The Orb: A Star Trek Deep Space Nine Podcast
The Orb is a Trek.fm podcast dedicated entirely to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, hosted since 2013 by C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing. In January 2023, we begin a 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of DS9, one episode at a time, as we shift from our format of exploring the minutiae of the show to celebrating 30 years of the greatest chapter in the Star Trek franchise with an episode-by-episode examination.
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156: Welcome to the Hotel California
03/29/2024
156: Welcome to the Hotel California
“Battle Lines” 30th-anniversary reflections A joy ride to the Gamma Quadrant turns deadly for Kai Opaka. At least until she springs back to life. Along with Sisko, Kira, and Bashir, the spiritual leader of Bajor finds herself marooned on some sort of prison colony where it is impossible to die and warring factions fight in an endless cycle of conflict. Die once on this moon and, well, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. But for Kai Opaka, that’s okay, because she has found a new calling, a new charge from the Prophets. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss “Battle Lines,” how Opaka’s new calling changes not only her life but also Kira’s, why it was necessary to remove Opaka from her role on Bajor, what the story says about conflict, punishment, and redemption, and more. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Opaka’s Influence (00:03:07) A Necessary Transition (00:13:14) The Futility of Conflict (00:16:31) Fear Leads to Suffering (00:20:37) Reasonable Punishment (00:24:41) Ambiguous Redemption (00:28:41) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:32:39) Closing (00:37:38) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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155: Double Your Danger
03/10/2024
155: Double Your Danger
“Vortex” 30th-anniversary reflections When Miradorn twins arrive on the station and offer to sell a Tamagotchi to Quark, things get weird, and soon two become one. An alien named Croden enters and wants the item for himself. A firefight ensues, but glass Odo intervenes; only not in time. Odo’s subsequent investigation into the matter leads him down an unexpected path, one that reveals tantalizing clues to his origins. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss “Vortex,” revelations about Odo's people and how the story sets up the Dominion, meeting Morn, validating Vulcans, and why it's important to always keep an extra glass around. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Double Double Your Degra (00:03:17) Digging into Odo (00:06:27) Still Figuring It Out (00:10:46) Armin's Reservations (00:14:41) An Odo Story (00:20:46) Morn Is in the House! (00:23:05) And So Are Vulcans! (00:25:31) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:29:57) Closing (00:32:36) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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154: All About the Greed
07/16/2023
154: All About the Greed
“The Nagus” 30th-anniversary reflections Having heard that some of Quark’s holosuite programs are quite alluring, Grand Nagus Zek, leader of the Ferengi Alliance, pays an unexpected visit to the station. As he shares his plans for Ferengi business expansion into the Gamma Quadrant, he also reveals that it’s time to retire and pass the golden staff to the next Grand Nagus: Quark. Zek’s sudden death puts a target on Quark’s back as Zek’s son, Krax, teams up with Rom for a power grab. In the end, Zek returns from the dead at just the right moment to save Quark’s life and teach Krax a lesson. And Rom, who understands that a Ferengi should never allow family to stand in the way of opportunity, gets a promotion to assistant manager for policy and clientele as a reward for his treachery. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss “The Nagus,” the way in which the DS9 writers reset the Ferengi as tool for telling Star Trek stories at their best, the absurdity of the main story, and the important messages about fatherhood that drive the secondary plot. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Redeeming the Ferengi (00:03:11) DS9 Does the Best Comedy and Commentary (00:06:49) Culture Clash (00:09:12) Subtle Morality (00:14:05) Benjamin Sisko the Father (00:16:31) Zek the Father (00:26:32) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:32:42) Closing (00:34:29) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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153: Down the Wrong Warp Pipe
06/06/2023
153: Down the Wrong Warp Pipe
