171: Columbodo

171: Columbodo

Author: TFM January 16, 2026 Duration: 42:38

"Necessary Evil" 30th-anniversary reflections

When someone attempts to kill Quark, Odo starts down a path that leads him to reopen a five-year-old murder investigation. Dating back to the days of Terok Nor, that mystery centered on a familiar face: Kira Nerys. After seeing her as a prime suspect in the killing of a shop owner named Vaatrik, Odo ultimately dismissed her involvement—in part to protect her from Gul Dukat—but never quite let go of the unsolved case. The presence of Vaatrik's widow aboard DS9 alongside the attack on Quark, together with the discovery of a list of eight Bajoran names, sets Odo into full Columbo mode. And what he ultimately uncovers may change how he sees Kira forever.

In this episode of The Orb, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Necessary Evil,"how the story brings the history of the station to life, what it says about the Kira–Odo relationship, and more.

Chapters
Intro (00:00:00)
Firsthand Occupation (00:02:38)
Full Columbo Mode (00:08:00)
Cardassian Arrogance (00:12:40)
Things Past (00:15:80)
What Makes Odo Tick (00:18:57)
One Must Always Choose a Side (00:21:28)
The Cut Scene (00:26:21)
The Early Odo-Kira Relationship (00:31:18)
Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:43:54)
Closing (00:46:08)

Hosts
C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing

Production
C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)


For nearly a decade, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing have been guiding listeners through the intricate universe of The Orb: A Star Trek Deep Space Nine Podcast. This isn't a general Star Trek show; it's a deep, sustained focus on the station at the edge of the final frontier. For years, the conversation revolved around the finer details and hidden layers of DS9's rich narrative. Now, marking a significant milestone, the podcast has embarked on a fresh journey. Starting in January 2023, the hosts launched a comprehensive 30th-anniversary retrospective, a project designed to revisit the entire series from the very beginning. Each episode of the television show becomes the subject of its own discussion, creating a methodical and celebratory walk through what many consider the franchise's most complex chapter. You'll hear thoughtful analysis, personal reflections on decades of fandom, and a clear appreciation for how the show's themes continue to resonate. It's a perfect time to join this long-running podcast, whether you're a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, as it systematically unpacks the story of Emissary Sisko, the Bajoran wormhole, and the lasting impact of a station that was much more than a setting-it was a character itself. TFM's dedication ensures this remains the definitive audio companion for all things Deep Space Nine.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Orb: A Star Trek Deep Space Nine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
150: Like Oil and Water [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:50
"Q-Less" 30th-anniversary reflections The arrival of Vash, whom Dax found in the Gamma Quadrant, brings incredible profit potential to Quark, but great danger to the station. Tagging along with her is none other than Q,…
149: The Most Dangerous Game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:40
"Captive Pursuit" 30th-anniversary reflections The arrival of an alien from the Gamma Quadrant puts Chief O'Brien at the center of first contact when Tosk, as the reptilian calls itself, requires ship repair. As the myst…
148: Miles and Miles of Sass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:58
"Babel" 30th-anniversary reflections When lazy Chief O'Brien gets a hankering for a cup of coffee and triggers a booby trap left behind from the Cardassian Occupation, the crew and residents of Deep Space 9 begin losing…
147: Questioning the Foundation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:25
"A Man Alone" 30th-anniversary reflections When a man is murdered aboard the station, Odo becomes the prime suspect. Kira is certain he couldn't have done it, but Sisko is not so sure. Odo sees that he is being framed, b…
146: It's Not Easy to Let Go [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:35
"Past Prologue" 30th-anniversary reflections As the Federation begins to settle into its presence aboard the former Cardassian station, now dubbed Deep Space Nine, the arrival of a former Bajoran freedom fighter named Ta…
145: Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:02
"Emissary" 30th-anniversary reflections Commence station log. When Deep Space Nine premiered on January 3, 1993, it marked an unprecedented moment for Star Trek. Not only did Gene Roddenberry capture lightning in a bottl…
144: How Gullible Is the Federation? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
Dominion Breadcrumbs, Part 2. While Deep Space Nine may be best known for the Dominion War, getting to that storyline was a gradual process for the writers. After the Gamma Quadrant's imperial force was finally revealed…
143: Finding It As They Go [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:02
Dominion Breadcrumbs, Part 1. While Deep Space Nine may be best known for the Dominion War, getting to that story line was a gradual process for the writers. Before its full-on introduction in the Season 2 finale "The Je…
142: In Awe of the Pylons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:15
"Hear All, Trust Nothing" It's been more than 23 years since we watched Kira Nerys and Jake Sisko stare out of the window at the wormhole, wondering when Benajmin Sisko would come back. And while the Emissary has yet to…
141: What She Left Behind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:22
Remembering Louise Fletcher Few characters in Star Trek elicit such a visceral reaction from fans than Winn Adami. Introduced as a Vedek, she was later chosen as kai—the first elected after the end of the Cardassian Occu…