[DS9] Past Tense: Thoughts
Today I finished the second part of Past Tense, which I think most would agree is one of the better sets of episodes of DS9.
One thing that stuck out to me is how Sisko & Julian start participating in what is essentailly terrorism. I find this worth remarking on because I doubt it would have flown after 9/11. Though to my knowledge the show doesn't make this explicit, it's an interesting rhyme with how the Maquis are portrayed. Though, come to think of it, Keera describes herself in her Bajoran Resistance days as a terrorist. Anyway, the show definitely wants to take up the question of justified political violence in a way that's not so popular now.
2025-11-19 · 6 months ago
7 Comments ↓
👻 darkghost · Nov 19 at 16:20:
I'm rewatching and just finished season 2. Will come back with my thoughts when I get to this one.
🚀 AlexusBlack · Nov 19 at 20:14:
One man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist.
Long ago founding fathers of USA were British rebels and terrorist. When they won then they became freedom fighters.
That happens all the time. Current leader of Syria, just few years ago was a terrorist searched by most western countries.
💎 Vindemiatrix · Nov 20 at 02:51:
Sadly I typed a whole response and lost everything. I think of actual terrorism as an act of intentional, indiscriminate mass violence against a defenseless civilian population to create fear (terror) in the minds and hearts of said population. But the term is much more ambiguous when used more loosely. I doubt Sisko did that, but in a broader sense yes it’s very nuanced indeed. Who defines who or what a terrorist is? Usually it is whoever is in power for better or worse. In a more free society, I trust that label of “terrorist” to be generally more accurate (though not 100%) than in an authoritarian society like on Cardassia. But there’s always a bit of politics in it, always.
🚀 AlexusBlack · Nov 20 at 09:37:
@Vindemiatrix I think your description is great. Authoritarian governments like the label. Like currently in Russia government label opposition and anti-war activists as "terrorists" and "extremists".
If we distill the term to its most most basic meaning, then it's an actor who create fear. In case of Bajoran Militia to Cardasian occupation forces. In case of French Maquis against Nazi occupiers. Cases like retribution killing for example.
Did Sisko intentionally create fear as a way to control his enemies? I really can't recall any case...
💎 Vindemiatrix · Nov 20 at 13:36:
Yep, and it’s a “woah, wait a minute” moment when you put two and two together seeing the description somewhat fit for people literally fighting against an occupying Nazi army. Even in a reverse world though, like The Man In The High Castle, I’d say 9/11, something against civilians, would still be indefensible.
👻 darkghost · Nov 24 at 01:26:
Sisko's participation doesn't rise to the level of terrorist acts and I can't put my finger on why not. Perhaps it is the goal of preventing harm to the hostages. The threat is there, it has to be otherwise they would be free to go. Terrorists wouldn't think or act with such a mindset as they seek to inflict maximum harm.
From my modern story telling mindset though it feels flat that the story just cuts to the end after the massacre and the former hostages are allies. It didn't feel "earned." In such a situation I wouldn't so suddenly change my mind.
🛞 MaAkThRsYoOySrHtKaAm · Feb 09 at 13:16:
Sisko's predecessor touched on this issue in Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season 3, Episode 12 The High Ground.
Lt. Commander Data: But if that is so, Captain, why are their methods so often successful? I've been reviewing the history of armed rebellion, and it appears that terrorism is an effective way to promote political change.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Yes, it can be. But I have never subscribed to the theory that political power flows from the barrel of a gun.
Lt. Commander Data: Yet there are numerous examples when it was successful: the independence of the Mexican state from Spain, the Irish Unification of 2024, and the Kenzie Rebellion.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Yes, I am aware of them.
Lt. Commander Data: Then would it be accurate to say that terrorism is acceptable, when all options for peaceful settlement have been foreclosed?
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Data, these are questions that mankind has been struggling with throughout history. Your confusion is... only Human.