In the seventh episode of the sixth season of Deep Space Nine, this was nice! A nice thing happened! If you’re intrigued, then it’s time for Mark to watch Star Trek.
Y’all, I finally got a break. I mean, shit got real there for a second, but compared to the four previous Star Trek episodes I just experienced? Well, this was cheery!
Joy
The first third of this episode is a welcome relief from the intensity of season six’s opening, and you can see the show having fun with that. The celebration aboard Deep Space Nine was much-needed, and that infectious energy carries over for the remainder of the episode. These characters are home, y’all, and everything feels like it’s back in its rightful place. The promenade is alive again; Jake has just received word that his first book of non-fiction stories will be published; even Quark’s bar has returned to its former glory. Which means: TIME FOR A WEDDING OH MY GOD. And who’s the inspiration for this sudden change in plans?
Alexander. While his story in “Sons and Daughters†didn’t do that much for me, I was pleased to see the show use him again, especially since his role here is a lot more fun. Jadzia comes up with the idea to move the wedding so Alexander can attend, and IT IS THE VERY BEST IDEA. A big wedding ceremony on the station! Klingon traditions! What could go wrong?
Contrasts
Of course, everything. In hindsight, though, this really isn’t a disaster. The writers hilariously contrast Worf and Jadzia, much like the relationship dynamic between those characters, by having the two of them experience polar extremes. Worf has General Martok to support him, who shows us that he’s sentimental, kind, and views Worf with the highest regard. Jadzia, on the other hand, gets… well, how can you properly describe Sirella in all her magnificence? Look, y’all, I love her. It’s just so fitting that Jadzia got paired off with the most stubborn, hot-headed, and judgmental person, all while Worf gets someone on his side who is, incidentally, far more like Jadzia herself. Right???
The show then contrasts their pre-wedding parties. Worf, unsurprisingly, follows a ritual that’s literally nothing but four days of suffering. I FELT SO BAD FOR MILES AND JULIAN. But they did mistakenly believe the ritual would be a lot more… debauched? That ends being Jadzia’s party, which looked incredible! IF ONLY JULIAN AND MILES KNEW WHAT THEY WERE MISSING! But that difference is key to the eventual conflict of “You Are Cordially Invited.†Is it possible for opposites to be too opposite to attract? Both Worf and Jadzia adore one another, but is that enough?
A Separation
I mean, I should have seen that twist coming. It’s such a common trope in wedding episodes on long-running shows! And lord, the split here really felt BAD. Sirella’s refusal to treat Jadzia nicely, coupled with Jadzia’s flippant attitude towards the rituals she was required to completed, ended in chaos. The confrontation between Sirella and Jadzia at the party was real hard to watch! And I saw no way for it to be rectified. Sirella was a prideful woman. How would she ever forgive Jadzia for what she’d done? How could Worf accept a wedding outside of tradition? Look how long he’s spent this season obsessing over every detail of the wedding! Was he just going to give it all up?
Love
In the end, Martok and Siko confront their respective friends to help them navigate the confusing things they were experiencing. Again, in many ways, this episode clings closely to tropes we’ve seen for this style of story. Jadzia and Worf were bound to separate for a short while, at least until their very best friends helped them see how they truly felt. I’m not knocking this script, since I had a lot of fun watching the action switch drastically back and forth between the two sets of characters. In a sense, this was a comfort to watch, an adorable break from CONSTANT PAIN, so I’m glad that it unfolded a whole lot like a romance flick.
And I got to see a Klingon wedding! The ceremony is beautifully written, and IT HAPPENED. WORF AND JADZIA ARE MARRIED. EVERYTHING IS PERFECT!
The video for “You Are Cordially Invited†can be downloaded here for $0.99.
Mark Links Stuff
– I am now on Patreon! There are various levels of support, from $1 up to whatever you want! You’ll get to read a private blog, extra reviews, and other such rewards. I POST A LOT OF CUTE PHOTOS, OKAY. Think of it like a private Tumblr blog that only SPECIAL PEOPLE get to read.
– I have updated my list of conventions and events for the remainder of the year and much of next year.  Check the full list of events on my Tour Dates / Appearances page.
– My Master Schedule is updated for the near and distant future for most projects, so please check it often. My next Double Features for Mark Watches have been announced here.
- Mark Does Stuff is on Facebook! I’ve got a community page up that I’m running. Guaranteed shenanigans!
