Starfleet Jedi

Somebody explain to me why this episode's supposed to be so great, and not in a way that makes me regret not seeing it.

I don't know that I can satisfy the "not regret" part, but it's a heartfelt story focusing on Jake, a character I personally enjoyed seeing the development of. The actor playing the elder Jake also played Worf's brother Kurn. "The Visitor" is one of those alternative-future stories, which I always enjoy. We see Nog's Starfleet career develop, elder versions of Dax and Bashir (the makeup is always great) and an alternate timeline where the Federation's relationship with certain neighbors is strained. There's a neat bit of continuity with regards to a novel Jake writes, Anslem. We see it finished here, and its apparently highly regarded. Jake will start writing it in the later episode "The Muse."

All in all, I'd say see it. I hope I haven't spoiled too much of it for you.

Cocytus wrote:
All in all, I'd say see it. I hope I haven't spoiled too much of it for you.

Well, spoilers is kinda the whole point of this thread, so thanks.

If you don't mind spoilers, then read the Memory Alpha entry on "The Visitor" here. Tony Todd's portrayal of the older Jake Sisko in this episode is superb as is the make up and art direction, and the story is both poignant and moving without being overly sappy, or manipulative. The only thing you may not like about it is the tired old time travel McGuffin is trotted out here, though IMHO it is used well, and as has already been pointed out, it does not resort completely to the dreaded Reset Button in the resolution.

Various polls have placed this episode at times as the best Star Trek episode of all time, though more recently it has slipped down to fourth and sixth place. But still, it says something that out of over 700 episodes it can consistantly make the the top 5 or top 10 all-time favorites speaks for itself.
-Mike

I've read it, but an encyclopedia description only gets you so far. I guess I'll have to either forget it or fork over the money for the S4 DVD.

Have you tried finding it on YouTube?
-Mike

Mike DiCenso wrote:Have you tried finding it on YouTube?
-Mike

Second thing I did after visiting Memory Alpha. No such luck.

I'am not sure if by "fork over the money" you plan on buying the the DVD. If you do, I would suggest instead checking your independent video rental stores and see if they have it first.
-Mike

Mike DiCenso wrote:I'am not sure if by "fork over the money" you plan on buying the the DVD.

Well...yeah, that's generally what "fork over the money" means :p Though I suppose it's a phrase not used very much in Canada/the UK/Australia/etc., might be just a States thing.

I found some used S4 DVDs for a smidgen below $50 USD, which seems like a good deal to me.

If you do, I would suggest instead checking your independent video rental stores and see if they have it first.

Would I be looking for the S4 DVD or a VHS of the episode?

My local indy video store has most of the TNG, VOY, and DS9 season DVDs for rental at between 2-3 USD, depending on the specials their running. Dunno if you could send off to Netflick for it for a couple of bucks.
-Mike