I have no idea if this is the second or third episode of "Star Trek: Deep Space 9". Netflix lists this as the second and IMDb says it's the third. Regardless, it's a big improvement over the premier episode.
I love Star Trek shows, but I also am critical of the program when it deserves it. In other words, while I like it I also realize that some of the shows were exceptional and some of them sucked...and the premier of "Star Trek: Deep Space 9" really sucked. While the premier SHOULD have built excitement for the series, it was full of artsy crap in the last 1/3 and had way too much clumsy exposition. Because of this, "Past Prologue" was a very welcome relief. It was not jam-packed with folks describing their backstory in a very clumsy and unnatural way nor was it filled with the artsy stuff--it was just very good.
When the show begins, Keiko is depressed. While her husband, Miles, is at home on the new station, she has nothing to do and is worried about her future on the station. Then, she comes up with the idea of starting a school on the station.
The major plot involves a scum-bag, Ibudan. This Bajoran is a very unsavory character and convicted murderer--so why is he now on the station? Odo is clearly angry to see this man--especially since he was the one who caught him years ago for the murder. But, with the man being paroled by the new Bajoran government, Odo can do little but bluster and threaten Ibudan. However, when Ibudan is murdered, many folks on the station assume that Odo took the law into his own hands. What happened and what is REALLY going on here?
This is a very solid and enjoyable episode. While it's not one you'd remember years later (I know I didn't), it is a conventionally entertaining and worthy show with a nice twist at the end. Well done.