I hear from a lot of fans that one of the reasons why they couldn't get into DS9 was Avery Brook's performances as Captain. This episode, and many others, IMHO prove otherwise.
If only Trek took more risque chances in it's episodes, instead of playing it safe, it wouldn't be in the dire predicament it is today.
Just some of the other great DS9 episodes (even if you're not a fan of DS9):-
The Visitor (S4)
In Purgatory's Shadow (S5)
In The Cards (S5)
The Seige Of AR-558 (S7)
Duet (S1)
The Wire (S3)
Starship Down (S4)