10 Best Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Episodes

[@serpent645]

I consider "It's Only a Paper Moon" where Nog is struggling with PTSD as one of the great episodes. As a Combat Veteran who has this syndrome, this episode was actually quite therapeutic for me. I imagine it may have helped other veterans as well. Still, this list is quite good!

[@Anduril74871]

Aron Eisenberg's performance as Nog soared in "It's Only a Paper Moon." It's one of my favorites as well.

[@edkwon]

Another excellent Ep and is in my person top 10 as well, agreed

[@edkwon]

@serpent64 Aron Eisenberg himself has said tons of vets have reached out thanking him for his performance and portrayal of PTSD

[@redsgrave2003]

@@edkwon Yeah, he teared up in the doc saying that. Powerful episode, great character, great actor. RIP.

[@ValerianMacMillan]

THAT was quality television.

[@Gangerworld]

That scene when the Defiant joins the Starfleet battle fleet still gives me chills. So well done. This show was best Trek, easlily.

[@DavidKnowles0]

That was the first time I realise just how big this war was going to be. This was no border skirmishes that the Federation and most of the alpha quadrant powers have fought over the last couple of centuries. This is a full scale war.

[@floydharper1216]

Yeah seeing that scene, I figured it was going to be an ass kicking the next episode....just not the ass kicking that was delivered

[@Stayls]

Yaaas that still gives me chills!

[@cgmoran91]

I remember like it was yesterday. I was out of my seat cheering. Then sad I had to wait for the next season.

[@bobsacamono4539]

DS9 has only gotten better with age. Far and away the best Star Trek series ever created.

[@jiaconis]

DEFINITELY!! DS-9 Is the GOAT of Star Trek!!!

[@maloperverso8118]

Better than The Next Generation!? 🤔

[@AndrasMihalyi]

Yes, it is

[@DaveMiller2]

@@maloperverso8118 Hell yes it's better.

[@SnakeVenom3000]

DS9 has so many great episodes that it’s hard to make a top 10. I’m just glad to see DS9 getting some well deserved love.

[@scaper8]

Honestly, you should just list the episodes that _weren't_ absolutely fantastic. It would be a far shorter list. _DS9_ is simply some of the best _Trek_ has to offer.

[@lanagievski1540]

There’s legit 3 or less skips in the whole series last I remember

[@justincider8892]

​@@lanagievski1540The episode where they play that stupid game is the worst in the series.

[@helenFX]

You could have easily done a top 30 and still left some of the most wonderful episodes out.

[@timmyg6815]

Top 140 if we are all honest

[@AprilGabrielle]

Where is the lie??

[@vernicesyers5021]

Agreed

[@munashegasha407]

Helen Fairgrieve what would your list be?

[@harcomou8395]

@@timmyg6815 😐 140? come on.. DS9 had boring and bad episodes just like TNG.

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

"In the Pale Moonlight" is the best episode of all the Trek series.

[@jcolon90]

100% agree

[@ChateauScholt]

Now, imagine having the episode beeing remade by Quentin Tarentino into a full movie ...

[@jcolon90]

Samuel L. Jackson as Ben sisko? Lmao

[@michaelblitz5311]

This is my favorite Sci-Fi episode in fact! I just started watching to make sure this was #1 and not ar-558

[@ZyferWarriorPrime]

I cannot disagree. Definitely my favorite episode. Ofcourse I am partial to the character of Garak so that helps. Basically the ends justify the means episode where a guy has to fight against his own morals.

[@samueltheprideofafrikarobi9319]

If I'm not mistaken, The Siege of AR-558 is also where Nog was critically injured and ended up loosing his leg. After which, the following Nog-centered episodes dealt with what it's like to live as a veteran amputee and PTSD. Deep Space Nine was ahead of its time and served to push the franchise and the fan base forward...even if it was kicking and screaming.

[@pab5019]

It was. "Paper Moon" should have been on this list.

[@RileyCastine]

Wow...finally someone calling out DS9 for the fantastic story arcs, writing and genuine characters of the show.

[@VuotoPneumaNN]

The real reason why The Way of The Warrior is great is the conversation between Garak and Quark at the bar.

[@MarioScott]

The federation analogy to root beer is great.

Just saw it again yesterday. Sheer brilliance :)

[@super1337bf3ordie]

the line i got off some cutting remarks there egos will be damaged for life

[@reggiebrown9508]

The conversation between Quark and Nog about humans in the Siege maybe the best conversation in Trek.

[@artygunnar]

Just like the Federation. You really think they can save us?

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

I don't think anyone's mentioned "Take Me Out to the Holosuite" yet, it's one of my personal favourites even if it's light, fluffy, and entirely inconsequential to the larger plot. I also love "Badda-Bing Badda-Bang", for its sheer style.

[@Jack101S]

vic fontaine and the "irrelevant" episodes that came with him are really good.

