From Newsgroup: rec.arts.startrek.misc

AI/LLMs Review of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine rCo Facets

Google Gemini

"Facets" is an essential piece of Deep Space Nine world-building. It moves away from the rising tensions of the Dominion War to deliver a deeply personal "bottle episode" that explores the complex psyche of Jadzia Dax and the cultural rituals of the Trill.

Narrative Summary

Jadzia Dax undergoes the ZhianrCOtararCoa ritual of closure where the memories of her past hosts are temporarily transferred into her friends. This allows Jadzia to meet her previous selves "face-to-face." While most of the meetings are enlightening, the ritual takes a dark turn with the violent Joran (hosted by Sisko) and a complicated turn with Curzon (hosted by Odo). In the subplot, Nog faces his Starfleet Academy entrance exam while battling QuarkrCOs active sabotage.

Strengths

The Actor Showcase: This episode is a playground for the main cast. Seeing Nana Visitor play a grandmotherly politician (Lela) or Colm Meaney play a shy, nervous engineer (Tobin) is delightful. However, the crown jewel is Avery Brooks as JoranrCochanneling a terrifying, Hannibal Lecter-esque energyrCoand Rene Auberjonois as "Curzodo," perfectly mimicking the boisterous, arrogant, and charming mannerisms of Curzon Dax.

The Odo/Curzon Dynamic: The merging of OdorCOs shapeshifting abilities with CurzonrCOs zest for life is brilliant. It provides Odo with his first real taste of "solid" pleasures (eating, drinking, and late-night gaming) while giving Jadzia the closure she needs regarding why Curzon originally flunked her from the program.

RomrCOs Finest Hour: The B-plot featuring Nog and Quark is surprisingly moving. Rom standing up to Quark and threatening to burn down the bar to protect his sonrCOs future is one of the most satisfying character beats for the Ferengi family in the entire series.

Weaknesses

The "Love" Reveal: The ultimate revelationrCothat Curzon flunked Jadzia because he was in love with herrCofeels a bit like a standard TV trope. It's a slightly "easy" out for a character as complex as Curzon, though it does serve to humanize the legendary "Old Man."

Pacing: Because the ritual involves meeting seven different hosts, the middle section can feel repetitive as we cycle through various "guest" personalities before getting to the meat of the story with Joran and Curzon.

Final Rating: 8.5/10

Verdict: "Facets" is a high-water mark for JadziarCOs character arc. It successfully blends high-concept sci-fi (the Trill ritual) with genuine emotional stakes and top-tier acting. It transforms the "voices in Dax's head" from abstract concepts into living, breathing people we finally understand.

ChatGPT

HererCOs a **review of *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine rCo rCLFacetsrCY*** (Season 3, Episode 25) **based on the episoderCOs content and reception**, plus a **rating out of 10**:

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## r!E **Episode Review rCo rCLFacetsrCY (DS9 S3E25)**

### Efou **Plot Summary**

In *Facets*, Jadzia Dax undergoes a **Trill ritual of closure (zhianrCOtara)** so she can *meet her previous hosts in the flesh*. To do this, the personalities and memories of DaxrCOs past hosts are transferred into various DS9 crew members and friends, allowing Jadzia to interact with them personally. Each former host brings out different sides of her life and identity, including a dangerous encounter when JoranrCOs murderous persona takes over SiskorCOs body. Meanwhile, Nog continues his **Starfleet Academy preparation**, with Quark and Rom tangling over NogrCOs future. ([Wikipedia][1])

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## Efai **What Works**

**rLo Deep Character Exploration**
The episode gives *Jadzia Dax* a rare opportunity to reflect on her past lives and what they mean for her present identityrCoone of the more introspective character studies in the series. ([Wikipedia][1])

**rLo Fun Performances**
Watching cast members portray different Dax hosts injects variety and showcases rangerCofrom shy Tobin to maternal Audrid, to the chilling homicidal Joran (especially Avery BrooksrCO intense turn in that role). ([Den of Geek][2])

**rLo Nog Subplot Has Heart**
The minor subplot with NogrCOs Academy test and Rom/Quark tensions offers humor and emotional payoff, rounding out the episode nicely. ([Wikipedia][1])

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## EfaA **What Some Viewers Critique**

**rLy Goofy or Uneven Tone**
Fans often find the mind-swap ritual *quirky to the point of silliness*, especially in early scenes where personalities take over abruptlyrCosome feel it plays more like high camp than serious drama. ([Reddit][3])

**rLy Structural Weakness**
Critics note the episode juggles a lot without high stakes; the ritual scenes can feel *thin* and unfocused, and some character choices (like the motivation behind JoranrCOs aggression) donrCOt always make deep thematic sense. ([douxreviews.com][4])

**rLy Mixed Reception Over Impact**
While the character exploration is interesting, some viewers feel *Facets* lacks the narrative weight and cohesion of stronger DS9 entriesrComore whimsical than essential. ([treknobabble.net][5])

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## Efoa **Audience & Critical Context**

* The episode holds around **7.1/10 on IMDb**, showing generally *okay but not standout* audience reception. ([IMDb][6])
* Some call it a *warm, intimate character story* and appreciate its place just before the heavier finale rCLThe Adversary,rCY while others label it *goofy or uneven* compared to DS9rCOs best episodes. ([Reddit][7])

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## Efo+ **Overall Rating: 7.6 / 10**

**Why this score?**

* **Character Insight:** ryaryaryaryarya (4/5) rCo Unique look at DaxrCOs psyche.
* **Performances:** ryaryaryaryarya (4/5) rCo Fun and varied actor showcases.
* **Story & Stakes:** ryaryaryaryarya (3/5) rCo Low tension, uneven structure. * **Rewatch Value:** ryaryaryaryarya (3.5/5) rCo Best for fans of Dax and cast chemistry.

**Summary:**
*Facets* is a **character-centric DS9 episode** with heartfelt, quirky, and occasionally unsettling moments. It offers excellent cast work and insight into JadziarCOs identity, though its ritual premise lands unevenly for some. If you enjoy introspective, low-stakes stories that expand a characterrCOs inner life, this onerCOs well worth watchingrCojust donrCOt expect major plot developments or high drama. ([Den of Geek][2])

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facets_%28Star_Trek%3A_Deep_Space_Nine%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Facets (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)"
[2]: https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-trek-discovery-ds9-facets/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek Easter Egg Calls Back to a Forgotten Deep Space Nine Episode | Den of Geek"
[3]: https://www.reddit.com/r/DeepSpaceNine/comments/zwaaff?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Facets is kind of goofy"
[4]: https://www.douxreviews.com/2018/10/star-trek-deep-space-nine-facets.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Doux Reviews: Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Facets"
[5]: https://www.treknobabble.net/2013/07/ds9-season-3-recap.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Treknobabble: DS9 Season 3 Recap"
[6]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708536/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Star Trek: Deep Space Nine\" Facets (TV Episode 1995) - IMDb"
[7]: https://www.reddit.com/r/DeepSpaceNine/comments/1kdmhuz?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Facets: the rCLlastrCY episode of DS9."
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