Deep Space Nine Episode Guide: Tears of the Prophets

Tears of the Prophets is the 26th and final episode of the sixth season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The episode was written by Ira Steven Behr and Hans Beimler, and directed by Allan Kroeker. It first aired in broadcast syndication in the United States the week of June 15, 1998.

The episode centers around the impending departure of Chief Medical Officer Jadzia Dax (played by Terry Farrell), which caused problems for the writers as they sought to include themes of revenge and the conflict between military service and religion. The premise of an attack on the wormhole originated as a plan to end the seventh season of DS9, but was instead incorporated into this episode.

The storyline sees Starfleet attacking a Cardassian star system, while Dukat (played by Marc Alaimo), possessed by one of the Pah-wraiths, kills Jadzia and disables the wormhole. Captain Benjamin Sisko (played by Avery Brooks) is warned by the Prophets not to leave Deep Space Nine but decides to ignore their warning.

In this episode, the Federation decides to move on the offensive against the Dominion, which sets the stage for the war between the United Federation of Planets and the Dominion in later seasons. The station is adjacent to a wormhole leading to the distant Gamma Quadrant, where powerful alien beings are worshiped by the Bajorans as the 'Prophets'.

Tears of the Prophets marks the death of Jadzia Dax and the final appearance on the series of actress Terry Farrell. It is a pivotal episode in the series, as it sets the stage for the events that unfold in later seasons.

Overall, Tears of the Prophets is an exciting and action-packed episode that explores themes of revenge, conflict, and the consequences of ignoring the warnings of the Prophets. With its cliffhanger ending and dramatic plot twists, this episode leaves viewers eager to find out what happens next in the world of Deep Space Nine.

Deep space nine episode guide