[@BigJeremyBeyer]

It is my favorite. "Did I forget to wear my spots today?"

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

@@BigJeremyBeyer "What do I do?!" "Find him and _kill_ him!"

[@marekbarycz4397]

@@BigJeremyBeyer Most heart warming thing in DS9 was that Julian finally found where those spots ends ....

[@shinerdrinker9249]

"Death to the opposition!"

[@robnorrisradio]

Two (highly) hono(u)rable mentions: "Waltz" (Season 6): SUMMARY - Captain Sisko is on board a starship transporting Gul Dukat to a starbase to await trial, and the ship comes under attack from the Jem'Hadar. Dukat manages to escape during the battle and get to an escape pod, taking Sisko with him. They land on a hostile planet, and what unfolds is how unstable Dukat has become. WHY IT'S GREAT - Marc Alaimo's Dukat is one of the greatest villians in all of television, and the chemistry he had with Avery Brooks really shines in this episode, which, like "Duet" before it, takes place almost entirely in one place, and between two people. It is here where we see Dukat, who had previously been rather enigmatic in his motives, truly reveal himself to be the evil man he really is. It is dark, tense, frightening, and very compelling, all at once. "It's Only a Paper Moon" (Season 7): SUMMARY - A recuperating Ensign Nog returns to DS9, and retreats to the Vic Fontaine holosuite program. WHY IT'S GREAT - In "The Siege of AR-558", Nog is severely wounded and loses his left leg. Though he's received a prosthetic and he's been cleared for duty, he still feels ill-prepared to face this new challenge. "AR-558" dealt with the horrors of war. This episode serves as its sequel, addressing the reality that is PTSD straight on, and Aron Eisenberg's performance is among his best work in the series.

[@AprilGabrielle]

I am in complete agreement with both of these. The list was great, but it would have been greater if these two were also included. They deserved to be there.

[@shepja87]

Two episodes that show how great the guest cast were on this show, they had their own episodes built around them :)

[@AyanaAquila]

Thank you. Amazing episode dealing with Dukat psychological break. The cat and mouse game they play is another example of the amazing writing and acting on the show.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@dhinton1]

Waltz is ALSO top 10 worthy, indeed ...... some GREAT acting by the two main rivals throughout DS9 .... Benjamin Sisko, and Gul Dukat.

[@HariSeldon913]

You aren't including "Our Man Bashir"? 🐱🐱🐱

[@deebee1946]

One of my favorite episodes was "The sound of her voice" It's a race to save an officer stranded alone and on an inhospitable planet. The final moments reveal a saddening twist. Watch it and you will understand.

[@AndDiracisHisProphet]

I agree. I love O'Briens speech. It is one of the fews line sof star trek which just pop randomly into my brain from time to time and i just think about them

[@the7percentsolution]

And what they say at the end of the episode is a huge hint at what happens in the very next episode. Sad times.

[@leeshwan903]

Yes!

[@julieeverett7442]

yes, that was a great story!

[@Between_Scylla_and_Kharybdis]

I was hoping someone mentioned this episode in the comments, it was brilliant

[@DeusMaradona]

What!? No "Hard Time" an episode were o'brien is literally contemplating suicide because of the guilt of killing his best friend. That was an amazing episode about the human mind and kind of insightful into the current prison system, where inmates come out more demented than when they went it.

[@jonathonwhitington402]

I kinda wish that one had been made later in the series' run. They didn't follow through with any of the long term effects of what happened to him and it feels like if they'd done it later, they might have felt more comfortable making the consequences last for multiple episodes.

[@stipe3124]

Miles always has to suffer and episodes with him suffering are actually amazing

[@Montague1428]

I don't remember that one, but I loved the early episode where O'Brien thought there was some kind of conspiracy involving everyone but him. Oh, and the one where he was on trial in Cardassia.

[@HaterMcFattyPants]

Can't believe it didn't make the 10 ten either. Absolutely phenomenal episode.

[@stipe3124]

First ever trial in which someone was set free 😅

[@callumashton2469]

I just watched 'the visitor' for the first time and it genuinely had me in tears at the end. Ben and Jake's father-son relationship is so beautiful in this episode. Honestly it was one of the best episodes I've seen so far.

[@johngallagher912]

My favorite is the one where Sisko and his son take a voyage in an ancient space sailing ship that Sisco built from archived plans. The two bond during the trip and in addition discover that the ancient ships were capable of light speed travel.

[@meganega123]

Yes, that's also my favourite episode. And the fireworks provided by the cardassians was such a nice touch considering the animosities

[@jacksonconley5117]

“The Explorers” from season 3.

[@mary-kittybonkers2374]

I enjoyed that episode. I love the tender relationship that Jake and his father has. It’s great when they approach Cardassian Space and they are treated with fireworks. As we British say…’In your face!’ …Cardassians.

