Star Trek: Deep Space Nine returns to the Mirror Universe in “Through the Looking Glass” as Mirror O’Brien kidnaps Commander Sisko in a last-ditch effort to free some Terrans. Later, in “Improbable Cause”, the Cardassians and the Romulans reveal a last-ditch effort to reshape the galactic political situation.
Trekabout Episode 180: Through the Looking Glass/Improbable Cause
Jenny
-I love the bit with the Tal Shiar spokeswoman who freely admits ‘yeah, we killed that Flaxian.’
Eric Brasure
-Ice. Cold.
Mindy
-“Improbable Cause” is one of my favorite episodes of all of DS9. I love it so so so so much. This two-part episode is what took me from a fan to someone who was obsessed with the show. If I can combine these episodes into one entry, it would easily make my Top 10 episodes of DS9 list.
Even alone, “Improbable Cause” might make the list. The plotting is absolutely brilliant. I love the combo of Odo and Garak. They are such an interesting couple of characters to pair up, considering their backgrounds. I love the Bashir and Garak scenes. I love that instead of Garak explaining Cardassian culture to Bashir, we have Bashir explaining human culture to Garak. Garak’s interpretations of Shakespeare and a fable in this episode work fantastically to show his alien perspective. I love watching Odo investigate. The cliffhanger is an amazing “Holy Shit!” moment.
“Improbable Cause”/”The Die is Cast” for me is where DS9 truly becomes DS9. “The Die is Cast” is very aptly named. Probably one of the most appropriate titles in all of Star Trek.
Eric Brasure
-I’m so excited that we’re finally getting to this point. It’s going to be a wild ride for the next year or so.