Avery Brooks talks about being Sisko

The actor talks about being the iconic Star Trek: Deep Space Nine commander.

[@Kyrieru]

Avery nailed the role. He had that theatrical kind of presence to his acting that made that gen of captains so good.

[@miketwain202]

Man DS9 was incredible. I binge it once or even twice a year.

[@Bubbalou21]

One of the best parts of his character as well, is the thematic difference between ds9 and tng. Where does one draw the line when the ends may or may not justify the means?

[@CoolGobyFish]

really? he always sounded like he had just taken a valuim )))

[@marciacacruz27]

Have you seen The Capitains, a film about Star Trek capitains? Interesting, because is about their theatrical origin and the influence on their role!

[@Nayr747]

I've only watched the first episode but he comes off really really strange. Even his mannerisms and the way he walks (on the beach) is really off like there's something wrong with him mentally or something.

[@Mxyzptlksac]

The more I see Avery Brooks off camera, the more I appreciate how good he is. Avery is so different from Sisko

[@kamenwaticlients]

I often wonder how he is doing

[@Mxyzptlksac]

@@kamenwaticlients last I knew he was still teaching acting at university

[@fromthedumpstertothegrave3689]

There's an incredible mix of both passion and serenity he gives off.

[@benoosthoek]

True dat 👉

[@jasonpye4649]

He's almost metaphysical in person. It's very cool, strange and...vaguely mind-boggling at first. He certainly likes to get at the core of things and doesn't always answer questions in the way you expect but usually it's still satisfying.

[@vicorkit]

There's something about the way he delivered that line, "We can't just leave her!!" in the pilot, as he's being dragged away from Jennifer, that still sends a shiver down my spine, just recalling it. Spectacular performance

[@stream_gene]

I know exactly what you mean, the quiver, the despair, the anger, it's all wrapped up in that one line.

[@jmwoods190]

@@stream_gene And the very same intense feelings he delivered in Far Beyond the Stars!

[@dannybradley8115]

I really loved his character on DS9. I think they couldn't have gotten anyone better to play Capt. Sisco.

[@imnothere220]

Ffs. Sisko.

[@TTony-tu6dm]

Now a professor of theater at Rutgers university in New Jersey. Take his class!

[@deephelldotcom]

how i'm poor

[@dasdadsds7135]

do you know what class he teaches?

[@TTony-tu6dm]

@@dasdadsds7135 Sorry I don’t. Check out the Rutgers website I’m sure they would have that info

[@jamesmeppler6375]

If it wasn't in new jersey, on the other side of the usa, I would, though I would call my life fulfilled if I never had to hear another of Shakespeare's play, they were kinda bad

[@harbscantina]

You serious? Damn :)

[@Menaceblue3]

Someone confusing him for Levar burton is hilarious when some news reporter confused samuel l Jackson for Laurence fishburne

[@Ryooken]

All black people look alike.

[@Roadrun98]

@@Ryooken there might be similar traits shared among a particular race, you'll often hear Asian people say that white Europeans all look the same. Doesn't mean we do though, we're just similar to one another because of shared genes.

[@RichO1701e]

@@Ryooken no they don't, you racist piece of shit

[@Ryooken]

@@Roadrun98 Shared genes have nothing to do with this. What I was referring to is that people tend to stereo-type black people and don't look at them as individuals. It's common place and this is what Avery Brooks is talking about.

[@Ryooken]

@@RichO1701e Oh and how would you know? How many times have we seen it where two completely different black actors are confused with each other. Case in point Samuel Jackson and Lawrence Fishbourne. This is what Avery Brooks is talking about. Now stop being triggered and learn how the real world works.

[@davidcoleman757]

Fans of DS9 appreciate what a superb job he did as Sisko, and that he was backed up by one of the best casts ever assembled.

[@philiphunn194]

Deep Space Nine will always be my favourite Trek show. The depth of the characters and storytelling far surpassed its contemporaries, and its darker take on the future has become startlingly relevant again.