[@dondee500k]

I love DS9! It was dark and gritty with more “realism” than other Star Trek shows.

[@jacksonheathen2092]

Yes. You're quite right. DS9 offered a darker vision of the federation.

[@alaric_]

I found Voyager to be dark and gritty also, lots of despair and detachment. DS9 however was different because situations and problems came to them, instead of adventuring Starfleet ship stumbling onto a new situation or problem. I really liked the permanence and focus of the station, idea of being a hub for myriad different aliens, lots of tragic stories and traveling personalities. Where in other ST series practically every person is starfleet with copious amounts of honor and duty which limits the stories alot.

[@kevinedie4119]

I just recently realised that KC Hunter (Kira's character in Far Beyond The Stars) was a Homage to DC Fontana another Woman who was unable to find Work under her true name because she was a Woman

[@redsgrave2003]

Everyone working there was based off of a real person, one of the reasons why I like it so much.

[@kevinedie4119]

@@redsgrave2003 I'd be interested to hear who the others are based on

[@redsgrave2003]

@@kevinedie4119 Benny is based on Samuel R. Delany, right down to Delaney's story "Nova," which Analog magazine rejected for having an African-American protagonist. Albert Macklin (O'Brien), the writer of robots who eventually sells a novel to Gnome Press, is essentially Isaac Asimov. Herbert Rossoff (Quark), with his rough demeanor and passionate leftist views is a complete dead ringer for Harlan Ellison. Jules Eaton (Bashir,) was based off of Henry Kuttner, who was one of H. P. Lovecraft's proteges. Douglas Pabst (Odo) is John W. Campbell, both at his best (a dedicated and influential writer and editor) and worst (eccentric, racist, sexist, and authoritarian). Campbell was the editor who rejected "Nova," and, through his effective monopoly, ensured there was almost nowhere else to go.

[@kevinedie4119]

@@redsgrave2003 Thank you that was appreciated

[@Keleigh3000]

@@redsgrave2003 I love the episode both for it's story, and it's tribute to the golden age sci-fi that I - and presumably the writers - grew up on.

[@cylontoaster7660]

DS9 has always been my favorite Trek. Great writing, TONS of compelling characters with growth, great acting. Pale Moonlight deserves the top spot I agree...the entire episode really grabs your attention and doesn't let go.

[@AltenbergerWiesel]

Would love to watch it again in HD. DS9 is awesome.

[@ethelwulfmountbattenderoth2286]

DS9 was extremely well written. Even secondary characters were so fleshed out that they had episodes based around them.

[@wickideazy]

DS9 has always been and will always be my favorite Trek series. The characters and their struggles are so relatable. Fun little factoid: a couple of years before his passing, Rene Auberjonois had a little Twitter thread going one day about DS9. I responded to this thread saying "Of all the Treks I have watched in my travels, DS9 was the most...human." He responded with a simple "Ha!" which I, of course, heard in Odo's voice. A silly little memory but one I hold dear.

[@MysteriousMiddleEast]

2020 Toxic Fandom: Star Trek should never be dark or too political. DS9: Hold my rootbeer.

[@hansteichmann]

Make sure you have prune juice for Worf!

[@DavidKnowles0]

The difference is the producers and writers on DS9 didn't boast that they did it just to antagonise the audience, such as the writers on Discovery and Picard have done. They focus on writing great stories and let those stories speak for themselves. So did TOS and STNG.

[@inorite4553]

DS9 used darker tones to delve into human behavior and the consequences that come from actions of those dark stories. DS9 had war, had losses of life but treated that with respect because they told the story of how these were all people not numbers and that the psychological effects of those deaths had weight to them. Discovery and Picard use dark tones to make the shot pretty but are too lazy to write about anything that comes after having to make those decisions. Picard has dudes offed right infront of him and only really says anything once. Discovery has the Federation almost losing the war and Earth a stones throw from being invaded but decides to just chase after some red lights.

[@emilyreich7548]

You should totally make a follow up list of the best FUN episodes of DS9: The Magnificent Ferengi, Take Me Out to the Holosuite, Badda Bing Badda Bang, to name a few. Considering how well known/loved DS9 is for its darker themes and excellent storytelling, it's sometimes easy to forget that there are a lot of extremely funny and just plain fun episodes as well!

[@philiponeill6903]

Excellent idea. I have to *checks over shoulder* admit to the guilty pleasure of *loving* the episode "One Little Ship." Absolutely silly and ridiculous, but a great homage to the fun-silly shows like "Land of the Giants" and "Lost in Space" from the same era as TOS.

[@emilyreich7548]

@@philiponeill6903 you should not feel guilty for loving One Little Ship, my friend. that episode is GREAT ❤️

[@SirZapdos]

I'm a big fan of Garak's two parters: Improbable Cause and The Die is Cast from season 3, and In Purgatory's Shadow and By Inferno's Light in season 5.

