Ep 15. Progress

Kira is tasked with evacuating a stubborn farmer from his land before a moon on his planet collides with it. The farmer, Mullibok, is determined to stay and protect his livelihood, even if it means risking his life. As Kira works to persuade Mullibok to leave, she begins to understand his deep attachment to his land and his beliefs about progress and development.

Meanwhile, Quark convinces O’Brien to help him salvage a derelict spacecraft. As they work on the ship, they discover that it was used to transport a group of Bajoran prisoners, including Mullibok’s wife. Mullibok learns of this and is torn between his desire to stay on his land and his need to honor his wife’s memory by helping her fellow prisoners.

The episode explores themes of progress, tradition, and personal sacrifice, as Kira and Mullibok grapple with conflicting values. It also touches on the aftermath of the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, particularly the impact on individual lives and the ongoing struggle to rebuild and move forward.

At its core, "Progress" is a character-driven episode that showcases the strengths of the Deep Space Nine ensemble. Kira, played by Nana Visitor, is a standout, as she navigates the complicated emotional territory of Mullibok's predicament. The relationship that develops between Kira and Mullibok is nuanced and compelling, with both characters challenging and learning from each other.

Overall, "Progress" is a thoughtful and engaging episode that showcases the depth and complexity of the Deep Space Nine universe. It offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by a post-occupation society, and the personal struggles of those caught in the middle of larger political and ideological conflicts.