narrative pacing, but I was emotionally engaged throughout the entire thing. Those first moments of Bashir slowly walking through a deserted station were incredibly creepy and atmospheric. I had no idea what might have happened, and that was an awesome feeling.
Things did slow down a bit while we had to sit through an explanation of how he was in a coma and everyone was a facet of his personality. That was just one, giant exposition dump that could have been handled a lot better. But things picked up quickly again. That creepiness returned as we watched the Lethean slowly pick off everyone one by one.
I'm not sure why, but Kira's death in particular struck me. It was offscreen, but just seeing her sitting there, motionless, her face looking in the direction of the camera really made me sit up and take notice. It actually made this experience feel threatening, which is something that I sometimes have trouble with in Star Trek episodes.
But eventually, it morphed away from the creepy and the horror and into something that was quite sad. My heart broke for Bashir as he forced himself to keep going, especially after he broke a hip. His strength of will was inspiring, but it was still painful to watch that determination face set back after set back. And that was before the Lethean started picking away at all of Bashir's regrets, his insecurities. He aimed right for the core of who Bashir was and showed no mercy.
But this was also my favorite scene of the entire episode. Because yes, there were things that Bashir could have done differently in his life, but that isn't something to regret. He's proud of and loves the life that he's currently living, which is all that matters. Honestly, it's a very triumphant moment, and it's a message that is so important for people to realize. Don't live your life with one eye on your regrets and missed opportunities. Embrace the choices that you've made; they've led you here.
Random Thoughts
Bashir did get a little Yoda-ish at the end there with his tone and all the "Hmm?"s.
Have I mentioned that I love it when Garak and Bashir share scenes yet? Because I do.
It was really interesting to see who Bashir chose to represent different parts of himself. That's a topic that you could really delve deep into from an analysis standpoint.
The Lethean had some fantastic special effects makeup. It really moved with the actor and let him emote, especially during that confrontation on the bridge. Bashir's were pretty good too.
Quotes:
Quark: You know, we've just introduced a new lunch menu at the bar.
Bashir: Goodbye, Quark.
Garak: Don't mind him. He's turning thirty.
Kira: A paranoid, a hothead, a coward, and me? You'd think he'd pick some better company.
O'Brien: Mind if I come along?
Bashir: I thought you said I didn't have a chance.
O'Brien: Well, I'm hoping I was wrong.
Bashir: So am I.
O'Brien: But I doubt it.
I actually really loved this one.
An Honest Fangirl loves superheroes, science fiction, fantasy, and really bad horror movies.
Maybe it isn't common knowledge, but a whole lot of DS9 fans were into Bashir and Garak; there was a ton of slash fan fiction, some of which was written by online friends of mine.
ReplyDeleteThat’s so great! I didn’t know that. I need to read those asap!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Honest Fangirl. Any episode with a Garak and Bashir scene (or a Garak and Odo and Sisko scene too) is a winner for me.
You know, I'm not surprised. I thought that I was getting a shippy feel from them!
ReplyDelete