So, when I'm not busy being political, I'm a geek. And as our wonderful cable news networks seem to think that massive insurrection in Iraq isn't really as newsworthy as, say, Kobe Bryant, I've had plenty of free TV time to watch SpikeTV's marathon of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" this week. Time to show my geek stripes.
This underrated show is often thought of by geek cognoscenti as the 'best' Trek show. Darker characterizations, complex plot threads, and epic story arcs are among its finer points. It's been a kick seeing these episodes again as I haven't seen them in years, but what has really surprised me is the weird timeliness of the episodes. Having them re-premiere at this time with what's going on in the world is a curious coincedence.
For those who don't know, the story follows the events at a backwater space station that suddenly becomes important because of the discovery of a stable wormhole nearby (the oil fields of the future, so to speak). A brutal occupation has ended, and our heros (tm) are there to stabilize the situation and mediate between the Federation (think the UN) and the Bajorans, the highly religious but underdeveloped people who have just recently escaped from oppression.
The Bajorans are split between those who welcome the Federation for their protective ability, and those who fear a new wave of colonialization and want them gone. The provisional government is filled with political opportunists who are generally despised by the religious hierarchy, and the religious themselves are divided between fundamentalists and those who wish to cooperate with the Federation.
The episodes I've seen today have dealt with these issues, assassination attempts on moderates, terror bombings, etc. It's a very odd experience flipping from CNN to outer space and seeing the same problems. Especially hearing people rail about 'provisional governments' and 'war crime tribunals' while flying spaceships.
Anyway, I just thought it's an interesting parallel and if anyone's tired of watching CNN spin the real news they might want to flip over and take a gander.