What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

A wonderfully composed documentary. Seeing the cast, crew and management of any production and learning the history of it is always exciting. The Star Trek franchise seems being doing that with each of its series. What sets this apart, is that we the audience can see how a story arc is developed in parallel to hearing the perspectives of everyone originally involved. Knowing the backstories, the efforts expended, and hearing the passion and humor expressed by all who spoke adds to the show's legacy.

We also can see how audience reaction to the show affected the show's arc and life. This show stands the test of time, and pushed boundaries of scifi, just like Babylon 5 did. It is no coincidence that I make this statement. DS9 can and does stand on its own.

I am struggling with two parts; 1.) Seeing the proposed arc for Aron Eisenberg's character Nog and realizing that it became a foreshadow for the man. 2.) Not seeing Melanie Smith who portrayed Ziyal. Her character had an impact on the story arc, and yet the actress was not even seen.

Loved the doco. Well worth the many years since I plonked down some $$ to get it made. My only negative was what they said about Garak. I don't see it and I don't think it's needed. He was perfect the way he was portrayed.

My brother is a Trekkie. His favorite is TNG. He actually missed parts of the DS9 series while it was running and didn't like it enough to get caught up. Me, I just dig SciFi but missed most of the Star Trek series while they ran on air. I've since gotten caught up and I'm pretty much the opposite of the brother: don't much care for TNG but love DS9. We both went to this documentary and enjoyed it, so that should tell you something.

My guess is that people who watch this may revisit DS9 and give it a second chance. You're no longer just coming off TNG and you've matured, so the experience will probably be somewhat different.

Some reviewers complained about the political aspect of this production. Most anything you watch on TV that has any kind of substance is making a statement about our society. And it influences us or at least tries to. There is nothing wrong with that. It's not like they're telling you what party to join or who to vote for. I'm actually amazed that there are Trekkies out there who break down at the slightest hint that a character may have been anything other than straight. Let's be better than that.

When DS 9 first came out, I couldn't watch it - because streaming didn't exist, and I couldn't commit to the weekly schedule for an ongoing storyline. It was frustrating.

When I finally bought the full DVD collection some years later, I was blown away. It was the best television I ever watched in my life. Watching it again now, it still is.

It's no surprise in this age of streaming, DS9 is gaining new respect. It covers all the themes of life.

I just wish they would now digitally remaster it for HDTV!

I am an unapologetic Niner (one of those fans that thinks that DS9 is the best Trek ever). If you love the show, or even if you just sort of liked it, this documentary is for you. I only had one complaint against it. By the time it was over my jaw was killing me. From the opening credits until the close the grin on my face was threatening to split my bcc face apart.