🖖Star Trek DS9 S01E10 Full Length Reaction

i remember when this episode came out- it's fine. the first season of Ds9 is still far better than the first season of TNG, but it;s definately one of my least faves

Castanea

There's a few cringeworthy episodes.

Paul Sophocleous

Just putting this here….though people want to complain about the episode A the reaction was great and B this video has more comments even gripey ones than most videos this week….

Harmony through Time

This episode is probably one of my least favorite ds9 episodes. It's a weird one and just kind of dull

Kevin Morris

Except for the pilot and “Duet,” S1 is forgettable. S2 has a handful of fair episodes. As with TNG, DS9 doesn’t start really moving until S3 when the _——— is introduced, whack markedly improves the show’s quality. That and the TNG writers joining the DS9 fold

Michael Tuffin

I must admit - watching the whole season to get ready for these reactions - and then watching again with reactions - these early episodes are not terrible. The writers, producers and cast are figuring it out. It’s growing pains!

Banes

Yeah, pretty much a throw away episode. First season was definitely spent trying to figure out what the show was going to be, old school episodic or dipping a toe into long form storytelling.

phillip giroux

Yeah, if they don’t tell you, the rules of the game and the game is the major issue of the episode that the characters are dealing with then that’s just lazy writing. They had to have been desperate for scripts. And I don’t know why DAX thought she out ranked both Keira and Sisko unless she was contributing the fact that she has lived all these lives maybe? I don’t know. I hate making excuses for science fiction. Lazy writing. From here we shall only go up.

Jeremy Vickers

It's not the worst, but from what I remember, Avery Brooks hated this episode, especially him having to sing that Allamaraine ditty.

Mark Chrisco

As time went on the producers let Avery Brooks bring more of himself into the role of Ben Sisko to exciting results.

Mark Chrisco

It's another first contact situation, with a strange culture. This one is games, it seems like that's all they care about. They showed us their favorite game, they said you have to learn it as you play it. My understanding of the game is that it has multiples levels increasing in difficulty and stakes until you reach home. At each level the player (Quark) roll dices to determine the challenge. If a "pawn" is eliminated, they are simply out of the game. I think the pawns aren't in a real place, when they scanned the ship, they said it looked like a transporter was constantly active. When Odo entered the bright room where the game took place in energy form, he was transported back to Quark's bar. The game master knew exactly what he did, he wasn't worried about it in term of security, just that they tried to cheat again. I like first contact with strange cultures, it's the best part of Star Trek IMO. And while this one is very strange, at least they aren't violent.

EmptyDice

Yeah, Jen, that's a comet in the opening credits. And don't worry about Bashir's acting, it gets a lot better as the series goes on. This was just a corny episode, and thankfully we can move on from it now. :)

Slate

Not sure it hit this level? It’s a weaker episode of a regarded series but there are true stinkers out there.

Ryan Fisher

Yea the doctor was not up to his best acting performance on this episode. He was also in the running to play Sisko before they cast him as the doc instead, great decision lol

Lee R.

Colm Meaney wasn't sure if he wanted to sign a long term deal for the series. That's why he's missing from several episodes in the first season. He wanted to focus on movie roles and the producers tried to appease him until he made up his mind.

Lee R.

This is widely considered one of the worst episodes of any Trek, ever. But on the bright side, there's nowhere to go but up!!

Adam

Well said. I feel like getting into season three and four the show branches out and really discovers what it is, but the early episodes are just as valid and many of them are of very high quality. Not your post at all, but sometimes the standard bullet points make it seem like two full seasons of Code of Honor. 😂😂😂

Ryan Fisher

So many dont understand this. It's a game of life. You learn the rules as you go, such is life. It's catching people when they aren't at their best which is exactly how you would act if trapped in a maze. It's also an exploration of what happens when different cultures are at odds with values, Just like the Tosk episode.

Zork

Congrats on surviving DS9's weirdest episode. There's only one episode in the whole series I like less than this one. I think you'll know it when you come to it, but it's not for a while. And as low points go, a couple like this over 7 seasons is actually a really strong performance IMO.

Phil Kelly

Star Trek series really do follow the same pattern… 1st Season - Meh 2nd Season - Picks up a bit 3rd Season On - Hits its stride

Matt Poppell

Well, I guess it wouldn’t be Trek without a random game with rules that are never explained (Damjat, 3D chess, that weird brainwash game from that episode of TNG with the discs and the 🌪️). Anyway, there’s always gonna be some meh episodes in a show with almost 180 of them, and I think we’re in that meh season 1 lull point for DS9, but the good news is that season 1 closes out very strongly IMO.

