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Because That's What Heroes Do

Deep Space 9 – Episode 25: Penumbra and Beginning of the Final Arc

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. This season, they take a deep dive into their favorite episodes of Deep Space 9. In this exploration, Tom and Megan are joined by Star Trek maven Alex Murphy (Murphy) from Montreal, a local historian, cinema, and TV fan who loves weird foreign films, horror, and obscure media. He has been watching Trek since he was a tiny punk, and it’s been a lifelong love. In this episode, the team concludes an exploration of the introduction to a new character for DS9’s final season.

Today, they review the episode Penumbra and dissect the beginning of the final story arc in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. They elaborate on the writers’ excellent integration of various character storylines and delve into classic moments and Easter eggs. Key highlights include the Defiant docking sequence, Ezri Dax’s journey, and Quark’s humor. Significant discussions involve Worf and Ezri’s complicated relationship, the significance of the prophets’ messages to Sisko, and the portrayal of the Breen as formidable adversaries. The hosts also draw parallels between the spiritual dynamics in DS9 and real-world cultural structures, offering in-depth analysis and personal anecdotes. Whether you’re a serious Trekkie or new to DS9, this episode promises rich, thoughtful commentary and lively discussion.

Key highlights:

  • Easter Eggs and Nostalgia
  • Character Dynamics and Key Scenes
  • The Breen and Story Arcs
  • Final Thoughts and Reflections

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Deep Space 9: Ezri Dax, Part 2- Emotional Crossroads in Afterimage

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. In this season, they take a deep dive into their favorite episodes of Deep Space 9. In this exploration, Tom and Megan are joined by Star Trek maven, Alex Murphy, (Murphy) from Montreal, who is a local historian, cinema and tv fan with a love for weird foreign films, all things horror, and obscure media. He has been watching Trek since he was a tiny punk, and it’s been a lifelong love. In this episode, the team concludes an exploration to the introduction to a new character for DS9’s final season. Today they review the episode Afterimage.

Today’s pod continues to center around the introduction of Ezri Dax and her struggles on Deep Space Nine, especially with handling Worf’s grief and assisting Garak through his claustrophobia-induced panic attacks. Insights are offered on how these character arcs relate to psychological themes and the broader implications for roles in high-stress environments, paralleling issues in the corporate compliance field.

The explore Garak’s intertwined journey through trauma and betrayal. Significant character development is highlighted, particularly through Garak’s emotional breakdown and Worf’s internal struggle with grief and honor. The podcast combines analytical critique with deep affection for DS9, making it a rich and engaging listen for both sci-fi fans and corporate compliance professionals.

Key Highlights

  • Episode Analysis: ‘After Image’ – The Introduction of Ezri Dax
  • Character Breakdown: Garak’s Struggles and Ezri’s Journey
  • Worf’s Grief and the Impact on DS9 Crew
  • Final Thoughts and Reflections on ‘After Image’

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Deep Space 9 – Episode 22: Exploring the Mirror Universe

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. This season, they take a deep dive into their favorite episodes of Deep Space 9. In this exploration, Tom and Megan are joined by Star Trek maven Alex Murphy (Murphy) from Montreal, a local historian, cinema, and TV fan who loves weird foreign films, all things horror, and obscure media. He has been watching Trek since he was a tiny punk, and it’s been a lifelong love. In this episode, the team takes a break from the introduction of Ezri Dax to go to the Mirror Universe in The Emperor’s New Cloak.

In this episode, Murphy discusses a season seven highlight from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine focused on the Mirror Universe. The team delves into the alternate universe where familiar characters undergo striking reversals, creating a totalitarian landscape dominated by the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance. They discuss the nuances of characters like Quark, Rom, and Kira in this alternative setting and how this narrative arc adds to the complexity of the DS9 series. The episode also explores how this’ series within a series’ serves as a fun, albeit dark, side story that contrasts the overall heavier themes of the main storyline.

Key highlights:

  • Exploring the Mirror Universe in DS9
  • Character Dynamics in the Mirror Universe
  • Quark’s Morals and Loyalty
  • The Series Finale of the Alternate Universe

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Megan Dougherty

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Deep Space 9 – Episode 20: Morality and Madness in ‘In the Pale Moonlight’

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. This season, they take a deep dive into their favorite 15 episodes of Deep Space 9. In this exploration, Tom and Megan are joined by Star Trek maven Alex Murphy (Murphy) from Montreal, a local historian,  cinema, and TV fan who loves weird foreign films, all things horror, and obscure media. He has been watching Trek since he was a tiny punk, and it’s been a lifelong love. In this episode, the team reviews the episode In the Pale Moonlight, one of the gang’s all-time favorite episodes.

