Rating: 
Summary: quintessential Deep Space begins...
Review: Season 3 is the beginning of what became my favorite show. For those on the fence, 3 is the beginning of an epic and complex story that takes place over the rest of the series. One could get away without seeing seasons 1 & 2, only missing the introduction of the Dominion (which holds nothing crucial -but good stories nonetheless). "Past Tense" is a great example of how abstract and ingenious this show became. A pre-ordained time paradox where Sisko himself replaces a historical figure (who was accidentally killed as a result of the DS crew polluting the time-line) to repair a kink that ends humanity's existence in the future we know and love. There are numerous gems in this season as well as some of the best action with the Dominion. Incredibly complex stories that fall back into themselves with masterful actors on all levels. Everyone's character matures and production value starts to peak, so this is probably the box-set to start with if your not sure. Season 6 is my all time fave (especially episode: "In The Pale Moonlight"). Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Memorable Episodes from Start to Finish
Review: Season 3 of DS9 contains a plethora of standout episodes, with just a few weak spots (e.g., 'The Abandoned', which was too reminiscent of TNG's lone Borg story; or 'Heart of Stone' which had the silly Kira rock A-story that was overshadowed by the Nog B-story) scattered about. DS9 was at its best when telling bold specific stories, and not just formula Star Trek stock tales - here in Season 3, there is a lot to admire, enjoy, and appreciate. We are introduced to the destroyer Defiant. A cherished Bajoran supporting character (Bariel) is lost in 'Life Support', while a powerful new Bajoran 'Shakaar' is later introduced. Garak makes several intriguing appearances, with the two-part Enabran Tain storyline ('Improbable Cause/'The Die is Cast') being particulary compelling. An excellent crossover story 'Through the Looking Glass' has Sisko interacting with the mirror Jennifer. Louise Fletcher's performance as the insidious Kai Winn is magnificent to behold. 'Past Tense' parts 1 and 2 confronts the difficult homeless social dilemma. 'Second Skin' puts Kira in a Cardassian's shoes. And Jonathan Frakes appearance in 'Defiant' is yet another nice touch. The Dax centered 'Facets', where she is able to meet her former hosts, was a great idea and it is certainly an interesting episode. However, it would have been much better if fleshed out into a two-part storyline. The excellent 'House of Quark' is one of my favorite episodes of the year. 'Explorers' is a wonderfully poignant episode that really hit home with me. And things start and finish with a bang! with Odo episodes 'The Search' and 'The Adversary'. The list of highlights can go on and on. On the DVD, notice that the Defiant replaces the shuttlecraft in the menu sequence. Also note that episodes 466 and 465 are intentionally out of order because that's the way they were broadcast to accommodate the Tain storyline. Not much more needs to be said - another brilliant year for a brilliant series.
Rating: 
Summary: Shapeshifiting to interesting themes during season 3
Review: Season 3 of DS9 is where things got really intesesting.During the first season and part of season two all the key pieces for the ensuing conflict that would continue throughout the course of the series. Like B5's Shadow War, the Dominion-Federation War, would be center stage during season 3. Sisko finally gets a ship that can hold its own against many of the Jem Hadar spacecraft. The Defiant is an "overpowered, overgunned craft" that providesa a way for Sisko and company to meet, greet and defeat(as well as be defeated)oncoming advesaries. In the opening two part episode, Sisko and his crew take the Defiant into Dominion space in an attempt to discover who and where the Founders are. Unfortunately, the Defiant is taken down too easily to make the episode credible. Still, it does provide a unique glimpse into the ideal presented by Founders and the reality of their civilization as they try and seduce Odo to join them. "Defiant" also provides an opportunity for NextGen actor Jonathan Frakes to appear on DS9. As Riker, he charms Kira into giving him a tour of the Defiant in order to steal it. Written by NextGen writer Ronald Moore and directed by Cliff Bole, it's an interesting and intense episode well acted by Frakes. The episodes "Second Skin","The Abandoned" and highly acclaimed two parter "Past Tense" (a transporter accident hurls Sisko and company across time and space to Earth during a conflict in the year 2024. A key figure of the past Gabriel Bell attempts to help Sisko and Bashir during a fight. Bell is killed prematurely thus altering history and forcing Sisko to take the man's identity to ensure the continuity of his world. "Life Support" provides a serious look at the ethics of artifical life support. The character of Vedic Bareil suffers from brain damage during an attempt to resuscitate him. Bashir gradually replaces Bareil's brain with implants making his contribution to peace talks possible but robbing him of his humanity