[@tucor]

Any Garak-heavy episode is going to be good.

[@timweir4502]

I was so sad to see that “The Die Is Cast” didn’t make this list. That episode essentially kicked off the entire Dominion war and ultimately show!

[@SapphWolf]

Bashir: How am I supposed to tell what was truth and what was lies? Garack: My dear doctor, it was all true. Bashir: Even the lies? Garack: Especially the lies. I love Garack and Bashir. I really wish the show runners would have let that relationship go somewhere.

[@timweir4502]

Aurora Echoes “Baby you ain’t kiddin’” (Kill Bill style)!

[@roisinben]

The Wire is pure perfection.

[@outsider238]

I recently went back and rewatched the entire series. I'd forgotten just how great that series was. It's very under appreciated.

[@cindystrachan8566]

Duet was always my favorite. I’ve always felt that making high school students watch it then discuss it would be a great way to open up communication channels about prejudices, war crimes and forgiveness. A very powerful episode that still moves me no matter how many times I watch it.

[@triandfit1]

Kira’s response to the Bajoran who killed Moritza when he said it was enough that he was a Cardassian, was the best part of the episode. It marked the beginning of the growth of the character that was unparalleled in the ST universe.

[@jonasgrumby4393]

DS 9 was the best of them all. Sisko is my favorite captain too. Great actor.

[@felipeciamponi7545]

I dare say that "In the pale moonlight" is not only the best episode of DS9... but probably one the best episodes (if not THE best) of Star Trek as a whole. The character development alone was enough make it stand out, but when you add the magnificient performances of Avery Brooks and Andrew Robinson, the extremely well-written scenes and dialogues, the dillemma presented to the audience... and you know what its worst? By the end of the episode, you tend to agree with Sisko... nevertheless, he commited (or condoned) what can be considered an assassination (or going even deeper, an act of terrorism) in the name of a greater good. This really makes you put things in perspective... if even a righteous federation captain like Sisko can be machiavellian if the situtation calls for it, that does make you wonder to what lenghts the likes of Picard or Kirk would've gone to protect the federation. I never watched another Trek episode (and I've watched them all) that made me stop and think about the ST universe and the consequences of the characters actions, their beliefs and the whole universe that they created in the same way as "In the pale moonlight" did.

[@Tim_Duran]

Best Star Trek Show in my humble opinion.

[@debrasedgwick4697]

It is my favorite too. Captain Sisko was the best captain. And wasn't he the only parent? To be a single parent and captain; to show how difficult it was, was awesome.

[@johnbochenek5526]

I have spent more time watching DS9 than all the other series combined. Someone really dropped the ball by not making a movie or two from DS9.

[@cartermariano]

@@johnbochenek5526 Funny I have never thought of that. Maybe it was for the best, DS9 was one of the few shows that was allowed to die gracefully, overextending might have damaged it. We saw what happened to TNG.

[@Freakingbean]

Why DS9 is so good: They held.

[@ValerianMacMillan]

They held because they were DS9, and they were DS9 because they held -- some famous writer

[@wavion2]

Those were their orders.

[@Astral_Ocelot]

CADIA STANDS

[@Freakingbean]

@@hifive789 The Siege or AR-588 is the episode i reference from DS9. (Must watch) Also that's actually cool, thanks for the info.

[@Freakingbean]

@@hifive789 "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that's been given to us." --Ganfalf. And I think that watching ds9 for 10 hours a day is time well spent.

[@russellperry7701]

Hard time should've been on the list! O'Brian dealing with PTSD, guilt and depression was an amazing portrayal of mental health.

[@BlaiseArath]

I'm so happy to see "Duet" on the list. It was such a beautiful episode, same with "The Visitor", they both pull at your heartstrings in such a nice way.

[@Jason-np4rl]

I really like "Once more into the breach" This was the one were the old war hero Klingon has started to outlive his usefulness, but Worf give him one last chance for glory and an honorable death, which he takes when he sacrifices himself so the rest of the crew can live. Always like the Klingon episodes, and I think this is the best one.

[@hansteichmann]

Quapla to Governor Kor of Organia!

[@seanmcgrath3826]

@@hansteichmann Portrayed magnificently by the late, great John Colicos, no less...

[@rosssmithies8331]

"One ship... Against ten!?"

[@Special_Tactics_Force_Unit]

Kor was such a boss. What an incredible and respectful send off to a legendary character.

[@paulwagner688]

@@rosssmithies8331 He is the Dahar Master.

[@dhinton1]

as much as I LOVED TNG and the family that it was ....... the DS9 cast EASILY could have taken one of its FOUR big-screen film productions .... for a post-Dominion War storyline. This cast deserved that.

[@scottarthurjr.1818]

I think "In The Pale Moonlight" is the greatest Star Trek Episode of all time.