“Move Along Home” 30th-anniversary reflections First contact with a race from the Gamer Quadrant … uhm … Gamma Quadrant doesn't go quite as Sisko had hope when it turns out that they obsessed with, you guessed it, games. And also stick tapping. And tatoos. It's all enough to make you want to move along! Move along! In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we reach that monumental signpost of Season 1, “Move Along Home,” and discuss the Wadi, whether budget was really the problem, why the crew should have played more Legend of Zelda, and more. Shap 6! Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Sisko and Jake (00:03:30) Characterizations (00:06:59) Could Have Been Better (00:12:06) Original Higher Stakes (00:15:37) Blown Budget Matters? (00:21:27) Play More Legend of Zelda! (00:26:48) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:32:57) Closing (00:35:07) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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152: Dead Giveaways
03/23/2023
152: Dead Giveaways
“The Passenger” 30th-anniversary reflections Doctor Bashir’s arrogance is interrupted when the runabout Rio Grande receives a distress call from a Kobliad transport. They find a fire aboard the ship and two people in distress. They rescue one and fail to save the other, or so it seems. When they return to Deep Space 9 with the surviving Kobliad, a security officer named Ty Kajada, they find themselves caught up in a mystery as strange things begin happening aboard the station. Kajada believes the other passenger on her ship, the criminal scientist Rao Vantika, is still alive and responsible. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss “The Passenger,” how it works as a Bashir story, the introduction of Primmin, the Odo connection, the original concept, and more. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Obnoxious Arrogance (00:03:29) Dead Giveaways (00:08:36) The Original Concept (00:12:13) Primmin Proper (00:17:20) The Ending (00:30:15) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:34:23) Closing (00:37:29) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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151: Who Is What and What Is Where?!
03/17/2023
151: Who Is What and What Is Where?!
“Dax” 30th-anniversary reflections Aliens with an uncanny knowledge of the station and its systems attempt to abduct Jadzia and take her back to Klaestron IV to stand trial. Only it’s Dax they really want, and the crimes were committed 30 years earlier by Curzon. When her crewmates successfully stop the kidnappers from leaving Bajoran space, the accuser, Ilon Tandro, is forced to make his case for extradition. During the ensuing hearing, presided over by Bajoran grouchmaster Els Renora, Sisko must do what Jadzia refuses to do: fight for her life. In the end, he succeeds with the help of Odo, who discovers that the real killer was not Curzon, because at the time of the murder he was in bed with victim’s wife. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss, “Dax,” the complex matter of where the line between host and symbiont begins and ends, how the story helps build the mythos of the Trill, some potential inspiration from Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, and much more. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Two of One (00:03:10) Struggling to Integrate (00:13:29) Defending a Friend (00:18:38) Justice in Quark’s (00:25:25) Theme of the Traitor and the Hero (00:28:33) Flanagan and Itzin (00:34:23) Raktajino Debut (00:37:39) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:40:00) Closing (00:42:28) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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150: Like Oil and Water
03/08/2023
150: Like Oil and Water
“Q-Less” 30th-anniversary reflections The arrival of Vash, whom Dax found in the Gamma Quadrant, brings incredible profit potential to Quark, but great danger to the station. Tagging along with her is none other than Q, seemingly there to deliver his usual brand of havoc. He doesn't hit it off well with Sisko, and that might be why he is blamed for the mysterious graviton pulses that threaten to tear the station apart. Only it turns out that the danger comes not from Q but rather a baby alien being auctioned off by new business partners Quark and Vash—a realization that comes just in time. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss, “Q-Less,” the appearance of John de Lancie’s fan favorite on DS9, the original premise compared with what we got, why it does (and doesn’t) make sense, and how the story makes more sense if you shift how you look at it. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Original Premise (00:03:06) Vash and Quark: The Perfect Pairing? (00:08:31) She's Got Julian's Attention (00:10:07) A Deeper Purpose for Q? (00:12:42) Like Oil and Water (00:17:47) The Unethical Collector (00:24:52) A Logical Explanation (00:28:12) Welcome to Robert Hewitt Wolfe! (00:29:58) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:33:26) Closing (00:36:54) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing
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149: The Most Dangerous Game
02/23/2023
149: The Most Dangerous Game
