Odo and Kira make some interesting discoveries on shapeshifter home planet.

This is an enjoyable episode with strong character development for Odo.

It is impossible to discuss much of the plot without spoiling certain aspects of it. The scenes involving Odo and Kira are superb. Rene Auberjonois and Nana Visitor are both on top form and have great material to work with.

There is another plot thread that is more of a mixed bag. Personally I think it's okay. However, it is easy to predict that something is out of place, so how it ends did not come as a surprise to me. Some may feel cheated by the creative choices made by the writers.

The production values are very good. The set design and effects on the planet are good, plus the action sequences on DS9 are reasonably well put together.

All actors give strong performances. In addition to who I mentioned above the standouts for me are Andrew Robinson, Avery Brooks, and Natalia Nogulich.

It's a 7.5/10 for me but I round upwards.