[@shinerdrinker9249]

While I do love "In the Pale Moonlight," I gotta disagree and point you to TNG's "The Inner Light." Like 28 years later and I still tear up when Picard grasps the flute to his chest in remembrance and then plays it while we watch the Enterprise fly into the stars. Damn, just had to dry a tear while writing that description of the episode!

[@carolinee.abraham1315]

This show (the greatest Trek show ever) has SO many fantastic episodes.... but you are right. In The Pale Moonlight is simply put, fantastic.

[@johnbishop2042]

Shiner Drinker I understand and share your emotional connection. Must say I feel the same emotional connection to “The Visitor” and “Far Beyond the Stars.”

[@harcomou8395]

Better than "Spock's brain" or patterns of force" ??? 😂

[@corneliussmiff2773]

@@harcomou8395 Yes

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

“Pale Moonlight” is best Trek episode period. That coming from a “Picard is the best captain” fan.

[@matthewhostetter8974]

DS9 has always been my all-time favorite Trek series, from the action set pieces to the drama. It had some of the best space-combat in Sci-fi. All of the characters were enjoyable and different. From the fun-filled Fererangi episodes to the heart-wrenching moments like the death of Jadzia Dax. I love the Trials and Tribble-lations episode so much, plus we got to see Jadzia in a TOS uniform. DS9 never shied away from doing things differently. The first one screen kiss between two women, the amazing Mirror universe episodes, plus the fact that Sisko punched Q. It always pained me that we never got a follow up to DS9 in a movie, and now that we've lost several key actors of the series we most likely never will.

[@that_one_libra419.9]

"You punched me! Picard never did that!" "I'm not Picard."

[@JaredLS10]

If "In The Pale Moonlight" wasn't number one you would have had a riot on your hands. I watch that episode every few months by itself because it is so good.

[@djkomic]

"In the Pale Moonlight" is not only one of the best episode DS9 episodes, but one of all the Trek episodes of all time. Also, it solidifies why Sisko is the most bad ass Captain. (Not the best, but bad ass)

[@tronicman1]

Best Star Trek series! Love it. But I also liked the funny Quark episodes, e.g. when he, his brother and Nog strand on Area 51 in the 1950ies.

[@trapsthompson183]

A thoughtful and worthy list, for sure, but my favourite episode has always been 'Explorers', where Sisko and Jake build a ship powered by solar wind. Lovely relationship stuff with father and son, and they get to prove a point to the Cardashians in the gentlest way possible.

[@roberthofmann8403]

It took me a long time but I finally realized DS9 is by far the best Trek series. My love of TOS and TNG is still strong but they're really kinda silly in comparison.

[@evilgeek87]

DS9 can be just as silly, it just doesn't feel that way after the entire back half the show covering the Dominion war and countless others like Duet that are emotionally weighty and deadly serious, but before all of that, while the show was still finding it's footing, DS9 was just as silly and camp as TOS. I mean Move Along Home? Tosk? Grand Nagus Zek? The show really was the best of Trek in every way from the silly to the serious, and I think because it understood and appreciated the campiness of the older shows us the reason Trials and Tribble-ations works so well, they could make an episode that felt like TOS, TNG, or like nothing Trek had ever done before but still feel like Trek.

[@JimmyMon666]

DS9 could be silly with the Ferengi episodes, but usually had a more serious tone. I grew up with TNG, and I still say the best TNG episodes could compare to the best DS9 episodes. I honestly can't say one is better than the other, they are equal. But I will say DS9 had better female characters. I never liked Beverly Crusher, and Troi only got good later on (like when she started wearing her uniform). Jadzia is still my crush. :) TNG was pretty much carried by Patrick Stewart, and for him alone has a high status in my opinion. It's a reason why The Inner Light is such a great episode and just as good as the great DS9 episodes.

[@SapphWolf]

@@JimmyMon666 There are four lights!

[@clarky23]

I remember when DS9 premiered and thought "do we really need another Star Trek" since TNG was still on the air. But once I watched Duet.....I was hooked and thought to myself, this is something special. All my friends keep nagging about me that DS9 wasn't that great, but 20 years later, they have all come around to say it's not only the best ST series, but one of the best sci-fi series period.

[@philiprice7875]

i think it was ok unill the end of season3 then with season 4 it just got better and better

[@emilyreich7548]

I am currently re-binging DS9 and can't argue with a single episode on this list. If I was going to add any it would probably be more of the season 6 opener arc episodes or What You Leave Behind, the best Trek finale ever and one of the reasons DS9 remains one of my favorite shows ever. Bring on more DS9 content!

[@guymatrin]

The only one I would have liked to see is Hard Time. I realize it only focuses on one character, but it's a very emotional episode.

[@seanmcgrath3826]

It sums up perfectly something they did with stories periodically: O'BRIEN MUST SUFFER!!

