Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 27073 225630518 2008-07-14T17:16:48Z Pd THOR 138667 /* Multimedia */ + {{unreferenced}}; {{redirect1|Deep Space Nine|the titular space station|[[Deep Space Nine (space station)]]}} {{Infobox Television | bgcolour = #E0A03C | show_name = Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | image = [[Image:DS9logo.JPG|250px]] | caption = ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' intertitle | format = [[Science fiction]] | runtime = approx. 46 min. | creator = [[Rick Berman]] <br /> [[Michael Piller]] | executive_producer = [[Ira Steven Behr]] <br /> [[Rick Berman]] <br /> [[Michael Piller]] | starring = ''see [[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine#Cast|below]]'' | Main Title Theme Music = [[Dennis McCarthy]] | country = {{USA}} | network = [[television syndication|Syndication]] | picture_format= [[NTSC]] [[480i]] | audio_format = [[Dolby SR]] | first_aired = [[January 3]], [[1993]] | last_aired = [[June 2]], [[1999]] | num_seasons = 7 | num_episodes = 176 | list_episodes = List of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes | preceded_by = ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' | followed_by = ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'' | imdb_id = 0106145 | tv_com_id = 166 }} '''''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine''''' (sometimes abbreviated to '''''ST:DS9''''' or '''''DS9''''') is a [[science fiction]] [[television program]] that premiered in 1993 and ran for seven seasons, ending in 1999. Rooted in [[Gene Roddenberry]]’s ''[[Star Trek]]'' universe, it was created by [[Rick Berman]] and [[Michael Piller]], at the request of [[Brandon Tartikoff]], and produced by [[CBS Paramount Television]]. The main writers, in addition to Berman and Piller, included [[show runner]] [[Ira Steven Behr]], [[Robert Hewitt Wolfe]], [[Ronald D. Moore]], [[Peter Allan Fields]], [[Bradley Thompson]], [[David Weddle]], and [[René Echevarria]]. A spin-off of ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', ''DS9'' began while its parent series was still on the air, and there were several crossover episodes between the two shows. In addition, two ''Next Generation'' characters, [[Miles O'Brien (Star Trek)|Miles O'Brien]] and [[Worf]], became regular members of ''DS9''. Unlike the other Star Trek programs, ''DS9'' took place on a space station instead of a starship, so as not to have two series with starships at the same time. (The starship [[USS Defiant|USS ''Defiant'']] was introduced later in the series, but the station remained the primary setting for the show.) This made continuing story arcs and the appearance of recurring characters much more feasible. The show is noted for its well-developed characters and its original, complex plots. The series also depended on darker themes, less physical exploration of space, and an emphasis (in later seasons) on many aspects of war. Although ''DS9'''s ratings were solid, it was never as successful as ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'', with approximately 7% versus 11% of U.S. households tuning in, according to the [[Nielsen Ratings]]. In addition, ''DS9'' experienced a loss of audience over time because of an increasingly crowded television marketplace (''[[Babylon 5]]'', ''[[Hercules: The Legendary Journeys|Hercules]]'', ''[[Xena: Warrior Princess|Xena]]''), minimal promotion for ''DS9'' as Paramount focused its efforts on its flagship ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'' network show, and the transition of independent stations to new networks ([[UPN]] and [[The WB Television Network|WB]]) that filled once-open slots with primetime programming (forcing ''DS9'' into weekend or late-night slots). All of these factors combined until original programming for syndication virtually disappeared by the year 2000. Nonetheless, ''DS9'' remained the top-rated syndicated-drama series throughout its run. ==Premise== Conceived in 1991, shortly before [[Gene Roddenberry]]’s death, ''DS9'' centers on the formerly [[Cardassian]] space station, [[Terok Nor (space station)|Terok Nor]]. After the Bajorans liberated themselves from a long, brutal [[Cardassian Occupation]], the [[United Federation of Planets]] is invited by the Bajoran Provisional Government to take joint control of the station, which (originally) orbits [[Bajor]]. Under Starfleet, the station was renamed, Deep Space Nine. According to co-creator Berman, he and Piller had considered setting the new series on a [[colony]] planet, but they felt a space station would both appeal more to viewers and save money that would be required for on-location shooting for a "land-based" show. However, they were certain they did not want the show to be set aboard a starship because ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' was still in production at the time and, in Berman’s words, it "just seemed ridiculous to have two shows—two casts of characters—that were off going where no man has gone before."<ref name="boldnew">The featurette "A Bold New Beginning" can be found on the [[DVD]] set, ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete First Season''. In it, Rick Berman and others detail the early design phases of the series and what their goals were in creating it.</ref> In the [[Television pilot|pilot]], the station is moved near the just-discovered [[Bajoran wormhole]], allowing access to the distant, unexplored [[Galactic quadrants (Star Trek)|Gamma Quadrant]]. It quickly becomes a center for exploration, interstellar trade, political maneuvering, and eventually open conflict. ''DS9'' contains more story arcs that span several episodes and even seasons than preceding ''Star Trek'' series. Its predecessors tend to restore the ''[[Reset button technique|status quo ante]]'' at the end of an episode, so that many episodes could be seen out-of-order without compromising their plots. On ''DS9'' however, not only are events in one episode often referenced and built upon in later ones, but sometimes several episodes in a row are [[cliffhanger]]s. Michael Piller, who spoke very highly of Behr's contributions, believed this to be one of the series' best qualities, that the repercussions of past episodes remained with the show and characters were forced to "learn that actions have consequences".<ref name="boldnew" /> This trend was especially strong near the end of the series’ run, by which point the show was intentionally very much a [[Serial (radio and television)|serial]].