[@lilithmatriarch7509]

In my opinion that depth of character and narrative surpasses anything done under the Trek moniker before or since.

[@turntsnaco824]

Totally agree. I'm also dropping the recommendation here for anyone who hasn't to watch Battlestar Galactica (2004). I started watching it just as I was finishing DS9, which I of course loved, and I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it. They are two very different shows but I feel like something about them resonates with the same part of me....they are both just complex stories about realistic, well-written, and ultimately very flawed characters, and how the experiences and challenges they go through change them and their relationships. It's also got some philosophical depth and commentary I really appreciated. One of the writers was originally a writer for ST (including DS9), and there was even an unexpected DS9 guest star in the final season. Think of all of the best parts of DS9, all of the extremes, and the way they weren't afraid to let the plot permanently alter the trajectory of the show - and BSG is basically just that, all the way through to the end. It's clearly a story that was written and relatively mapped out from the beginning, it wouldn't have worked nearly as well if it hadn't been. I took my time watching DS9 over several months, which makes sense considering the number of seasons, but I watched all of BSG in about 6 weeks. I haven't binge-watched a show that hard in many years. It's unbelievably consistent in quality, with only maybe 2 or 3 forgettable episodes, but even the weakest ones were competent. Every episode from the very beginning made me want to see the next part of the story, and it never failed to deliver, with some powerfully unexpected turns that would have given Game of Thrones a run for its money back in 2004. The soundtrack is also amazing, probably my favorite soundtrack to a show ever.

[@sasu52]

I feel the same way! I loved deep space nine such great characters and story lines!

[@lisalind4813]

DS9 was my favorite of all the Star Trek venues. Avery Brooks is from my hometown, which, by default, makes him my favorite!

[@thadofalltrades]

I recently started rewatching DS9 and I've been blown away by how relevant and outstanding it is. The Pilot was exceptional, the exploration of grief and grieving with the backdrop of a philosophical treatise on humanity was masterfully crafted. Sisko's realization that his life stopped the moment Jennifer died was a pivotal moment for his character, but also the watershed moment that convinced the wormhole entities to allow him to leave.

[@HonkiDonki]

Total agreement. I never liked DS9 that much when it first aired in the 90s. But after rewatching Voyager (which I much prefered to DS9 back in the day) and Enterprise, I decided to give DS9 another chance about a month ago. I finished the rewatch last week and I have to say...I am quite impressed how well it aged and the topics it dealt with. "Far Beyond The Stars", "Duet" or "The Visitor" were fantastic stories, among others. It absolutely was a mistake not to have rewatched it years earlier. Maybe I simply was too young back in the nineties.

[@thadofalltrades]

@@HonkiDonki I just started season 3. Duet is exceptionally good. Really liked The Wire and Shadowplay. Equilibrium, Blood Oath. Really the second half of season 2 on has been exceptional.

[@HonkiDonki]

@@thadofalltrades I agree. I was originally considering skipping the first two seasons and starting with the introduction with the Jem'Hadar but I am glad I didn't. The first seasons of DS9 definitely are quite a bit better and more digestable than those of TNG, and to a lesser extent Voyager and Enterprise. As often with ensemble shows, it takes a while for the show to find itself and for the characters to settle down. With the later seasons, I also think the possibility of watching several episodes back to back helps with the more arc-based story structure.

[@thadofalltrades]

@@HonkiDonki i feel DS9 has a stronger cast. All the crew members are very interesting, where with like TNG it was basically just getting to the next Data or Picard or Worf episode.

[@obscure.reference]

why do you live here

[@tonycollins3505]

I can’t think of any Star Trek fan that doesn’t know or admire Avery Brooks for his outstanding performance as a legendary captain . He is one of my all time favorite captains because of his straight talk, level headed, not backing down , we are all one , attitude that the entire world should have!

[@vonnshlabbah]

If his job was to bring people hope and make the world a better place...he did it

[@chrismchugh1686]

Greatest Star Trek captain ever. The emotions and feeling he can convey with that little chuckle of his, the smile, the infectious laugh, the take no bull from anyone, going toe to toe with Gul Dukat, Weyoun, Kai Winn, Gowron, and the funniest one of intimidating Worf. Avery Brooks is just an outstanding actor and was perfectly cast.