“Captive Pursuit” 30th-anniversary reflections The arrival of an alien from the Gamma Quadrant puts Chief O’Brien at the center of first contact when Tosk, as the reptilian calls itself, requires ship repair. As the mystery of Tosk unfolds, and alien hunters arrive seeking to take O’Brien’s new friend back to be publicly humiliated, the chief finds himself questioning the Starfleet rule of non-interference. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss, “Captive Pursuit,” the first visit by an alien from the Gamma Quadrant, Sisko’s different approach to leadership, O’Brien’s awakening, and how the story challenges the idea of IDIC and Starfleet’s rule of non-interference. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) First Visitor from the Gamma Quadrant (00:03:13) Tosk and the Jem’Hadar: Common Origins? (00:07:03) Wild West Town (00:10:16) Challenging IDIC (00:18:17) Rules of the Game (00:27:03) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:38:58) Closing (00:41:17) Host C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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148: Miles and Miles of Sass
02/15/2023
148: Miles and Miles of Sass
“Babel” 30th-anniversary reflections When lazy Chief O'Brien gets a hankering for a cup of coffee and triggers a booby trap left behind from the Cardassian Occupation, the crew and residents of Deep Space 9 begin losing their ability to make sense one by one. As aphasia sweeps the station, Kira must find a Bajoran scientists who may hold the key to an antidote and saving everyone before cross barrels, all job appalled, bread … the arrive … seen earlier! In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss, “Babel,” how the story long kicked around for The Next Generation found a home on DS9, how it sets the series apart from its predecessor, and how it tests the limits of the Star Trek formula. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) A Lingering Premise (00:02:57) A (Not So Well) Thought-Out Plan? (00:06:25) Testing the Limits (00:10:17) Depicting Aphasia (00:14:44) Developing Dax (00:18:54) Finding Quark (00:25:19) Life on the Station (00:29:47) The First Black Captain (00:32:55) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:39:32) Closing (00:42:36) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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147: Questioning the Foundation
02/08/2023
147: Questioning the Foundation
“A Man Alone” 30th-anniversary reflections When a man is murdered aboard the station, Odo becomes the prime suspect. Kira is certain he couldn't have done it, but Sisko is not so sure. Odo sees that he is being framed, but convinving his new crewmates and unraveling the mystery won't be easy. The only more difficult task might be Julian getting Dax to go out to dinner with him. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss, “A Man Alone,” how the story subverts expectations and charts new paths for Star Trek, the attempt to avoid serialization, and the choice to reverse the airing of the episode with “Past Prologue.” Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Julian and Jadzia (00:02:51) Alien Perspectives (00:08:19) Digging into Characters (00:12:37) Different Views of Justice (00:20:02) Subverting Expectations (00:26:19) Narrative Hat Trick (00:31:34) A TNG Mystery? (00:37:53) Keiko Starts School (00:40:54) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:46:16) Closing (00:49:26) Host C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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146: It’s Not Easy to Let Go
01/31/2023
146: It’s Not Easy to Let Go
“Past Prologue” 30th-anniversary reflections As the Federation begins to settle into its presence aboard the former Cardassian station, now dubbed Deep Space Nine, the arrival of a former Bajoran freedom fighter named Tahna Los puts Major Kira in the uncomfortable situation of protecting an old friend and supporting the new alliance between Bajor and the Federation. When she learns that Tahna has not given up his terrorist ways, she must choose between her past and future. Either way, she says, she must betray someone. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss, “Past Prologue,” the introduction of Garak, ties to TNG, and how the story showers viewers with character development. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Meeting Garak (00:03:06) The Struggle Continues (00:13:51) We Have to Evolve (00:22:25) The Nuance of Resistance (00:26:48) Kira, Sisko, and the Federation (00:29:37) Lursa and B’Etor (00:34:09) THERE'S Your Vaughn Armstrong! (00:40:38) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:42:33) Closing (00:44:46) Host C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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145: Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of
01/26/2023
145: Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of
