Ep 16. If Wishes Were Horses

In the sixteenth episode of the first season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, titled "If Wishes Were Horses," a strange phenomenon occurs on the station. The crew begins to have their deepest desires and fears come true, as various characters from their imaginations come to life.

As the episode begins, Commander Sisko and his son Jake are playing a game of baseball on the Holodeck. Suddenly, the program malfunctions and a ball hits Sisko in the nose. When he returns to the station, he discovers that other strange things have been happening – Chief O'Brien's wife has suddenly appeared on the station, despite the fact that she's supposed to be light years away, and a beloved character from Dr. Bashir's favorite novel suddenly materializes in his quarters.

As the crew tries to make sense of what's happening, they discover that the various apparitions are connected to a phenomenon known as a "protoplasmic field," which is affecting the entire area. They also realize that the more they focus on their imaginings, the more powerful they become.

With the help of a visiting Starfleet admiral, Sisko and the crew eventually come up with a plan to eliminate the protoplasmic field and return things to normal. But along the way, they learn some important lessons about themselves and their innermost desires.

The episode features standout performances from several cast members, including Avery Brooks as Sisko and Cirroc Lofton as his son Jake, who have a heartwarming father-son moment early on in the episode. Alexander Siddig as Dr. Bashir shines as he tries to come to terms with the fact that his favourite literary character has come to life.

"If Wishes Were Horses" is a fun and imaginative episode that showcases the creativity and imagination of the show's writers. It also touches on some deeper themes, such as the power of the human mind and the importance of facing our fears.

Fans of science fiction and Star Trek in particular will find much to enjoy in this episode, which features plenty of action, humor, and suspense. Even casual viewers will be drawn in by the intriguing premise and likable characters. Overall, "If Wishes Were Horses" is a strong addition to the first season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and a must-see for fans of the show.