I'll confess — initially, I was skeptical about Worf being added to the DS9 fold. There were already so many intriguing major and secondary characters ... why add yet another one to the mix? Luckily, the charismatic Klingon's addition to the cast was handled in true DS9 fashion — it was complex, unexpected and rife with conflict. Later season 4 episodes, such as "The Sword of Kahless," planted the seeds of his future relationship with Jadzia Dax, which would prove to be one of the most rewarding pairings of the series' run.

But the best elements of season 4 actually have to do with something else entirely — the hints of the Dominion War storyline that is to come. In particular, the stellar season finale "Broken Link" still stands out as a powerhouse hour of twists and revelations. All this and the introduction of the Defiant! Now that season 4 is on DVD (complete with fun extras, like a Crew Dossier on Worf), you can re-live this turning point season all over again.

[Sarah]