in the process. "Improbable Cause" gives us further background on Garak. Garak chooses to rejoin his mentor Enabran Tain in a combined assault with the Romulans against the Dominion. There are many other fine episodes during the third season worth noting. Most important, though, is the doubt cast on Odo when his relationship with the Dominion's Founders becomes clear and the introduction of a new Star Trek security chief Michael Eddington played by the Marvelously oily Kenneth Marshall. The extras are nicely put together and all appear on the last disc in the set. The most interesting are the Birth of the Dominion and Beyond, Time Travel Files: "Past Tense", Sailing Through The Stars: A Special Look At "Explorers" and the crew dossier on Odo. The 5.1 remix on the audio gives additional depth to the episodes making them more cinematic and allows one to finally hear all the detailed sound effects buried in the stereo mix of the broadcast episodes. Unlike Season 1, Season 3 features 26 episodes and the transfers are pristine. Although not flawless (how could they be with minor analog artifacts? and an occasinally slightly blurry look to some of the episodes), they are among the best in a well designed boxed set. The lack of a booklet providing credits and a basic outline of the plot is still a problem. I suppose Paramount figured that most folks purchased the DS 9 Companion. In fact, the third season transfers put the 2nd season transfers of many of the B5 episodes to shame. Obviously great care was taken and, unlike early Trek NextGen episodes, there's rarely any of the compression problems one would expect. What's amazing (and easy to forget) is how well structured and written DS9 was; while it follows the Trek formula a little too closely at times, DS9 takes a number of risks that never occurred to the makers of the earlier Next Gen and of later series Voyage and Enterprise. I'd recommend the DS9 Companion in addition to the boxed set. Unfortunately, DS9 doesn't come with any booklets (unlike the fine synopsis in each boxed set of B5). It's hard for many fans to remember which of the cryptically titled episodes features what. Another drawback to the boxed set is the lack of any writer/director/cast/producer commentary tracks. I would have been interested in hearing producer Michael Pillar's and writer Ira Behr's comments on the key episodes "Past Tense 1 &2". I'm surprised given the wealth of extras here, that Paramount hasn't sprung for two or more cast commentaries as it would make the hefty cost a bit more understandable. I'd definitely recommend seeing season 3 prior to seasons 4 & 5 as they outline the background for those seasons and the conflicts between the characters of Eddington, Sisko, Odo and Kira. While DS9 3 isn't a perfect set, it features nearly flawless transfers with a wealth of documentary extras that will be of interest to Star Trek fans. Always the Rodney Dangerfield of the Trek family when Next Gen was on, DS9 is still among the best written and detailed series (outside of B5)created during the90's.
Rating:
Summary: A great view
Review: Season Three is a great season, with only a few mediocre episodes (Meridian & Fascination). My favourite episodes are (in no particular order):
- THE SEARCH 1 & 2 (Odo meet his "family")
- THE HOUSE OF QUARK (very funny)
- SECOND SKIN (Kira's worst nightmare comes true)
- CIVIL DEFENSE (The look on Dukat's face halfway through the episode is priceless)
- DEFIANT (Tom Riker (from TNG's "SECOND CHANCES") steals the Defiant)
- PAST TENSE 1 & 2 (Great drama, great acting)
- VISIONARY (I always like stories dealing with time travel)
- DISTANT VOICES (A very surreal episode)
- THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS (another mirror universe adventure. The Mirror Kira is one of my favourite characters)
- IMPROBABLE CAUSE/THE DIE IS CAST (Great acting by Andrew Robinson and René Auberjonois (Garak & Odo)
- FACETS (We "meet" all of Dax's former hosts, including Curzon)
- THE ADVERSARY (a very claustrophobic episode with a surprise ending) The extra's are all in the same league with those of season 1 & 2, with a feature on the Dominion, ODO'S CREW DOSSIER, MICHAEL WESTMORE'S ALIENS and several hidden files.
If you are a fan, as I am, you will already have bought this. If you are not, you will soon be if you buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Consistancy is Key here
Review: The DS9 box set is consistant, one thing it has over the Next Generation box set. Each disk in each season is set up the same way: the introduction is the same, 4 episodes per disk, no preview clips. The only variation on this is the last disk, which has the special features. The accent colour for this box set is a deep green, which looks really out of place next to the red and sickly green on the first and second seasons. I'm not exactly sure why they chose the colours they did, but I would guess they have a reason. The episodes in this season are interesting, the storyline really start to heat up. However, it's not fair to the box set or anyone who reads this to outline them all, and rate the box set according to its episodes. That should be reserved for individual episodes.