<ref name="boldnew" /><ref name="frontiers" /> This permitted greater character and plot development. Interpersonal conflicts between regular characters had been previously forbidden by Roddenberry{{Fact|date=September 2007}} in ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series]]'' and ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', but were featured prominently in ''DS9''. This was at the suggestion of ''Star Trek: The Next Generation''’s writers (many of whom also wrote for ''DS9'') because they felt that the prohibition limited their ability to develop interesting stories. In Piller's words, "people who come from different places—honorable, noble people—will naturally have conflicts".<ref name="boldnew" /> ==Cast== ===Main characters=== *'''[[Benjamin Sisko]]''' ('''[[Avery Brooks]]'''), the [[Human (Star Trek)|Human]] [[Starfleet]] officer placed in charge of Deep Space Nine. At the start of the series, he is a grieving widower (his wife having been killed by the [[Borg (Star Trek)|Borg]] at the [[Battle of Wolf 359]]) and the father of a teenage son. He and Jadzia Dax discover the [[Bajoran wormhole]], which the Bajorans believe is the home of the [[Bajoran Prophets|Prophets]], their gods and protectors. The Bajorans hail Sisko as the Emissary of the Prophets, an exalted religious status that initially makes him very uncomfortable. Due to his exemplary leadership, at the end of the third season, he is promoted from commander to captain. *'''[[Kira Nerys]]''' ('''[[Nana Visitor]]'''), a [[Bajoran]] [[militia]] major (later promoted to colonel), former guerrilla fighter during the Cardassian [[Occupation of Bajor|Occupation]], and Sisko's second in command. She is initially suspicious of the Federation's intentions toward her planet, but grows to trust and befriend the rest of the crew. Like most Bajorans, she is deeply religious, which makes it awkward having the Emissary as her commander. [[Ro Laren]], a character from ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'', was the first choice of the producers for Sisko's first officer, but [[Michelle Forbes]] did not want to commit to a television show.<ref name="frontiers">Source: "New Frontiers". DVD extra included with ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Second Season''. (In an interview conducted on [[October 17]], 2002, Piller stated of the second season, "I would put that on a par with any season in the history of ''Star Trek''.")</ref> *'''[[Odo (Star Trek)|Odo]]''' ('''[[Rene Auberjonois]]'''), the station's incorruptible chief of security. He is a [[Changeling (Star Trek)|Changeling]], capable of assuming any shape he wishes. He was found and raised by the Bajorans. Odo yearns to find his own people, but when he finally does, he is less than pleased to discover that they rule the Gamma Quadrant with an iron fist. *'''[[Julian Bashir]]''' ('''[[Alexander Siddig]]'''), the chief medical officer. Although Human, his parents had him illegally genetically enhanced when he was a child because he could not keep up with his peers. Somewhat tactless, he nevertheless develops friendships with several of the station's residents, particularly Miles O'Brien and, more ambiguously, a mysterious Cardassian named [[Garak]]. Siddig appears in the opening credits by a shortened form of his birth name, Siddig el Fadil, for the first three seasons. He appeared as Alexander Siddig after he married co-star Nana Visitor, which placed their names together in the alphabetical cast credits, although his stated reason for the name change was that he discovered that viewers did not know how to pronounce his name.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sidcity.net/story-library/trekexpo-062505.shtml |title=Trek Expo Tulsa, Oklahoma |publisher=sidcity.net (official site) |date=[[June 25]] [[2005]] |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> Siddig continued to be credited as Siddig el Fadil when he directed. *'''[[Jadzia Dax]]''' ('''[[Terry Farrell (actress)|Terry Farrell]]''', seasons 1-6), the [[Trill (Star Trek)|Trill]] science officer. She shares her life and thoughts with a long-lived [[Symbiosis|symbiont]] named [[Dax (Star Trek)|Dax]], which has already experienced seven prior lives "Joined" with other Trills. The previous host, larger-than-life rogue [[Curzon Dax]], had been a close friend of and mentor to Sisko. *'''[[Quark (Star Trek)|Quark]]''' ('''[[Armin Shimerman]]'''), a [[Ferengi]] bar owner. Like most of his species (with the notable exception of his brother [[Rom (Star Trek)|Rom]]), he is extremely greedy and willing to do whatever it takes to acquire more [[MemoryAlpha:latinum|latinum]]. This almost invariably brings him into conflict with Odo. *'''[[Miles O'Brien (Star Trek)|Miles O'Brien]]''' ('''[[Colm Meaney]]'''), the Human chief of operations. He keeps the station in working order. He is married to [[botanist]] [[Keiko O'Brien|Keiko]], and has a daughter, [[Molly O'Brien|Molly]], and later a son, [[Kirayoshi O'Brien|Kirayoshi]]. O'Brien is the first non-commissioned main Starfleet character, reprising a supporting role from many episodes of ''Star Trek: The Next Generation''. *'''[[Jake Sisko]]''' ('''[[Cirroc Lofton]]'''), Benjamin's son. He decides not to follow in his father's footsteps, desiring to be a writer and reporter instead. *'''[[Worf]]''' ('''[[Michael Dorn]]''', seasons 4-7) DS9's fourth season added [[Michael Dorn]] as the [[Klingon]] [[Worf]], who had recently finished seven years on ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'', in order to boost ratings.<ref name="charting">Source: "Charting New Territory". DVD extra included with ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Fourth Season''. Of Worf, writer/producer [[Robert Hewitt Wolfe]] said in an interview conducted on [[October 20]], 2002 that the [[Paramount Pictures|studio]] felt ''DS9''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s ratings were sagging at the end of the third season, and he and the other writers were asked to give viewers a new reason to watch. Their answer was to make Worf a part of the cast.