This episode is one of the most unusual in Star Trek as it transports one of our characters to another time and place, but not as an outsider or observer. Captain Sisko literally becomes Benny and all the other characters in Benny's world, while they may look and sound something like people Sisko knows, are completely different individuals, entirely endemic to the world and the time they inhabit. This may, in fact, be entirely unique in the Star Trek universe, without precedent or antecedent.
It also stands as one of the most credible and artfully constructed period pieces in Star Trek history. The use of jazz music throughout and the attention given to every detail of set decoration and costume design makes it among the most immersive and believable of such Trek stories.
It also stands as one of the most credible and artfully constructed period pieces in Star Trek history. The use of jazz music throughout and the attention given to every detail of set decoration and costume design makes it among the most immersive and believable of such Trek stories.
Avery Brooks anchors the episode as not only its central character but also its director. Brooks is one of the most skilled and sensitive directors in Star Trek and his camera movements, pacing, and sense of place are excellent. He imbues the world of Benny Russell with a life, warmth, and texture that allows us to be as immersed in the narrative as is Ben Sisko. Add to this Brooks' performance--a masterful blend of subtlety and dynamism--as well as that of the excellent DS9 ensemble playing whole new characters with verve and commitment and "Far Beyond the Stars" stands clearly among the finest episodes in the franchise.
The episode is also an example of Star Trek taking on a social issue directly. Where many Trek stories--especially in the Original Series, but throughout them all--deal with earth-bound, contemporary themes by means of metaphor and symbolism, "Far Beyond the Stars" plants us right in the midst of racial tensions in 1950s America.
Of course, this is still something of an indirect storytelling method, using a period in our past to ask us to think seriously about issues that remain of contemporary importance. By looking at racism in a more stark, but less current context, the audience is able to examine current racial conflicts within a larger context. Still, while race is an incredibly important topic in this episode, it is surely only a part of its larger, and core idea.
For my exploration of that idea, read my blog post at Reel World Theology, written as part of their annual Trektember event!
The episode is also an example of Star Trek taking on a social issue directly. Where many Trek stories--especially in the Original Series, but throughout them all--deal with earth-bound, contemporary themes by means of metaphor and symbolism, "Far Beyond the Stars" plants us right in the midst of racial tensions in 1950s America.
Of course, this is still something of an indirect storytelling method, using a period in our past to ask us to think seriously about issues that remain of contemporary importance. By looking at racism in a more stark, but less current context, the audience is able to examine current racial conflicts within a larger context. Still, while race is an incredibly important topic in this episode, it is surely only a part of its larger, and core idea.
For my exploration of that idea, read my blog post at Reel World Theology, written as part of their annual Trektember event!