Rating:
Summary: DS9 gets better with each and every season.
Review: The one thing that is really remarkable about DS9, is that it gets better and better with each season. That's not to say that the earlier seasons aren't important or worth getting, in fact, just the opposite. To understand the complexity of the story that develops in the later seasons, one must know the story and motivations for the characters early on. I love this season, and think it is worth every cent. I think you will too. DS9 is not only the best Trek, but one of the best shows ever on television. :)
Rating:
Summary: The best season
Review: The Search, part 1- don't remember
The Search, part 2- 7/10
The House of Quark- 8/10
Equilibrium- 5/10
Second Skin- 10/10
The Abandoned- don't remember
Civil Defense- 9/10
Meridan- 4/10
Defiant- 5/10
Fascination- 9/10
Past Tense, part 1- 10/10
Past Tense, part 2- 10/10
Life Support- 1/10
Heart of Stone- 9/10
Destiny- 4/10
Prophet Motive- 7/10
Visionary- 10/10
Distant Voices- 9/10
Through the Looking Glass- 8/10
Improbable Cause- 9/10
The Die Is Cast 8/10
Explorers- 8/10
Family Business- don't remember
Shakaar- don't remember
Facets- 6/10
The Adversary- 10/10
The best of episodes of this season are: Visionary, Second Skin, The Adversary, Past Tense, part 1, Past Tense, part 2, Heart of Stone, Fascination, Distant Voices, Improbable Cause, Civil Defense
The worst episode(s) of this season are: life support
Rating:
Summary: The best Trek ever... volume 3!
Review: The series really began to stretch it's wings here. For the first time, they were the only Star Trek series on the air. Everything seemed focused on bringing this together. Until mid-season when "Voyager" debuted on UPN. Fortunately, the DS9 producers stayed on track here. The introduction of the experimental fighting ship, Defiant, gave the series a new energy and allowed them to get off the station more. The external threats became greater as a Klingon presence grew, and the Cardassians were rattling their sabres a bit more as well. All in all, a wholly satisfying season which propelled us headlong into what would be the remaining hallmark years for the series.
Rating:
Summary: DS9 Comes Into Its Own
Review: The third season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was a pivotal one in the series. The groundwork for the series was finally laid, and the show finally moved from a TNG-picaresque storytelling style to a true story arc, when we finally get the first taste of the storytelling that would make Deep Space Nine a truly great show. The season begins with The Search, which formally introduces the Dominion, a powerful empire led by 'changelings' with anymosity for the 'solids'. The episode also features the Starship Defiant being introduced to the station, thus altering the dynamic of the series drastically, and some reticent fans who didn't like the idea of a show about a space station finally jumped on board. There are exciting action episodes, such as Defiant and Civil Defense, a time travel adventure in Past Tense with gentle social commentary, and an astonishingly good Garak two-parter (Improbable Cause, The Die is Cast). Life Support features the departure of Kira's love interest with dignity and honor, and Explorers is the kind of warm character-based story that the show could never make enough of. Also highlights include a trip back Through the Looking Glass and the genuinely suspenseful The Adversary, which has Sisko promoted to Captain, continues the storyline of shapeshifters infiltrating Alpha Quadrant civilizations, and the drama of Odo killing one of his own. Once again, the acting and character development are exemplary. Sisko becomes interested in Bajoran history, which indicates a possible growing comfort with his unwanted role as the planet's spiritual leader. Jeffery Combs is indespensable as both the antipathetic Brunt and the ingratiating, pleasant Weyoun, the Dominion's mouthpiece. Odo goes through the most turmoil in this season, learning of and turning his back on his people, being constantly frustrated on his affections for Major Kira, and finally killing another shapeshifter. All of this angst is pulled of admirably by Rene Auberjonois. Garak finally gets a storyline revolving around him, and it turns out to be the best two-parter that DS9 ever produced. All of this sets the scene for the rest of the series.
Rating:
Summary: Garak Rocks!
Review: There are three great Cardassian shows this season: Civil Defence, Improbable Cause, and The Die is Cast.
SPOILERS!
============================================================ Civil Defence: Wonderful interactions among Garak, Kira, and Gul Dukat. Priceless moment when Dukat finds himself trapped on the station like a rat. Serves him right! Improbable Cause: Great interactions between Odo and Garak. Garak's interpretation of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" was hilarious. The Die is Cast: Paul Dooly is at his best while playing Enabran Tain. Great interactions between Garak and Tain. All in all, love the Cardassians. I'm very happy that they got more screen time as the series progressed. There were some great episodes in Season 3. Highly recommended!
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