Paul Peavler

I assume you’re referring to the infamous Quark episode in a later season?

Paul Peavler

One more. :)

John M.

not the best episode . but I l always loved the begging quark part of this episode PLEASE !!! PLEASE!!!.PLEASE !!!

john reed

I am a big fan of Sisko. He is awesome. I like the character and the actor. As for this episode, I am not sure what to make of it. Agree that the game did seem to be gibberish without being explained. Silly and inconsequential might be a way to characterize this episode. I wasn't a fan of the doctor's acting this episode or the last. With all this said, I am excited about DS9. IMDb user average ratings for DS9 episodes you've reacted to so far. S1E01/E02 = 7.6 S1E03 = 7.1 S1E04 = 6.8 S1E05 = 7.0 S1E06 = 7.6 S1E07 = 6.7 S1E08 = 7.1 S1E09 = 6.4 S1E10 = 5.8

Clay F

ah, the infamous DS9 season 1 episode. luckily its the first an last cringeworthy episode in DS9. *in my opinion*

Alecco

So much negativity in here wtf you don't enjoy it Fine ! But seriously WTF . Jen makes every episode enjoyable imo I didn't mind this one at all , 10 episodes in its pretty clear the crew were always going to be fine . If you're British like myself and watch any challenge channel and watched the crystal maze we are used to games so can appreciate this for what it is . I believe they were allowed to just walk away at the end because it being first contact it's probably just their nature and perfectly normal to them and on first contact you don't wanna get off on the wrong foot . But anyways I enjoyed this one and Jen's commentary especially

Ian

This one is definitely on the weaker side of things (there's a couple that are arguably even worse), and I hate that the stupid little song will haunt me for the rest of my life. Still, in a show with 176 episodes total, there's bound to be some stinkers. And they are easily offset (by a LARGE margin) by the "best" episodes. Can't wait for you to get to those!

Alexis

The important thing about this episode really is when Jake goes to Odo instead of Starfleet and Odo gets to work and of course the Sisko and Jake moments, it does suffer without O’Brien

Harmony through Time

I sure hope you recognize next week’s guest star. You’ll be amazed. He’s so perfect for the role.

Thegonagle

The actor that plays the lead alien was also Dr Prescott the psychologist on Three's Company. He made Jack make elephant sounds and bark like a dog and there was a stuffed giraffe in the mix as well. It was hysterical.

Geoff S.

This always seemed to me like some leftover TNG script that no one liked. This is one of the examples of generic episodes early in the show before they started figuring out what the show was about.

Joe Concepts

I think early Sisko wasn't all there yet and was kind of boring. But he improves a whole lot as we go on.

Joe Concepts

Unfortunately, there are episodes that just aren't up to par in every TV series. This has been one of those times. Move along home and forget it. 🖖

Mr Mike

One of the weaker episodes. I never watch it when rewatching the shows. And I wish they had picked someone else to play Sisko. He just seams weak or maybe it's his voice or something. He just never seemed to fit to me. Now Jake really grows up on that show. He is a great actor.

Greg in east TN

Alamaraine!!

Christian Levesque

Me too. Not the best episode because there are some really great ones, but I enjoy it. I am surprised at all the hate it gets.

Dave Hampton

The actor that plays quark is apparently 5'6"

William Rosmer

This episode reminds me of Cube, a flick currently sitting at 37 votes on the Patron Movie Request chart.

Noremac

Glad you are starting to get to grips with the opening theme. You aren't meant to know the rules of the game, that's one of the things i like about it.

jon bolton

So far the Gamma Quadrant has revealed Sports Hunters and Gamers. It's almost like the GQ is decadent or something. And loves their purple lighting. I honestly wouldn't put this episode as the WORST of the series, but seems every season puts up at least a couple clunkers (consequence of Seasonal Episodic TV, I guess), and, yeah, this would be one of S1's. Just too much silent wandering about sets.

