Is there a previous DS9 thread? I'm pretty sure there has to be one. Merge this with it if there is. --- Ok. Just watched Emissary 1 and 2. Aside from the acting needing a bit better direction and touchup, and minor tweaks to the dialogue, that was probably one of the best pilots into a Trek series I've seen in the mainline format. The dialogue was to the point, the technobabble not too overwhelming, and there were very well defined character arcs for most of the major cast. Honestly, these two episodes are a good way to introduce someone to Trek for the sake of Trek -- while Picard is good as an actual space opera that presents itself as a initial murder drama that leans onto established lore. And Lower Decks is Lower Decks
Even though the Prophets always kind of bored me, I agree "Emissary" was the best Trek pilot, and I also think DS9 had the strongest first season out of any of the series. Even the weakest episode ("Move Along Home") was ... kinda dumb, but still completely watchable. I love the early Sisko/Kira dynamic, and seeing Sisko as a single dad who's considering hanging up the uniform for his son gives him more depth right off the bat than any other captain gets that early in their character arc.