klingon_jedi - I remember the first time I saw In The Pale Moonlight - was just blown away by the power of the story and it's deliverence by Brooks. It certainly opened up all sorts of possibilites to what was going to happen in the Dominon War, and to the characters in general.
Commander Courage - Children Of Time - forgot about that gem of an episode, a welcome change to the War arc - more Trek episodes like this powerful story would be most welcome - tho I think TIIC would shy away from this type of premise now.
Sean Wookie - glad you're giving Trek a go, m8. The even numbered rule is a good way to go - tho don't expect too much in Insurrection. Season 3 of DS9 onwards is quite easy to pick up, lots of foreshadwoing , arcs and great episodes all start here, if you enjoy 'em can always give the 1st 2 seasons a go too.
For any fans of Trek I'd recommend trying to get hold of the DS9 Companion book - an ep guide and views of the cast, writers and producers - all brutally honest in thier assessment of what worked and what didn't and how the series evolved. Also of interest is the original ending of the series which was changed due to Berman objecting to it.
I wonder how it would have faired if it was being made today - subjects such as faith, beliefs, religious extremism, terrorism, biochemical weapons, cloning, gene alterations and war etc would surely have been watered down in the current world climate - esp given the way the majority of VOY and ENT episodes have so far been very bland of making a social comment of any sort - let alone entertaining us fans.
On a side note it was good to have seen such strong recurring guest actors such as Andrew Robinson, Casey Biggs, Jeffrey Combs and Marc Alaimo and given strong storylines and dialogue in a series. A definate bonus to the overall feel and tone of the series.