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
130: Perfect Storm of Wonderfulness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:02
The Way of the Warrior, Part 1. Following the revelation that the Founders had infiltrated the Alpha Quadrant, tensions are high and Starfleet is preparing for the worst. Those tensions rise when the Klingons arrive at D…
129: Hitting the Pause Button [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:49
"The Sound of Her Voice" and the need for quiet episodes. Amid the fervor of the Dominion War, as the Deep Space Nine story was building toward a climactic bridge between Seasons 6 and 7, the writers took a moment to pau…
128: Not Impossible, Just Highly Improbable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:51
Rivals Commentary. One of the greatest friendships in Star Trek is that of Miles O'Brien and Julian Bashir. And it really started on a racquetball court. Space racquetball, of course. In this episode of The Orb, hosts C…
127: True IDIC and Finding Common Ground [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:50
Why DS9 endures. Almost three decades after it first aired, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine continues to be loved by its fans and welcomes first-time viewers every day. What is it about this series that was once cast into the…
126: Thrown Back into the Mythology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:34
DS9 Documentary: Season 8 Premiere. As the camera pulled back from Deep Space 9, and we watched Kira and Jake stare out at the wormhole, what we left behind were many unanswered questions. When Ira Steven Behr and the wr…
125: Create Your Own Truth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:46
Mob Mentality and "A Man Alone." Justice requires facts, facts require information, and information can only be obtained when one is willing to listen. In "A Man Alone," an accusation against Odo—one based on few details…
124: Ferengi for the Win [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:50
The Mirror Universe, Part 5: The Emperor's New Cloak. Since its introduction in the second season of The Original Series, the Mirror Universe has been a fan favorite. This alternate world in which good is bad has capture…
123: In a Mirror, Reversed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:47
The Mirror Universe, Part 4: Resurrection. Since its introduction in the second season of The Original Series, the Mirror Universe has been a fan favorite. This alternate world in which good is bad has captured the imagi…
122: An Evilish Tint [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:39
The Mirror Universe, Part 3: Shattered Mirror. Since its introduction in the second season of The Original Series, the Mirror Universe has been a fan favorite. This alternate world in which good is bad has captured the i…