Star Trek 299: Vortex

299. Vortex

FORMULA: The Hunted + Data Lore + The Wrath of Khan

WHY WE LIKE IT: Morn gets a name! And it's Morn!

WHY WE DON'T: A rather uncharismatic guest star.

REVIEW: It's time to learn a little more about Odo, but the creators weren't ready to give us too much. We're left with the information that his race is called "Changeling" and lives in the Gamma Quadrant, and legends that they were driven off at least one world in the distant past. Aside from the name, not much we couldn't figure for ourselves, but it's a start. And given where that story is going, you don't want to give it all away too soon.

We get what little reliable information we can from Krodin, a fugitive from the Gamma Quadrant, and though the character has sharp enough wit and generates a fair amount of pathos, I think he's the reason why I'm never very enthusiastic about Vortex. Krodin is a very awkward character when you look at his make-up, hair and costume, and I'm always distracted by how ugly it all is. It impedes on the performance. Which is really too bad, because there are some very good exchanges between the dissembler and Odo, and in the end, Krodin chooses to be a hero for his daughter. Now if only I could really care!

Technically, this is a fun enough show, with nice direction (cutting away as Odo becomes a glass - and Quark totally wise to it - or Ah-Kel trying to look past Quark's enormous ears) and effects (the pea soup nebula, the fiery explosion within, etc.) though they're too often mismatched (the lighting on the planetoid, the runabout shots with tiny Starfleet personnel inside). Well, that's what I notice when my mind strays.

As for the very pat ending, it's a reasonable out for Odo, but I'm not a big fan of Odo's creepy smile and awkward soliloquy. I also wonder what Rakar (Krodin's world) must be thinking when their prisoner wasn't brought home and no message even sent.

LESSON: Krodin's people created the Dominion. It's all their fault!

REWATCHABILITY - Medium: Like its rather generic title, Vortex falls a little limp despite everything it's got going for it, but it's still worth watching for Odo's story arc.