A Look at Garak

SF Debris looks at the enigmatic Deep Space Nine character.

[@captainl-ron4068]

You missed one of his skills. He is a fine tailor

[@gpop444]

:))

[@bobbobbing4220]

hes very smart, he has a number of mundane skills to a professional grade, such as gardening, to help him blend in.

[@megancress1384]

and a gardener

[@ue8472]

Its a very sad thing

[@luciferangelica]

Captain L-Ron i was thinking the same thing

[@miconis123]

Bashir: Assuming you're not a spy... Garak: Assuming. Bashir: Then maybe you're an outcast. Garak: Or maybe I'm an outcast spy. Bashir: How could you be both? Garak: I never said I was either.

[@GothAlice]

A spy in the hand is superior to any number unknown, listening from the bushes. As can be seen on several occasions, calling for a tailor to join a Top Sekret™ meeting for a few measurements at the right time can be useful. The best spy is an _asset_ to both sides, indispensable to both. Unfortunately, the whole outcast thing… I really do love this character as a well-written, developed character having depth, nuance, and meaningful drive-and lasting impact-in a series overrun with redshirts.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

And in the end, he really was an outcast spy. Beautiful.

[@MrBrimbles]

That brief exchange is tells a great introduction to Garak, to what kind of person he is. Always evasive, always seeking the advantage in every scenario.

[@InfernosReaper]

@@MrBrimbles Yea, he's always giving you just the right amount of truth

[@AbtinX]

LOL 😂 Garak is beyond lovable

[@andrewl3036]

Bashir: The moral of the story is never tell a lie. Garak: No doctor; the moral of the story is never tell the same lie twice.

[@otbaht]

"If you are going to continue lying make sure to include proof to show the lie is true."

[@xyhmo]

It's annoying when people retell dialog from memory without saying so, because it's nearly always wrong (less eloquent etc) and makes the writers and the show look bad.

[@hariman7727]

The other moral is that sometimes liars tell the truth.

[@Obamacain9]

I was just getting ready to contribute that dialog....one of my most favorite Garak quotes !

[@mkgalaxy7741]

"To think, after all this time, all our lunches together... you still don't trust me. There's hope for you yet, doctor." - Garak

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

Garak: Gul Benil. Benil: You're not Kobheerians! Garak: Very observant of you. Now turn your ships around. Benil: Excuse me? Garak: This is an Alpha Red Priority Mission clearance verification 9218-black. By authority of the Central Command you are ordered to turn your ships around, erase all records of this encounter from your logs and talk of it to no one. Is that clear? Cardassian Computer: Clearance code verified. Benil: My apologies. I had no idea. Garak: You were doing your duty. End transmission. Garak: (audible sigh) Sisko: Mr. Garak, I'm impressed. Garak: Oh, it was just something I overheard while I was hemming someone's trousers.

[@detectivesnickers6176]

I just watched that episode last night lol

[@GothAlice]

The trick to infiltration: confidently look like you belong. The trick to information grooming: be unassuming, and commonplace. Barbers, hair dressers, tailors, bar tenders (just ask Quark, the other major information broker on the station), baristas, … certain occupations potentially give you substantial access to important people in an environment that is familiar and comfortable enough to let guards down. Ones that involve rote physical activity leave time for your brain, and ears, to function.

[@TheWyldehart]

Oh my god, I LOVED this exchange!!

[@InfernosReaper]

@@GothAlice It's amazing the information one can gain just because few think twice about the person doing trivial work nearby.

[@1JackTorS]

"And if your conscience is bothering you, you should should soothe it with the knowledge that you may have just saved the entire Alpha Quadrant, and all it cost is the life of one Romulan Senator, one criminal... and the self-respect of one Starfleet officer. I don't know about you, but I'd call THAT a bargain".

[@KRJayster]

That whole episode is spine-chillingly well-performed.

[@Corkedwolf43771]

Why worry yourself over such minutiae?

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

Best episode in the whole Star Trek Universe.

[@elizabethjansen2684]

@@Corkedwolf43771 go read tsun tsu, that'll teach you the importance of minutiae

[@victorpradha9946]

The ending tells you that Garak would, despite whatever personal anguish it might entail, kill Odo, Kira, Bashir, O'Brien, Quark, Jake et al, IF it would accomplish the mission and more broadly...the greater goal of saving Cardassia. I wonder though, would Garak have sacrificed Ziyal too in such an endeavor.