</ref> Worf transfers to DS9 when the brief war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire breaks out, and stays on as Strategic Operations officer and later as a liaison to the Klingon Empire. Worf eventually marries Jadzia Dax. *'''[[Ezri Dax]]''' ('''[[Nicole de Boer]]''', season 7) [[Ezri Dax]] was added to the show after the abrupt departure of [[Terry Farrell (actress)|Terry Farrell]]. Feeling that the large cast limited her screen time, Farrell did not renew her contract at the end of the sixth season and took a lead role on the [[sitcom]] ''[[Becker (TV series)|Becker]]''. The character was killed off and the writers introduced [[Ezri Dax]] ([[Nicole de Boer]]) as a young Trill who receives the Dax symbiont after Jadzia. Unprepared and untrained to be a host for the symbiont, she is often frustrated by aspects of the symbiotic relationship and the seven lifetimes worth of memories she inherits.<ref name="jadzia">Source: "Crew Dossier - Jadzia Dax". Included with ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Second Season''.</ref> ===Recurring characters=== {{main|List of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine characters}} The setting of the show—a space station rather than a starship—fostered a rich assortment of recurring characters. It was not unheard of for "secondary" characters to play as much, or more, of a role in an episode as the regular cast. For example, "[[The Wire (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)|The Wire]]" focused almost entirely on Garak, while "[[Treachery, Faith, and the Great River]]" featured Weyoun, with a secondary plot centered on Nog. [[It's Only a Paper Moon (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)|"It's Only a Paper Moon"]] featured Nog and holographic crooner [[Vic Fontaine]] ([[James Darren]]) carrying the story. Several Cardassian characters figure prominently in ''DS9'', particularly [[Dukat (Star Trek)|Gul Dukat]], the main villain of the series played by [[Marc Alaimo]]. A complex character, he undergoes several transitions before ultimately becoming purely evil and Sisko's archenemy by the show's conclusion. A StarTrek.com article about Star Trek's greatest villains described Gul Dukat as "possibly the most complex and fully-developed bad guy in ''Star Trek'' history".<ref>Source: http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/features/specials/article/1617.html</ref> The previous commander of the station, Dukat eventually leads a coup to take over his home world and allies with the Dominion against the Federation. [[Elim Garak]], portrayed by [[Andrew Robinson]], is the only Cardassian who remains on the space station when the Federation and the Bajorans take over. Widely suspected of being a former agent of the [[Obsidian Order]], the feared secret police, he maintains that he is merely a simple tailor. Garak's skills and contacts on Cardassia prove invaluable on several occasions, and he becomes a pivotal figure in the war with the Dominion. [[Damar (Star Trek)| Damar]] ([[Casey Biggs]]) is initially Dukat's loyal aide. He becomes the new leader of the Cardassian Union when Dukat has an emotional breakdown, precipitated by his daughter's death at the hands of Damar ("[[Sacrifice of Angels (DS9 episode)|Sacrifice of Angels]]"). As the Dominion War progresses, Damar becomes increasingly dissatisfied with Cardassia's relationship with the Dominion. As a result, he becomes detached from his duties and frequently becomes drunk. The tipping point is reached when the Dominion forms an alliance with the [[Breen]] and Cardassia is relegated to a secondary and increasingly marginalized role ("[[Strange Bedfellows (DS9 episode)|Strange Bedfellows]]"). Damar forms and leads an insurgency against the Dominion, playing a vital role in its eventual defeat ("[[What You Leave Behind]]"). [[Jeffrey Combs]] (of ''[[Re-Animator]]'' fame) has stated that he had auditioned for the role of [[William T. Riker]] on ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'', but when [[Jonathan Frakes]] (who won the part) later directed the ''DS9'' episode "[[Meridian (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)|Meridian]]", he recommended Combs for a part.<ref name="combs">Combs, Jeffrey. Interview conducted [[January 30]], [[2003]]. Included as a "Hidden File" with ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Third Season''.</ref> Combs made his ''Star Trek'' and ''DS9'' debut as a one-episode alien named Tiron, before being cast as the Ferengi [[List of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine characters#Brunt|Brunt]] and the [[Vorta]] [[Weyoun]]. He would go on to appear in thirty-one episodes of ''DS9'', playing four distinct characters—five, if one counts the "[[mirror universe]]" version of Brunt. In "[[The Dogs of War (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)|The Dogs of War]]", he also became one of the few Star Trek actors to play two distinct roles (Brunt and Weyoun) in the same episode. He also appeared in the series ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'', as the Andorian commander, Shran. In addition to Quark and his brother [[Rom (Star Trek)|Rom]] ([[Max Grodénchik]]), several other [[Ferengi]] had recurring roles, among them their shrewd mother [[Ishka]] ([[Andrea Martin]] and, later, [[Cecily Adams]]), who eventually engineers a social revolution on [[Ferenginar]], Rom's son [[Nog]] ([[Aron Eisenberg]]), the first Ferengi to join Starfleet, and [[List of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine characters#Zek|Grand Nagus Zek]] ([[Wallace Shawn]]), the Ferengi leader. The [[Klingon]] Empire plays a more significant role in ''DS9'' than in any other Star Trek series. Aside from Worf, recurring Klingon characters include Chancellor [[Gowron]] ([[Robert O'Reilly]]), leader of the Empire until he is supplanted by General [[Martok]] ([[J.G. Hertzler]]) during the Dominion War. [[Kor (Star Trek)|Kor]], a Klingon character from ''Star Trek: The Original Series'' resurfaces in three ''DS9'' episodes. One of them, "[[Blood Oath]]", united Kor with two other Klingons from the original series: [[Koloth]] and [[Kang (Star Trek)|Kang]]. [[John Colicos]], [[William Campbell]], and [[Michael Ansara]] reprised their original series roles. [[Morn]] is a minor character who, like his inspiration (Norm from ''[[Cheers]]''), is a fixture in a bar (in this case, Quark's), spending seven years there. It became a running joke that, despite the other characters' remarks on how talkative and funny he is, he never speaks a word on camera. Morn did have a line in the script for pilot episode "Emissary", but it was edited for episode run time, after which the creators conceived the joke that he never talks. Other prominent