Wrapping up a series as complex as Deep Space Nine cannot be done with a traditional finale. To tackle a task so large, the writers needed a grand canvas upon which to paint the final strokes; but even eight episodes left so much still undone. The ninth and final installment—a double-thick bookend to the series opener "Emissary"—had a lot to live up to. Not only were there countless character threads and story arcs to conclude, but, when it came to final episodes, DS9 was still living in the shadow of "All Good Things…" Could the incredible writing team behind DS9 really pull it off?

In this episode of The Orb hosts Christopher Jones and Matthew Rushing conclude our series of shows that take you through the entire nine-part, ten-hour Deep Space Nine finale with the very last piece of the story, "What You Leave Behind." We discuss Damar's last stand and the Alpha/Beta Alliance decision to push on and finish the war, the parallels with our own great wars on Earth, the touching last gathering in Vic's, the showdown between good and evil in the Fire Caves, and more. And as the title of this episode of The Orb implies, we're not quite done yet. With too much to cover in just one hour, this is part one of our own two-part series finale.

Chapters

Final Resolution (5:29)

Damar’s Last Stand and the Cardassian Resistance (10:34)

To Fight or Fall Back: Finishing the War (20:05)

World War II Parallels (31:01)

Changing the Founders (37:47)

One Last Night in Vic’s (42:15)

Showdown In the Fire Caves: The Final Battle (51:44)

The Perfect Ending (1:01:12)

Closing (1:03:34)