In this episode, we deeply dive into one of the most critically acclaimed episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, ‘In the Pale Moonlight.’ The discussion opens with a detailed analysis of the episode’s unique storytelling approach through flashbacks narrated by Captain Sisko. Sisko’s actions, aimed at bringing the Romulans into the Dominion War on the side of the Federation, are scrutinized for their moral and ethical implications. The conversation explores Sisko’s moral descent, weighing his decisions against the backdrop of a devastating war and comparing his strategic maneuvers to historical wartime alliances. Garak’s role in manipulating events is also highlighted, raising questions about his long-term plans and intentions. The episode concludes with reflections on the character arcs and the broader consequences of Sisko’s decisions.

Key highlights:

  • Sisko’s Moral Dilemma
  • The Plan Unfolds
  • The Romulan Deception
  • Consequences and Reflections
  • Fan Theories and Broader Implications
  • Final Thoughts and Rankings

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Deep Space 9 – Episode 19: Exploring ‘Far Beyond the Stars’ – Themes of Racism and Reality in DS9

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. This season, they take a deep dive into their favorite 15 episodes of Deep Space 9. In this exploration, Tom and Megan are joined by Star Trek maven Alex Murphy (Murphy) from Montreal, a local historian, cinema, and TV fan who loves weird foreign films, all things horror, and obscure media. He has been watching Trek since he was a tiny punk, and it’s been a lifelong love. The team reviews the Far Beyond the Stars of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one of Tom’s all-time favorite episodes.

In this episode, Captain Sisko finds himself experiencing life as a Black science fiction writer in 1950s Harlem. The narrative explores themes such as racism, the struggles of following one’s dreams versus societal expectations, and the nature of reality itself. Through a blend of science fiction and social commentary, the episode offers a unique lens into character reimaginations and their inherent traits drawn from DS9’s universe. The podcast delves into the contrasts and similarities of characters’ alternate personas, the social challenges of the 1950s, and the continuous, layered test presented to Sisko by the Prophets.

Key highlights:

  • Exploring the Story of Benjamin Sisko
  •  Themes of Racism and Society
  • Murphy’s Analysis of Character Personas
  • The Penance of Benny Russell
  • Sisko’s Eternal Test of Loyalty
  • Comparing Madness: Sisko vs. Dukat

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Megan Dougherty 

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Deep Space 9 – Episode 18: Waltz: A Deep Dark Dive into Madness

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. This season, they take a deep dive into their favorite 15 episodes of Deep Space 9. In this exploration, Tom and Megan are joined by Star Trek maven Alex Murphy (Murphy) from Montreal, a local historian,  cinema, and TV fan who loves weird foreign films, all things horror, and obscure media. He has been watching Trek since he was a tiny punk, and it’s been a lifelong love. In this episode, the team reviews the pivotal installment of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, focusing on the character of Dukat and his eerie evolution into madness.

Tom, Murphy, and Megan discuss the unique emphasis on a side character rather than a main one and explore the depths of Dukat’s malevolence revealed throughout the episode. The conversation touches on Dukat’s gradual unmasking, comparing his portrayal to historical and fictional exemplars of pure evil. This leads to a broader discussion on the symbolism and thematic parallels this episode shares with others in the series. Alongside examining Dukat’s psychological unraveling, the episode also looks at the evolving leadership dynamics on DS9, particularly Kira and Worf’s contrasting command styles amidst the grim backdrop of war. Through these analyses, they explore how this episode expertly balances intense character study with broader narrative implications, making it one of the most critically acclaimed of the series.

Key highlights:

  • The Importance of the Episode
  • Character Focus: Dukat
  • Dark Themes and Comparisons
  • Character Dynamics and Evolution

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Deep Space 9: Episode 17 – Sacrifice of Angels: Forging New Alliances with Bonds that Defy Time and Space

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. In this season, they take a deep dive into their favorite 15 episodes of Deep Space 9. Alex Murphy (Murphy), a Star Trek aficionado from Montreal, joins Tom and Megan in this exploration. He is a local historian, a cinema and TV enthusiast, and a lover of weird foreign films, all things horror, and obscure media. He has been a fan of Star Trek since he was a young punk, and his love for the show has endured throughout his life. In this episode, the team reviews the conclusion of Sacrifice of Angels, the two-part ending of the first phase of the Dominion War.

Character development is an essential component of storytelling that enriches narratives by allowing audiences to witness the evolution and transformation of characters over time. The DS9 episode “Sacrifice of Angels” vividly illustrates this through pivotal moments for characters such as Rom and Gul Dukat, among others. Megan reflects on Gul Dukat’s complex character arc, particularly his descent into madness following the loss of his daughter, and contrasts the cultural philosophies of the Dominion and Cardassians, noting Dukat’s more human, narcissistic evil. Tom highlights the importance of character growth, especially Rom’s development, and appreciates the narrative risks taken, such as the use of magical elements that deepen the storyline. Meanwhile, Murphy emphasizes the evolving relationship between Rom and Quark, describing Rom’s transformation from a naïve younger brother to a forward-thinking character while also appreciating the expansive universe that facilitates dynamic character interactions and growth.