[@gabriellawless2202]

Oh my gosh, yes! That episode has stuck with me for, 20 years? Longer? Just an amazing and crushing concept and episode.

[@theimpulsivevulcan5346]

black mirror ripped it off

[@LisaSimpson2]

Agreed! Such a good episode :-)

[@AstralArbourSystem]

That one really stuck with me as someone who has attempted suicide many times. Great episode although I don't think I can watch it again.

[@Returns2006]

I was hoping that The Visitor would have been higher on the list, but I'm happy it at least made it

[@LordLOC]

The end of that episode always makes me cry like a baby.

[@Returns2006]

@@LordLOC Same! One of the saddest ever Star Trek moments

[@ktvindicare]

Making a Top 10 Deep Space Nine episodes list is so ridiculously difficult. So many great episodes, hell you could do a top 10 of just season 7 and you'd be hard pressed to find one that every one agreed with.

[@larrychatfield]

should be but it's slow so sometimes these things don't translate well for sci-fi, but all the best episodes are that way ... think inner light and in pale moonlight

[@dhinton1]

@@ktvindicare there literally was no drop-off in the series-concluding episode arc .... except (arguably) the last scene between Gul Dukat, Kai Wynn, and Benjamin Sisko.

[@jessicakrause4172]

To me it's "In Purgatory's Shadow" and "By Inferno's light". So intens, Garak gains just another facet, the bond between Worf and General Martok forms and all before the backdrop of a war like Alpha, Beta and Gamma Quadrants have never seen. Plus, on a much lighter side, I like everything Jadzia Dax and Worf related.

[@matttyrermusic]

In The Pale Moonlight is one of my favourite episodes of anything on TV - glad to see it at the top of this list!

[@TheFaulkned]

Great list. In the Pale Moonlight is my favorite trek episode EVER. Robinson and Brooks are at their absolute best.

[@edsr164]

I agree with your first place. That is indeed the best of DS9, maybe the whole Trekverse

[@vinnyjhawer7847]

I must have watched "In the pale moonlight" over a 100 times so can't argue with your number 1 choice.

[@waynebassett5958]

When I ever i talk to friends about DS9 and why, in my opinion, it's the best trek series I always reference the episode "In the pale moonlight." It's an episode that left my jaw hitting the floor when I first watched it and gives me goosebumps whenever I watch it again.

[@TheRadical42]

Excellent list! Enjoyed it thoroughly. I remember a Star Trek bumper sticker I saw once. "DS-9. Twice the drama, same Trek taste."

[@johntauren]

Far Beyond the Stars is just... perfect. Benny's breakdown at the end is so overacted, and it makes it all the better for it.

[@1monki]

There's the meme of "It's reaaaal!" "It's Faaaaake!" But it funny that both of those overacted bits come from really great episodes.

[@derpimusmaximus8815]

Scenery chewing is the worst thing ever. Except when it's perfect.

[@Keleigh3000]

I also love that episode as a tribute to the golden age sci-fi I grew up on.

[@Jack101S]

That episode was the best performance/directing by Brooks. You can feel the passion towards civil rights in the episode

[@BillinHungary]

In an interview, Nana said that Avery gets so into his character, that when he collapsed at the end, she was worried for his mental health - she was concerned that he might be getting "lost in the character".

[@jeffpetric]

I enjoyed DS9 more than any other Star Trek series. Thanks for making this video, I may have to binge watch all the episodes again. It's been a while.

[@eschnabel.4665]

I wholeheartedly agree with your choices, especially number 1. It showed how far Sisko was willing to go and gave me a genuine, 'Oh No', moment.

[@stephenle-surf9893]

The opening music would send shivers down your spine!

[@paralentor]

Little Green Men easily deserves to be in the top ten. Writing the Ferengi as the aliens in Area 51 is pure comedy.

[@dirdib69]

Glad to see you included "Duet" in your list - it is an amazing episode that somehow misses these lists a lot.

[@MidnightBanshi]

OH yes! I love watching "In The Pale Moonlight" all the way through! Such an epic story and really great parts played by all. It's a must-watch if you've never seen it.

[@sanmc5888]

Love that episode too. Seen it several times

[@LouisKokernak]

Nice review! In my opinion, "In the Pale Moonlight" , "City on the Edge of Forever", and "Tapestry" stand as the top 3 episodes of the Trek universe.

[@gavinsmiley9377]

Ten solid choices. I am especially happy to see Duet (my favorite) crack the top three. I would certainly include Past Tense on a part two. I live in a town with a lot of homeless people, and I’m disappointed when people here suggest things eerily similar to a sanctuary district.

[@mattpyfe]

Wow. I can't even begin to say how much you hit all episodes on POINT!!! Well Done!!! I had actually forgotten about some of these. Great job....now a subscriber!!!

