Mini Review #67: Star Trek DS9 "Crossover" and "The Collaborator" (Patreon)

Two more fantastic episodes of DS9 as we get SO CLOSE to the finale of season 2 (next week)!!! Crossover was an amazing and incredibly enjoyable episode set in the bleak mirror universe as seen in a certain TOS episode that I reacted too. They even mention evil Kirk and evil Spock in this one which was so cool! I wasn't expecting the alternate universe to make another appearance but was so glad it did. Evil Kira was everything I ever wanted evil Kira to be, especially because I have been wanting to see an evil version of that character for a while, and the way she strutted around owning the station was such a treat to watch. Regular Kira and Bashir were a great duo in this episode as well and their conversation on the runabout at the start of the episode brought a lot of laughs and charm. Need to see these two characters together more. The set design, lighting, and camera work were all above par in this episode as well as DS9 was transformed into a horrid, dusty and dark labor camp full of sick and dying humans. It was honestly pretty terrifying at times and the way the ore camp especially was filmed made for a really uncanny and unsettling experience. Oh, also Odo explodes which was wild.

The Collaborator was another Kira centric episode, one that I was glad to see as I felt like Kira hasn't done much this season besides the very start (speaking of characters that were missing this season where is Nog??). I really enjoyed the whole Bariel conspiracy of him being a collaborator who betrayed the Bajoran rebels by giving away the location of their base to the Cardassians. Seeing Kira navigate through this investigation of the person she loves was very emotional at times and brought about some heartbreaking scenes. Of course, a real stand out is Vedek Winn, or should I say Kai Winn now. The way she speaks to everyone with a smile yet with words as sharp as knives is so much fun to watch. I both hate her and love her and I am excited to see what she does as Kai moving forward. Also, the ending of this and the twist made for a great reveal with implications to think about as to why choices were made. I really interesting episode overall and I can't wait for the finale next week!!!!