“Emissary” 30th-anniversary reflections Commence station log. When Deep Space Nine premiered on January 3, 1993, it marked an unprecedented moment for Star Trek. Not only did Gene Roddenberry capture lightning in a bottle twice, the success of The Next Generation led to a second spinoff of the 1960s classic. But simply putting another crew on another starship to boldly go where no one had gone before wasn’t going to cut it this time. After all, the Enterprise was still busy doing just that. Instead, creators Rick Berman and Michael Piller took the original premise of Star Trek to heart and delivered the Wild West theme on which Roddenberry pitched the adventures of Kirk and Spock. The concept provided the foundation for an incredible exploration of the human condition and stories that have stood the test of time, continuing to teach, warn, and engage three decades later. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing shift from our format of exploring the minutiae of DS9 to begin a 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we begin with the pilot, “Emissary,” as we discuss how it establishes the story and tone of DS9 and sets the series apart from TNG. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Commence Station Log (00:00:53) Memories of First DS9 Viewing (00:05:42) Connections Matter (00:09:14) Consequences Also Matter (00:13:00) Finding Identity (00:17:53) Standing the Test of Time (00:31:29) And Now for Something Completely Different (00:34:21) Conflict is Okay (00:39:48) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:49:15) Closing (00:51:53) Host C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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144: How Gullible Is the Federation?
01/14/2023
144: How Gullible Is the Federation?
Dominion Breadcrumbs, Part 2. While Deep Space Nine may be best known for the Dominion War, getting to that storyline was a gradual process for the writers. After the Gamma Quadrant’s imperial force was finally revealed at the end of Season 2, there were still a lot of mysteries to unshroud as Season 3 began with “The Search.” In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing conclude their Hansel and Gretel-style journey following the breadcrumbs sprinkled by the writers as they set up the story that would come to define one of Star Trek’s most complex chapters. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Meeting the Jem'Hadar (00:02:33) Shaping the Vorta (00:05:26) Cold, Calculating, and Frightening (00:12:41) Don't Do Deals with the Dominion (00:19:31) Prepped by the Borg (00:23:07) The Full Reveal (00:28:38) Final Thoughts (00:38:26) Closing (00:42:22) Host C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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143: Finding It As They Go
11/10/2022
143: Finding It As They Go
Dominion Breadcrumbs, Part 1. While Deep Space Nine may be best known for the Dominion War, getting to that story line was a gradual process for the writers. Before its full-on introduction in the Season 2 finale “The Jem’Hadar” and the Season 3 premiere “The Search,” the Gamma Quadrant’s empirical force was hinted at throughout Season 2. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing follow the breadcrumbs sprinkled by the writers as they set up the story that would come to define one of Star Trek’s most complex stories. Host C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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142: In Awe of the Pylons
10/18/2022
142: In Awe of the Pylons
“Hear All, Trust Nothing“ It’s been more than 23 years since we watched Kira Nerys and Jake Sisko stare out of the window at the wormhole, wondering when Benajmin Sisko would come back. And while the Emissary has yet to return, our beloved station has—in animated form—thanks to Star Trek: Lower Decks. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing share how they felt seeing station Deep Space Nine once again and discuss how this humorous installment in the Star Trek franchise successfully captures the feel of the richest and most serious series while also delivering plenty of laughs. Host C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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141: What She Left Behind
10/03/2022
141: What She Left Behind
Remembering Louise Fletcher Few characters in Star Trek elicit such a visceral reaction from fans than Winn Adami. Introduced as a Vedek, she was later chosen as kai—the first elected after the end of the Cardassian Occupation. In that role, rather than working in harmony with the Prophets, she actively worked against their chosen emissary. It is perhaps this friction that made her a fan favorite to hate, but the real reason might lay beyond the story, in the portrayal by actress Louise Fletcher. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing remember Fletcher, who passed away on September 23 at the age of 88. We reflect on how she brought Kai Winn to life, how her skill as an actor led the DS9 story in a different direction than first planned, and why Fletcher’s Winn triggers self-reflection in so many of us. Host C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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140: Gul Facade
08/23/2022
140: Gul Facade