[@joek5882]

"Thank you for restoring my faith in the 98th rule of acquisition...every man has his price" "That's why you came to me...isn't it Captain? Because you knew I could do those things you weren't capable of doing. Well it worked and you'll get what you want...a war between the Romulans and the Dominion. And if your conscience is bothering you should soothe it with the knowledge that you may have just saved the entire Alpha Quadrant and all it cost was the life of one Romulan Senator...one criminal...and the self respect of one Starfleet Officer. I don't know about you but I would call THAT...a bargain!" Those two bits of dialogue are precisely WHY "In the Pale Moonlight" is THE best Star Trek episode...EVER!

[@cgmoran91]

Totally agree And of course Sisko last lines. Trying to convince himself. "I will learn to live with it. Because I can live with it. I can live with it'" It reminds me of the line in Usual Suspects about Keyser Soze. " He showed these men of will what will really was"

[@bobgraham2535]

Great video, and well done. Thanks!

[@hayvalley]

In the Pale Moonlight-Hell yeah. Sometimes the ends do justify the means.

[@inorite4553]

That was a lesson Janeway never learned.

[@OhNoTheFace]

Dabgerous way to think and was treated as such. How many Romulans did he kill in that war since they joined on a lie?

[@hayvalley]

@@OhNoTheFace I know he had regrets but I think he can live with it. He can live with it.

[@dkarukas]

I have watched the Visitor just once. At the time, my son was a few years younger than Jake Sisko and it just made me so emotional that I can never watch it again.

[@JuanHernandez-rm5dm]

DS9 was an incredibly underrated series. Sisko was the best Federation Captain of all the series. Complex and intense, yet believable and worthy of respect.

[@jinakaye]

“The Visitor” is a bit legendary, for those who keep up with Avery Brooks & Tony Todd. Basically, Hawk from “Spenser for Hire” is Candyman's father…ijs!

[@MonteCristoAUS]

If you read the Deep Space Nine companion, the writers and producers thought 'Homefront' and 'Paradise Lost' was one of the worst episodes they made and put posters up around the offices to remind them. When I watch it now, it eerie how much it predicted a post-911 world.

[@bryanmerton5153]

Awesome post. During lockdown I decided to rewatch DS 9. I am halfway through season 7. I totally agree with your choices. I have always liked the show, but this time around its been excellent!

[@shaunsager7480]

Probably 30 of Star Trek's 50 best episodes were from DS9. Easily the deepest, most well-written, action-packed, and intelligent series of the whole franchise--maybe on all of Science Fiction

[@mrfitzchickenGAMING]

Thanks for giving DS9 the love it so richly deserves!

[@mymthegreyful]

Captain Sisko kissing his son's cheek in greeting ; is always wonderful . I always wonder whose idea that was and imagine it was Avery Brooks' idea.

[@ArcaJ]

What a great selection of episodes. Deep Space Nine is my favorite Trek for a reason. The time, effort and love they put into the characters just shine through.

[@jcolon90]

The entire time I was saying if "in the pale moonlight" wasn't number 1, this list is garbage. I'm glad you didn't disappoint.

[@CurtisWilliams0817]

I literally clapped when I saw he had it at No.1

[@nuggsy7085]

Honestly, "It's Only a Paper Moon" was amazing. While it didn't have to deal with the grand scheme of things, it was amazing to see what Nog had transformed into. This story showcased his much needed recovery and soul searching and was crucial to the development of one of Star Trek's greatest characters.

[@DrakeAurum]

I'd have liked to see Children of Time on this list. Really solid character performances from both guest stars and main cast, and an absolutely heart-rending final twist.

[@Pytheus00]

DrakeAurum I know Children of Time is a favorite of many people, including my wife. And I agree it is very well shot and performed. But I have never believed O’Brien’s sudden reversal because he tilled a field and planted some vegetables.

[@DrakeAurum]

@@Pytheus00 It worked for me. Until then he'd been keeping himself distant from the people on the planet, but in working alongside them and seeing their desperation he could no longer ignore their plight.

[@dhinton1]

I liked Children Of Time, too ...... primarily because of what the Defiant crew was ready to do, and why it DID NOT happen, in the end.

[@simonjames1604]

i was searching the comments for this episode , it would easily be one of my top 3 from the show and the one that made me invest more heavily in the odo story line

[@redoctober6521]

“The Visitor” is only second to “In the Pae Moonlight” when it comes to DS9 episodes

[@Majima_Nowhere]

"The Visitor" still manages to make me cry at the end whenever I see it. I'm not even really the emotional type.

[@euchiron]

So glad Duet made your list. There are many wonderful episodes that might have made this list, but Duet was the first real defining moment for me of this series. The way sci-fi should aspire to be, in my mind: deep, complex, three-dimensional.

