The story of how the Federation found its moral center is supposed to be rooted in the post-war 21st century and the era immediately following First Contact... a moral center that we found with a great deal of help from the Vulcans.

While I agree with your premise I’m not sure I do agree with the underlying morality of it. Trek has always presented us with the idea that morality, optimism, diplomacy and hope can win the day, especially during ambiguous times. DS9 is ultimately a testament to that - if Section 31 had had its cynical way, Odo would…

I’m a fan of cussing but the F-bombs in this episode were jarring and totally took me out of the story. I mean WTF??? No, let’s not force cool edginess that way.

As much as the Lorca arc this episode disappointed me (when he tells the story of his previous command, the only thought that came to me is that for better or worse he is the Anti-Picard, because SPOILERS fuck if Jean-Luc kills his crew so that they wouldn’t be captured by the Klingon) my biggest disappointment and…