[@makeitwithpam2795]

He has an amazing smile.

[@hirakaiko5570]

I love the little things he did - like In the Pale Moonlight - everyone's favourite episode; during the epilogue most don't notice Brook's decision to hold the drink and almost take a sip, and stop repeatedly, until the end of the speech he goes to take a sip, and puts it down. As if to say, his words are saying he can live with it, but he won't drink to it because he knows what he's done is wrong. Brilliant unspoken portrayal of inner conflict that was clearly happening.

[@IrishKack]

The inflections in his voice when he’s speaking, either as Avery or Sisko, always remind me of a preacher. He really makes you want to listen.

[@28Pluto]

I know what you're trying to convey, but I have no interest in listening to a preacher. They purposefully speak in ways to make their words seem like they mean more than they do (just like politicians or even newcasters.) Avery just has a unique way of speaking. Similar to Jeff Goldblum or William Shatner. It's what makes his voice unique, and not sound like *any*one else.

[@ThePrimeMinisterOfTheBlock]

Agreed Kathy. His voice is compelling.

[@terryboot7777]

He is too decent to be a preacher.

[@benjamina2711]

I mean, he's a pretty important religious figure, but no preacher has or could ever inspire my godless soul the way Mr Brooks does.

[@michaelwilson6237]

The thing I remember most about Capt. Sisko, he was a great father figure.

[@Jeff125]

This guy is a legend. DS9 is amazing and in no small part because of this guy. The episode in which he falls mostly out of time and misses his son's life; brings me to tears every time.

[@hirakaiko5570]

The Visitor episode where Jake saves him?

[@Jeff125]

@@hirakaiko5570 yep, that’s the one

[@OTOss8]

Love him. DS9 was always my jam. The outsider show in the series for outsiders. The more I watch DS9, the more I see the brilliant nuances in his acting. I could always feel the humanity in Sisko, and that's an amazing thing Avery Brooks managed to accomplish.

[@matthewkaiser7803]

He'll always be the deepest and most badass captain of the series, IMHO.

[@markrudd2536]

'captain of the Academy wrestling team...' *rubs elbow* '...twenty-two years ago'

[@bdr32965]

Hell yes, Sisko wasn't afraid to take risks

[@mrtrek64]

LOL Deepest????? seriously?????? Hold on, I'm still laughing. I think Spot was deeper than Sisko.

[@kenmax8615]

Janeway I'd honestly give title of badass( I mean she basically spits in face of Borg Queen lol) but deepest, or most well developed character? ya Sisko, not even "imo" just straight-up fact.

[@kenmax8615]

@@mrtrek64 You should rewatch DS9 if you really believe that. Maybe actually pay attention.

[@bOmBAsTiK]

"Goatee" Sisko is absolutely the best Star Trek captain of all!!

[@Rodshark75]

Yep as soon as he shaved his head and grew the goatee you knew that shit was gonna go down!

[@ScootyPuffSr7]

"One thing we must do is give children some positive look at the world, indeed the universe, Star Trek helps to do that." Hear that Alex Kurtzman?

[@davidcohen4518]

he cant hear that over the moneysounds of Hollywood

[@michaellinner7772]

And J.J. Abrams

[@JoeMama-rk5us]

No. No, he doesnt.

[@Dominian1]

I don't see any children actually liking new Star Trek. Maybe some retarded Millenials who blindly consume the crap put in front of them say that they like it, but neither Trekkies nor children are remotely interested. Maybe it's a good thing that movies and TV are dying a slow death. They didn't do any favors to the generations which grew up on them. The children growing up right now need to fight battles and deal with reality in a way we never had to. It's good that their minds aren't in the stars with Picard. Hope can be a powerful sedative and we need actions from the next generation. If they succeed, it's back to fairy tales and grandstanding speeches about lofty principles.