recurring characters include the Bajoran spiritual leader [[Winn Adami|Kai Winn]], portrayed by [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]]-winner [[Louise Fletcher]]; the Bajoran [[Dabo girl]] (and Rom's eventual wife) [[Leeta]] ([[Chase Masterson]]); the [[Female Changeling]] ([[Salome Jens]]); the holographic lounge singer [[Vic Fontaine]] ([[James Darren]]); and Sisko's love interest (and eventual wife) [[Kasidy Yates]] ([[Penny Johnson Jerald]]). ==Plots== {{main|List of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes}} In the first episode, Starfleet Commander [[Benjamin Sisko]] takes charge of Deep Space Nine. He and [[Jadzia Dax]] stumble upon the first stable [[wormhole]] ever found and discover that it is inhabited by beings who are not bound by normal space and time. To the strongly religious people of Bajor, the wormhole aliens are their gods (the [[Bajoran Prophets|Prophets]]) and the wormhole itself is the long-prophesied Celestial Temple, where they reside. Sisko himself is hailed as the Emissary of the Prophets, through whom the Prophets primarily act. This provides the basis for a long-lasting story arc. Sisko initially considers his role as a religious icon with open discomfort and skepticism, referring to the Prophets simply as "wormhole aliens" and striving to keep his role as commander of the station distinct from any obligations that the Bajorans try to place on him. Later, he becomes more accepting of his role and, by the end of the series, he openly embraces it. The station crew early on has to contend with a human resistance group known as the [[Maquis (Star Trek)|Maquis]]. Rooted in the events of ''The Next Generation'' episode, "[[Journey's End (TNG episode)|Journey's End]]", in which [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] settlers refuse to leave when their colony world is given to Cardassia as part of a treaty, the Maquis is an example for the show’s exploration of darker themes: its members are Federation citizens who take up arms against Cardassia in defense of their homes, and some—such as [[Calvin Hudson]], a long-time friend of Sisko's, and [[Michael Eddington]], who defects while serving aboard the station—are Starfleet officers. The show’s sharp departure from traditional ''Star Trek'' themes can be seen in episodes such as "[[For the Cause (DS9 episode)|For the Cause]]", in which Eddington tells Sisko, "Everybody should want to be in the Federation. Nobody leaves paradise. In some ways you’re even worse than the [[Borg (Star Trek)|Borg]]. At least they tell you about their plans for assimilation. You assimilate people and they don’t even know it." The second-season episode, "[[Rules of Acquisition (DS9 episode)|Rules of Acquisition]]" marks the first mention of the [[Dominion (Star Trek)|Dominion]], a ruthless empire in the [[Galactic quadrants (Star Trek)|Gamma Quadrant]]. They are not fully introduced until the second-season finale, "[[The Jem'Hadar]]". It is led by "the [[Founders (Star Trek)|Founders]]", a race of shape-shifting [[Changeling (Star Trek)|Changelings]], the same race as station security chief Odo. They were once persecuted by non-shape-shifters (whom they call "Solids") and they seek to impose "order" upon any who could potentially harm them, which includes nearly all Solids. The Founders have created or genetically modified two races to serve them: the [[Vorta]], sly and subversive diplomats, and the [[Jem'Hadar|Jem’Hadar]], their fearless shock troops. These races worship the Founders as gods. At the start of ''DS9''’s third season ("[[The Search (DS9 episode)|The Search]]"), with the threat of a Dominion attack looming from the other side of the wormhole, Commander Sisko returns from a trip to Starfleet Headquarters on [[Earth]] with the [[USS Defiant (NX-74205)|USS ''Defiant'']], a [[prototype]] [[starship]] that was originally built to fight the Borg. It remains stationed at ''Deep Space Nine'' until its destruction in season seven, providing an avenue for plot lines away from the station. The Dominion forms an uneasy alliance with the Cardassians in the fifth-season episodes "[[In Purgatory's Shadow]]" and "[[By Inferno's Light]]" and goes to war with the other major powers of the [[Galactic quadrants (Star Trek)|Alpha Quadrant]]. Throughout the series, loyalties and alliances change repeatedly: pacts with the Cardassians are made, broken, and remade; a short war with the Klingons flares up and is settled, and (through Sisko's secret machinations) the formerly neutral [[Romulan]]s ally with the Federation. An example of ''DS9''’s darker nature is [[Section 31]], a secret organization dedicated to preserving the Federation way of life at any cost. This shadow group, introduced in "[[Inquisition (DS9 episode)|Inquisition]]", justifies its unlawful, unilateral tactics by claiming that it is essential to the continued existence of the Federation. Section 31 features prominently in several episodes of the Dominion War arc; such plot elements, as well as ''DS9''’s relative lack of exposure compared to its predecessor, garnered the show a reputation as the "black sheep" of the ''Trek'' family.<ref>The ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'' used this phrase in a [[November 30]], [[1999]] editorial (which can be found [http://www.brannonbraga.com/1999/Articles/1999_november.htm#November%2030,%201999%20-%20Post-Gazette archived] on [[Brannon Braga]]’s official website), as did ''[[Exclaim!]]'' magazine in a [[March 31]], [[2003]] [http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=774&csid1=1493 review]. (Despite the connotations associated with the phrase "black sheep", however, the writers of both articles spoke highly of the series.)