![]() It's almost as if the writers have finally figured out a usable joke for the Ferengi-the fact that the joke is really all on Quark. The full extent of the changes are what causes Quark to go on his tirade, and it's in Quark's comic fury where the storyline works best. That payoff is simple: Ferengi society has changed. Even though developments in Ferengi culture in the past have been so badly handled that they cross into offensiveness ("Profit in Lace" especially), I think I finally see a payoff here to all the changes made, never mind their previous implausibility. What makes this hold up is the character undercurrent. This storyline was actually relatively pleasant. Perhaps the jokes were a little lower-key than most Ferengi shows-and I'm sure the limited screen time for Zek and Ishka helped matters as well. None of this is remotely groundbreaking drama, but I was surprised at how unannoying it was compared to the average Ferengi episode. The entire social structure has changed under Zek and Ishka's new initiatives, and now we have a Ferenginar replete with social services, taxes ("Did you say the T-word?"), and regulated trade. I must admit I laughed when Brunt instantly recited Rule of Acquisition number whatever: "It's never too early to suck up to the boss." Subsequently, Quark comes to realize how out of touch he has become with Ferengi society the past couple years. ![]() He looks forward to a new life of unending wealth, avarice, and indulgence. Quark's tale revolves around Zek's announcement of retirement and the fact Zek intends to name Quark the next Nagus. But the difference here is that we see now where Ferengi society has gone, and where Quark is standing when the music stops. Some of the common Ferengi episode problems find their way into this episode. (" The Emperor's New Cloak," " Profit and Lace," " Ferengi Love Songs," " Prophet Motive," the list goes on.) The biggest problem is that Ferengi shows simply aren't funny, and they prove too obvious and overplayed. More often than not, I haven't enjoyed them. I've never been a big fan of Ferengi episodes. Quark's story-undoubtedly DS9's last visit to Ferengi society-is without a doubt comedy, but behind it is a bizarre ring of truth. But despite the fact the jokes aren't meant to be taken seriously, there's something about the character undercurrent that can be. It perhaps helps to know that the line was lifted almost directly from the speech Picard made in First Contact, and that First Contact co-writer Ron Moore probably had it in mind when he co-wrote "Dogs of War." It's refreshing to see an inside joke taken to such a blatantly over-the-top, self-referential, take-us-none-seriously extreme. Then he yells: "The line has to be drawn here! This far, and no further!" And he realizes he hasn't been immune from the changes over the years he sees that he has gone "soft." He launches into a histrionic tirade that continues to build in amusement as Quark's disgust is unleashed. He has watched as Ferengi society around him has become, in his view, a travesty. There's a moment in "The Dogs of War" when Quark has had enough. ![]() ![]() Nutshell: Uneven, but it does well for setting us up for the grand finish while bringing closure to Quark's character arc. It's a tidy little arrangement, wouldn't you say?" - Odo to Sisko Review by Jamahl Epsicokhan "Interesting, isn't it? The Federation claims to abhor Section 31's tactics, but when they need the dirtywork done, they look the other way. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine "The Dogs of War"
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