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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Playing God (''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'')}}
{{Infobox television episode {{Infobox television episode
| Series = ] | series = ]
| image =
| Title = Playing God
| caption =
| Image = ]
| season = 2
| Caption = Dax and Arjin
| Season = 2 | episode = 17
| Episode = 17 | production = 437
⚫ | airdate = {{Start date|1994|02|28}}
| Production = 437
| teleplay = {{Plainlist|*Jim Trombetta
⚫ | Airdate = {{Start date|1994|02|27}}
| Teleplay = ]<br>] *]}}
| Story = ] | story = Jim Trombetta
| Director = ] | director = ]
| Music = ] | music = ]
| Guests = | guests =
*] - Arjin * ] as Arjin
*] - Klingon Chef * ] as Klingon Chef
*] - Gul Evek * ] as Gul Evek
*] - Trajok * Chris Nelson Norris as Trajok
| Prev = ] | prev = ]
| Next = ] | next = ]
| Episode list = ] | episode_list = List of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes
| season_article = Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 2
}} }}
__NOTOC__
"'''Playing God'''" is the 37<sup>th</sup> ] of the ] ] '']''. The 17th episode of the second season.


"'''Playing God'''" is the 37th ] of the ] ] '']''. It is the 17th episode of the ]. "Playing God" aired on syndicated television starting on February 26, 1994.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T8idGMJSFIYC&dq=Playing+God+%28Star+Trek%3A+Deep+Space+Nine%29&pg=PA179|title=Worlds Enough and Time: Explorations of Time in Science Fiction and Fantasy|last1=Westfahl|first1=Gary|last2=Slusser|first2=George Edgar|last3=Leiby|first3=David|date=2002|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=9780313317064|language=en}}</ref>
==Overview==

While Dax mentors her first Trill initiate, a proto-universe threatens to destroy the station and Bajor.
Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures on ], a space station located adjacent to a stable ] between the ] of the Milky Way Galaxy, near the planet ]. This episode explores the species known as the ], some of whom are ] joined to long-lived creatures known as "symbionts".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cbYf2l7gczUC&dq=Playing+God+%28Star+Trek%3A+Deep+Space+Nine%29&pg=PT400|title=The Star Trek Encyclopedia|last1=Okuda|first1=Michael|last2=Okuda|first2=Denise|last3=Mirek|first3=Debbie|date=2011-05-17|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=9781451646887|language=en}}</ref> In this episode, while Trill officer ] mentors a candidate for joining, a proto-universe threatens to destroy the station and Bajor.


==Plot== ==Plot==
A young ] man arrives on the ]. He is to study with ], and the prospect makes him ill-at-ease and defensive. He has heard rumors that Dax hosts have been very harsh mentors, especially ]. He hopes to please Jadzia, since he must get a recommendation from her if the Trill joining committee is to accept him as a host. When Arjin meets Jadzia Dax he is surprised to find her so laid-back and free-spirited. Arjin, a young Trill man, arrives on ''Deep Space Nine''. Jadzia Dax is to evaluate him for suitability to be joined with a symbiont; the prospect makes him ill-at-ease and defensive, since hosts of the Dax symbiont have had a reputation as very harsh mentors, especially Jadzia's predecessor ]. When Arjin meets Jadzia he is surprised to find her laid-back and free-spirited.


Arjin's first job is to accompany Dax through the ] in a ]. An accident occurs and the two Trills bring the runabout back to the station damaged. There is a strange mass of matter attached to it. ] removes the mass and contains it securely for further study. Arjin's first job is to accompany Dax through the Wormhole in a ]. An accident occurs and the two Trills bring the runabout back to the station damaged, with a strange mass attached to it. ] removes the mass and contains it securely for further study.


Meanwhile, Dax has been getting to know Arjin. He seems aloof but preoccupied with what other people think of him, and may be applying for a symbiont to please his father and others. He seems to have few interests or goals. Dax is nervous about confronting Arjin about his motivations. When she confides in her friend ], he reminds her about her time training under the notorious Curzon. He was very hard on her, and challenged her confidence in herself. Meanwhile, Dax has been getting to know Arjin. He seems aloof but preoccupied with what other people think of him, and is applying for a symbiont mainly to please his father. He seems to have few interests or goals. Dax is nervous about confronting Arjin about his motivations. Her friend ] reminds her that during her own training under the notorious Curzon, he was very hard on her, and challenged her confidence in herself.


