Image in the Sand

This Story: Season 7 Episode 1 (production code 551)
DS9 Overall: Episode 151
Trek Overall: Story 409a, Episode 432
Airdate: 28 Sep 1998
Writer: Ira Steven Behr & Hans Beimler
Director: Les Landau

Notes

• In universe, two months have passed since the last episode.
• The first episode for Nicole DeBoer (Ezri Dax) on the show, although she has just a very short cameo right the end.  This was spoiled in the opening titles a bit, but what I can’t remember in 2025 is if her casting on the series as a new incarnation of Dax was known ahead of time or not.
• The first appearance of Sarah Sisko, Ben’s birth mother.  She was played by Deborah Lacey.
• Kira is promoted from Major to Colonel.  While I get that from an in universe reason, it never sounded quite right to my ears – “Colonel Kira”.
• This episode introduces the concept of the “Cult of the Pah-Wraiths” – designed to show that not every Bajoran sees their religion the same way.
• One of the waiters in Joseph Sisko’s restaurant is played by David Levinson.  He frequently appeared as a waiter in Quark’s – another Ferengi called Broik.  :)
• A reference back to the events of “Blood Oath” is made here talking about “eating the heart of the Albino”.
• The events of the TNG episode “Hollow Pursuits” are mentioned here by O’Brien & Worf.  Also Geordi LaForge and Reginald Barclay are mentioned by name.
• The Romulan Cretak was played by Megan Cole.  She was also Noor in the TNG episode “The Outcast“.

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