"The Search" is the 47th and 48th episode of the science fiction television show Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures on Deep Space Nine, a space station located near a stable wormhole between the Alpha and Gamma quadrants of the Milky Way Galaxy, near the planet Bajor. During this period, the station commander, Federation Commander Sisko, played by Avery Brooks, is trying to understand the nature of alien forces in the region.
It is a two-part episode, consisting of the first and second episodes of the third season. It has also been linked with the preceding episode "The Jem'Hadar", to essentially form a full three episode trilogy.
Reception
The moment when Sisko decloaks the Defiant spacecraft for the first time was rated as one of the top 35 moments in Star Trek in 2015, by Geek.com, highlighting that it marked a 'great start' to the third season. The episode was also noted by Wired as a pivotal episode for the series, helping to explain the origins of Odo, set the Dominion War saga up, and introduce the Defiant spacecraft, which would be an important plot element in many later episodes.
In 2015, Geek.com recommended this episode as "essential watching" for their abbreviated Star Trek: Deep Space Nine binge-watching guide. They note that the third season marked the arrival of screenwriter Ronald D. Moore, and increased use of longer story arcs. They note the triple effect of introducing the USS Defiant, establishing the lethality of the Jem'hadar, and linking Odo-related plot connections.
Release
The episode was released on June 3, 2003 in North America as part of the Season 3 DVD box set. This episode was released in 2017 on DVD with the complete series box set, which had 176 episodes on 48 discs.
On July 6, 1999, both parts of "The Search" were released on LaserDisc in the United States. Released by Paramount Home Video, the double side 12" disc had a total runtime of 92 minutes.
Novelization
"The Search" was novelized by author Diane Carey, and published in 1994. This was one of several episode novelizations, in addition to original stories.
See also
- List of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novels