</ref> In ''DS9'', the [[Ferengi]] are no longer an enemy of the Federation, but rather an economic power whose political neutrality is, for the most part, respected. A number of episodes explore their [[capitalism|capitalist]]ic nature, while others delved into the race’s [[sexism|sexist]] social norms. Unlike their depiction in The Next Generation, where they were generally portrayed simply as sexist buffoons for comedic purposes, in DS9 they received a more complex depiction, with the female partner (Ishka) of the Grand Negus leading a women's rights rebellion on the Ferengi homeworld, and Rom, Quark's brother, leading a strike against unfair working conditions in Quark's bar. Also, Jake's best friend, Nog, has to deal with Starfleet's more liberal attitudes towards women as a Starfleet cadet while Jake learns to deal with his friend's more backward ideas in a respectful manner rather than risk the loss of their friendship. ==Production== In early promo images sent to stations,the show's logo was similar to TNG's, and Deep Space Nine originally did not have docking stations. ''DS9'' was the second Star Trek TV show to use [[Computer Generated Imagery]] (CGI) for exterior space shots exclusively (no models), the first being Star Trek Voyager from season 3 onward. Although other television shows such as ''[[seaQuest]]'', ''[[Space Above and Beyond]]'', and ''[[Babylon 5]]'' had used CGI exclusively (to avoid the high expense of models), the Star Trek franchise continued primarily using models for exterior space shots, because it was felt models provided more realism. ''DS9'' retired the models and started using [[Foundation Imaging]] in 1997 (seasons 6 and 7) for all the effects as part of the ongoing storyline of the Dominion occupation of the station. The [[USS Defiant|USS ''Defiant'']] was the first full-fledged starship in the Star Trek franchise to have a CGI model used in regular production. It was first built and animated by VisionArt, which was responsible for the [[morphing]] of [[Odo (Star Trek)|Odo]]. The CGI ''Defiant'' was featured heavily in the season 4 episode "[[Starship Down]]", where it battled a CGI [[Jem'Hadar]] ship in a CGI gas giant's atmosphere.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/1930/ds9.html |title=Deep Space Nine |accessdate=2007-12-05}}</ref> ==Reception== ===Praise=== ''DS9'' was well received by critics with ''[[TV Guide]]'' describing it as "the best acted, written, produced and altogether finest" ''Star Trek'' series.<ref>Although it does not specify an issue or volume, the [http://www.ereader.com/product/detail/12878?book=Star_Trek:_Deep_Space_Nine:_Unity publisher’s description] for the [[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine relaunch|''DS9'' relaunch]] novel ''Unity'' uses this quote to tout the book.</ref> Despite debuting in the shadow of ''The Next Generation'', ''DS9'' achieved a considerable level of success in its own right. According to a press release through ''Newswire'' on [[April 7]], [[1999]], it was the #1 syndicated show in the [[United States]] for adults 18-49 and 25-54 throughout its run in the National Television Index. The characters of ''DS9'' were featured on the cover of ''[[TV Guide]]'' ten times during its run, including several "special issue" editions in which a set of four different-covered versions were printed. The series won a number of awards.<ref name="awards">"Awards for 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'". ''IMDb: Earth's Biggest Movie Database''. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106145/awards. Accessed 16 August 2006.</ref> It was nominated for [[Emmy Award]]s every year of its run, including makeup, [[cinematography]], art direction, [[special effects]], hairstyling, music (direction and composition), and costumes. Of these, it won two for Makeup (for "[[Captive Pursuit (DS9 episode)|Captive Pursuit]]" and "[[Distant Voices (DS9 episode)|Distant Voices]]") and one for the Main Title Theme Music ([[Dennis McCarthy (composer)|Dennis McCarthy]]). It was also nominated for two [[Hugo Award]]s in Best Dramatic Presentation for "[[The Visitor (DS9 episode)|The Visitor]]" and "[[Trials and Tribble-ations]]", however the competing series ''[[Babylon 5]]'' won the Hugo Award instead. The episode "[[Take Me Out to the Holosuite]]," where the crew played a holographic baseball game against a Vulcan team, called the Logicians, created the term "Niners" (named after the team) to describe a fan of DS9, in comparison with the term "[[Trekkie]]." As well as being a critical success, Deep Space Nine drew praise from African-American, Latino and other minority viewers for its handling of the minority characters, particularly the Sisko family members (Benjamin, Jake, Joseph, Jennifer and Kasidy Yates-Sisko) {{Fact|date=November 2007}}. ===''Babylon 5'' controversy=== The show first aired just weeks before the debut of ''[[Babylon 5]]''. Controversy arose between the similarities of the two shows. ''Babylon 5'' creator, [[J. Michael Straczynski]], indicated that Paramount was aware of his concept as early as [[1989]] <ref><http://www.jmsnews.com/msg.aspx?id=1-14441 |title= J.Michael Straczynski post></ref> when he attempted to sell the show to the studio, and provided them with the series bible, pilot script, artwork, lengthy character background histories, and plot synopses for the first 22 episodes. <ref><http://www.jmsnews.com/msg.aspx?id=1-7864 |title= J. Michael Straczynski commenting on B5's attempted sale to Paramount + B5/DS9 similarities></ref> <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/ds9season1.php | title=Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Season One (review) | author=Sylvain, Nicholas, Judge (Retired) | date=[[2003-04-08]] | publisher=DVD Verdict Review}}</ref> Paramount rejected ''Babylon 5'', but it was later picked-up by [[WB]] subsidiary [[Prime Time Entertainment Network|PTEN]] in 1991, and Mr. Stracznyski has stated on numerous occasions (in his newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated), he thinks Paramount used his bible and scripts as the basis for DS9's first season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jmsnews.com/msg.aspx?id=1-7652 |title= J. Michael Straczynski post from 1992 |publisher=The J. Michael Straczynski Message Archive (jms.com) |date=[[February 4]] [[1992]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jmsnews.com/msg.aspx?id=1-3367 |title=J. Michael Straczynski post from 1997 |publisher=The J. Michael Straczynski Message Archive (jms.com) |date=[[September 15]] [[1997]]}}</ref> On the subject of suing Paramount for infringement, Straczynski indicated he had no intentions to do so, and added: "That we have decided -- for the best interests of all -- to take a mature, 'let's move forward' approach does not mean that I have to pretend nothing happened. ... It's on the level of 'Okay, YOU (Paramount) know what happened, and *I* know what happened, but let's try to be grownup about it for now,' though I must say that the shape-changing thing nearly tipped me back over the edge again." The WB PTEN vs. Paramount UPN network rivalry also may have been a factor in this "bad blood" between the two shows.