Enterprise gets much praise for its unique three-episode storytelling style that defined the fourth season. But a decade earlier, DS9 took the format for a trial run with what has come to be known as “The Circle Trilogy.” Comprising “The Homecoming,” “The Circle,” and “The Siege,” the three-part story remained unique within Star Trek until the NX-01 entered the Borderland.

In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue their miniseries that takes you through the arc. We discuss the Bajoran preparations for a coup, Sisko’s distaste with governmental staffing decisions, and how Vedek Bareil whips out the spiritual pickup lines at just the right moment. We also debate the Federation decision to walk away rather than help the Bajorans, and we check in on Admiral Chakotay.

Chapters

Jumping Into the Middle (00:05:29)

Odo and Kira (00:11:42)

Family and Trust (00:15:09)

Exploring Useless: Vedek Bareil (00:22:33)

Checking in on Li Nalas (00:34:09)

To Intervene or Not to Intervene (00:43:17)

Bajoran Politics (00:50:18)