Randomly decided to watch #DS9 “Emissary” for the first time in a decade or so. Great opening! We meet Sisko in battle against hopeless odds. He loses his wife and saves his son all in the first five minutes. Rooting interest established. 1

Struck by the handheld camera work in the opening sequence, which was unheard of for #StarTrek at the time. Adds tension, energy, and verisimilitude. 2

God I wish they’d pay to up res #DS9. It looks so grainy. 3

“We’ll take the pond with us” is a great line. Says so much about Sisko as a father and also the way the holo-tech is ingrained in Federation society. #DS9 4

First time we see #DS9 is from Jake’s POV. He thinks it looks cool. It’s clear from the scene that Sisko took this assignment because he thought it might be good for his son. The opening is completely grounded in the father/son relationship. 5

Sisko and Jake are foreground. #DS9 is behind them, obscured by Sisko’s loving gesture toward his son. Even when you think you’re going to get a clean shot of the station, their reflections cross over it. 6

No Wormhole in the opening credits of the pilot! #DS9 7

The beauty shots of the real life model of #DS9 still look good. 8

Sisko’s “Understood” to O’Brien about the state of #DS9 speaks to his character. He doesn’t want or need excuses. He understands O’Brien has other more pressing concerns. Moves on once he has his answer. 9

First shot of Quark and he looks like an extra. He’s packing his bar to go. Just a civilian trying to survive. Under all that make-up, @ShimermanArmin gives a look that just conveys so much. 10

Armin communicates weariness, anger, resignation, plus a “Who’s this Federation a-hole and what use is he?” All in one quick shot. That’s Acting, people! #Ds9 11

First big CU of Sisko is his reaction to “The Prophets await you.” The Emissary theme begins quietly but that shot tells you it’s a big deal. 12

Sisko’s chiding “okay” to Jake is the first laugh of the show. God, he loves his son. That shines through so brightly. #DS9 13

Sisko when told Picard wants to see him. “He does?” Stone cold. 14

Note that Sisko goes to Ops instead. Because F Picard. #DS9 15

“Sir, have you ever served with any Bajoran women?” “No, why?” “I was just wondering, sir.” O’Brien gives a knowing smile. Second laugh of the episode. #DS9 16

Sisko’s smile to Kira “We could do it in any order you like.” Avery’s performance in the #DS9 pilot has aged exceedingly well. 17

First Sisko/Kira scene is very strong. I feel like Nana is still finding her way here, but the dynamics between her and Avery are great. Interesting how solid Sisko is here. Very patient. And the smile when he decides to go with her to check on the break-in is gold. #DS9 18

Fun intros for Nog, Odo, and Quark, but no hint how important they’d all be. Also Sisko is already planning how to get Quark to do his bidding from the drop, like a boss. #DS9 19

Bedtime. I’ll pick up at the Picard scene when I next have some free time. But 16 minutes in, as a viewer, and I’m invested in this Sisko guy and therefore the show. #TVWriting lesson I suppose. #DS9 20