What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ran for seven seasons (1993-99) yet was considered the "black sheep" of the Star Trek TV universe. Set on a run-down space station rather than an elite Starfleet ship, the series put Starfleet officers at the center of cultures in conflict while managing a busy travel hub on the edge of a wormhole that allowed instantaneous travel across the galaxy. Deep Space Nine co-creator and showrunner Ira Steven Behr co-directs and hosts this documentary, a passion project that digs deep into the history and legacy of a series that went where no other Star Trek show has gone. Funded primarily by an Indiegogo campaign, this ambitious tribute features interviews and discussions with almost every member of the original cast (and most of the major recurring actors), along with the core writing team, producers, and various members of the production crew. Topics include the show’s distinctive approach and the social, political, and spiritual issues the series tackled. All in all, it’s a solid mix of lively tales and introspective conversations, backed with a rich collection of remastered clips. And as a gift to fans of the original series, Behr reunites the show's writers to brainstorm the first episode of an imaginary eighth season, which kicks off 20 years after the end of the show (the story, illustrated with rough animation, is woven throughout the documentary). Serving as a fine companion piece to a series that has grown in reputation and respect since its original broadcast, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes and deleted scenes. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Axmaker)