[@grahamrichardson9620]

"Which parts were true, and which were lies?" "Oh doctor. They're ALL true!" "Even the lies?" ESPECIALLY the lies!"

[@Mewchu14]

Graham Richardson Probably one of the best exchanges in the entire franchise

[@unclegumbald989]

Garak is a frickin' LEGEND

[@garygood6804]

Garak saved the alpha quadrant

[@redgeneral5792]

Should have been a rule of aquisition.

[@daarianaharis]

Garak in a nutshell

[@williamcostigan91]

"The truth is usually just an excuse for a lack of imagination."

[@theeternalchronicler3072]

Since Garak has claustrophobia Id take his word when he said his father used to lock him up.

[@Xel963]

just having the claustrophobia just adds wight to the possiblity of truth, but at the same time the reasons for why they got this is up the air, they could just've been born with the fear or soemthing

[@dracothedraconian]

while the claustrophobia could of been gained from his father, there are other ways he could of gotten it, torture locked in a very small cell, bound and gagged, those can cause the same fear, and since he worked for the obsidian order each are just as probable

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

Xel Unknown they? Who are you talking about?

[@TheWyldehart]

According to Andrew Robinson, the actor who plays him brilliantly, it was his *own* fear of enclosed spaces that inspired Garak's claustrophobia. In fact, it almost kept him from playing Garak entirely because the costume (which was heavy and thick) along with the laytex pieces felt like it was suffocating. But he loved how he looked and rolled with it. The writers felt it was an excellent aspect to his personality that they could eventually work with. Andrew largely influenced his character and that helped the writers give him such incredible stories.

[@chironOwlglass]

Yeah, he talks about a building caving in on him while he's totally alone in a closet with no one to hear his lie. I don't think he would talk to himself out loud in a moment of extreme panic and tell himself a bunch of lies about an event that happened previously.

[@odieonekaraoke]

Jem'Hadar: Put down your weapons! Garak: I have them! I have them. By all means, commander, do as they say. Bashir: Garak. Garak: You heard me, doctor. I'm glad to see the plan is going as scheduled. Jem'Hadar: What plan is that? Garak: You mean no-one told you? You see, I pretend to be their friend and then I shoot you. Sisko: Well done, Garak. Garak: Well, it's just something I read once in a book.

[@lbbutant]

episode?

[@odieonekaraoke]

The Search Part 2 Season 3 Episode 2

[@roberthenryscott8176]

That scene was awesome

[@JimmyTurner]

Lol a clip of that brought me here.

[@Ridgwaycer]

While cool, that wasn't Garak. It was a hologram version of him.

[@felixarbable]

rewatching ds9 i realised basically no single person bar the wormhole aliens did more to win the fight against the dominion than garak

[@aliciabell6688]

He always recognized an enemy.

[@TheBamaChad-W4CHD]

He did a wonderful job making sure everyone was well dressed for the occasion.

[@kingt4239]

your right

[@TheKyrix82]

Marritzah did a lot too. Without him, Kira wouldn't have had it in her to see Cardassians as people

[@G.r.e.g.g.l.e.s]

What about Rom?

[@Blackerer]

If you loved Garak, I suggest reading DS9 book A Stitch in Time. Its written directly by Andrew J. Robinson himself (apparently no ghost writer was needed) and explores Garaks backstory and is a good look into why he played him the way he did. Robinson really went DEEP with him.

[@Thalanox]

I'm seconding the recommendation. I haven't read very many Star Trek books, but I had to read it after watching DS9. That was time well spent.

[@romewilliams3526]

Blackerer 52.00 on Amazon!!

[@kimbridge]

Yes, and then read the Una McCormack Star Trek books to follow Castellan Garak after the Dominion War

[@thetragicfigure]

I'm thirding this recommendation. I can't honestly call myself a full-bore Trekkie because I've never been to conventions, haven't seen every single episode of every single show (I swear I'll get through ENTERPRISE one day), and I haven't read any Star Trek books. Until I read "A Stitch in Time". After having re-watched DS9 for like the third time, I was binging on KZbin videos about the Cardassians, Gul Dukat, and Garak, and someone in the comments section mentioned the book. I was impressed to find out that Andrew J. Robinson wrote it himself, and I figured that this meant it would offer extraordinary insight to an already extraordinary character. It certainly did. It's so clearly written in Garak's voice, and the content is so believable probably because the man who played him (and who trained himself to think like him while playing him) is the one behind the words. Also, it sheds a bunch of light on Garak's actions and motivations throughout DS9. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad when it ended. Only problem is that from the reviews I've read, this might be best Star Trek book out there -- so everything else I read next may be a drop in quality!

