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Because That's What Heroes Do

Because That’s What Heroes Do: Deep Space 9 – Episode 8 – The Abandoned

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, they are joined by DS9 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. Don’t miss out on the exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do!

Today we take a deep dive into Jem ‘Hadar in the episode from Season 3, The Abandoned.

In this episode, Megan, Murphy, and Tom delve into the DS9 episode ‘The Abandoned.’ The discussion focuses on Odo’s self-awareness and character development, the complex relationship between Jake and his father, Sisko, and the moral implications of Jem’Hadar’s existence.

They examine Odo’s internal conflict with his identity as a changeling and his feelings for Kira. The hosts reflect on whether the Jem’Hadar can be considered sentient beings and debate the ethical responsibilities of the Federation. Through these themes, the episode raises profound questions about sentience, free will, and personal growth.

Key Highlights and Themes:

  • Character Development: Odo and Sisko
  • Debating the Ethics of the Jem’Hadar
  • Jake’s Relationship and Sisko’s Parenting
  • What is a sentient being?
  • Odo and Kira: Unspoken Feelings
  • Final Thoughts and Reflections

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Because That's What Heroes Do

Because That’s What Heroes Do: Deep Space 9: Episode 7 – Blood Oath – Exploring Queerness, Vengeance, and Klingon Honor

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, they are joined by DS9 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. Don’t miss out on the exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do!

Today we take a deep dive into the Klingon culture and honor in the episode from Season 3, Blood Oath.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the DS9 episode ‘Blood Oath,’ highlighting its subtle but significant positive representation of queerness and transness, in honor of Pride Month.

Megan selected the episode for its portrayal of Jadzia Dax’s acceptance by her old Klingon friends, underscoring Star Trek’s long history of progressive storytelling. Tom and Murphy delve into various themes, including the homage to original series Klingon characters, the role of old warriors, justice versus vengeance in Klingon culture, and the complexity of Jadzia’s character evolution.

The conversation also touches on the controversial naming of the villain as ‘the albino’ and Sisko’s moral flexibility. The episode is appreciated for its depth, character development, and its pivotal role in the larger DS9 narrative.

Key Highlights and Themes:

  • The Significance of Blood Oath
  • Progessive Representation in Star Trek
  • Homage to TOS
  • The Role of Old Warriors
  • Jadzia Dax’s Evolution
  • Controversial Elements and Modern Sensibilities
  • Commander Sisko’s Moral Flexibility

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Megan Dougherty 

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Because That's What Heroes Do

Because That’s What Heroes Do: Deep Space 9 – Episode 6: The Siege

Get ready for an exciting new season of “Because That’s What Heroes Do.” This season, the hosts take a deep dive into their favorite 15 episodes of Deep Space 9, joined by DS9 maven Alex Murphy from Montreal. Murphy is a local historian and a fan of cinema and TV, 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. Don’t miss out on the exciting new season of “Because That’s What Heroes Do!”

We conclude our three-part look at the opening trilogy from Season 2 with Part 3 of the season opening trilogy, “The Siege.”

In episode three of the “The Siege” arc, Murphy, Megan, and Tom delve into the concluding installment of this three-part trilogy, exploring key elements and significance to the series. Despite being considered the weakest of the three, this ‘shoot ’em up’ episode serves as a pivotal finale, resolving subplots involving several characters. The discussion highlights thematic elements such as Kira’s internal conflict, Quark’s actions driven by greed, and the overarching impact on the series’ future direction. The hosts also dissect performances, character arcs, and how this trilogy sets the stage for the evolving complexity of Starfleet, Bajoran politics, and individual character growth in Deep Space 9.

Key Highlights and Themes:

  • Overview and Initial Thoughts
  • Kira’s Emotional Journey
  • Starfleet’s Role and Consequences
  • The Death of Li Nalas
  • Kira’s Growth and Sisko’s Remarks
  • Final Thoughts on the Trilogy

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Deep Space 9: Episode 5 – The Circle

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, they are joined by DS9 maven Alex Murphy from Montreal, a local historian and cinema and TV fan with a love for weird foreign films, all things horror, and obscure media. Murphy has been a devoted Trek fan since childhood, making this a lifelong passion.

Don’t miss out on the exciting new season of “Because That’s What Heroes Do!” We begin a three-part look at the opening trilogy from Season 2. In this episode, Part 2, “The Circle,” the hosts dive deep into the second episode of the three-part arc, exploring themes and character development in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”

They discuss Kira Nerys’ growth and her relationship with Vedek Bareil, contrasting views on Bajoran politics, and the implications of the Prime Directive. The episode also delves into the complexities of Bajoran religion and sects, key scenes with Sisko, and critiques of Admiral Chekote’s actions. The hosts provide an engaging analysis while referencing parallels to classic cinematic scenes.