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jmsnews.com/msg.aspx?id=1-13041 |title=J. Michael Straczynski post from 1995 |publisher=The J. Michael Straczynski Message Archive (jms.com) |date=[[June 19]] [[1995]]}}</ref> Ultimately though, the two series diverged and took different paths in subsequent seasons. ''Babylon 5'' focused on a continuing story ("novel for television" in Straczynski's words), while ''DS9'' was more similar to its cousins Next Generation and Voyager in presenting a different story every week (although in later seasons ''DS9'' experimented with a 6-part storyline in season 6 and a 10-part storyline to wrap-up the show). ===Clash with Roddenberry's vision?=== In a 2007 interview with [[if (magazine)|''iF'' Magazine]], [[George Takei]] criticized ''DS9'' for being the polar opposite of Gene Roddenberry's philosophy and vision of the future.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2478|publisher=iF Magazine|author=Sean Elliot|title=Exclusive: George Takei Thanks Fans For 40 Years of 'Star Trek'|date=[[2007-11-20]]|accessdate=2007-11-20}}</ref> However, [[D. C. Fontana]] stated in an interview that Roddenberry would have liked it and its dark themes, since he was a [[World War II]] soldier.<ref>[http://trekmovie.com/2007/08/16/dorothy-fontana-on-new-comics-new-novel-canon-ds9-ent-new-movie/ Interview - Dorothy Fontana On New Comics, New Novel + Canon, DS9, ENT & New Movie | TrekMovie.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Bjo Trimble]], one of the major forces behind the letter-writing campaign that saw the original series renewed for its third season commented that she thought Roddenberry would "come to like DS9, had he lived to see it. There might have been some changes. [[Majel Barrett|Majel]] recently said that GR would have hated [[Dominion War|the war]] in DS9, but frankly I am amazed that she cannot see the same theme in much of what Gene did, including his recent "discovery" of ''[[Earth: Final Conflict]]''. The only reason there were not full battles in early Trek is lack of funds to pull it off, and lack of technology to show it. Otherwise, GR would certainly have added it; he knew what audiences liked".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.trekplace.com/bjotrimble.html |title=Bjo Trimble email interview |author=Greg Tyler |publisher=trekplace.com |date=August 1999 |accessdate=2008-03-28}}</ref> Roddenberry himself is quoted in ''The Making of Star Trek DS9'' as having doubts that a non-exploration show could work and being displeased with early concepts presented to him in 1991, but [[Rick Berman]] stated in the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'' that Roddenberry had given him his blessing for developing it very close to his death. ==Breaking taboos== ''DS9'' is also notable for breaking several cultural [[taboo]]s during its run. Most prominent among these is the issue of [[homosexuality]]. [[Gay]] and gay-friendly fans of the franchise had been waiting for a ''Star Trek'' television spin-off to address how a utopian society would deal with [[sexual orientation]], since Gene Roddenberry had promised in 1987 to tackle the issue.<ref name="gayleague">The fan site [http://www.gayleague.com Gay League] maintains a [http://www.gayleague.com/forums/display.php?id=76 Gay ''Star Trek'' Timeline], which details the franchise's treatment of homosexuality. Of the first "lesbian kiss" -- the characters of the show are not lesbians and the word "lesbian" is not used in throughout any of the "Star Trek" series or movies -- it states, “Reaction to the episode was strong: some stations refused to air the episode, a Southern affiliate edited the kissing scene out. Mail and phone calls ran very negative, although some positive feedback emerged." ([[Spike TV]], which holds the rerun rights to the series, currently shows all episodes unabridged except where time constraints are concerned.)</ref> While ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' gingerly addressed the issue through [[gender identity]] on occasion, two ''DS9'' episodes showcased a kiss between people of the same sex. The first same-sex kiss on a Star Trek television series was in the episode "[[Rejoined (DS9 episode)|Rejoined]]", in which Jadzia Dax and another Trill named Lenara Kahn embrace and passionately kiss. The two were neither lesbians nor was the kiss a "lesbian" kiss; rather the controversy was primarily over two actresses kissing. The two characters had been married in previous lives when the Dax symbiont in a male host was in love with the Kahn symbiont in a female host. None of the other characters are shocked by this. Writer Rene Echevarria made a conscious effort not to glamorize the kiss to make it a ratings booster. The point was to emphasize the romance, not to sensationalize.<ref name="charting" /> This episode aired a year and a half before the controversial "out of the closet" shift in the sitcom ''[[Ellen (television series)|Ellen]]'', and proved troublesome for some local affiliates.<ref name="gayleague" /> In the seventh season episode "[[The Emperor’s New Cloak (DS9 episode)|The Emperor’s New Cloak]]", versions of Kira Nerys and Ezri Dax in a parallel [[Mirror Universe]] also kiss. The Mirror Universe [[Leeta]] and Ezri are also attracted to each other. Although no homosexual character was dealt with directly, the pre-''Ellen'' same-sex kisses were often compared to the ''Star Trek: The Original Series'' episode "[[Plato's Stepchildren (TOS episode)|Plato’s Stepchildren]]", which featured a famous interracial kiss between [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] and [[Uhura]]. In the sixth season of DS9, [[transvestism]] is used for humorous effect in "[[Profit and Lace (DS9 episode)|Profit and Lace]]". Quark's mother suffers a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]] prior to a critical meeting with an influential businessman she had hoped to recruit to the cause of [[women's rights]] on the Ferengi home world. As there are no other Ferengi females on the station, Quark undergoes a temporary sex change, becoming a female named Lumba. She attempts to impress the man, who flirts and falls in love with her, chasing Lumba around a room. The episode was intended to be lighthearted. However promotional spots depicted Quark's predicament as "a real [[Drag queen|drag]]", and the episode was poorly received by fans; it has been heavily criticized. Actor [[Andrew Robinson]] has stated that he portrayed Garak as an [[Pansexuality|omnisexual]] in an early episode, but stopped because it "gave people fits."