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

Blackerer amazing book

[@bigbensbigbong]

Garak and Ducat were great characters. The main difference between them was Garak had a conscience, but even so, he seemed to hate himself that he had one.

[@waltermh111]

Garak is an idealist, and Ducat is a pragmatist?

[@andrewparsons2391]

Dukat had a hero complex. Everything he did, he did expecting to be rewarded/praised for, and threw tantrums when he wasn't. "The death toll in the slave labor camps all across Bajor have gone down almost 20% since I took charge of them, and yet still the Bajorians complain! How ungrateful!"* *not an actual quote, but used to illustrate his mindset

[@Atom.Storm.]

I once tried to explain to a non trekkie friend about Garak. When he asked what his special skills or talents were, it was easy, he talks to people. That's it. He is a master talker and manipulator. Look at when Sisko punched him in The Pale Moonlight. You think that Garak couldn't have dealt with that? Of course. But he was manipulating Sisko in order to allow him to understand the entire prenios set of manpulations he had went through. Garak, legend.

[@Cowinspace]

Easily one of my favourite characters from the entirety of Star Trek and the one who is, by far, the furthest from Roddenberry's ideal.

[@kirishima638]

To be fair, Roddenberry's ideal was for evolved human characters, not aliens.

[@SantomPh]

Roddenberry used aliens to show the humans by comparison-warring Klingons, manipulative Romulans and logical Vulcans. If anything Garak is a reflection of Section 13 and similar human organizations

[@daarianaharis]

I'd disagree. Granted, he's not Roddenberry's ideal, but he has a good heart and the potential to become more idealistic (as he does). I'd say the furthest from Roddenberry's ideal are characters like Dukat, Wynn, the founder etc. ... or, if we are understanding Roddenberry's ideal as the fundamentally good, morally mature HUMAN, I'd say Lorca and those section 31 warmongers.

[@benotto44]

In some ways. In others, it’s Garak’s redemption story.

[@chironOwlglass]

Roddenberry also thought people wouldn't grieve death in the future so I am A-OK with occasionally going against his ideals.

[@doktorkraesch9402]

Andy Robinson is such a great actor. He was fantastic in Dirty Harry and he elevated a side character in DS9 to one of the best on the show.

[@AtaMarKat]

Computer; delete that entire personal log.

[@TiagoSeiler]

Freaking masterpiece that was. Best Trek episode of all series, bar-none.

[@TheBamaChad-W4CHD]

Absolutely agreed. Best episode of Trek ever. Actually one of the best episodes of TV ever in my opinion

[@warcraftnut1354]

Best monologue in the entire franchise.

[@grendelum]

The way the screen cuts to black as he says that... so perfect !!

[@Rfc1394]

I had no idea until years later that Andrew Robinson was the guy who played Garak. He is most famous as the sociopathic serial killer in _Dirty Harry._

[@Pengi-kun]

Or Larry/Frank from Hellraiser

[@campion10]

Same here. Saw the whole series and then years later discovered he was the Scorpio killer from Dirty Harry. Instant “oh yeah” moment.

[@anthonyjordanmoviesandmore2470]

Hands down one of the best characters in all of Star Trek

[@orbitalsummer]

one of the best characters in television

[@adamzullo3624]

Anthony Jordan movies and more hands down one of the best spy characters on tv.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

The book “a stitch in time” written by the actor who played garak details his youth and the culture of upper class cardassians- as well as a historical lineage akin to the Klingon hurk encounter

[@Scorpius165]

"Lying is a skill like any other and if you want to maintain a level of excellence you have to practice constantly."

[@ChewbacaTW]

"Never tell the truth when a lie will do"

[@Qardo]

Even a lie can be the truth. Though they will deny it. Which they are denying the truth. In turn. You are hiding the Truth from them.

[@Orgruk]

Sounds like one of the Rules of Acquisition!

[@kellyrayburn4093]

Garak was definitely a patriot. He did love his homeland even though it had exiled him. And what he told Sisko about getting the Romulans into the war was true. The price of one Starfleet officer's self respect to save the Alpha Quadrant was indeed a bargain.

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

Dont forget. The death of a Romulan senator and the criminal. Still a bargain to save the Alpha Quadrant but they shouldn't be forgotten.

[@piotrd.4850]

... and very nice contrast with words of Klingon attorney [..] It's a point of pride for the Federation that Starfleet officers never lie or commit fraud, so I will accept the facts of the case as they have been submitted.[..]

