From Newsgroup: rec.arts.startrek.misc

AI/LLM Reviews Star Trek: Deep Space Nine rCo Through the Looking Glass

Google Gemini

Commander Sisko is abducted by Mirror O'Brien (the "Smiley" version) and taken to the Mirror Universe. The mission: Sisko must impersonate his deceased Mirror counterpart to convince the Mirror Jennifer SiskorCothe wife he lost in his own timelinerCoto defect from the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance to the Terran Rebellion. If Sisko fails, the rebels will be crushed, and Jennifer will likely be killed. Sisko must navigate a world of treacherous doubles, including a hedonistic Dax, a ruthless Kira (the Intendant), and a suspiciously familiar Tuvok.

Critical Analysis

The Emotional Core: Sisko and Jennifer

While Mirror Universe episodes are often known for their campiness, this one is anchored by Avery Brooks' performance. For Sisko, looking into the eyes of a woman he mourns every dayrCowho doesn't know him and stands on the opposite side of a warrCois heartbreaking. The scene where he tries to convince her to join the rebellion isn't just a tactical move; itrCOs a cathartic attempt to "save" her in a way he couldn't at Wolf 359.

World-Building: The Terran Rebellion

This episode moves the Mirror Universe plot from a "one-off" curiosity (established in "Crossover") into a serialized rebellion. We see the Terrans evolving from slaves to fighters. The introduction of Mirror Tuvok (a nice nod to Voyager) and the contrasting personalities of the crew make for a fun "spot the difference" game for fans.

Production and Tone

The episode leans heavily into the "Mirror" tropes: leather uniforms, darker lighting, and more aggressive acting. Nana Visitor as the Intendant continues to be a standout, playing Kira with a level of narcissism and cruelty that makes her one of the franchise's most entertaining villains.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Emotional Resonance: SiskorCOs personal stakes make this more than just an "evil twin" episode.

Character Reinvention: Seeing a ruthless, mercenary version of Jadzia Dax is a refreshing departure from her usual "old soul" persona.

Tension: The scene where Sisko must deal with the IntendantrCOs advances while maintaining his cover is expertly handled.

Cons:

Convenience: The plot relies on the rebels being able to easily abduct the Commander of a major space station from his own bed.

Camp Factor: Some viewers may find the "Mirror" versions a bit too over-the-top, specifically the cartoonish villainy of the Alliance officers.

Final Rating: 7.5 / 10

"Through the Looking Glass" is a high-energy romp that successfully balances the "fun" of an alternate reality with the genuine grief of its lead character. ItrCOs a crucial bridge for the DS9 Mirror arc, though it lacks some of the philosophical depth found in the show's more serious political episodes.

Verdict: A solid, entertaining hour of television that proves Sisko is just as effective a leaderrCoand liarrCoin any universe.

ChatGPt

I wasnrCOt able to fetch the **Chakoteya** transcript directly from the link you gave (it timed out), but I *can* still give you a clear, spoiler-inclusive review of **Star Trek: Deep Space Nine rCo rCLThrough the Looking GlassrCY** based on the official plot and critical reception.

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## r!E **Episode Review rCo rCLThrough the Looking GlassrCY (DS9 S3E19)**

### Efou **Story Summary**

In this **Mirror Universe**-themed episode, Captain Benjamin Sisko is kidnapped by the Mirror Universe version of Miles OrCOBrien (rCLSmileyrCY) to replace his dead counterpart and convince the Mirror version of Jennifer Sisko (SiskorCOs late wife) to join the Terran Rebellion. The mission becomes personal rCo Sisko must balance strategy, identity deception, and emotional stakes while navigating the brutal politics of the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance and Terok Nor, now a mining-station prison. ([Wikipedia][1])

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## Efai **What Works**

**rCo Interesting concept and atmosphere** rCo The Mirror Universe remains one of *Star TrekrCOs* most visually and thematically distinct alternate realities, and this episode leans into that with striking scenes and character contrasts. ([Wikipedia][1])
**rCo Solid action and pacing** rCo There are notable action beats and a climactic escape that feel more kinetic than average DS9 episodes. ([Jammers Reviews][2])
**rCo Avery BrooksrCO performance** rCo Sisko here is confident and charismatic, arguably one of BrooksrCO stronger outings at this point in the series. ([Screen Rant][3])

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## EfaA **What Falls Short**

**rCo Emotional impact undercut** rCo A recurring criticism from reviewers is that the emotional core with Mirror Jennifer doesnrCOt land as strongly as it could, in part due to performance and limited development. ([Wikipedia][1])
**rCo Mirror premise growing thin** rCo Some reviewers felt the Mirror Universe gimmick was becoming repetitive by this point in the series. ([Wikipedia][1])
**rCo Dialogue and depth** rCo User reviews comment on occasionally weak dialogue and underused potential in SiskorCOs engagement with the rebellionrCOs cause. ([IMDb][4])

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## Efoa Community & Critical Reception

rLo IMDb community score around **7.4/10**, indicating a generally favorable but not outstanding viewer response. ([IMDb][5])
rLo Tor.com review gave it **6/10**, finding it fun but uneven emotionally. ([Wikipedia][1])
rLo Ranked by some outlets as one of the *better Mirror Universe episodes*, even if not one of the all-time DS9 classics. ([Screen Rant][3])
rLo Other fans are more divided, with some enjoying the campy style and others finding flaws in characterization or continuity. ([Reddit][6])

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## Efo+ **Overall Rating: 7.5 / 10**

**Why this score?**

* **Concept:** ryaryaryaryarya (4/5) rCo The Mirror Universe remains a fun playground.
* **Execution:** ryaryaryaryarya (4/5) rCo Strong action and performances anchor it.
* **Emotional depth:** ryaryaryaryarya (3/5) rCo Missed potential, especially around Jennifer.
* **Rewatch value:** ryaryaryaryarya (4/5) rCo Worth revisiting as part of the broader Mirror arc.

This episode delivers entertaining sci-fi adventure with some memorable moments and character twists, even if it doesnrCOt reach the emotional heights it strives for.

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If you want a breakdown of specific scenes or character arcs from the script itself (once we can fetch the text), I can help you analyze those too!

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Through_the_Looking_Glass_%28Star_Trek%3A_Deep_Space_Nine%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Through the Looking Glass (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)"
[2]: https://www.jammersreviews.com/st-ds9/s3/looking.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Through the Looking Glass\" | Star Trek: DS9 | Jammer's Reviews"
[3]: https://screenrant.com/star-trek-ds9-mirror-universe-episodes-ranked-worst-best/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: DS9's 5 Mirror Universe Episodes Ranked Worst To Best"
[4]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708650/reviews/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Star Trek: Deep Space Nine\" Through the Looking Glass (TV Episode 1995) - User reviews - IMDb"
[5]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708650?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Star Trek: Deep Space Nine\" Through the Looking Glass (TV Episode 1995) - IMDb"
[6]: https://www.reddit.com/r/DeepSpaceNine/comments/180j02y?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Through the Looking Glass rewatch"
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