[@DarthTingleBinks]

@@Dominian1 Well I can confirm everything you have said about new Star Trek is wrong. I, an Gen Z adult (18), rather enjoy the new shows (and the Kelvin movies). I haven't been into Star Trek for most of my life. In fact, I used to think it was stupid, so I just stuck to Star Wars. But after watching (and loving) all three of the Kelvin movies, I decided to give the shows a chance. So I watched Voyager, Enterprise, Deep Space 9, Next Generation, and The Original Series. All the while I was keeping up with Discovery and Lower Decks (now I'm also keeping up with Prodigy). Then I watched all 10 of the older movies, at which point I finaly watched Picard. I am also over halfway done with The Animated Series. I haven't seen one Star Trek show I don't like. In fact, Picard and Lower Decks are two of my favorites. And Deep Space 9, Next Generation, and Voyager are also all great (though I probably like them in the order I listed them). And even The Original Series (which is the main thing that made me think Star Trek was trash), while I think it hasn't aged well, it rather good, along with Enterprise and it's... *unsettling* 2000's intro. The Animated Series is good because it's hilarious. Sometimes for all the wrong reasons. Some of the stories are good too, but that's beside the point. I like all the Star Trek shows, and I like the majority of the Star Trek movies, with The Motion Picture and Insurrection being the only ones I don't really like. Amd to go further, if you think only some millennials like the show, millennials are far much older than I am. Most of them are almost 40 years old. So if you think the only people who like new Star Trek have more developed minds than children, that's actually a compliment about the shows. You didn't intend it that way, but that's what it was. Further still, you can find many Trekkies here on KZbin who like new Star Trek. Rowan J Coleman, Steve Shives, along with other you may know of. And despite being relatively new to the franchise, except for reading a few books when I was younger, consider myself to be a Trekkie. I mean, I don't have every episode name ingrained into my head, nor do I have every bit of information of the universe crammed into the small portion of my brain that allows me to remember things, but I do love Star Trek. And as to this idea that new Star Trek doesn't present a postive look at life or the future... Well it's just wrong. Well... Halfway wrong. They definitely give a less optimistic look at the future than other Star Trek shows did, but they do that so when they do show optimism, it sticks out. Older shows have focused a lot on the darker sides of life. Deep Space 9, the show in which Avery Brooks stars in, being one of the biggest offenders. Yet nobody bats an eye, because... Well, there's not an actual reason. But when both Discovery and Picard show the failures of humanity, how our goals and ideals can shift, how we make mistakes, they get shit on. Despite doing that so they can use the main character (or characters) to enforce the goals and ideals we should have, and should always have. These shows test those aspects, and they test the characters who follow them. Sometimes those characters fail. Michael disobeyed direct orders and was considered a criminal. Picard gave up on everyone and everything because nobody was there to help him. But they both came back. They were both subject to a set of events that allowed them to rejoin the paths they left. Michael saw the value in the rules and regulations she discarded, and Picard saw that pushing forward even when everything and everyone is telling you not to gives yourself newfound strength and passion in the ideals you already hold close to your heart. And then Lower Decks is just a comedy. Not much to say there.

[@GarredHATES]

Best captain

[@garyesajas]

Ever....

[@afewsnakes]

He was an okay captain. An okay leader. He was a decent father. Overall, he was a glorified customs warehouse foreman. The only ship he ever captained was a tiny defense frigate, his strengths were not that of being a captain. Jean-Luc Picard is the greatest captain there’s ever been cause he was a true captain. An explorer at his heart, pragmatic and transparent, firm but open to criticism and suggestion. Knew how and WHEN to gently push his crew/officers or when to place them by force etc. Sisko is undoubtedly one of the federations greatest assets. But to say he was the best captain is an affront to every starfleet Captain that’s ever served.

[@Rhythmicons]

@@afewsnakes An affront to every naval Captain? You realize that Sisko is fiction?

[@afewsnakes]

@@Rhythmicons lol yeah, not sure what I meant but I edited it

[@Rhythmicons]

@@afewsnakes He led the Defiant into battle numerous times. He is better than Janeway. DS9 is ALMOST better than TNG.

