Deep Space Nine 3x8 "Meridian"

rating: *

the story: Dax falls in love with someone on a planet that usually exists in a different plane of existence.

what it's all about: For a season I've always found to be among (if not the) best ones in the history of the franchise, there had to be an episode that just wasn't anywhere near par.  That's not to say "Meridian" is bad, it just seems pointless compared to nearly everything else in the third season.

But on the other hand, more casual fans of Deep Space Nine, which is to say Star Trek fans in general, will probably enjoy it well enough.  It's not a bad romance episode, which happens way too often in the franchise, although Dax's decision to quit Starfleet abruptly to pursue a relationship with someone she just met...stretches credulity no matter how you view it.

But the idea is pretty cool, like the classic musical Brigadoon, which was of course its original inspiration. 

Other than that, the B-story is actually a rare misfire for Quark, involving a seedy patron who calls on him to create a holographic Kira so he can...Yeah, so the tone just seems wrong.  But it at least means Jeffrey Combs makes his Deep Space Nine debut, before appearing later in the recurring roles of Brunt and Weyoun, both of whom are much better characters.

That's about it for this one.

criteria analysis:

• franchise - A rare chance for casual Star Trek fans to tune in and not have to worry about anything else.
• series - Which also means Deep Space Nine fans can probably tune out.
• character - Not a particularly good spotlight for anyone.
• essential - Even poor Jeffrey Combs!

notable guest-stars:
Jeffrey Combs
Brett Cullen