Harris Yulin delivers an OUTSTANDING performance in this entire episode. I really do recommend that everyone watch it, even if you're not a big fan of Star Trek, or even Deep Space 9. It's one of the best acting performances I've ever seen in a show period, even beyond Star Trek. The Cardassian Empire really does make a great model for the Core, and I'd highly advise Lyth take an example from the Star Trek writing staff in this regard.