"Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (1993) TV series 1993-1999

Creators:

Rick Berman
Michael Piller

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Release Date:

4 January 1993 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Drama | Sci-Fi

Plot:

Orbiting the liberated planet of Bajor, a Federation space station guards the opening of a stable wormhole to the far side of the Galaxy.

Plot Keywords:

Wormhole | Klingon | Changeling | Emissary | Prophet

Awards:

Won 3 Primetime Emmys. Another 9 wins & 42 nominations

Cast

Avery Brooks	...	Captain Sisko / ... (173 episodes, 1993-1999)
Rene Auberjonois	...	Odo / ... (173 episodes, 1993-1999)
Cirroc Lofton	...	Jake Sisko / ... (173 episodes, 1993-1999)
Alexander Siddig	...	Doctor Bashir / ... (173 episodes, 1993-1999)
Colm Meaney	...	Chief O'Brien / ... (173 episodes, 1993-1999)
Armin Shimerman	...	Quark / ... (173 episodes, 1993-1999)
Nana Visitor	...	Major Kira / ... (173 episodes, 1993-1999)
Terry Farrell	...	Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax / ... (148 episodes, 1993-1998)
Michael Dorn	...	Lt. Commander Worf / ... (102 episodes, 1995-1999)
Mark Allen Shepherd	...	Morn / ... (91 episodes, 1993-1999)

Also Known As:

DS9 (USA) (promotional abbreviation)
Deep Space Nine (USA) (short title)
Star Trek: DS9 (USA) (short title)

Runtime:

45 min (176 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Klingon

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:M (DVD rating - season 5) | Australia:PG (DVD rating - seasons 1, 2, 3 &4) | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant - 6100 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Paramount Television

Trivia:

The character Elim Garak is a former spy who works as a tailor on the station. In many of 'John Le Carré''s spy novels a tailor is one of the main characters (and is often also acting as a spy). "The Tailor of Panama" and "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" are two examples.

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): In various episodes throughout the show's 6th and 7th seasons, there are several mentions of "good years" for blood wine, with vintages given in Earth years. Why would the Klingons measure the vintages of blood wine in Earth years, instead of Kronos years or Stardates?

Quotes:

Damar: You don't have anything to hide, do you?
[Looks at Leeta as she walks past]
Damar: You certainly don't.

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "Seven Little Monsters: Doctor, Doctor! (#1.7)" (2000)

Avery Brooks: Deep Space Nine's Emissary

From what I have seen of Avery Brooks, he is a talented, charismatic "movie actor." Every single movie I've seen him in, whether it is a theatrical release or a TV movie of the week, he immediately grabbed my attention -- and at times even stole the spotlight away from the major leads.

Just watch Roots: The Gift, American History X, and 15 Minutes, and you'll see what I mean. His strong voice, and the soul-searching look in his eyes makes you want to know more about the character he's portraying. Brooks put all his creative energy and experience into the portrayal of Ben Sisko in "Emissary," and at times, I believe that he had a tough time measuringup to his tour-de-force performance in the pilot episode. Brooks is truly great when his character takes center stage, as opposed to just twiddling around in the background.

I do have to pointout that when DS9 first premiered, Avery Brooks didn't get much fanfare (unlike Kate Mulgrew and Scott Bakula), and after the pilot episode, the character of Sisko was under-utilized for 2 full seasons. Also, the fact that Brooks was catapulted into an unfamiliar "Trek environment" (i.e. a space station), his was the first Trek main character without the presence of the beloved "captain's chair." Without the big chair, wandering around the station, making sure "his town" was in tip-top shape, where was Brooks supposed to draw his inspiration from: Andy Griffith? Finally, those initial DS9 jumpsuits looked unflattering on Brooks. Those casual jumpsuits may look good on actors who appear youthful (i.e. Farrell, El Fadil), but for someone with more of a square-jawed look and mature demeanor (i.e. Brooks, Meaney), it just makes them look less professional -- which can translate into the viewers' eyes as being "less responsible" (although, that certainly wasn't the main intent of the producers).

I believe that when Brooks grew his trademark goatee, and shaved his hair, this gave him confidence, and the viewers were immediately drawn to his newfound charisma. It also helped balanceout his look on the show. Brooks' "mature-looking baldhead and goatee" was an effective contrast against his "youthful-looking costume" Since he looked older, he started acting older -- whereas Commander Sisko seemed like "a big brother" to his crewmembers, Captain Sisko definitely had the presence of a patriarchal figure (ala Patrick Stewart of TNG). I found this approach much more effective. Furthermore, the character of Sisko started to become the central focus of the show around 3rd season, leaving behind Bajoran-themed storylines in favor of Federation-themed plotlines. By the 4th season premiere -- Avery Brooks finally arrived! :)

It's a shame that there are some viewers out there who judge Brooks by his under-written performance during DS9's 1st and 2nd seasons. At that point, the writers didn't get his character down, the producers didn't get his look down, and placed him in an unfamiliar Trek-environment. If viewers were able to give Patrick Stewart a chance after 2 lousy seasons of TNG, I believe that Brooks deserves the same when it comes to DS9. Brooks has without a doubt proven himself effective in the role of Benjamin Sisko, and it would be a waste of his time and energy to prove himself to all the naysayers out there...He's got better things to do. :)