Star Trek - Deep Space Nine, Episode 59: Life Support [VHS]

Star Trek - Deep Space Nine, Episode 59: Life Support [VHS] Review

Always intent on tackling big themes in unique ways, the various Star Trek series have covered the subject of death, from suicide to terminal illness to euthanasia, a number of times over the years. "Life Support" continues that bold tradition with a challenging story about dying and medical ethics. A radiation accident brings Vedek Bareil (Philip Anglim), Bajoran leader and lover of Major Kira (Nana Visitor), to the brink of death on the eve of important negotiations with the Cardassians. Aware of his condition but determined to see a historic treaty struck, Bareil pleads with Dr. Bashir (Alexander Singer) to keep him alive and conscious so he can coach the less diplomatic Kai Winn (Louise Fletcher) through the difficult talks. Bashir, who would rather place Bareil in indefinite stasis while seeking a cure, reluctantly yields but then protests as Kai Winn and Kira plead for greater and grimmer interventions to stave off the inevitable.

The strong but flawed script by Ronald D. Moore tries to lighten things up with a trivial, secondary story line about a conflict between Jake Sisko (Chiroc Lofton) and Nog (Aron Eisenberg), as if the main action is nothing but a turn-off. In fact, Bareil's tragedy is presented with painful honesty about the wisdom and morality of sustaining a life that might reasonably be called something less than human. The crossfire of altruistic and selfish interest between sundry characters makes for compelling drama, and the final scene of parting between the living and dying is quite moving. --Tom Keogh