[@jbarton8508]

@@Blasted2Oblivion "Many good lives lost..." You should tell them THAT! It will be just as effective at triggering an emotional reaction from them as when *I* told *YOU* that (which I was *FORCED* to do to you, in order to get us to THIS point...sadly, it was the only viable option.) Now, go do YOUR part, and let's save the Quadrant... or something. Ya know, whatever you need to sleep at night for the rest of your life. Good luck with that; I have a prior-scheduled lunch date with Our Esteemed Chief Medical Officer! And you never need thank me, or even mention it again. I'll just leave you with "You're MOST welcome!" /smirks

[@Avatarbee]

Interesting that he doesn't mention all his friends that died as a part of the cost. Maybe he was actually lying about that.

[@Bigtrek34]

Deep Space Nine had the most interesting characters in Star Trek and T.V. Garak is one of the most deep, and interesting characters ever.

[@TheBeelzboss]

Elim Garak is my favorite character on DS9 Elim Garak is my favorite character in all of Star Trek Elim Garak may very well be my favorite character in any television or movie Elim Garak is a masterpiece of writing and is the most perfect character I've ever seen in film and masterfully acted by Andrew Robinson

[@celestekent1236]

I cant say he is my favorite but he is the best written and intriguing character in all of Trek.

[@Misterunnamed]

The depth of the characters in DS9 made it one of my favorite shows.

[@BDaMonkey]

Garak is fantastic. The guy playing him does such a fantastic job.

[@thesilvershining]

I had the hugest crush on Garak as a teenager... he’s so brilliant and mysterious; soft on the inside but does what he has to do; clever and charming and you can’t help but like him, and at the end of the day is one of the most interesting Trek characters ever! I’m so glad Andrew Robinson brought this character to life, I can’t imagine DS9 without him!!

[@thanotosomega]

when will we get a look at the real deepest character from DS9? we demand a look at Morn!

[@Sines314]

Pay the $50 and I'm sure Chuck will make an attempt to do such a review. I think he might be able to just barely pull it off.

[@thanotosomega]

If i had 50$ to spare i would spend it getting him to review more Korra,

[@Mewchu14]

Ugh, that character was so annoying. He just never shut up. I mean, what a chatterbox, amirite

[@slashandbones13]

That would be awesome for April Fool's

[@allenmckinney9533]

Thanotos Omega theres a video about the episode "who morns for Morn" with the actor talking about the character.

[@djolds1]

An extraordinary and excellent analysis. Much as I would rate Gul Dukat as the finest villain ever produced by Trek, I would rate Elim Garak as the finest character overall. So many levels of depth and contradiction. All fascinating, and even entrancing.

[@KingOfElectricNinjas]

Seems to be an ongoing theme with Cardassians, their national loyalty, pragmatism and personal needs and desires end up twisting them into knots from contradictions and dilemmas. Though it's a strong overall theme in DS9 that people of every culture- Bajoran, Cardassian, Klingon, Ferengi, Changeling, Trill, and Federation- end up bumping up against the limits and rules of that society when dealing with crises, war and morality. Often forcing the society to change, a little or a lot, to adapt or face disaster.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

+duane oldsen I have to agree on both counts. I would say Khan is a close second as a villain, but Garak is the finest character by quite a bit.

[@lordomacron3719]

@@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies the main reason Dukat is above Khan as Trek's greatest Villain is that he had the Screen time to become the most fleshed out Villain.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

@@lordomacron3719 I would not presume to argue with you on that, especially as menacing as Ricardo Montalban was. It was purely fallacy that Ricardo wore a chest piece in the movie, that was him. I still think Dukat edges him, but I'm not so arrogant as to pronounce I've no respect for others beliefs, especially one as fine as to choose "KHAAAN!!!!"

[@myriadmediamusings]

Oh boy...Garak. It's already hard to say who is among the best of DS9 characters ever when there are already so much, but I'd personally put Garak among the top 5 at least.

[@titusorelius9458]

Top 3 and likely #1

[@takeoffyourblinkers]

Not Worf and work your way up.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

Garak is interesting enough to be number both #1 AND #3.

[@MrBracey100]

DS9 is bar far the best of Trek. So funny I wasnt into the show initially because Im sure like many for me Trek was about Treking through space. But it wasnt long before its engaging characters and layered plotlines won me over.

[@benotto44]

DS9 has been the only Star Trek to survive the passage of time and not feel dated.

