Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - 10 Best Episodes

5. "Call To Arms" (Season 5)

Summary: The episode opens with the revelation that the Romulans have signed a non-aggression pact with the Dominion, which leads Starfleet to order Sisko to stop further Dominion reinforcements from reaching Cardassia by blocking the entrance to the wormhole with a minefield. To keep Bajor from being ravaged by another war, Sisko endorses a non-aggression pact offered to the Bajor by the Dominion. As the Dominion fleet approaches, Sisko orders an emergency evacuation of the station. Klingon forces remain to defend the position until the Defiant can finish laying the minefield. When it is finally completed, Sisko and the Klingons flee, and Kira welcomes the Dominion and Cardassians aboard Deep Space Nine. Shortly thereafter, Sisko learns that his son Jake has elected to stay aboard the station and cover the war for the Federation news service. He's enraged, but he can't go back for one man, even if he is his son. Having reclaimed his old office, Gul Dukat notices that Sisko left his baseball behind €“ a promise that he will return. As the episode ends, the Defiant joins a massive force of Starfleet vessels. The Dominion War has begun. Why It's Great: The Dominion threat had been brewing since the end of the second season, and "A Call To Arms" finally makes good on that promise, beginning the series' strongest arc, which would be carried through to the series finale. Any number of moments in the episode €“ Sisko leaving his baseball, Kira insincere welcome to the Dominion forces aboard the station, the image of the Defiant joining a larger force of Starfleet vessels than we had ever seen, the revelation that the Romulans have opted out of the brewing conflict €“ would make it a memorable installment. Combined, they make it one of the best of the series. The cliffhanger, which involves Captain Sisko losing Deep Space Nine, the show's namesake, is the best dramatic hook the show ever offered (and that's saying something).