Series: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9)
Episode: 1:10 Move Along Home (0215/1993)
Rating: 3/5
Redshirt Status: 0/1
Notable Guest Stars:
Joel Brooks (Farew) – Brooks is a long-time character actor. He has appeared in many series over the years in quite a variety of characters. Some shows that I have watched with him in it include Sabrina: The Teenage Witch, and M*A*S*H. He now splits his time acting with teaching acting classes.
Clara Bryant (Chandra) – Bryant was a child actress who at 24 decided to retire from acting and became a Lawyer. She did make a series of appearances on Buffy The Vampire Slayer from 2002-03. He last film was the Syfy film Bone Eater with Bruce Boxleitner as the lead.
Review:
I feel like this episode came from someone’s nightmare about hopscotch. Or most children’s board games to be honest. There was a trivia bit that came up while I was watching (I am using my paramount+ account on Amazon which shows IMDB tidbits while you watch) about how the set was inspired by board games and tabletop games like D&D etc. I didn’t really see the DND, but then I can’t say that I am majorly experienced in that area.
The behind the scenes information was actually more interesting then the episode to be honest. I think perhaps if they had started with the episode in the game, and then only showed our four players it may have had more interesting ways about it. Still the concept was interesting, and unlike some of the criticisms I found about the episode I liked that the game was just a game in the end. Seemed to add a bit of literary irony to the piece.
However, I will use Julian’s quick pick up on things as evidence for my attempt to accept “Julian is Advanced” storyline in season 6.
Behind scenes, it seems that while some of the writers liked the episode, the overall feel of the cast was mild at best. Avery Brooks apparently outright hated the episode, and Terry Ferrell was upset it kept her from being a part of the DS9/TNG crossover event Birthright Part 1. Instead Alexander Siddig got to be in the episode. I have to admit that I am glad it happened that way because Dax is given a lot of screen time as it is, and she comes across as the one who knows all.
Honestly, with the exception of Avery Brooks (for the most part), Armin Shimerman, and Rene Auberjonois, the whole cast is really not having their sealegs so to speak this first season.
This episode does not have a large impact on the ongoing arc of the show other then this being the first species that they meet on the other side of the wormhole. You can safely skip this episode and be safe.
Interesting Notes:
- • Written by Micheal Piller (story), Frederick Rappaport, Lisa Rich, and Jeanne Carrigan-Ford (Teleplay)
- • Directed by David Carson
- • This episode was nominated for an emmy in Hairstyling
- • The game’s name “Chula” is taken from the real game Chutes & Ladders.
Pros
This episode wasn’t completely horrible. However there isn’t anything that shouts out POINT ME OUT, so that’s not good either.
Cons:
I have to say this is not the highlight of any of their acting careers. That being said, Julian’s deer in the headlights scene was hilarious.
Screencap via CygnusX1.net
Sokorra Lewis 