[@Bjorick]

we rarely had cable growing up, so i was able to watch tng on fox (public channel), but ds9 was on ABC, i think? Never could get a clear reception, but was able to watch one episode back then, i was young and had no idea what was going on, it was different, i didn't get into it. Years later, spike started playing all the old star trek and started watching for tng, and ds9 came on after, and wow, i was hooked. Best trek ever (i really enjoy tos for many reasons and enterprise above tng, which now seems preachy, and voy, which is meh).

[@lordomacron3719]

one could say that DS9 was about Life Within the Federation and the other shows about life outside the Federation DS9 is my fav Trek because of its serialized arcs stuff that happened in one ep actually had lasting effects. if DS9 was released today it would not stand out as much as it did back in its day as such serialized storytelling is the norm today whereas it was very much not when it first came out. looking back at how DS9 handled such topics as Religion, Racial Hatred etc there was very few if any Binary answers to these and it stands up and at times feels prophetic of some of the challenges faced by the world of today

[@piotrd.4850]

As much as I LOVE "In Pale Moonlight" that was largerst unintentional FLAW of DS9: self-righteous Sisko, so bent on exposing Section 31, pulled a stunt that must have caused deep admiration within ranks of said organisation.

[@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694]

One of the most complex, deep, mysterious and well written characters in all of television. This is what TV used to be. This kind of quality is so superb and astounding that I fear we'll have to wait a couple of decades to see it again. Garak is so a character that is so relatable, yet so distant. So kind, yet so capable of evil. A man torn in so many ways but so centered in many ways too. Andrew J Robinson did an Oscar worthy performance of Elim Garak. Pure brilliance. One of, if not the favourite of mine in DS9. I hope the role will be revisited in the new Star Trek series to come!

[@outerspaceisalie]

" This is what TV used to be." literally no, TV has gotten WAY better, not worse, the average TV character is by far WAY more complex than they used to be

[@gsenski]

@@outerspaceisalie like brie larson?

[@outerspaceisalie]

@@gsenski who?

[@DataCab1e]

Originally published, appropriately enough, on April 1st, the day of lies.

[@barrettfilms2]

The best truths are always lies

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

THE most intriguing character on DS9 IMO. What a brilliant actor. Its amazing when I found of that the actor who played Garek was the same actor who played Scorpio in the first Dirty Harry Film

[@jamesohara4295]

‘You've got to ask yourself one question. Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?’.

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

Never tell the same lie twice.

[@tbeller80]

One of my favorite lines from the entire series. I managed to fit that into a conversation years ago when "the boy who cried wolf" came up. I gave that answer and the other person was just as speechless as Bashir.

[@chironOwlglass]

truly iconic

[@takeoffyourblinkers]

Garak was a legend. And a great actor to boot, much like most of DS9 actors. Man do I miss this sort of show, hence I am rewatching atm. Just watched "It's a faaaaake! last night. :)

[@conroypawgmail]

I did find it troubling and a little heartbreaking that in the final episode, Garak realized that it was all for nothing. Bashir noted that Cardassia will survive, but Garak understood that his Cardassia was gone.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

Although it's interesting in the relaunch novels that Cardassia grows great and it's awesome that Garak ends up the head of the whole government.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

By the way, in case you haven't kept up with the relaunch, At one point Garak becomes the Cardassian Ambassador to Earth. The Federation gives him a home in Paris, but not just any home: 78 Rue de Lille, the home which the Nazis used during WWII. If you haven't read any of the novels, I suggest starting with "A Stitch in Time" which tells a lot of Garak's story. It's written by Andrew Robinson, the man who played Garak. The novel takes the form of a letter (a damned long one) from Garak to Dr. Bashir. It jumps around between past and present, and it's a great read.

[@richterman3962]

@@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies those are cannon, that's only fan fix, same as Shatnerverse

[@RepublicAgent]

I think of all Star Trek, Garek is my favorite character. I love when this plain and simple Garek is on screen.

[@ClockworkGearhead]

Garak is the example of a principled man willing to do awful things.

[@scarface1138]

As obi wan Kenobi would say, "Garak will tell the truth... from a certain point of view."

[@heavierthanairfilms]

One of my favorite lines is when Dukat is holding Garak over the railing of the bar, and Garak retorts "It seems public opinion has turned against you." Always able to read right past people's façades and see what they really are, which for Dukat was someone desperate to have others' opinions conform to his self-image.