Dukat’s “Civil Defense” As central as Dukat was to the overall Deep Space Nine story, he didn't appear so often in the early season. The third-season episode “Civil Defense” marked only his eight appearance—and the first of the season—and the writers took the opportunity to bring his character into focus. With a more sinister, in-it-only-for-me tone, the former commander of Terok Nor went from rather everday bad guy to serious villain—and one that would take his place among Star Trek’s greatest. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing take a closer look at Gul Dukat within the context of “Civil Defense” as they discuss the character’s selfish nature, desire for adoration, hatred of Garak, and lust for anything that puts him on the pedestal. Find out why we feel this is perhaps the most important foundational episode for Dukat. You have two minutes to start listening before we release the hounds! Host C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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139: Swept Up in Revolution
08/07/2022
139: Swept Up in Revolution
Michael Eddington At the start of Deep Space Nine’s third season, more than a new ship arrived. A new character also joined the crew, one who was meant to serve as a foil of sorts for Odo and as a fill-in for O’Brien when Colm Meaney was away on a film projects. With the Dominion stirring fear, and concern growing over Odo’s approach to security, Starfleet sent one of its best to the station to ensure that the Federation maintained full control over its own interests. But things didn’t quite play out as the admirals—or the writers—had planned. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing take a closer look at Michael Eddington as they discuss the character from conception to conclusion. Did he serve his initial purpose? Why did he join the Maquis? Why such a beef with Sisko? Join us for a deep dive into the mind of Michael Eddington as he casts himself as the hero of his own story, based on his favorite book, Les Misérables. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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138: Boxes of Memorabilia
05/15/2022
138: Boxes of Memorabilia
Top 10 DS9 episodes Deep Space Nine is best known for the Dominion War but, over the course of seven seasons, the series delivered a wide variety of story arcs, rich character development, and standalone episodes. Which are the best? Some gems are well known fan favorites, while others get lost in the complex tapestry of DS9. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing tackle this question to which answers are very subjective. Their Top 10 lists were independently created and not shared before the discussion. How many choices will overlap? Will their top pick be the same? And how did Matthew develop his unique way of showing love for his favorite episodes? Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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137: A Disturbance in the Link
04/28/2022
137: A Disturbance in the Link
“The Search, Part II“ When it comes to that moment when Deep Space Nine shifted in tone and became the more complex series that set it apart from the rest of Star Trek, fans most often point to “The Way of the Warrior” and the start of Season 4. But it was actually the arrival of a cloaked starship named Defiant—Sisko’s little surprise for the Dominion—to kick off Season 3 that signaled a change which would send ripples through DS9’s storytelling. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing conclude our two-part exploration of “The Search” with a focus on the second half. We discuss the introduction of the Great Link, the quiet threat of the Dominion, the slowly unfolding absurdity of the Founders’ simulation, and the importance of this episode to Odo’s character development over the course of the series. We also ask whether this two-parter is the best episode of DS9. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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136: Shift in Tone
04/14/2022
136: Shift in Tone
“The Search, Part I“ When it comes to that moment when Deep Space Nine shifted in tone and became the more complex series that set it apart from the rest of Star Trek, fans most often point to “The Way of the Warrior” and the start of Season 4. But it was actually the arrival of a cloaked starship named Defiant—Sisko’s little surprise for the Dominion—to kick off Season 3 that signaled a change which would send ripples through DS9’s storytelling. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing start our two-part exploration of “The Search” with a focus on the first half. We discuss the introduction of the Defiant, Michael Eddington, the growing feeling of family, and Odo’s search for identity. We also explore cloaking technology and the Federation, Sub-Commander T’Rul’s apparent expertise in the state of the Defiant’s engines, and the practicality of hairstyles. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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135: Listening for Personal Gain
04/02/2022
135: Listening for Personal Gain
