“Destiny” provides a much-needed yet understated boost to some of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s ongoing themes. The idea of Sisko as Emissary to the Bajoran people takes center stage here after being absent for I don’t know how long. It reemerges with wonderful heft, as Kira finally admits to herself her belief that her boss is indeed a religious icon and Sisko himself gives the thought serious consideration. It will be another year or two before Sisko finally embraces the reality.
Within that dynamic is the DS9-centric emphasis on our heroes disagreeing, a foundational idea to the show that went up against the directive on The Next Generation that all the main characters always had to get along. Here, Sisko and Kira strongly disagree about Bajoran faith and its implication on command decisions, but now we see the greatness of their character arcs over the previous two-and-a-half years. Where early in the series run Sisko and Kira would have ended up shouting at each other rather early in their disagreement, now they have a calm, rational discussion rooted in mutual respect, both remaining true to their selves while working hard not to take anything from the other. The tension is still there; it’s just presented in a more mature context, and the viewer appreciates that about the characters and their relationship.
Also contributing here is the ongoing exploration of discrimination between humans/Bajorans versus the Cardassians. The episode showcases how O’Brien and Kira, in scenarios we have watched over two seasons, have made major leaps ahead in that department. Their experiences here will set them up for further growth, culminating in one of the finest stories of the series’ final episodes (in which Kira trains Cardassians to win a civil war against the Dominion). You can’t get there without being here first.
