For seven seasons, the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, entertained audiences with their colorful cast of characters and introduction to new planetary life forms. The TV show marked several firsts throughout its duration, including the first black man (Avery Brooks as Commander (later Captain) Benjamin Sisko) to appear in a lead role. This series also moved from a starship setting to a space station as its main location. From time to time, the USS Defiant was used in episodes, but for the most part, action mainly took place on the space station.
Most of the plots regarding the series dealt with the easy access that the positioning of the Federation station presented for adventures within the far-off Gamma Quadrant. Deep Space Nine become quite popular among the usual Star Trek fan base, as well as found a soft spot in the hearts of new recruits. This led to numerous expeditions into the celestial unknown. Deep Space Nine enthusiasts often referred to themselves as “Niners.” The show brought in an element of humor throughout the series, such as various 1950s Las Vegas journeys and comedic scenarios.
Storylines & Plots
Many of the themes explored within the TV series dealt with war, politics, as well as religion, but there were also softer plotlines that dealt with love and spirituality. For example, audiences followed intensely to see what happened next between the shapeshifter, Odo and the Bajoran, Colonel Kira Nerys. Followers watched as the Casdassian spy, Elim Garak plodded his way through the storylines. The occupation of the planet Bajor by the Cardassians was also a main attraction of the television series. A major war was also weaved into the plot in regards to the shapeshifting Changelings from the Gamma Quadrant.
Another first that this Star Trek series introduced was the first shows that did not benefit from the expertise or input of the creator, Gene Roddenberry. It is unclear whether or not he would have given his blessing for the show because Roddenberry made it known that he disliked having conflict amongst crew members or lengthy spreads of storytelling. In the past, these factors were never included from a script that Rodenberry created.
The Cast
Appearing in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine television series included a regular 1993-1999 cast of: Avery Brooks (as Capt. Benjamin Lafayette Sisko), appearing in 172 episodes; Alexander Siddig (as Dr. Julian Bashir), appearing in 168 episodes; Nana Visitor (as Col. Kira Nerys), appearing in 167 episodes; Rene Auberjonois (as Constable Odo), appearing in 164 episodes; Colm Meaney (as Chief Miles Edward O’Brien), appearing in 156 episodes; Armin Shimerman (as Quark), appearing in 154 episodes; Terry Farrell (as Lt. Cmdr. Jadzia Dax), appearing in 145 episodes; Mark Allen Shepherd (as Morn), appearing in 83 episodes; Cirroc Lofton (as Jake Sisko), appearing 82 episodes; and Michael Dorn (as Lt. Cmdr. Worf), appearing in 101 episodes from 1995 to 1999. Make sure to be on the lookout for future articles that will present the whereabouts and goings-on of former cast members.
Sample Episodes
Season 1, Episode 4: Babel
Airing January 24 1993, this episode dealt with an odd plague that takes over the space station, causing everyone who has been infected, to speak gibberish.
Season 4, Episode 8: Little Green Men
Airing November 13 1995, Quark and Rom bring Nog to Earth and Starfleet Academy. A malfunction on the ship sends the crew back into time, namely the 1947 Roswell site in New Mexico.
Season 6, Episode 3: Sons and Daughters
Airing October 13 1997, relationship problems between Worf and his son begin as they serve with one another aboard a Klingon vessel. But, this is not the only break in relationships during this episode.
Season 6, Episode 12: Who Mourns for Morn?
Airing February 4 1998, Quark receives all of the possessions from a former patron.
Season 7, Episode 9: Covenant
Airing November 24 1998, Kira becomes kidnapped and is taken to Empok Nor. Her kidnappers are from the Pah’Wraith cult, where she finds out that the group leader is actually someone she knows.