Trouble starts when the unidentified mass in the lab is released from its containment-field. O'Brien is annoyed to find that the station has a pest-control problem. There is an infestation of ], and they are beginning to short out crucial systems, including the power-source for the science-lab containment-fields. When Dax and Arjin find the matter, it has begun to emit an eerie glow. They run calculations and realize that the matter may actually be a tiny universe. It is expanding quickly and will soon pose a danger to the station. The crew prepares to destroy the universe, but are halted when Dax finds that it holds signs of life. An infestation of ] voles shorts out various equipment, including the containment-field for the unidentified mass in the lab. Arjin and Dax realize that the matter may actually be a tiny universe. It is expanding quickly and will soon pose a danger to the station. The crew prepares to destroy the universe, but are halted when Dax finds that it holds signs of life.


As Sisko ponders the matter, Dax speaks to Arjin about his performance. She reveals that Curzon's high expectations for her actually helped her become stronger and more ready to become a host. Before she was joined to Dax, Jadzia was shy and sensitive, and Curzon often reduced her to tears. Nonetheless, in the end, she got her ], and she encourages Arjin to strive for more. As Sisko ponders the matter, Dax speaks to Arjin about his performance. She reveals that Curzon's high expectations for her actually helped her become stronger and more ready to become a host. Before she was joined to Dax, Jadzia was shy and sensitive, and Curzon often reduced her to tears. Nonetheless, in the end, she got her symbiont, and she encourages Arjin to strive for more.


Sisko has weighed the options and has decided the proto-universe must be removed from Deep Space Nine. Dax and Arjin board a runabout to ferry the universe back through the Wormhole. She allows Arjin to take the helm, a challenge that he accepts. Sisko decides the proto-universe must be removed from ''Deep Space Nine''. Dax and Arjin board a runabout to ferry the universe back through the wormhole. She allows Arjin to take the helm, a challenge that he accepts.


As they rush through the Wormhole, the expanding proto-universe becomes unstable, making the runabout difficult to fly. Arjin can barely control it, and Dax offers to take over. He resolves to do the job himself, and as he safely brings them out of danger and releases the little universe out into space, he proves himself and earns his positive recommendation from Jadzia Dax. As they rush through the wormhole, the expanding proto-universe becomes unstable, making the runabout difficult to fly. Arjin's careful navigation safely brings them out of danger and releases the little universe out into space; thus he proves himself and earns his positive recommendation from Jadzia Dax.


==Character notes==
==Arc significance==
In 2018, ] included this episode on their Jadzia Dax ] guide.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/a-binge-watching-guide-to-star-trek-deep-space-nines-jadzia-dax|title=A binge-watching guide to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Jadzia Dax|last=Lane|first=Carly|date=2018-02-05|website=SYFY WIRE|language=en|access-date=2019-07-23|archive-date=2019-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723151409/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/a-binge-watching-guide-to-star-trek-deep-space-nines-jadzia-dax|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*It is revealed that Jadzia's initial application for joining was rejected by Curzon.

*Jake reveals to his father that he is dating a Dabo girl named Mardah. Sisko promises to invite her to dinner eventually.
]'s nose makeup piece for the character ] was not ready, so a different one was used, giving him a slightly different look than in other episodes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tor.com/2013/09/09/star-trek-deep-space-nine-rewatch-playing-god/|title=Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Rewatch: "Playing God"|last=DeCandido|first=Keith R. A.|date=2013-09-09|website=Tor.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-25}}</ref>

== Releases ==
On April 1, 2003, Season 2 of ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' was released on ] video discs, with 26 episodes on seven discs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DVD Talk|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/6119|access-date=2021-02-22|website=www.dvdtalk.com}}</ref>

This episode was released in 2017 on DVD with the complete series ], which had 176 episodes on 48 discs.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=TrekNews net|date=2017-02-10|title= Deep Space Nine Complete Series DVD Box Set|url=https://treknews.net/2017/02/10/review-star-trek-ds9-complete-series-dvd-box-set/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=TREKNEWS.NET {{!}} Your daily dose of Star Trek news and opinion|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Season Two - IGN|date=26 March 2003 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/26/star-trek-deep-space-nine-season-two|language=en|access-date=2021-02-22}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}}
<references/>


==External links== ==External links==
{{wikiquote|Star Trek: Deep Space Nine#Playing God .5B2.17.5D|Playing God}} {{wikiquote|Star Trek: Deep Space Nine#Playing God .5B2.17.5D|Playing God}}
*{{IMDb title|id=0708580|title=Playing God}} * {{IMDb episode|0708580}}
*{{TV.com episode|20851|Playing God}} * {{Memory Alpha|Playing God}}
* {{StarTrek.com|playing-god}}
*{{memoryalpha|Playing God}}
*{{StarTrek.com link|DS9|68156|Playing God}}