Sykonee

There was a show in the mid to late 80’s called Spenser: For Hire. Avery Brooks played this character called Hawk who got his own show called “A Man Called Hawk” he was bad ass! I loved this character that you did not want to wrong! I was so stoked when I found out he was gonna be the new captain. Then I saw this episode….. it was soul crushing. Thank God this show still has a lot of ass to kick itself.🥸

Jeremy Vickers

I don't mean to be That Guy, but Dax's rank is lieutenant. I recommend taking another look at Dax's pips. She only has two.

Jeff Seely

This is generally considered one of the worst episodes in the series. Personally, I don't mind it. I consider it forgettable fluff. I can understand the confusion about Dax. You probably just didn't hear everything she said. She said that IF she were a superior officer, she would court-martial both of them. Her rank is actually lieutenant, which places her two ranks beneath Commander Sisko. It's hard to place Major Kira's rank since she's a Bajoran officer; but since she's serving as Commander Sisko's first officer, I would say that she's equivalent to a lieutenant commander (Data's rank on TNG). I know it's a little frustrating that there were no consequences for kidnapping four senior officers and putting them through mental and emotional distress, but I imagine Sisko would have taken two factors into consideration: 1) Sisko and the others were never in any real danger. 2) Holding them accountable according to Federation or Bajoran laws could cause a diplomatic incident. Better to just let it go.

Jeff Seely

Yeah, we are all still perplexed by this one. When Sisko is skipping and singing along with them each time I see it I die inside. Seriously holy shit.

Jeremy Vickers

When I was watching this episode .. it felt a little jumanji-ish , like the writer saw the the 1995 Jumanji movie and pitched a Star Trek themed version of it but then when I googled- this episode came out 18 months before the 1st jumanji movie

Ciarra Jade

Agree with the critiques Jen raised. What bothers me most is that Sisko was in his PJs in bed and then was in uniform with a tricoder when they transported him. Curious.

Jeremy

I agree with you Kat. I've always liked this one. I love most of the fun episodes.

jon bolton

Halfway through the first season! Most people say that this is the worst episode in the whole series, and they may be right. Even this episode isn't terrible IMO. Just 'meh'. Season 1 is easily the weakest season in the series, but there are still a couple/few gems yet to come in this first season, and season 2 is when the show begins to find its footing. The prime of this show are seasons 3-7, with a lot of great stories and character moments throughout. Well worth the journey!

John Luck

The game is meant to be confusing to the participants and the viewers of the episode alike, but the point seems to be to get as many of the pieces as possible to the finish line, by whichever path the gambler chooses. Hence the continued urging to move along home. Or, to quote Sam Reich: "Our players have no idea what game it is they're about to play. The only way to learn is by playing. The only way to win is by learning. And the only way to begin is by beginning."

Lee

In space the birds have been assimilated. Now fathers tell their sons about the Borgs and the Bees.

Joshua M Freeman

There's some good episodes in the rest of this season, and even a Top 10 episode (for me). And also a few good universe building episodes. First seasons of DS9 is setting the stage for everything else to come.

Kristin D

It gets better x)

Banes

I know I'm in the minority, but I don't really mind this episode. 😆 It's not great by any means and definitely a bit silly, but it's some harmless bit of fun. (I have my personal hate episode, but that'll come much later.) I do like the idea of a culture completely centered around playing games.

Kat

Squeesher

Seasons 1 and 2 have some really strong moments. The show certainly turns into something, no question, but really strong stuff in every season.

Ryan Fisher

I’m sitting with my wife in my nine year old daughter’s room to keep her company while she falls asleep, and I whispered “Jen Murray made it to Move Along Home.” I wish I could share the video of my daughter spontaneously singing the Allamaraine song. She is not a Star Trek fan. I feel this episode is remembered for the cast feeling foolish at the singing and dancing, some great Quark moments, and Bashir vanishing early so he could head over to the TNG soundstage to film his Birthright scenes.

Ryan Fisher

Yes. Some good episodes in the first 2 seasons but season 3 and beyond is what DS9 is all about

Hok'Tar

Stick with it, you are only 9 episodes away from one of DS9's most emotional episodes. I promise you, once you get to Season 3, they get amazing.

Brandon Leffew

COMICBOOK GUY from the SImpsons...WORST EPISODE EVER!

Brett Whittaker

Wow up to episode 10 in what feels like no time at all 🖖 grabbing coffee and cake before watching this one on the best day of the week next Jen Sunday 🖖🔥 speaking of games can you imagine playing hide n seek with odo 😀

Ian

I've always felt this episode felt like a TOS episode.

William Rosmer