Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Tears of the Prophets

"Tears of the Prophets" is the 26th and final episode of the sixth season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the 150th episode overall. It was first broadcast in broadcast syndication within the United States on June 17, 1998. It was written by Ira Steven Behr and Hans Beimler, and directed by Allan Kroeker. The episode featured the death of Jadzia Dax and the final appearance of actress Terry Farrell in the show. Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the Starfleet-managed Bajoran space station Deep Space Nine. In this episode, the Federation decides to move on the offensive against the Dominion. Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) is warned by the prophets not to leave the station, but decides to ignore their warning. As Starfleet attack a Cardassian star system, Dukat (Marc Alaimo), possessed by a Pah-wraith, arrives at the station. He mortally wounds Lt Cmdr. Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell) and disables the Bajoran wormhole. After Dax's death, Sisko declares that he is leaving the station and returning to Earth. The premise of the attack on the wormhole originated as a plan to end the seventh season of DS9, and was again suggested for the end of season six when planning began for that season. The imminent departure of Farrell, who elected not to renew her contract, caused problems for the writers as they sought to include both elements into the episode. The episode raised themes of revenge and the conflict between military service and religion. Although the critical review was positive and the episode received a high level of press coverage due to the publicized death of Jadzia Dax, it was viewed by 4.1 million viewers in the first broadcast, the joint-lowest figures for the season.