Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker than Death or Night (1998)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

When Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) receives some disturbing news from Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo), she travels back in time in order to seek out the truth surrounding her mother’s death. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night explores the dark side of Kira Nerys as the picture she once possessed of her mother, Kira Meru (Leslie Hope), will be altered forever. 

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night is Star Trek as I was introduced to it: philosophical, dialogue based, and deeply meaningful. While Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night is, in many ways, a standalone episode that doesn’t contribute much to the greater Star Trek: Deep Space Nine narrative, within the confines of the episode viewers are forced to face deeply philosophical moments that question the darkest and most harrowing corners of humanity. What would you do to save your family? Can you truly love someone that you’ve treated so poorly? Can you rightly judge someone simply because you disagree with their methods? We’re constantly asked to ponder these questions and more as Kira Nerys navigates her past from a unique perspective. 

Again, when I was initially introduced to Star Trek, watching Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, I fell in love with the fact that this universe wasn’t based on action, but rather dialogue–something far more grounded and accessible. I’m certain I didn’t expect that further ventures into the universe would cause me to question my own humanity, question whether or not my way of thinking was flawed. However, that’s exactly what Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night does. As I sat down to discuss this episode with an esteemed group of individuals on Star Trek: The Undiscovered Podcast, I found myself filling up with guilt–as my perspective was often wildly different from those that sat across from me. I knew that what they were saying was correct, but I know that I, too, presented valid points. The conversation further strengthened my appreciation for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night because it reminded me of the depth present within the episode–sparking necessary and intriguing conversations. 

It’s easy to understand why some viewers feel as if Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night lacks definitive closure. However, with this episode being so focused on the philosophical, I believe that it does an effective job of providing Kira Nerys with an episode-contained arc. While she initially presents as incredibly rigid, by the episode’s conclusion it certainly feels as if she’s developed the ability to see the world as more than black and white, appreciating the nuances of everything around her. This is her arc in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night, and it feels complete to me. 

In terms of production value, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night approaches most aspects other than the narrative with simplicity. The set design, score, and more remain minimalistic as a way to enhance the characters and allow them to shine. Juxtaposing the depth of the narrative with simplicity in every other facet of the episode was a wise decision made by Director Jonathan West. 

The thing that ultimately hinders the episode for me is the use of time travel. While it plays a pertinent role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night, it’s hard to fully understand how time travel works in this universe. How are there no ripple effects? How has nothing been altered? How doesn’t Kira Nerys remember such pivotal moments from her childhood? These questions ultimately go unanswered, and it seems that this is the one major oversight present within Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night’s narrative. 

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night quickly became one of my favorite Star Trek episodes, dealing in the philosophical and requiring viewers to think beyond the parameters of this cinematic universe. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night is truly brilliant, and I appreciated nearly every second of it. 

If you’d like to hear the full episode of Star Trek: The Undiscovered Podcast, where Greg Vorob, Jeff Howell, Ken Radner, Marc Seidenstein, Xan Sprouse, and I discuss Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night at length, click the following link:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/0oZBdVjuIJTTvha4oAD721?si=NPJCccSUS8SJU6sOCqcsyg

Directed by Jonathan West. 

Written by Ira Steven Behr & Hans Beimler. 

Starring Nana Visitor, Leslie Hope, Marc Alaimo, Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Michael Dorn, Terry Farrell, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, David Bowe, etc. 

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING