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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Season 3 Episode Guides
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Full Episode List
Season: 1234567
3x01/02: The Search 3x03: The House of Quark 3x04: Equilibrium 3x05: Second Skin 3x06: The Abandoned 3x07: Civil Defense 3x08: Meridian 3x09: Defiant 3x10: Fascination 3x11/12: Past Tense 3x13: Life Support 3x14: Heart of Stone 3x15: Destiny 3x16: Prophet Motive 3x17: Visionary 3x18: Distant Voices 3x19: Through the Looking Glass 3x20: Improbable Cause 3x21: The Die is Cast 3x22: Explorers 3x23: Family Business 3x24: Shakaar 3x25: Facets 3x26: The Adversary
Odo speaking with a female Changeling in a garden a silver lens flare effect
  3x01 and 3x02   Series Episode
46 & 47
Franchise Episode
323 & 324
ds9 combadge
vice admiral insignia
The Search (Parts I and II)      
 
Sisko takes his new ship, the Defiant, to find the Founders. While on the mission, Odo is drawn to a planet where he finds his people.
     
Level-Up: USS Defiant introduced, new combadge design
👽
First Contact: The Founders
vice admiral insignia
Vice-Admiral Pips: Pips are awarded to episodes that are the most stand-out, representative examples of the series as a whole.
   
Watch Recommendation: The introduction of the Defiant and Odo finding his people are clearly important plot points, easily giving these two episodes a rating of "Must Watch". They are also the 3rd and 4th on the "Bare Minimum" list.
My rating: ★★★★   Watch Recommendation

🕶

Must Watch
Bare Minimum
FINAL SCORE
7.8
SF Debris rating: 8  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 8  
Normalized IMDB rating: 7.3

 

A Klingon holding a knife to Quark's throat
  3x03   Series Episode
48
Franchise Episode
325
ds9 combadge The House of Quark      
 
Quark lies about killing a Klingon; the widow kidnaps Quark and marries him.
B-plot: O'Brien tries to cheer up Keiko after she had to close the school.
     
I really am very grateful for all you have done, Quark. That is why I'm going to let you take your hand off my thigh, instead of shattering every bone in your body. - Grilka
🔗
   
Watch Recommendation: While it isn't really important to the overall Deep Space Nine story, it's a pretty decent episode with a fine interaction between Quark and guest character Grilka, who will return for a second episode in a later season. If you want to see those two stories, they are both rated as "Optional."
My rating: ★★★★   Watch Recommendation


Optional
Quark & Grilka (1 of 2)
FINAL SCORE
6.9
SF Debris rating: 7  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 5  
Normalized IMDB rating: 6.9

 

Dax standing with a hooded and masked figure on the Promenade
  3x04   Series Episode
49
Franchise Episode
326
ds9 combadge Equilibrium      
 
Dax starts hallucinating and returns to the Trill homeworld to find answers.
     
   
Watch Recommendation: Because it includes a significant look into Dax's history, this episode is Recommended.
My rating: ★★★☆☆   Watch Recommendation


Recommended
FINAL SCORE
5.2
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 6  
Normalized IMDB rating: 3.6

 

Kira, altered to look like a Cardassian, staring at herself in a mirror while another Cardassian watches
  3x05   Series Episode
50
Franchise Episode
327
ds9 combadge Second Skin      
 
Kira is kidnapped by Cardassians who say she's really one of them.
     
   
Watch Recommendation: This episode is rated "Recommended" because it adds to Kira's experiences with the Cardassians. It also introduces Tekeny Ghemor who will later reappear in the episode DS9 5x19: Ties of Blood and Water.
My rating: ★★★☆☆   Watch Recommendation


Recommended
FINAL SCORE
5.9
SF Debris rating: 5  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 7  
Normalized IMDB rating: 6.4

 

Odo and an adolescent Jem'Hadar talking in his quarters
  3x06   Series Episode
51
Franchise Episode
328
ds9 combadge The Abandoned      
 
Odo decorates his new quarters and tries to help an abandoned Jem'Hadar child. Also, Sisko meets Jake's girlfriend, a dabo girl.
     
   
Watch Recommendation: It's not a great episode and isn't very important. No recommendation.
My rating: ★★☆☆☆   Watch Recommendation


-
FINAL SCORE
3.9
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 5  
Normalized IMDB rating: 4.1

 

Dukat standing calmly in Ops while a weapon fires from the replicator
  3x07   Series Episode
52
Franchise Episode
329
ds9 combadge Civil Defense      
 
Sisko, Jake, and O'Brien trigger an old Cardassian security system which summons Dukat to the station.
     
   
Nitpickery: I don't know why, but I get annoyed every time I hear Avery Brooks (Sisko) deliver his line, "Well, it sounds like the program is going to wait for Cardassian security to enter the all-clear protocol" because he puts emphasis on the word "Cardassian" which doesn't make sense in this context. The statement isn't made to differentiate from some other security force.
   
Thoughts: Where is all this deadly neurocine gas coming from? Why is Kira's solution to everything just to shoot it? Why does one phaser blast to a console in ops destroy life support for the entire station? That seems like a pretty big design flaw.
   
Watch Recommendation: The episode is rated "Recommended" because it's pretty good and it gives some insight into how things used to be on the station. Despite my nitpicking, it's an enjoyable story.
My rating: ★★★★ Personal Favorite   Watch Recommendation


Recommended
FINAL SCORE
7.2
SF Debris rating: 6  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 8  
Normalized IMDB rating: 6.4

 

Dax and an alien taking a stroll outside
  3x08   Series Episode
53
Franchise Episode
330
ds9 combadge Meridian      
 
Dax falls for a man who lives on a planet that only appears every 60 years.
B-plot: Quark tries to obtain a holo-image of Kira for a wealthy client.
     
   
 
Thoughts: Everyone seems to hate this episode, and don't get me wrong, it's not great... but that's partly because it's a non-sequitur with a weak story. Still, I'd rather watch this than The Storyteller. There are much worse episodes to take issue with, so I gave this 2 out of 5 stars.
   
Watch Recommendation: It's definitely a story-of-the-week that has no consequences on the show's storyline. No recommendation.
My rating: ★★☆☆☆   Watch Recommendation


-
FINAL SCORE
1.9
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 0  
Normalized IMDB rating: 1.0

 

Riker and Kira chatting on the Promenade
  3x09   Series Episode
54
Franchise Episode
331
ds9 combadge Defiant      
 
Riker visits DS9 and wants to see the Defiant, and there's something fishy going on in the Orias system.
     
🔀
Crossover: Riker (TNG)
   
Spoiler » It's actually Thomas Riker! For Thomas's origin story, see TNG 6x24: Second Chances
   
 
Thoughts: It's a good episode, but I think there's a big plot hole... when Sisko negotiates with Dukat, he offers the Defiant's sensor logs. Are Starfleet's sensors that superior to Cardassian sensors? There are plenty of Cardassian ships around, what is so terrible about their own sensors that makes the Defiant's sensor logs so valuable to Dukat?
   
Watch Recommendation: This episode is rated "Must Watch" not only because it's a fun crossover, but it hints at something very fishy going on that will be important when it's explained in a later episode.
My rating: ★★★★   Watch Recommendation

🕶

Must Watch
FINAL SCORE
7.2
SF Debris rating: 7  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 7  
Normalized IMDB rating: 6.4

 

Kira presenting in front of the Bajoran shrine with a smile and her arms over her head
  3x10   Series Episode
55
Franchise Episode
332
ds9 combadge Fascination      
 
Hijinks abound during the Gratitude Festival.
     
🎭
Comedy/lighthearted episode
   
 
Thoughts: Ratings for this episode are very low, and I get it. It's silly, unimportant, even annoying at times. But I love it. I love it for all its corniness and its lighthearted story and its relaxed pace.
   
Watch Recommendation: No recommendation. Most people don't like it and it's definitely not important to the rest of the series. For me, it's just a cute little diversion.
My rating: ★★★☆☆ Controversial Personal Favorite   Watch Recommendation


-
FINAL SCORE
3.3
SF Debris rating: 2  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 1  
Normalized IMDB rating: 2.4

 

Sisko and B.C. arguing eye-to-eye
  3x11 and 3x12   Series Episode
56 & 57
Franchise Episode
333 & 334
ds9 combadge Past Tense (Parts I and II)      
 
Sisko, Bashir, and Dax accidentally travel back in time to 2024, where they play a part in an event known as the Bell Riots.
     
🕖
Time travel episode

S
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O
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E
L
I
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E

H
I
D
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T
I
M
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L
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Universe Timeline
2021        
2022 << SNW: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow    
2023        
2024 << PIC: Season 2 (April) Bell Riots
(September 1st-3rd)
<< DS9: Past Tense Ireland unites
2025        
2026 WWIII
     
2027      
2028      
2029      
🌎
Episode takes place on Earth
🙄
Annoying Bashir Moment: Totally failing to blend in.
Check YOUR e-mail, buddy! - Vin
   
Thoughts: This episode takes place in the year 2024, but it was written in 1994. The writers had to image what life might be like on Earth 30 years into their future. It was a bit dystopian but, interestingly, it doesn't feel that far off from reality. The computer technology they imagined was clunkier than what we actually had in 2024, but they did get one other thing right: the nuisance advertisements on the computers. Still, it's hilarious that they thought a possible slang phrase in 2024 might be, "Check your e‑mail, buddy!"
   
Watch Recommendation: Strictly speaking, this two-parter is self-contained and doesn't affect the rest of the series, so I can't make it a "Must Watch," but it's a good time travel story that's worth your time, so I'm marking it as "Highly Recommended."
My rating: ★★★★   Watch Recommendation

✔+

Highly
Recommended
FINAL SCORE
6.4
SF Debris rating: 6  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 4  
Normalized IMDB rating: 6.3

 

Kai Winn and Dr. Bashir talking to Bareil, who is being treated in sickbay
  3x13   Series Episode
58
Franchise Episode
338
ds9 combadge Life Support      
 
Bareil is gravely injured amidst peace talks with Cardassia.
B-plot: Jake and Nog go on a double-date that doesn't end well.
     
   
Watch Recommendation: It's not a great episode, but this is rated "Optional," if you want to witness Bareil's fate.
My rating: ★★☆☆☆   Watch Recommendation


Optional
Bareil's fate
FINAL SCORE
3.2
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 3  
Normalized IMDB rating: 3.4

 

Odo holding hands with Kira, who is trapped in a cocoon of stone
  3x14   Series Episode
59
Franchise Episode
340
ds9 combadge Heart of Stone      
 
Odo can't free Kira from a growing crystal; Nog wants to join Starfleet.
     
   
Watch Recommendation: It's "Optional," if you'd like to see more interaction between Kira and Odo, and/or the origins of Nog's desire to join Starfleet.
My rating: ★★★☆☆   Watch Recommendation


Optional
Kira & Odo
FINAL SCORE
5.2
SF Debris rating: 4  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 6  
Normalized IMDB rating: 5.0

 

Two Cardassians smiling as are greeted by Kira
  3x15   Series Episode
60
Franchise Episode
342
ds9 combadge Destiny      
 
An ancient Bajoran prophecy overshadows a collaborative scientific effort.
     
   
Watch Recommendation: I'm recommending this episode because it shines a light on the fact that some Cardassians are just "people" and they aren't all warmongers. The interactions among Kira, O'Brien, and the Cardassians shape and change their views about each other.
My rating: ★★★★ Personal Favorite   Watch Recommendation


Recommended
FINAL SCORE
6.4
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 5  
Normalized IMDB rating: 5.3

 

Quark, Rom, and the Grand Nagus reading from a large book
  3x16   Series Episode
61
Franchise Episode
344
ds9 combadge Prophet Motive      
 
Zek becomes a philanthropist.
B-plot: Dr. Bashir is a nominee for a prestigious award.
     
Tear of the Prophets 3: Orb of Wisdom, pink. (Unnumbered orb of 9)
 
 
Watch Recommendation: Neither the A-plot nor the B-plot have an impact on the rest of the series. It's just filler. No recommendation.
My rating: ★★☆☆☆   Watch Recommendation


-
FINAL SCORE
3.3
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 3  
Normalized IMDB rating: 3.6

 

Quark and O'Brien talking on the Promenade while a second O'Brien watches
  3x17   Series Episode
62
Franchise Episode
346
ds9 combadge Visionary      
 
O'Brien experiences glimpses of the future while the Romulans visit the station demanding more intel on the Dominion.
     
🕖
Time Travel/Hijinks
...either the Romulans are going to put a device in the bulkhead themselves, or someone else will... - Sisko coming to an obvious conclusion via logical tautology.
🙄
Annoying Bashir Moment: "Would you like to see the results of your own autopsy?!"
 
 
 
Thoughts: "There was nothing to indicate that it was today, tomorrow, next week." ... if only we had clocks or watches or literally any time-telling devices on the station! I know it's tough to put clocks on set because it would cause a bunch of continuity issues, but I feel like they could have come up with a better solution here. And the one clock that we do see is just a box with a bunch of flashing lights on it! I know, I know, I'm nitpicking. So while I'm at it, there is definitely some dubious science at work here. As O'Brien starts getting glimpses of the future, at first it seems like it's just his consciousness that time-travels; meanwhile, in the present, his body sort of just blacks out and then faints. He must be manifesting some sort of physical form in the future, though, because others can see and interact with him. But during the last jump, after they spouted some really questionable technobabble, O'Brien physically transfers a device to the other O'Brien who uses it to somehow travel back... so when O'Brien jumps, he must be physically disappearing from the present but this is never really portrayed and no one seems surprised about O'Brien vanishing... ugh, it's a fine episode, but it really could have used some polishing.
   
Watch Recommendation: If you want to watch an okay time-hijinks episode, go for it, but I'm not giving this one a recommendation because the lack of clocks frustrates me.
My rating: ★★★☆☆   Watch Recommendation


-
FINAL SCORE
6.6
SF Debris rating: 7  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 9  
Normalized IMDB rating: 6.2

 

An aged Dr. Bashir talking with Garak and a dabo girl
  3x18   Series Episode
63
Franchise Episode
350
ds9 combadge Distant Voices      
 
After being attacked, Bashir investigates an abandoned station while he seems to be rapidly aging.
     
😱
Scary-ish Episode
   
 
Thoughts: Oof. This is not a great episode. It's slow. For example, Spoiler » once it's revealed that we're actually "inside Julian's mind," it takes an excruciating 3 minutes and 20 seconds for the characters to explain what is going on, just to be sure the audience understands. And don't get me started on the Captain Kangaroo-style tennis ball gag. I will say, however, that I think Alexander Siddig (Dr. Bashir) did an impressive job in what was probably a significant acting challenge.
   
Watch Recommendation: It provides a tiny amount of insight into Julian Bashir, but not enough to overcome the tedium of this episode. No recommendation.
My rating: ★★☆☆☆   Watch Recommendation


-
FINAL SCORE
3.1
SF Debris rating: 4  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 2  
Normalized IMDB rating: 2.9

 

Benjamin Sisko talking with Jennifer Sisko
  3x19   Series Episode
64
Franchise Episode
351
terran insignia Through the Looking Glass      
 
Mirror-O'Brien convinces Sisko to rescue Mirror-Jennifer.
     
🔀
Crossover: Mirror-Tuvok (VOY)
   
Watch Recommendation: As the show's second journey into the Mirror Universe, this episode is "Recommended."
My rating: ★★★★   Watch Recommendation


Recommended
FINAL SCORE
6.4
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 5  
Normalized IMDB rating: 5.3

 

Odo pointing an accusatory finger at Garak a silver lens flare effect
  3x20   Series Episode
65
Franchise Episode
353
ds9 combadge
admiral insignia
Improbable Cause      
 
Odo opens an investigation into a bomb that destroys Garak's shop.

Part 1 of a two-part story
     
admiral insignia
Admiral Pips: Pips are awarded to episodes that are the most stand-out, representative examples of the series as a whole.
   
Watch Recommendation: This is the first half of a two-part story that is very important to the story of Deep Space Nine, and thus it is rated "Must Watch".
My rating: ★★★★★   Watch Recommendation

🕶

Must Watch
FINAL SCORE
9.0
SF Debris rating: 8  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 9  
Normalized IMDB rating: 7.9

 

Garak and Enabran Tain shaking hands while Odo watches a silver lens flare effect
  3x21   Series Episode
66
Franchise Episode
355
ds9 combadge
admiral insignia
The Die is Cast      
 
Garak rejoins his mentor, Enabran Tain, in an assault on the Founders.

