2. 'Trials and Tribble-ations'
If “Emissary” supplies the emotional reflection, “Trials and Tribble-ations” brings the family reunion. Created as a tribute to Star Trek’s 30th anniversary, the episode sends the Defiant into the past, where Sisko’s crew must stop Arne Darvin from killing Captain Kirk during the events of “The Trouble with Tribbles.” The mission carries serious consequences, wrapped in the pleasure of watching DS9’s characters step into a beloved Original-Series adventure.
The anniversary premise could have overwhelmed the visiting characters. Instead, their reactions supply much of the fun. Bashir and O’Brien’s efforts to blend into an earlier Starfleet era turn a historic assignment into an awkward workplace excursion. Worf, meanwhile, faces questions about why the Klingons look different and makes it clear he won’t explain.
The resulting awkwardness gives the episode the feeling of a gathering where everyone has stumbled across old family photographs. Reactions range from delight to embarrassment. Naturally, certain relatives would prefer that nobody ask about the hairstyles.
Yet the affection extends beyond uniforms, familiar sets, and visual jokes. Sisko ultimately allows himself a small personal indulgence: meeting Kirk on the Enterprise and telling him that serving with him was an honor. Rather than delivering a grand speech about everything Kirk means to the future, Sisko expresses appreciation while he has the opportunity.
The exchange is the episode’s Thanksgiving moment. “Trials and Tribble-ations” celebrates the generations of Star Trek that came before DS9 while allowing its own crew to be capable officers and enthusiastic admirers at the same time.
And because no family gathering ends without somebody bringing something unexpected home, Odo returns with a tribble. Predictably, one becomes considerably more than one.
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