[@85Funkadelic]

"You fight well, for a tailor"

[@victorpradha9946]

Garak actually gets beat up so much in DS9. But in many instances, I believe that this is intentional. Garak wants to be overlook, not regarded as a threat, to be seen as weak, ineffectual and someone nobody looks at twice. If you note, while they were prisoners of the Jem'Hadar, Garak's absence was not noticed by the Jem'Hadar on numerous occasions. It was ONLY when Gul Dukat wanted Garak executed because Ziyal refused to leave DS9, declaring her intent to wait for Garak that they realized Garak was "missing". Garak wants to slip under the radar that way.

[@willowfrog33]

because look at what Garak's had to live thought...wow Brilliant analysis thanks

[@mediocreman6323]

You know, I think the real reason for Garak's banishment was that - whatever he did specifically - he may have caused the end of Cardassian occupation of Bajor. Intentionally. Because he saw, that it would destroy Cardassia in the long run. Which made him _a little bit_ unpopular, but his father would not have him killed, so he banned him. And it gnawed on him to have been punished for doing good for his people.

[@itzakpoelzig330]

I support this theory. I don't have a shred of evidence to contribute or anything, mine is just moral support. I like it.

[@mediocreman6323]

@@itzakpoelzig330 - think about it: You are the Cardassians. You consider yourself to be the greatest and _most bestest awesomest_ race in the universe. You thrive, you fight, you conquer. You conquer an ancient culture called the Bajorans, “see, we are better than this amazing ancient culture and can do there whatever we want - because _we_ are the greatest!” The reality however, is, that the occupation is basically a result of delusions of grandeur, and is. not. sustainable. Does, in the long run, more harm than good. So the best thing is, to cut your losses _and just leave._ And Garak realized that. Plotted. Schemed. And the occupation ended. And although he did a really good job on covering his tracks, his fellow Cardassians finally figured it out, at least some, and those people, they, well, they really did not like it. Enabran Tain however would not let his son be put to death, so he convinced people, in an act as beneficial as it was vile, to rather _exile_ him, to DS9, to live out his live amongst people who hate him. As they should. Because he did not scheme to end the occupation for _their_ benefit. And now rewatch some old episodes with this story in mind. In my opinion, what he does and who he is makes _much_ more sense this way.

[@itzakpoelzig330]

@@mediocreman6323 It makes total sense to me. I'm sure whatever he did was something BIG, and it seems that Cardassians consider exile to be worse than death, so your explanation fits. And Garak secretly knowing that in spite of what anyone thinks, he really did serve Cardassia would explain why he hasn't killed himself in shame. I haven't seen DS9 in decades, but I may go back and watch it again, just to keep an eye out for any corroborating evidence.

[@jamietodd2560]

Garak: "I don't know about you, Captain, but I'd call that a bargain." The best I ever had. THE BEST I EVER HAAAAAAAAAD!

[@lesterchin228]

Who's Next!

[@dancole5795]

Thanks. A wonderful explication of one of (if not my absolute) favorite characters in all of STAR TREK. DISCOVERY likes to fancy itself the dark, gritty STAR TREK, but it still hasn't given us a character even remotely as complex, fascinating, & emotionally torn as Garak. Or as funny for that matter (just watch the famous root beer scene between him & Quark or any of his lunches with Dr. Bashir). And, while much of the writing is great, a lot of the credit for this character has to go to Andrew Robinson's performance. I'm an actor myself & I can only dream of being that good. Especially so consistently over 7 years.

[@outerspaceisalie]

I think Discovery simply hasn't had the screen time to try, they certainly did more in one half-sized season than any other Star Trek has done narratively by comparison.

[@jora1339]

every series has something to offer fans but DS9 offers the most. i was a TNG fan as a teen into my early twenties. unfortunately i wasn't into DS9 while it was on tv. only after it was off the air did it become my favorite series. i guess i wasn't able to fully appreciate it as a teen-young adult.

[@trippsmythoftheaurigancoal8155]

Garak was one of my favorite characters on ST: DS9... While he was a liar, he was still at heart a good man & I happy to have seen him gain everything he deserves, to be thought of as a real hero who gets into the shit to do what is really right... I feel that Sisko, O'Brien, & Garak were more alike than people think... Willing to do what they had to do for the greater good even if no one knows what they did...

[@Ertwin123]

Wow, that was a pretty in depth review of a simple tailor.

[@Hevach]

Well, he used to be gardener.