{{Star Trek DS9 S2}}
{{Star Trek DS9}}
{{Star Trek}}


] {{Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes|2}}
⚫ ]


]
]
⚫ ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 20:39, 31 October 2024

17th episode of the 2nd season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
"Playing God"
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode
Episode no.Season 2
Episode 17
Directed byDavid Livingston
Story byJim Trombetta
Teleplay by
Featured musicDennis McCarthy
Production code437
Original air dateFebruary 28, 1994 (1994-02-28)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Shadowplay" 		Next →
"Profit and Loss"
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 2
List of episodes

"Playing God" is the 37th episode of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It is the 17th episode of the second season. "Playing God" aired on syndicated television starting on February 26, 1994.

Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures on Deep Space Nine, a space station located adjacent to a stable wormhole between the Alpha and Gamma quadrants of the Milky Way Galaxy, near the planet Bajor. This episode explores the species known as the Trill, some of whom are symbiotically joined to long-lived creatures known as "symbionts". In this episode, while Trill officer Jadzia Dax mentors a candidate for joining, a proto-universe threatens to destroy the station and Bajor.

Plot

Arjin, a young Trill man, arrives on Deep Space Nine. Jadzia Dax is to evaluate him for suitability to be joined with a symbiont; the prospect makes him ill-at-ease and defensive, since hosts of the Dax symbiont have had a reputation as very harsh mentors, especially Jadzia's predecessor Curzon. When Arjin meets Jadzia he is surprised to find her laid-back and free-spirited.

Arjin's first job is to accompany Dax through the Wormhole in a runabout. An accident occurs and the two Trills bring the runabout back to the station damaged, with a strange mass attached to it. Chief O'Brien removes the mass and contains it securely for further study.

Meanwhile, Dax has been getting to know Arjin. He seems aloof but preoccupied with what other people think of him, and is applying for a symbiont mainly to please his father. He seems to have few interests or goals. Dax is nervous about confronting Arjin about his motivations. Her friend Benjamin Sisko reminds her that during her own training under the notorious Curzon, he was very hard on her, and challenged her confidence in herself.

An infestation of Cardassian voles shorts out various equipment, including the containment-field for the unidentified mass in the lab. Arjin and Dax realize that the matter may actually be a tiny universe. It is expanding quickly and will soon pose a danger to the station. The crew prepares to destroy the universe, but are halted when Dax finds that it holds signs of life.

As Sisko ponders the matter, Dax speaks to Arjin about his performance. She reveals that Curzon's high expectations for her actually helped her become stronger and more ready to become a host. Before she was joined to Dax, Jadzia was shy and sensitive, and Curzon often reduced her to tears. Nonetheless, in the end, she got her symbiont, and she encourages Arjin to strive for more.

Sisko decides the proto-universe must be removed from Deep Space Nine. Dax and Arjin board a runabout to ferry the universe back through the wormhole. She allows Arjin to take the helm, a challenge that he accepts.

As they rush through the wormhole, the expanding proto-universe becomes unstable, making the runabout difficult to fly. Arjin's careful navigation safely brings them out of danger and releases the little universe out into space; thus he proves himself and earns his positive recommendation from Jadzia Dax.

Character notes

In 2018, SyFy included this episode on their Jadzia Dax binge-watching guide.

Armin Shimerman's nose makeup piece for the character Quark was not ready, so a different one was used, giving him a slightly different look than in other episodes.

Releases

On April 1, 2003, Season 2 of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was released on DVD video discs, with 26 episodes on seven discs.

This episode was released in 2017 on DVD with the complete series box set, which had 176 episodes on 48 discs.

References

  1. Westfahl, Gary; Slusser, George Edgar; Leiby, David (2002). Worlds Enough and Time: Explorations of Time in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 9780313317064.
  2. Okuda, Michael; Okuda, Denise; Mirek, Debbie (2011-05-17). The Star Trek Encyclopedia. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781451646887.
  3. Lane, Carly (2018-02-05). "A binge-watching guide to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Jadzia Dax". SYFY WIRE. Archived from the original on 2019-07-23. Retrieved 2019-07-23.
  4. DeCandido, Keith R. A. (2013-09-09). "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Rewatch: "Playing God"". Tor.com. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
  5. "DVD Talk". www.dvdtalk.com. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  6. Staff, TrekNews net (2017-02-10). "[REVIEW] Deep Space Nine Complete Series DVD Box Set". TREKNEWS.NET | Your daily dose of Star Trek news and opinion. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
  7. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Season Two - IGN, 26 March 2003, retrieved 2021-02-22

External links

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes
Seasons
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6
7
Season 2
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