Martus Mazur and El-Aurians. They're known as listeners, but not all El-Aurians are as adept at doing so as Guinan, nor are their intentions as noble. We found this out in the second-season Deep Space Nine episode “Rivals," when a refugee from the El-Aurian system named Martus Mazur came aboard the station and caused all sorts of trouble for the crew. This visit also marked a first for Star Trek canon. Despite Guinan having appeared in 29 episodes of the The Next Generation, she was never named as being an El-Aurian. That happened in the film Generations, which premiered almost 11 months after “Rivals.” In this episode of The Orb, with Guinan having returned in Season 2 of Star Trek: Picard, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing revisit the only appearance of El-Aurians on DS9 and discuss how the original idea for the story would have connected to Guinan by making Martus her wayward son. We talk about how the story’s impact and plot changed when Whoopi Goldberg was unable to make an appearance, and explore the concept of El-Aurians in general, how the three we've spent time with (counting Tolian Soran) use their skills as listeners, and imagine how the species could be used for an epic, galaxy-ending threat in modern Star Trek. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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134: Coffee in the Afternoon
02/25/2022
134: Coffee in the Afternoon
“Armageddon Game” Following centuries of war, a race called the Kelleruns and another apparently named after Vulcans, the T'Lani, enlist the help of Doctor Bashir and Chief O'Brien to destroy their remaining stockpile of weapons. Of course the Starfleet officers are successful—how could they not be with Bashir's genetically enhanced mind and Miles's everyman know-how—but things turn dark when the two former enemies team up to kill everyone with any knowledge of how the weapons worked, including Miles and Jules. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Armageddon Game” and how it lays the foundation for the strong friendship between Miles and Julian that has been brewing for a while. We also talk about the realism of the O'Brien's marriage, the original concept for the episode, the danger of eliminating knowledge, and the need to verify facts before jumping to conclusions in a world where media can easily be manipulated to show something that didn't really happen. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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133: We All Put Our Faith in Something
02/11/2022
133: We All Put Our Faith in Something
The Emissary’s prophecies. In “The Reckoning,” Doctor Bashir said that if you look hard enough, you'll find a Bajoran prophecy for just about anything. The Ancient Texts, he feels, are a tangle of vague contradictions. But that's not everyone's view—certainly not if you are Major Kira or Kai Winn. The list of believers extended to include Captain Sisko in “Rapture,” when his discovery of the lost city of B'hala solidified his acceptance of his connection to the Prophets. The visions that led to the find also ended Bajor's impending entry into the Federation and almost cost Sisko his life. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss the events of “Rapture” as we explore the role of faith and spirituality in Deep Space Nine, Roddenberry's vision of the future and how religion has been portrayed throughout Star Trek, as well as how the story of Bajor, the Federation, and Sisko's journey balances the natural and supernatural to allow people with diverse backgrounds and beliefs to work together. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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132: The Longevity of Memories
01/26/2022
132: The Longevity of Memories
“Blood Oath” and Trill obligations. A struggle with past lives is something all Trill must face. How much a joined Trill owes to past hosts is an ongoing question that is addressed from time to time in Deep Space Nine. In the second-season episode “Blood Oath,” Dax comes face to face with three old friends—the Klingon warriors Kor, Koloth, and Kang—and feels an obligation to uphold a promise made 80 years earlier. Only the person who must carry out the actions is not Curzon but rather Jadzia, and this puts her at odds with Commander Sisko and her duty as a Starfleet officer. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing explore “Blood Oath” and what it says about how joined Trill cope with memories that span multiple lifetimes. Does a Trill have an obligation to uphold promises made by past hosts? How much of the choice falls on the current host and how much on the symbiont? We also discuss the choice to bring back three of Kirk’s most famous Klingon antagonists, as well as the original actors, and how DS9 pays homage to The Original Series. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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131: No Easy Answers
01/14/2022
131: No Easy Answers