[@steadynumber1]

When I first came across Garak I was reminded of the real life British Agent, the late Hardy Amies. He was a leading fashion designer with his own business in Savile Row, London. Although reticent about it, he had also been a member of the Special Operations Executive, participating in dangerous missions in enemy occupied Europe.

[@MDMetal]

I don't always tell the truth. But when I do, I lie. - Elim Garak, AKA The Most Interesting Man in the Galaxy

[@bbbabrock]

Pale Moonlight is my fave DS-9 episode (nudging out Visitor), and Garak one of my fav characters. Great video. Thanks

[@PaulRichard2]

My absolute favourite DS9 character.

[@TheSpiralCurse]

garak was always one of my favorites. also did anyone else notice that in the fake data rod they were gonna give to the romulans the cardassian symbol was backwards? you think that was the error they noticed?

[@wcoleman99]

well probably but the way he overacted the it's a fake kind of makes it moot for me.

[@JulioAvalos3000]

I hear he likes rootbeer.

[@davel8116]

Insidious!

[@Bigwig303]

just like the Federation...

[@Argonautx66]

It's vile!

[@stu729]

@@Argonautx66 Just like the Federation.

[@dallasshumaker6148]

A great analysis of an often overlooked character. Thank you.

[@Nyte-Owl]

DS9 was (and still is) the greatest writing I've seen on television.

[@thENDweDIE]

Brilliant!!! He was fascinating! Easley my favorite DS9 character...I admired him very much!!! I loved his take on The Boy That Cried Wolf...

[@justsomeguy9555]

I love the catch about the 'several good men died getting it across the line' was exactly the pitch he just threw to Sisko.

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

As do I. Something that I missed as I watched it but makes it all the better.

[@tertiary7]

Writing for 1 character on DS9 > the writing on an entire season of STD.

[@Bjorick]

Damn, STD is better then I thought, I didn't think the whole series would be enough for half an episode. Unless the episode is a move along home or dax episode (without Klingon to save it)

[@eviltwinzak]

Discovery is an STD. ..

[@CR500R]

STD >>> Feminism and identity politics ruins everything.

[@filippofittipaldi8050]

@@CR500R A woman lead is feminism? I black woman lead is identity politics? So Voyager was feminism? Please compare and contrast Discovery with Voyager, DS9, and other Treks.

[@CR500R]

@@filippofittipaldi8050 it's cringe level 9000, toxic feminism. This isn't positive stuff like Janeway etc... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqSQYoV-Z8agqtk

[@aethertech]

Modern TV: Look at all these awesome, well written, deep, and amazing characters we write!!!!! DS9: Hold my Romulan Ale.

[@TheBamaChad-W4CHD]

I absolutely loved this. Garak is one of my favs in all of Trek. I just wish this video would have went on for 10 seasons....

[@mandelbrot5]

Just rewatched In The Pale Moonlight. Here is an idea. Garak has shown that he is highly intelligent, willing to do almost anything to save his Cardasia, and very capable of manipulating the situation as it is presented to him. What an opportunity to use an optilithic rod he's been keeping around. Now, he has no intent to burn such a resource without replacing it with something just as valuable as he never says who wants to trade the rod for the biomimetic gel. Just an exchange of resources. Now he is presented with an opportunity to burn down what is left of the obsidian order, gain access to data from a powerful Romulan Senator connected to the Tal Shiar and also gain the trust of Starfleet. Keep this narrative running of taking advantage of opportunity and inclination to the end of the show. Who has the resources, political and popular support and lack of opposition to rise to power on Cardasia?

[@djolds1]

Very much my long term analysis. The Honorable Elim Garak, first Chancellor of the Cardassian Republic. Garak strikes me as much like Alexander the Great. A son born to a man of greatness, destined to surpass the greatness of the father so much that the father would be but a forgotten footnote to history next to the son.

[@elftax]

The biomimetic gel was used to blow up the senators ship, no one would suspect the use of the gel because it’s so valuable. I think the senator is the same ambassador Tain wanted murdered on his deathbed - Garak lied to Tain about already killing him.

[@Ridgwaycer]

@@elftax Yeah, Bashir's comment that biomimetic gel can be used for organic explosives clinches it for me. Garak used the gel.

[@victorpradha9946]

@@elftax Of course this means that Garak from the get go had already hatched the plan regarding which Romulan to call to the station, how to kill him, that the data rod would not stand up to scrutiny, that the forger would be a loose end that had to be eliminated. So basically, Sisko going to Garak was something Garak had likely "forecasted" as soon as the Cardassians had joined the Dominion.

