Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
From LoveToKnow Sci-Fi
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, commonly abbreviated as DS9, is the third live-action Star Trek series. It ran from 1993 - 1999 with 176 episodes and set a number of Star Trek firsts, most notably being the first series to take place outside of a starship. Its unique approach to the Star Trek universe, deep storylines and complex characters won Deep Space Nine high praises from both fans of the series and first-time viewers alike.
A Different Trek
Deep Space Nine was the first Star Trek series that wasn't developed by Gene Roddenberry. The series began as production of Star Trek: The Next Generation was still underway. Creators Rick Berman and Michael Piller didn't want to have two Star Trek series galloping about the galaxy in different starships. The decision was made to set the new show aboard a space station and explore the lives of the station's inhabitants.
Even though Deep Space Nine doesn't take place aboard a starship, the show still boldly goes where no one has gone before. Exploring the complex interactions of alien races, delving into religious and political issues, and sharing more information about the Star Trek universe are all strong points of the Deep Space Nine series.
Deep Space Nine introduced a number of new races to the Star Trek universe and elaborated upon many of the traditional ones. Races from the original Star Trek such as the Romulans, Klingons and Vulcans have played roles of varying importance in the series. The Next Generation races such as the Cardassians and the Trill played a larger role in the DS9 universe. Shapeshifting Changelings, the Jem'Hadar and many other new species were introduced as key players in the Deep Space Nine story arc.
Background
The space station Deep Space Nine was once a Cardassian ore mining facility located near the Bajoran home world. When the Cardassian military occupation ended, the United Federation of Planets stepped in. Starfleet assumed joint control of the station along with the Bajoran people and moved it to monitor the nearby wormhole.
The Bajoran wormhole is a unique phenomenon where two distant points of the galaxy are connected by a sub-space tunnel. This wormhole, unlike nearly all others, is stable at both ends. It offers reliable travel from the Bajoran planet in the alpha quadrant to the unexplored gamma quadrant. Many unknown dangers and wonders await the crew of DS9, and the show never fails to explore those possibilities.
A Deep Story
As the seasons progress, more information about the gamma quadrant is learned. It's discovered that much of the gamma quadrant is under the control of the Founders, a race whose true identity is revealed later in the series. This race rules planets with the the Jem'Hadar, ruthless warriors under the Founders' control, and the Vorta, oily diplomats and slaves to the Founders. Because of the wormhole, the alpha quadrant is in danger of these fierce dictators. The Federation, Cardassia, the Klingons, Romulans and all races in the alpha quadrant must learn to reconcile their differences and make peace to unite against a common (and deadly) enemy.
Different, But Good
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine veered away from many Star Trek traditions in a way that Trek fans and sci-fi buffs both can enjoy. The deep understanding of the Trek universe combined with strong plots and engaging characters makes its exploration on a more personal level. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is one of the most thoroughly fulfilling Star Trek series to date.
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