Key Highlights and Themes:

  • Introduction and Episode Overview
  • Character Dynamics and Relationships
  • Exploring Bajoran Culture and Religion
  • Kira’s Personal Journey
  • Political Intrigue and Federation Involvement
  • Final Thoughts and Reflections

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Megan Dougherty 

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Deep Space 9 – Episode 4: Homecoming

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, they are joined by DS9 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. Don’t miss out on the exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do!

We begin a 2-part look at the opening trilogy from Season 2. In this episode, we review the episode Homecoming.

We discuss the compelling nature of these episodes, highlighting their significance in terms of world-building, character development, and their departure from traditional Star Trek storytelling. They emphasize the episodes’ exploration of complex themes such as PTSD, racism, and the moral grey areas faced by characters.

The conversation covers the intricacies of Bajoran politics, the allegiances within the crew, and the nuanced portrayal of various characters, particularly Kira Nerys and Quark. The episodes’ role in establishing DS9’s identity as a series that stands apart from other Star Trek series, with a darker tone and a focus on serialized storytelling, is also discussed.

They touch upon the broader implications for the DS9 universe, including the Federation’s relationship with Bajor and the character dynamics that enrich the narrative. Through their discussion, the hosts elucidate the episodes’ contribution to the overarching narrative of DS9 and the Star Trek universe.

Key Highlights and Themes:

  • Diving Into the Depths of DS9’s Unique Trilogy
  • Exploring the First Three-Part Episode in Star Trek History
  • Character Dynamics and World Building in DS9
  • The Complexities of Bajoran Politics and Federation Values
  • The Controversial Rescue of Lee Nollis and Its Implications
  • The Future of DS9

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Because That's What Heroes Do

Because That’s What Heroes Do: Deep Space 9 – Episode 2: Move Along Home

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, they are joined by DS9 maven Alex Murphy, who lives in Montreal, Quebec, where he’s been a cook, baker, and general kitchen grunt for twenty-some odd years. Off duty, he 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.

Don’t miss out on the exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do! We continue our exploration of DS9 with a review of the 9th show from the first season, Move Along Home.

Character development is a critical aspect that breathes life into the personas on the small screen, allowing audiences to form a deeper connection with the characters’ journeys and evolutions.

Megan, Tom, and Alex all share an appreciation for this intricate process, as seen in episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Dougherty, having a penchant for character-driven narratives, revels in the in-depth exploration of characters and relationships, attributing this richness to longer television series. Similarly, Fox emphasizes the significance of longer seasons for leisurely, character-centric episodes to fully convey growth and evolution. Murphy, on the other hand, finds delight in the subtle interactions and revelations of the characters, using these minute details to gauge their complexity and depth.

Their perspectives, although distinct, are shaped by their shared intrigue for the multifaceted nature of character development.

 

Highlights:

  • Character Development and Aesthetics in Deep Space Nine
  • Transformation and Growth in DS9
  • Assertive Constable Odo
  • Evolution of the Characters in several Star Trek Series
  • Evolution of Fatherhood in Star Trek Families

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Megan Dougherty

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Because That’s What Heroes Do: Deep Space 9 – Emissary

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, they are joined by DS9 maven Alex Murphy, who lives in Montreal, Quebec, where he’s been a cook, baker, and general kitchen grunt for twenty-some odd years. Off duty, he 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.

Don’t miss out on the exciting new season of Because That’s What Heroes Do! They begin their exploration of DS9 with a review of the series opening premier, Emissary.

The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine pilot episode, “Emissary,” serves as a compelling entry point into the series, featuring intricate relationships, spiritual themes, and a blend of science fiction and real-world elements.

Megan Dougherty, Tom Fox, and Murphy each offer their unique perspectives on the episode, based on their own experiences and backgrounds. Dougherty views the concept of the emissary as a fascinating blend of science fiction and spirituality, where she finds the reluctance of character Sisko to embrace his role as the emissary intriguing and ironical.

Fox, on the other hand, sees “Emissary” as a successful continuation of The Next Generation’s midseason, appreciating the focus on Sisko’s character development and the strategic transition from the previous series to Deep Space Nine.

Murphy shares Fox’s sentiment, recognizing the fluid storytelling and Sisko’s growth, along with the spiritual aspect and portrayal of the emissary.

Through their unique perspectives, Dougherty, Fox, and Murphy underscore the captivating complexity of Star Trek’s “Emissary.”

Highlights:

  • Deep Space Nine’s Emissary—the Pilot Episode
  • Catalytic Confrontation: Picard and Sisko’s Evolution
  • Prophetic Journey: Sisko’s Spiritual Awakening
  • Bajor’s Economic Boon: The Stable Wormhole
  • Cultural Contrasts Between Bajorans and Cardassians
  • Father-Son Relationship Development in DS9

 Resources:

Megan Dougherty 

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Tom 

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