Star Trek: 12 Best Alternate Reality Episodes

This second season episode of Deep Space Nine returns the audience to the mirror universe first encountered by Kirk, McCoy, Uhura and Scotty all those years ago. In true Deep Space Nine fashion, the universe is a much grittier version this time around.

Spock's strive for peace failed, allowing the Terran Empire to be overthrown by the Alliance - a make up of Cardassians, Bajorans and Klingons. The brutal rule that they impose on the quadrant has been unchallenged for over one hundred years.

Well done, Kirk and Co.

Nana Visitor is on top form as Intendant Kira Nerys, the purely evil ruler of Terok Nor. She oozes from scene to scene, dominating every second while never quite moving over the line of comedic villain. Watching her play against herself is a treat, as the straight-laced Prime Nerys tries to navigate this new dynamic.

Things are even worse for Dr. Bashir. As a Terran, he is condemned almost from the moment they encounter the universe. While Major Kira wines and dines with the Intendant, he is forced to work in the ore processing unit, under the watchful eye of Odo. He does at least makes friends with Miles 'Smiley' O'Brien, helping to awaken the latter's sense of pride again and escape.

The episode is a fun excursion into the 'what if' of this crossover, even as later episodes would keep the tone a little lighter.