Synopsis: A Bajoran freedom fighter seeks asylum on Deep Space Nine.
In this episode, much like the episode “Emissary,” that proceeded it, there is a preponderance of images used to introduce viewers to characters; what their backstory is, how they think, and how they act. Perhaps because of this, I believe that the most visible concept from depth psychology would be the acorn theory from Archetypal Psychology, a branch of Analytical Psychology founded by James Hillman. As I wrote in my last post, the acorn theory is that inside each individual there exists, even before birth, all the information about what our journey is to be in our lifetime.
In “Past Prologue” we learn that Major Kira Nerys was once a Bajoran freedom fighter much like Tahna Los, and although she may not have been as radical as his splinter group the Kohn-Ma, she does support his desire to see Bajor free and self-sufficient. We also meet the sole Cardassian that remains on Deep Space Nine, Garak, the shopkeeper and likely eyes and ears of the Cardassians. And we meet the visiting resistance fighter/terrorist Tahna, who feels to the bottom of his bones that his destiny in life is to free the Bajoran people.
One other depth psychological theme is also present. That of adaptation. Tahna accuses Kira of adapting to her current situation and position. This of course is true, but Tahna seems to have a negative association with the idea of adaptation. His negative relation to adaptation is an illustration of a conscious ego-driven way to perceive the world. That there is only one way. In depth psychology we learn that being too one-sided is the weakest and most fraught condition of the psyche.
As far as instances of somatic awareness, “Past Prologue” provides at least one. Early in the episode, Garak stands up in the cafe to take his leave of Dr. Julian Bashir, who is still sitting at a table. Garak firmly places both his hands on both of Bashir’s shoulders. A motion that both grounds their meeting in reality and also creates a dominant association of Garak over Bashir.
Original post created 9 November 2021
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