The first season of DS9 contains a patchwork of highly fantastical, almost silly, episodes as the spin-off series struggles to find its identity. “Move Along Home,” “Dramatis Personae,” and “If Wishes Were Horses” are just some examples of these whimsical tales.
While the premiere episode did well to introduce the premise and characters of the show, it was rather weak overall with limited action and a drawn-out first glimpse at the Prophets.
There are a few standout episodes in Season One. “Duet” and “In The Hands of the Prophets” are exceptional, with the latter introducing Winn and Bareil while setting a new direction for the show. “Captive Pursuit” and “Progress” are also above-average quality. We also see great introductions by the Grand Nagus and begin to explore Odo’s roots in “Vortex.” Ties with the Next Generation are common, with appearances from Captain Picard, the Duras sisters, Lwaxana Troi, Q, and Vash. Breaking Bad fans may also rejoice at witnessing Jonathan Banks guest star in “Battle Lines.”
Despite its weak introduction, Deep Space Nine’s first season does bode better than The Next Generation or Voyager’s introductory seasons as a whole.
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Starfleet assumes command of a remote outpost in the midst of major conflict following the end of a violent 50-year occupation.
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Kira’s loyalties are tested when a Bajoran fanatic works to rid Bajor of the Federation. Meanwhile, the Klingon Duras sisters visit DS9.
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Odo is accused of murder while the diverse station personnel struggle in their new surroundings.
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A fast-spreading illness causes an aphasia throughout the station.
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A hunted individual arrives on Deep Space Nine.
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Sisko is suspicious when Q and Vash arrive from the Gamma Quadrant.
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Jadzia is put on trial for a murder allegedly committed by the last Dax symbiont, Curzon.
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Bashir is host to the conscious of an alien criminal, who’s believed to be dead. Meanwhile, Odo is frustrated with a new Starfleet attaché.
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Several DS9 officers are forced to play a potentially deadly game.
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Grand Nagus Zek, the revered Ferengi leader, arrives at DS9 to pursue profitable opportunities in the Gamma Quadrant.
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Odo is torn when a mysterious thief suggests he knows about his origins.
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Sisko, Kira, Bashir, and Kai Opaka become stranded on a planet where its inhabitants are fighting an eternal battle.
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Miles is dismayed when Bajoran villagers believe his story telling can protect them from attack.
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When a stubborn Bajoran farmer refuses to give up his land, Kira is sent to negotiate.
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DS9 is overwhelmed when people’s imaginations become realty.
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Lwaxana Troi is one of several ambassadors to arrive in the midst of major station malfunctions.
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The station's personnel exhibit unusual behavior as Kira organizes a coup against Sisko.
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DS9 holds an alleged wanted war criminal from the Occupation.
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A murder plot unfolds when the two leading candidates for Kai arrive on DS9.
