Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Season 4 [DVD] [1995]

The Way of the Warrior Parts I & II is a great beginning to the season; good plotline, the reintroduction and (thankful) enhancement of Worf's character, and some bold and satisfying battle-scenes. Episodes along this political/beat-em-up line are nicely balanced with more introspective episodes such as The Visitor - a heart-wrenching vignette-esque episode which strengthens emotional ties and ensures Jake Sisko never becomes a Wesley Crusher. Equally, both these types are nicely padded with episodes such as Little Green Men and Our Man Bashir - nice signs that Trek still has a sense of the comic, not to mention the self-ironic.

I still have some reservations about Rejoined, which is a second stab by the writers to 'deal' with the 'problem' of homosexuality. In comparison to TNG's The Outcast, it is far more maturely conceived. The only thing I take issue with is the fact that it is yet another lesbian kiss which, despite Paramount's insistence, is both more acceptable and, potentially, quite titilating for the audience. Something tells me they won't ever have a male kiss... However, the episode is not strictly about homosexuality, and as an episode it is very fine.

Talking of Paramount, the DVD extras are what really let their side down. Considering the self-honed, dedicated abilities of fans to produce websites, magazines and so forth, you would think that the professionals with access to all the material would produce something astounding. What they have done is, sadly, what they always seem to do - produce low-budget humdrum of little interest that, at times, implied that they've never actually watched Trek, let alone taken any interest in it. And this isn't just a case of sad-trekker-thinks-he-knows-best: I doubt any of this would be of interest to a passing viewer. Apart from some of the stuff on Worf, and the really good interview with Leeta (Chase Masterson[?]), I'd rather they hadn't bothered.

General verdict: a fantastic renewal of a slightly problematic series, great for trekkers, trekkies and normal people alike - but only watch the extras if you're REALLY bored.

My favourite episode are (in no particular order):
- THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR (great double-length episode with plenty of action)
- THE VISITOR (the best episode of this season, if not the whole series, great acting from Tony Todd, Avery Brooks and Cirroc Lofton)
- INDISCRETION (any episode with Kira and Dukat is good)
- LITTLE GREEN MEN (the head-banging scene is hilarious)
- OUR MAN BASHIR (A brilliant, deliberately over-the-top episode with a great musical score. Watch out for Garak's comments!)
- CROSSFIRE (the second best episode of this season. René Auberjonois is brilliant in portraying a man torn between his duty and his feelings)
- RETURN TO GRACE (another great Kira/Dukat episode)
- SONS OF MOGH (a terrific episode with Tony Todd, this time as Worf's brother Kurn)
- RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (A courtroom drama. I love the way this was filmed, with the characters speaking directly into the camera)
- HARD TIME (extraordinary acting by Colm Meaney)
- SHATTERED MIRROR (another visit to the mirror-universe. The scenes with Garak and Worf are very funny)
- TO THE DEATH (introduces Weyoun, played by the great Jeffrey Combs)
- THE QUICKENING (Bashir is taken down a peg or two)
- BROKEN LINK (the ending makes you beg for more, more, more)

The special features are good, especially MICHAEL WESTMORE'S ALIENS. watch WORF''S CREW DOSSIER carefully and you will notice that Michael Dorn does not have the same build as Worf (in a behind the scenes clip you see him wearing padding on his chest, arms and back!).

If you are a DS9 fan you will already have bought this season. If you are not, buy it now and you will be amazed.