The Way of the Warrior, Part 2. Following the revelation that the Founders had infiltrated the Alpha Quadrant, tensions are high and Starfleet is preparing for the worst. Those tensions rise when the Klingons arrive at Deep Space 9 on a mission—allegedly—to support their Federation allies. As trouble begins to brew, Sisko brings Worf to the station to help smooth things over and find out what is really going on. Once the Klingons’ plans to invade Cardassia are revealed, the relationship between the Federation and the Empire quickly deteriorates and the 80-year-old peace treaty is dissolved. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue their discussion of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s fourth season premiere. We conclude our examination with a look at the insidious nature of the Changeling threat, how situations allow those in power to find the perfect excuse to advance their own agendas, and the tough choices faced by Sisko and the Federation in the face of conflict between two past and present adversaries. We also talk about advancing the stories of Kira, O’Brien, and Bashir—and how DS9 offers rich character development amid bigger storylines—as well as Worf finding a new path for himself aboard the station. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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130: Perfect Storm of Wonderfulness
01/05/2022
130: Perfect Storm of Wonderfulness
The Way of the Warrior, Part 1. Following the revelation that the Founders had infiltrated the Alpha Quadrant, tensions are high and Starfleet is preparing for the worst. Those tensions rise when the Klingons arrive at Deep Space 9 on a mission—allegedly—to support their Federation allies. As trouble begins to brew, Sisko brings Worf to the station to help smooth things over and find out what is really going on. Once the Klingons’ plans to invade Cardassia are revealed, the relationship between the Federation and the Empire quickly deteriorates and the 80-year-old peace treaty is dissolved. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s fourth season premiere and what amount to a soft reboot of sorts—one that would propel DS9 to become what many consider the most complex and interesting installment in the franchise. We talk about the many changes that came with “The Way of the Warrior," including the addition of Worf, the subtraction of Sisko's hair, airlocking the Khitomer Accords, and the introduction of the character who would redefine Klingons: General Martok. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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129: Hitting the Pause Button
09/06/2021
129: Hitting the Pause Button
“The Sound of Her Voice” and the need for quiet episodes. Amid the fervor of the Dominion War, as the Deep Space Nine story was building toward a climactic bridge between Seasons 6 and 7, the writers took a moment to pause and reflect on the impact the conflict was having on our characters. “The Sound of Her Voice,” falling just before the death of Jadzia, Sisko’s departure from the station, and the Federation’s final push to turn the tide of the war, is often overlooked by fans. And yet it is one of the best examples of DS9’s powerful writing and an approach to storytelling that seems to be growing rarer in today’s TV climate. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing use “The Sound of Her Voice” as the basis for a discussion about why, to advance the narrative, it is sometimes necessary to hit the pause button and reflect, and why doing so is an effective way to punctuate the theme. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Advancing the Narrative, Quietly (00:05:28) It’s Written on Their Faces (00:13:06) Psychological Impact (00:16:46) Alternate Paths (00:20:06) Time Twist (00:22:13) Final Thoughts (00:32:20) Closing (00:35:32) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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128: Not Impossible, Just Highly Improbable
02/28/2021
128: Not Impossible, Just Highly Improbable
Rivals Commentary. One of the greatest friendships in Star Trek is that of Miles O’Brien and Julian Bashir. And it really started on a racquetball court. Space racquetball, of course. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing get together for a casual discussion about the second-season episode “Rivals” and the genesis of the bromance between Miles and Jules, as well as an attempt to out-con Quark. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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127: True IDIC and Finding Common Ground
02/06/2021
127: True IDIC and Finding Common Ground
Why DS9 endures. Almost three decades after it first aired, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine continues to be loved by its fans and welcomes first-time viewers every day. What is it about this series that was once cast into the shadows while its sister series basked in the limelight that connects so well with today’s audience? In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing get together for a casual discussion about the reasons they love DS9 and why they never tire of rewatching the series. Among the topics we touch on are how the setting challenges the residents of the station to embrace diversity and find common ground in a way that no other Star Trek series does, and why it all works because of the show’s focus on character over plot. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)
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