In the Hands of the Prophets.

At the end of its first season, Deep Space Nine really began to take on the form that would define the series. The writers wanted to follow up the powerful "Duet" with something even better, even more layered. To do this, they brought together the Federation's scientific approach to the world and the Bajorans' religious one. The clash of philosophies tells us a lot about our own world as well as Gene Roddenberry's vision for Star Trek. And it introduced us to one of Star Trek's great villains.

In this episode of The Ready Room, we're joined by Will Nguyen, Mike Morrison, and Ken Tripp to discuss DS9's first-season finale, "In the Hands of the Prophets," the introduction of Winn and Bareil, handling religion on Star Trek, Keiko the grumpy, Sisko the mediator, and much more.

In our news segment, we discuss the comments of Paramount's Motion Picture Group president Marc Evan about a possible grittier future for Star Trek, and Dayton Ward's upcoming travel guide that will get you ready for your visit to Vulcan.

News Star Trek: Thirty Dark Zero or SEAL Team Six? (00:03:37) Hidden Universe Travel Guide to Vulcan (00:12:26)

Feature: In the Hands of the Prophets Synopsis and Initial Thoughts (00:23:31) Setting the Tone (00:33:45) Representing Roddenberry's Vision (00:48:04) Handling a Sensitive Subject (00:53:47) The Thesis of Secularism (01:00:23) Winn and Kira: Religion vs. Spirituality (01:09:20) Introducing Fletcher's Winn and Anglim's Bareil (01:17:55) Final Thoughts (01:25:41) Listener Feedback (01:36:01)

Hosts C Bryan Jones and Will Nguyen

Guests Mike Morrison and Ken Tripp

Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Renee Roberts (Associate Producer) Zachary Fruhling (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)