<ref>http://www.greatlink.org/showtglinterview101.htm</ref> In addition to sexuality, there were several instances of potentially offensive language during the series' run, unprecedented for the ''Star Trek'' franchise (although ''Star Trek: Enterprise'' went much further, even using the phrase "son of a bitch" several times). The ''DS9'' episode "[[Far Beyond the Stars (DS9 episode)|Far Beyond the Stars]]", much of which takes place in 1950s [[Earth]], features a scene in which [[Cirroc Lofton]] claims that blacks will never get into space except to "shine the shoes" of whites, to whom his character feels blacks "would always be [[niggers]]." Although not the first time the word nigger had been used on American television (it was commonly used in dramas in the 1970s), by the late 1990s, the word had all but vanished from mainstream media. Another occurrence likely went unnoticed among American audiences; in the episode "[[Time’s Orphan (DS9 episode)|Time’s Orphan]]", [[Ireland|Irish]] Chief O’Brien utters the British and Irish swear word "[[bollocks]]". Furthermore, the series used several invented [[Racial slur|racial epithets]] for alien races in the series, namely "spoonhead" and "Cardies" for Cardassians. The portrayal of the Ferengi characters prompted occasional criticism from several Jewish-American groups, primarily because it was felt that the casting of three Jewish-American actors as the lead Ferengi characters played into the prejudicial Jewish stereotype of greed and being obsessed with financial gain.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} ==Multimedia== {{unreferenced-section|date=July 2008}} ===Music=== On [[June 30]], [[1993]], between seasons one and two, ''DS9'' followed other ''Star Trek'' series in releasing the [[soundtrack|original score]] from its pilot episode on [[Compact disc|CD]]. The title theme was also made available as a CD single. Music from several other episodes is included on the ''[[The Best of Star Trek]]'' releases. The character of [[Vic Fontaine]] (played by 60s heart throb [[James Darren]]), a self-aware holographic [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] [[lounge singer|lounge lizard]] from the 1960s, was introduced in the sixth-season episode "[[His Way (DS9 episode)|His Way]]". Vic was popular with the station's crew and performed many period songs by, among others, [[Frank Sinatra]] and [[Nat "King" Cole]]. Darren's role allowed him to release ''[[This One's From the Heart]]'' on [[August 24]], [[1999]], featuring songs that Vic sings in the show and other period pieces. ===VHS and DVD releases=== {{seealso|Star Trek: Deep Space Nine DVDs}} Episodes of ''DS9'' were made available on [[VHS]] cassettes. The first release came on [[November 19]], [[1996]] in the United States, but the line was discontinued once all of ''DS9'' had been released on DVD. The series was released on VHS in the UK starting [[August 2]], [[1993]]. Each video box contained unique artwork and character/plot information. Following the [[DVD]] release of ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' in 2002, ''DS9'' was released on DVD beginning in February 2003. ''DS9'' was released in boxed sets of one season each and released approximately a month apart. Each season contains several "special features", including a biographical look at a main character, information from make-up designer [[Michael Westmore]] on how various aliens were created, and interviews with cast members and crew members. The sets also include "Section 31" [[easter egg (virtual)|easter egg]]s that give a brief look at other aspects of the show. The Region 2 DVDs also come with bonus CD-ROM discs that allow users to build a "virtual" ''DS9'' on their computer with each release. On [[October 26]], [[2004]], a compilation of all seven season sets was also released. ==Books== {{see also|Star Trek: Deep Space Nine relaunch}} [[Pocket Books]] has published several dozen books based on ''DS9''. Some of these were [[novelization]]s of memorable episodes, such as "[[Emissary (DS9 episode)|Emissary]]", "[[The Search (DS9 episode)|The Search]]" and "[[What You Leave Behind]]", which were usually published a few days after the episode aired in the United States. Several novels were part of "crossover" series between the ''Star Trek'' franchises, while others were part of other franchises but dealt with events laid out in ''DS9''. For example, ''The Battle of Betazed'' tells of how [[Deanna Troi]] attempted to resist the Dominion occupation of her world (mentioned in the episode "[[In the Pale Moonlight (DS9 episode)|In the Pale Moonlight]]"). Most focus on the station and its crew, with a notable exception being [[Ira Steven Behr]] and [[Robert Hewitt Wolfe]]’s ''[[Legends of the Ferengi]]''. ''Avatar'', a two-part novel published on [[May 1]], [[2001]], picked up where the series left off. It began [[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine relaunch|season 8]] of ''DS9'', into which ''A Stitch in Time'' (a biographical look at the life of Garak, written by Andrew Robinson himself) was incorporated retroactively. The events of "What You Leave Behind", ''DS9''’s series finale, caused some radical changes to occur in season 8. As Benjamin Sisko had entered the [[Celestial Temple]], Colonel Kira was given command of the station while a new commander named [[Elias Vaughn]] took over her position, Garak became the leader of post-war Cardassia, Odo helped the Changelings rebuild, and Rom presided over the [[Ferengi Alliance]]. Outside its line of [[novel]]s, ''DS9'' has been the subject of several [[comic book]]s and other publications. One comic is a spin-off, detailing Nog’s experiences at the [[Starfleet Academy]]. Another ''DS9'' comic series became an exceptional example of licensed ''Star Trek'' works influencing each other, a major character from WildStorm Comics’ ''N-Vector'', Tiris Jast, appeared in the ''Avatar, Part I'' novel. Other publications, such as the [[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual|''Deep Space Nine Technical Manual'']] and [[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion|''Deep Space Nine Companion'']], are common to most of the ''Trek'' series. The ''DS9'' Companion contains detailed episode guides and interviews with actors, writers, directors and other staff members. ''DS9'' series influences were included in role-playing game reference books from [[Last Unicorn Games]] and [[Decipher, Inc.