[@JACKXK]

I don't get the impression that Garak wanted political power -- he knew he already had all the power he needed. What Garak wanted was a result -- an outcome. A more peaceful Cardassia.

[@medleystudios72]

Extremely insightful amalysis and it articulated my thoughts about this character excellently. Garak is one of my favorite characters from all media, not just Trek.

[@Filthnails]

Favorite character in all the series right there. Garak is a delight to watch.

[@patchey8019]

By far the most interesting character on the show

[@paulellis8443]

Garak the best character in any show not just star trek.

[@au9parsec]

I use to assume that Garak was a Cardassian name invented by the Star Trek franchise before I eventually met a college student named Garak while washing dishes at Portland State University.

[@davidkelly4210]

DS9 is an old show, he could have been named for the character. lol

[@victorpradha9946]

@@davidkelly4210 An unassuming dishwasher eh.

[@klyanadkmorr]

Here's a COOKIE for your well written and spoken essay on Garak most of us DS9 & Garak fans have known for decades. Good job, I've written many a comments online in Trek venues discussing Garak in various episodes and have said most of what you've highlighted. That's how great the writers & actors of DS9 were in crafting their characters thru out the show. True fans could see and understand them but not be pandered to.

[@philiptom2799]

Between Garak and Dukat, DS9 had two of the most complex characters in all of Trek lore. I loved it when they were on screen and when they weren't I wanted Leeta. Yeah, I'm a man, sue me.

[@sfk1066]

One of the most fascinating characters to study.

[@auntiec6294]

One of my favorite characters. If I actually lived in that universe, I'd love being his friend...or more.

[@brianofphobos8862]

Garak was NOT loyal to the state. He was loyal to the culture and traditions.

[@VCYT]

I've just realised the dominion are like the E.U !

[@cambellschunky704]

This is more substantial than what's posted by most trekies on youtube. Thank you for an actual analysis.

[@daugbret]

This series is really good. Thanks for making it.

[@DomR1997]

Garak episodes were always my favorite episodes.

[@RuleOf18Clans]

Garak. One of the many reasons DS9 has the best characters.

[@UkrainianPaulie]

Very insightful...thank you. Garak is one of my favorite ST characters.

[@willowfrog33]

my biggest draw to ds9 was that it wasn't so pro human/federation; they showed you the perspective of many characters who, such as Garak, who had no love for the federation. Garak fascinates me because of this and because he didn't really have any hatred for them.

[@erinroberts7751]

I had a crush on Garak when I was a kid. Still my all time favorite Trek character

[@sanddagger36]

4:11 "Into the pale moonlight" is often praised as a look into Sisko's darker side. I think it also shows a lot about Garak. While we knew he was a killer we never saw him assassinate someone so openly before.

[@demarcusfaulkner7411]

Garak extremely dark and ruthless. A good guy maybe or evil as hell depends on which side you are on i imagine.

[@ComMaxil]

excellent video about probably the best character in the best show in Star Trek

[@GeneralG1810]

The Cardassians were some of the greatest characters in ST, Garak, Dukat and Demar were all brilliant

[@starrystarrynight52]

I love Garak. He was probably the most complex character in Star Trek, (maybe dukat too?). Andrew Robinson is a terrific actor! Hmm, the more I think on it I think ds9 deserves to be my favorite series, not voyager.

[@pumpkinofdoom]

Thank you for feeding my current obsession with this tinker, tailor, soldier spy

[@1953beetle]

He was forever an enigma with a hidden agenda.

[@MrBonners]

Always loved this character. The freelance spy, not a spy, but a collector of information.

[@timandshannon03]

I love DS9. I think Garak and Nog have the best character arcs on the show.

[@spudhead169]

From a writer's point of view Garak was a very powerful character. He was essentially morally fluid. He could be written as a bad guy or a good guy with no discontinuity of character. This gives writers a huge scope but also introduces a danger, overuse of such a powerful device. Personally I think they managed to maintain the balance. I certainly enjoyed episodes featuring Garak as a main character more than others on average.

[@SupesMe]

It blew my mind when I found out he's the same Actor who played the Villain in the first Dirty Harry movie

[@Phatman2167]

Love your thesis. Spot on. Elim Garrak is possibly the best whole character in Star Trek.

[@JimmyTurner]

The hero we need but not the one we deserve

[@rkmugen]

"Computer......... erase that ENTIRE personal log."

[@DisturbedShifty]

Garak was one of, if not the best, character in DS9.

[@BigDaddyJinx]

By far and away my fave character on that show.