Again we have a multi-part episode without a number, but this is DS9 so that isn't a bad thing. In addition to having a story with lots of ethical questions, family disputes and character moments this introduces Ben's father Joseph and his restaurant in New Orleans. Seeing how stubborn Joseph is really puts Benjamin into some perspective. He is unbending when it comes to things he believes in, but more willing than his father to compromise on the things he sees as unimportant. This episode would have probably been even better if I didn't remember that the whole thing was a setup to get the President of earth to declare martial law. It doesn't ruin things certainly, but it makes Ben's efforts seem more counter productive than anything else.
We begin with the news that the wormhole has started opening and closing for no apparent reason. Then news comes that there has been a terrorist attack on a conference on Earth, the first such event in over a hundred years. There is a video recording of the attack and moments before the bomb went off a Changeling is seen transforming and escaping. Odo and Sisko have been summoned to Earth to help with the response. Things are tense on the station as they prepare to leave with Bashir and O'Brien expressing their desire to come back with Sisko and Odo to try and help. Sisko tells his father Joseph that they will be travelling to Earth and Joseph insists he and Jake be back to New Orleans for dinner every night they are on Earth.
They arrive on Earth and Sisko is named acting Chief of Starfleet Security on Earth. That night they make it to Josephs restaurant for dinner. He is happy to see them but not in the best shape. Ben quickly learn that Ben hasn't been taking his medication and is pretty upset about it. Nog shows up for dinner too since Joseph is apparently the only person on Earth with live tube grubs for Nog to enjoy. Ben meets with the President of Earth and sneaks Odo in to show how serious the threat is. They convince the president to order blood tests for all Starfleet personnel and their families along with phaser sweeps for Changelings. Odo trains with the security personnel on how to detect Changelings and force them to transform. In the process he discovers one of the Admirals in charge of the program is a Changeling. This time the real one isn't dead, but it was close. Ben is interrupted by an emergency call from Jake.
He rushes back to New Orleans, Joseph has been arrested for refusing his blood test. They have a fight over whether is is ethical to do it and Joseph ends up cutting himself and Ben quickly looks to see if his blood reverts to Changeling goo and then is upset with himself for checking. It upsets Jospeh so much he has a heart attack, but survives. Ben returns to Starfleet and just then power goes out across the planet. They assume sabotage and convince the president to let them declare martial law. Starfleet soldiers start beaming down all over the planet.
Review: A good episode, but one that suffers from not being a complete story. I do recall this arc having a good conclusion though, looking forward to tomorrow.
6 out of 10
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