Part 2 of a two-part story
     
admiral insignia
Admiral Pips: Pips are awarded to episodes that are the most stand-out, representative examples of the series as a whole.
   
 
Yes, I know this picture is technically from the previous episode. Please forgive me!
Watch Recommendation: This is the second half of a two-part story that is very important to the story of Deep Space Nine, and thus it is rated "Must Watch".
My rating: ★★★★★   Watch Recommendation

🕶

Must Watch
FINAL SCORE
9.2
SF Debris rating: 8  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 9  
Normalized IMDB rating: 8.8

 

Benjamin and Jake Sisko talking and smiling in an ancient Bajoran space ship
  3x22   Series Episode
67
Franchise Episode
357
ds9 combadge Explorers      
 
Sisko builds a replica of a Bajoran light-powered spacecraft.
B-plot: Dr. Bashir tries to impress a former classmate.
     
🔗
Bashir reads "A Survey on Cygnian Respiratory Diseases," a text also once used by Nurse Chapel in TOS 2x18: Obsession
🙄
Annoying Bashir moment: Drunken singing
   
Watch Recommendation: An average one-off episode. No recommendation.
My rating: ★★★☆☆   Watch Recommendation


-
FINAL SCORE
5.2
SF Debris rating: 5  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 5  
Normalized IMDB rating: 4.8

 

Quark and his mother arguing while Rom watches
  3x23   Series Episode
68
Franchise Episode
359
ds9 combadge Family Business      
 
Quark's mother violates Ferengi law by earning profit.
B-plot: Jake sets up his father with a freighter captain named Kasidy Yates.
     
   
Watch Recommendation: This is the first of seven episodes to feature Brunt, and the first of five episodes to feature Ishka, mother to Quark and Rom. If you want to learn more about them, or if you want to see Sisko's first time meeting Kasidy, go for it. Otherwise, I'm not making a recommendation here.
My rating: ★★★☆☆   Watch Recommendation


-
FINAL SCORE
5.2
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 5  
Normalized IMDB rating: 4.8

 

Kira and Shakaar on a ridge line preparing to fire weapons
  3x24   Series Episode
69
Franchise Episode
361
ds9 combadge Shakaar      
 
Shakaar's refusal to turn over farming equipment nearly starts a Bajoran civil war.
B-plot: Chief O'Brien is on a winning streak in darts; Quark starts a betting pool.
     
   
Watch Recommendation: While not highly rated, this episode introduces some new characters and important themes that help to shape the overall story of this show. Thus, it's rated "Must Watch."
My rating: ★★★☆☆   Watch Recommendation

🕶

Must Watch
FINAL SCORE
4.3
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 2  
Normalized IMDB rating: 4.1

 

Odo, Dax, and another man standing with their eyes closed in front of an altar with a flame
  3x25   Series Episode
70
Franchise Episode
362
ds9 combadge Facets      
 
Dax performs the zhian'tara ritual to meet her previous hosts.
B-plot: Nog takes entrance exams for Starfleet Academy.
     
   
Watch Recommendation: Because this episode gives direct insight into Dax's previous hosts, it is rated as "Recommended."
My rating: ★★★☆☆   Watch Recommendation


Recommended
FINAL SCORE
4.4
SF Debris rating: Unrated  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 2  
Normalized IMDB rating: 4.6

 

Sisko smiling in his Captain's dress uniform
  3x26   Series Episode
71
Franchise Episode
363
ds9 combadge The Adversary      
 
Sisko is promoted and is sent to patrol the Tzenkethi border.
     
Level-Up: Sisko promoted to Captain
💥
Auto-Destruct Sequence engaged
   
Watch Recommendation: This season finale leads into some big changes in the next season. So, it is rated "Must Watch."
My rating: ★★★★   Watch Recommendation

🕶

Must Watch
FINAL SCORE
7.5
SF Debris rating: 7  
Ex Astris Scientia rating: 8  
Normalized IMDB rating: 7.2

 

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"Franchise Episode" tells you the order in which episodes from ANY/ALL Star Trek television shows aired or streamed for the first time. This number excludes movies, TOS's "The Cage", and the "Very Short Treks" web shorts.
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