by Jim Ross

Created on: August 07, 2008   Last Updated: October 23, 2008

I have just sat through 90 minutes of "What you leave Behind." It was the final two parts in Star Trek Deep Space 9 television series. It was the final I never got to see, and after doing so, I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

All the cast came together well, and it was a nice surprise to see Vic Fontaine (James Darren) in his club singing to the station crew near the end. Prior to that, it was orft to a good start as the first scene opened. Into battle, one for all, and all for one, as the Valiant USS Defiant sailed into battle, to free of all planets, Cardasia Prime - which was under seige by the Founders, Dominion, and Breen.

Although the show was entertaining, and Esri Dax, played by Nicole DeBoer was on hand, I still missed Jadzia - including her in the final episode would have been a nice touch!

But, fresh out of the Bajoran Insane Asylum, it had to include Mark Alaimo, as the evil Gul Dukat. In fact, it isn't until near the end of this final episode that the whole penny of the series drops. Avery Brooks is not just the station Commander Benjimen Cisco, or the Emisary, he is in fact everything good rolled-up-into-one. In a a sense, he is the avenging angel sent by the prophets to correct a wrong doing. As the flames of Bajoran hell and their evil power enter the reincarnated Dukat, it becomes clear, that all along, he has been the evil prophet of doom, cunningly encased in a wrinkly and boney cardasian body...

If you haven't seen this final, then you've missed a treat. The end scenes, where each main cast member has flash backs of earlier days, is wonderful, and it's even better to see how each actor, and actress, over the years, has aged, grown, and changed - to see it, as it occurs, makes it hard to believe, but there it is nontheless, and it's timeless!

In essence, Odo (Rene Auberjonois) returns to the great link in a tuxedo, his parting gift to Kira. Jake Cisco remains on the station with Cassidy Yates. Julian Bashir and Esri Dax become lovers, and also remain. Chief Miles Edward O'Brien, Keiko, and family, return to Earth, where Miles is offered a teaching post at the starfleet academy.

Quark and Morn remain buddies at the bar, scheming and drinking as ever. General Martok becomes Chancellor of the Klingon Empire, and Worf takes up the new post as Ambassador To Cronos. As for Kira, well, she becomes Colonel, and station commander.

Remember the title: "What You Leave Behind" and should it come your way, try and get to see it - it's a nicely done finale to a great series.

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