Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

One of the most interesting episodes of the original Star Trek series was certainly Mirror Mirror. In that installment, Captain Kirk and several of his crew are transported into a parallel universe in a freak accident. They exchange places with the “mirror” versions of themselves, who just happen to be transporting at the same time. The concept was an intriguing one, but one that sadly wasn’t further explored.

Until Crossover, the second season Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode that would be the first of several to return to the mirror universe. And as it turns out, a lot has changed since the intrepid Captain Kirk managed to escape from that universe, where the Federation does not exist, but in its stead is a Terran Empire that is ruthless and brutal.

As Crossover begins, Major Kira (Nana Visitor) and Dr. Bashir (Siddig El Fadil) are traversing the wormhole when a malfunction of one of the warp nacelles transports them into the mirror universe. When they arrive, they discover the station they know as Deep Space Nine under the command of a twisted Intendant-who just happens to be the mirror version of Kira.

Looking through a mirror, things are often the reverse of their true selves, and that is the case here-for the most part. Odo (Rene Auberjonois), Garak (Andrew Robinson), and Sisko (Avery Brooks) seem to be displaying a dark side, while Quark (Armin Shimerman) curiously has a conscience.

Kira and Bashir are desperate to return to their own universe-especially since the Terran Empire is no longer a power in the galaxy. Kirk’s influence on the mirror Spock so long ago caused him to advocate peace-which left the Empire ripe for the picking when the Klingon-Cardassian alliance came calling.

Only the Intendant’s fascination with Kira keeps her and the doctor alive. But will even that be enough to buy them the time they need to find away a home, or will they be trapped in the madness through the looking glass for the rest of their lives?

Crossover works because it’s built on the solid foundation of a classic original series episode. There are plenty of references to Kirk and Spock, much to the delight of old-time Trekkies like this reviewer.

But the episode stands on its own as a Deep Space Nine story, too. Much of that is because of the depth of Bashir and Kira as characters, and the interaction between the two that really blossoms here.

And of course, the acting helps. Visitor is lots of fun as the Intendant, and she’s double trouble as Kira, too. Andrew Robinson really shines as an evil Garak. Normally, we never quite know what to make of him-but here there’s no doubt he’s a villain. Shimerman is, as always, in top form too.

Definitely one of the better early episodes in the series. And for those viewing through Netflix or the like, this episode is featured on Season Two, Disc 6.

More Deep Space Nine

Blood Oath

Classic Trek Episodes

Arena

The City on the Edge of Forever

The Doomsday Machine

This Side of Paradise

What Are Little Girls Made Of?


And Movies

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8