Yeah that one always struck me as weird and lurchy.
Although honestly a bunch of the Trek two-parters have pacing issues. And Trek’s always been hella racist, it’s just displaced it’s racist assumptions into alien species.
The pacing issues are made somewhat understandable as they were shifting the show’s format and premise into what we now recognize as DS9.
Robert Bohl I think it’s that: previously, Federation citizens are portrayed as (clueless white person’s conception of) racism-free. They like everybody, no matter what race/species they are! Klingons get, at most, an eyeroll. Ferengi and their money-grubbing are seen as harmlessly cute.
But then suddenly Cardassians are introduced along with Federation officers who fucking hate them, categorically. It’s a big shift, and it’s always felt awkward.
Yeah that one always struck me as weird and lurchy.
ReplyDeleteAlthough honestly a bunch of the Trek two-parters have pacing issues. And Trek’s always been hella racist, it’s just displaced it’s racist assumptions into alien species.
The pacing issues are made somewhat understandable as they were shifting the show’s format and premise into what we now recognize as DS9.
What was racist about it? I don’t remember.
ReplyDeleteRobert Bohl "they are a sly and lying people. They'll never show you the truth. You can't trust"em. Like rats."
ReplyDeleteFrom a trusted source!
William Nichols - Someone talking about Cardassians?
ReplyDeleteYes. A federation officer who is friends with Dax!
ReplyDeleteSo that’s like diegetic racism, not editorial, right? I feel like that moment was meant to be a villain speaking.
ReplyDeleteRobert Bohl I think it’s that: previously, Federation citizens are portrayed as (clueless white person’s conception of) racism-free. They like everybody, no matter what race/species they are! Klingons get, at most, an eyeroll. Ferengi and their money-grubbing are seen as harmlessly cute.
ReplyDeleteBut then suddenly Cardassians are introduced along with Federation officers who fucking hate them, categorically. It’s a big shift, and it’s always felt awkward.