|Decipher]]. Additionally, several novels have also been released in audio form, narrated by Rene Auberjonois and Armin Shimerman among others. ==Games== Several video games focusing on ''DS9'' have been released. The first was ''Crossroads of Time'', a 1995 side-scrolling game released for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Nintendo]] and [[Sega Genesis]]. The game takes place around the time of the series premiere, borrowing some stories from early episodes such as "[[Past Prologue (DS9 episode)|Past Prologue]]" and creating others. A number of problems reportedly impeded the game's development process,<ref>On his [http://www.mpmolyneaux.com/mm-ds9.htm personal website], lead designer Maurice Molyneaux provides behind-the-scenes information and personal reflections about the development of ''Crossroads of Time''.</ref> and it met with mixed reactions. Three ''DS9''-themed games were released for the PC: ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Harbinger|Harbinger]]'' in 1996, ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Fallen|The Fallen]]'' in 2000, and ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Dominion Wars|Dominion Wars]]'' in 2001. A [[board game]] was released as part of the now-defunct "component board game" series, which included an intercompatible board game for ''Star Trek: The Next Generation''.<ref>"Star Trek Deep Space Nine - Component Game System". ''Board Game Geek''. http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/12937. Accessed 16 August 2006.</ref> ''DS9''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[role-playing]] book was one of several that failed to be released into wide circulation when [[Decipher, Inc.|Decipher]], then publisher of the ''Star Trek'' role-playing game, discontinued its line.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} The series features prominently in the ''[[Star Trek Customizable Card Game]]'', particularly its second edition. In the game's first edition, ''Deep Space Nine'' is the titular fifth set, followed by one entitled "The Dominion" and several other ''DS9''-themed sets. In the second edition, there are two types of cards for the United Federation of Planets, which may be placed at [[Earth]] or Deep Space Nine. The [[Ferengi]], Dominion, [[Cardassian]], [[Bajoran]], and [[Maquis (Star Trek)|Maquis]] affiliations are comprised primarily of ''DS9''-derived material, while the [[Klingon]] affiliation also borrows strongly from it.<ref>A comprehensive history of the first edition is at http://www.jklm.net/atn/pdp.html. Of note, particularly in the second edition, are the [[Bajoran]] and [[Dominion (Star Trek)|Dominion]] affiliations and the "Deep Space Nine"-oriented [[United Federation of Planets]] option; the material for all three comes almost exclusively from ''DS9''. The [[Cardassian]], [[Ferengi]] and [[Maquis (Star Trek)|Maquis]] affiliations also draw the majority of their source material from the series.</ref> ==Other merchandising== Along with the rest of the ''Star Trek'' franchise, ''DS9'' has been the subject of much merchandizing. [[Action figure]]s, [[keychain]]s, [[Scale model|model]]s, and other items have been released. The station itself, which is highly recognizable and iconic of the series, is the subject of many of these items. Paramount also sells [[Starfleet]] uniforms; among the styles is the so-called "''DS9''-style" uniform, which is primarily black with a division colour (red for command, yellow for engineering or security, blue for medical and the sciences) on the shoulders. Also, ''DS9'' is well represented at [[Star Trek: The Experience]], an attraction at the [[Las Vegas Hilton]] which faithfully recreates both Quark’s Bar & Restaurant and the Promenade. The former serves ''Star Trek''-style food and drinks, and hosts gatherings such as conventions. The latter (called the Shopping Promenade) sells various souvenirs and rarities; among the items for sale are "official" Starfleet uniforms and action figures. ==References== {{portal|Star Trek}} {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{commons}} {{wikiquote}} * ''[http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/DS9/index.html Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]'' at StarTrek.com * ''{{memoryalpha article|Star_Trek:_Deep_Space_Nine|Star Trek: Deep Space Nine}}'' * [http://startrek.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Trek:_Deep_Space_Nine ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' at Memory Beta] {{Star Trek}} {{Star Trek regulars}} [[Category:1990s American television series]] [[Category:1993 television series debuts]] [[Category:1999 television series endings]] [[Category:Black television drama series]] [[Category:Drama television series]] [[Category:First-run syndicated television programs in the United States]] [[Category:Military science fiction]] [[Category:Star Trek series]] [[Category:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[Category:Spike TV network shows]] [[Category:Science fiction television series]] [[Category:Space Westerns]] [[Category:Space operas]] [[Category:Television series by CBS Paramount Television]] [[Category:Television spin-offs]] [[Category:Wormholes in fiction]] [[bs:Star Trek - Deep Space 9]] [[bg:Стар Трек: Космическа станция 9]] [[cs:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[de:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[et:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[es:Star Trek: Espacio profundo nueve]] [[eo:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[fr:Star Trek : Deep Space Nine]] [[hr:Zvjezdane staze: Deep Space Nine]] [[it:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[he:מסע בין כוכבים: חלל עמוק 9]] [[hu:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[nl:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[ja:スタートレック:ディープ・スペース・ナイン]] [[no:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[pl:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[pt:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[ru:Звёздный путь: Глубокий космос 9]] [[simple:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[sk:Star Trek: Vesmírna stanica DS9]] [[sl:Zvezdne steze: Deep Space Nine]] [[sr:Звездане стазе: Дубоки свемир 9]] [[sv:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]] [[zh:星艦奇航記:銀河前哨]]