Key highlights:

  • Character Developments and Emotional Impacts in DS9
  • Cultural Eradication vs. Diversity: Intergalactic Ideologies
  • Prophets’ Theoretical Interactions Enhance Show Dynamics
  • Sacrificial Choices in Moral Dilemmas
  • Gul Dukat’s Emotional Rollercoaster and Descent into Madness

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Because That’s What Heroes Do: Deep Space 9 – Episode 16: Favor the Bold: End of The Beginning

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. In this season, they take a deep dive into their favorite 15 episodes of Deep Space 9. In this exploration, Tom and Megan are joined by Star Trek maven Alex Murphy (Murphy) from Montreal, who is a local historian and cinema and tv fan with a love for weird foreign films, all things horror, and obscure media. He has been watching Trek since he was a tiny punk, and it’s been a lifelong love. In this episode, the team reviews the start of a two-part ending of the first phase of the Dominion war with Favor the Bold.

In this episode, the hosts delve into ‘Favor the Bold,’ the penultimate episode of the Siege Arc in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. They discuss pivotal moments and character developments as the Dominion tightens its grip on the station, forcing Sisko and his crew to adapt their strategies. Key character interactions include Kira under Dominion rule, Odo’s complex relationship with the female changeling, and the emotional growth of Rom and Quark. The episode also introduces new characters and sets the stage for the concluding chapter in ‘Sacrifice of Angels.’ The hosts explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral complexities faced by the characters, offering deeper insights into the larger narrative of DS9.

Key Highlights:

  • Key Characters and Plot Points
  • Character Dynamics and Relationships
  • Odo and the Female Founder
  • Dukat and Ziyal’s Relationship
  • Final Thoughts and Reflections

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Megan Dougherty

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Deep Space 9: Episode 15 – Trials and Tribble – ations: Homage, Innovation, and Time Travel Intrigue

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. In this season, they take a deep dive into their favorite 15 episodes of Deep Space 9. In this exploration, Tom and Megan are joined by Star Trek maven, Alex Murphy, (Murphy) from Montreal, who is a local historian, cinema and tv fan with a love for weird foreign films, all things horror, and obscure media. He has been watching Trek since he was a tiny punk, and it’s been a lifelong love. In this episode, the team reviews the DS9 tribute episode for Star Trek, the Original Series, Trials and Tribble-ations.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of ‘The Original Series,’ this episode masterfully blends nostalgic references with technical innovations. Our hosts walk you through the recreation of the TOS aesthetic using 60s lenses, the seamless integration of DS9 characters into classic scenes, and amusing character interactions, such as Dax’s enthusiasm for the time period and Worf’s Tribble troubles. We also delve into in-universe explanations for changing Klingon appearances and highlight various Easter eggs honoring TOS (and more), like the Mulder and Scully and Dax’s admiration for Spock. Amidst the nostalgia, we touch on significant plot mechanics, including the Orb of Time and its implications for the DS9 universe, reflecting on the political intrigue and alliances with the Federation. Through engaging anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, we celebrate the joyful craft and love that define this special episode while hinting at deeper topics in upcoming discussions.

Key Highlights:

  • Technical Marvels and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
  • The Story Behind the Episode’s Creation
  • Easter Eggs and Fun References
  • Megan’s Thoughts on the Temporal Police
  • The Klingon Appearance Mystery
  • The Orb of Time and Cardassians

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Megan Dougherty 

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Deep Space 9 – Episode 14: Bar Association: Workers of the World Unite

Get ready for an exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do. This season, they take a deep dive into their favorite 15 episodes of Deep Space 9. Alex Murphy (Murphy), a DS9 expert from Montreal and a fan of local history, cinema, and television who enjoys weird foreign films, horror, and obscure media, joins them in this exploration. He has been watching Trek since he was a tiny punk, and it’s been a lifelong love. In this episode, the discussion centers around what might appear to be a humorous episode of DS9, Bar Association. The gang finds several larger truths in this episode.

The gang appreciates the episode for exploring labor movements within the DS9 universe, drawing parallels to real-world historical events like the 1902 anthracite strike. They discuss the character developments, including Rom’s growth and the evolving relationship dynamics between Lita and Rom, contrasted with the cultural traits of Bajorans and Ferengis. The role of characters, including Cisco, O’Brien, and Bashir, in the episode’s narrative and their varying stances on unions are also examined. Both union history enthusiasts and DS9 fans find much to appreciate in the show’s portrayal of labor rights and its deeper insight into Ferengi culture.

Key Highlights and Themes:

  • Union Story in DS9
  • Ferengi Culture and Family Dynamics
  • Rom’s Growth and Future
  • Bashir’s Character Development
  • Ferengi’s Role in DS9

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Megan Dougherty

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