[@AlexandraBryngelsson]

Choosing what star trek series I like the most is like choosing which of my children I love the most. But DS9 is probably the most underrated of all the series

[@thorlo1278]

Since I never got to see all the episodes of DS9, I really enjoyed this anthology of the various episodes. Some I did see and others I didn't. But either way, your synopsis of each episode really helped a lot to understand them and why you chose these 10. So I must admit you convinced me that these were most likely the best 10. 2 thumbs up!

[@anthonylesley982]

Duet was the first great episode of DS9

[@aleksandarmarkovic221]

Emissary?

[@dhinton1]

I would agree that Duet was great .... which most of the opening two seasons for DS9 was not so great.

[@jacksonheathen2092]

Yes. It was a decent episode. But DS9 really only have a few bad episodes.

[@jacksonheathen2092]

@@aleksandarmarkovic221 Even though it was the pilot that set the theme for the series. It wasn't my first choice.

[@aleksandarmarkovic221]

Jackson Heathen I would say most of season 1 & 2 of DS9 is pretty bland though

[@leonciohernandez]

10 0:57 The siege S7 9 2:37 The visitor S4 8 3:37 Homefront/ Paradise lost S4 7 5:18 The way of the warrior S4 6 6:20 Rocks and Shoals S6 5 7:47 Call to Arms S5 4 8:58 Trials and Tribble ations S5 3 10:19 Duet S1 2 11:27 Far Beyond the Stars S6 1 13:05 In the Pale Moonlight S6 Trials and Tribble ations is my favorite.

[@crieverytim]

Thank you!

[@davidporter9553]

As a veteran, I would have put the Siege of AR-58 higher on the list.

[@moderusprime]

If you weren't, would you keep it where it is?

[@photoklarno]

Maybe put It’s Only a Paper Moon on there too

[@michaelmoraga2926]

First episode of DS9 that got me hooked...

[@dhinton1]

Respect.

[@coltonvanessa5096]

Can't argue with the list, though I'd move some episodes around. I'd also add a vote for Past Tense (S3:11-12). Its one of the rare episodes of ST that has improved with time, the Bell Riots seem all the more realistic these days

[@Knightfall182]

DS9 managed to redefine traditional Star Trek, without breaking it (unlike Discovery and Picard). It was a challenging balancing act, but they pulled it off, and showed a lot of respect to what came before. This took talented producers and writers that the current regime does *not* have. 👍👍

[@meta4101]

You nailed it. Best episodes in the right order for all the right reasons.

[@tskwerl]

Progress makes my top 11. Nana really shows her chops in this one. And Jake and Nog's friendship is great.

[@LeeHicks]

This was a fantastic series, with great character-driven storylines. The Trouble with Tribbles time travel episode was one of my favorites...

[@artygunnar]

Duet was the season 1 episode that is truly shakespearean

[@Saturn_Sky99]

Far beyond the stars is by far the greatest thing i have ever seen on tv PERIOD. It has never failed to make me cry.

[@LeeLee-pk4ss]

There are so many great episodes of DS9 that this list is too short.

[@jasondetilly5647]

Wow, great list! I find myself going back to "The Pale Moonlight" often. I'm happy that DS9 is getting more recognition as time goes on. Truly some of the best Trek writing.

[@MarriottSJ]

What is the best thing about DS9 was that you could do an entire episode based on the supporting characters alone.

[@DaveMiller2]

The supporting cast in DS9 is as good or better than the main cast of any Trek show. Andrew Robinson - Garak Mark Alaimo - Gul Dukat Casey Biggs - Damar Jeffrey Combs - Weyoun J. G. Hertzler - General Martok Salome Jens - Female Founder

[@timmoore640]

Your #1 choice is bang on! I also would add the episode with the crews ancestors. The end when the Defiance crew helps with the harvest and the Klingons show to help. along with Miles warming to his great great grandkids...touching and awesome!

[@stephenwmsmith]

"Nor the Battle to the Strong" should have been on there somewhere. I feel that was Cirroc Lofton's best episode of the whole series.

[@murasaki848]

Frankly this is one of my favorites as well. Like The Seige of AR-558, it's a gritty and unromanticized view of war, but even more it's different from all other episodes as a main character is shown not to be the perfect, self-sacrificing hero that seems to fill most of the Federation. Jake, is, however, is courageous enough to admit his failure even to those who would be most hurt by it, and without making excuses. So often in real life we fail to acknowledge ugly truths about ourselves, even though despite it being painful we'd all be better for it. All total, an tremendously written and well acted episode.

[@Colin.Smith.Pianist]

What a great list! You've got me wanting to watch it all over again. I'm going to begin the ultimate Star Trek chronological watch next year

[@therealwild1]

Pale Moonlight was a wild ride of an episode.

[@jackschmieg120]

You're list is great! Appreciate how you put "Duet" so high. I would put S3.E20 "Improbable Cause" in my group of top 5. Probably the best performances for actors who played Odo and Garak.