The saga of Gul Dukat enters a new chapter, as disaster strikes, in “Waltz”. Then, more disaster strikes in “Who Mourns for Morn?”, which is… well, let’s just say it’s an episode of television that exists.
Trekabout Episode 216: Waltz/Who Mourns for Morn?
Niner
-Wow. You guys outdid yourselves on this one. Really great analysis on Waltz and interesting examination on who the Cardassians are. Cardassians have always been shorthand for space nazis in the Star Trek community but to me there is a lot more going on there. That Nazi aspect is of course used very effectively in episodes like Duet but you are spot on in regards to the colonialism commentary.
The occupation of Bajor has some parallels with Britains occupation of India and several other countries in their Empire. The same could be said of Belgium and their treatment of the Congo for example or Spain and Portugal in South America. Empires were built on the cruel exploitation of the resources of these countries under the guise of bringing them religion/enlightenment. Thats how it was done. Sad, brutal and true. Still… what have the Romans ever done for us? Right?
How do we as a people who may belong to societies with a colonial past reckon with that past? Sadly I think its a something in general that is overlooked butcould have been a great storyline in Star Trek. Cardassians are my favourite alien race in Star Trek.
The love people have for Gul Dukat reminds me of those serial killers in prison who get love letters from lonely housewives. Sad about his turn away from three dimensional complex villain or frenemy into out and out bad guy. Its a lot less interesting.
Also Who Mourns for Mourn is fine. Meh.