[@lennymosca9099]

He was one of the reasons I love DS9 Avery Brooks did a fantastic job bringing Benjamin Sisko the life

[@tool46296]

That scene where Sisko yells at Edington, “You betrayed your uniform!” still gives me chills. Sisko is the man! He was never afraid to get his hands dirty.

[@WeedGrandma]

What a beautiful voice

[@3Rayfire]

Rich Baritone. Like aural cheesecake.

[@SandPenguinn]

And you’ve got a beautiful face. Subbed.

[@JoinTheProgress]

@@SandPenguinn Simp

[@SandPenguinn]

@@JoinTheProgress lol

[@WeedGrandma]

@@SandPenguinn why thank you!

[@stankdelicious6479]

He’s my favorite Captain.

[@billiecruz4399]

what a well spoken and thoughtful man, and his sisko inflection seems to really use alot of him.

[@RyanLeCocq]

It's hard to name the best thing about Avery Brooks, but one of them has to be how he always looks like the king of the world. Like he sits and dresses like a freaking emperor every single day.

[@tobysmith2814]

Am totally and completely in love with him, his confidence and sense of direction. That character came to life because he knew who he was...really loved the relationship between him and his son. Wow!

[@notmyrealname8448]

That voice!!!! ❤️

[@martinperry1843]

"You're right, I DO look very different to the guy with the thing over his eyes. Because that's a different actor."

[@Benkuchki666]

I love avery brooks one of the best and most underrated actors ever

[@termigasts5227]

I've met him and shook his hand, what a wonderful person. He has a light about him and the most genuine smile!!

[@nathanwright5757]

I remember when DS9 was being announced. The first thing I thought was: "Hawk in space? This is going to be good!"

[@triandfit1]

Same here. I knew he would kill the role.

[@wtk6069]

I wish they had done a holodeck episode with a mystery/crime story like the ones with Data as Holmes and Picard as the pulpy private eye, but with Brooks as a very "Hawk-like" character.

[@neildennis7294]

He was the best thing about Spenser for Hire.

[@valueofnothing2487]

To tell you the truth, I wish Sisko was a bit more Hawk.

[@brothergrimaldus3836]

@@valueofnothing2487 That's why they started him out clean shaven with no facial hair. They were trying to get him away from that… but as the maquis and then the dominion war came that's when the goatee showed backup and that's when you saw Sisko go kind of hard Hawk.

[@debbietoornman5780]

He is such a great actor. He also sings very well. I enjoy listening to interviews: he's so thoughtful.

[@aidenaitken3913]

The pilot for DS9 is one of the strongest pilots I've ever seen, completely sells the series. We've got political instability, warring factions, oh and how about a prolonged and deeply experimental sequence where a Starfleet officer has to try and explain linear existence to higher dimensional consciousness with only the help of his own memories.

[@jipillow1]

Kirk or Picard? Sisko.....Always Sisko

[@RichO1701e]

*The Sisko

[@macgyverbryan1377]

Poison an entire planet to flush out marquis, Cpt. Cisco had the big brass ones. No BS in his game!

[@Enkarashaddam]

Sisko all the way

[@r.a.o.c.2592]

I have a USS defiant on my desk at work and my cat is named Sisko.

[@RichO1701e]

@@macgyverbryan1377 ah, he only poisoned it for human inhabitation, cardies were fine

[@1974Asha]

More... I need to hear more from that velvet voice! Such an apparent difference between him and Benjamin but still a powerful presence! I need more ❤

[@PluckySmurf]

Ugh... I love Avery Brooks. Thank you, thank you for embodying and bringing Benjamin Sisko to life. I will treasure DS9 til I die.

[@RichO1701e]

Best Captain! Best series.

[@Ares99999]

Best series? Eh, I can go with that. Best captain? Nah, Picard has him beat in my book.

[@pamelamays4186]

Sisko. The Starfleet Captain with a definite level of cool.

[@Poop-nu1so]

No wonder he was excellent on DS9! His great acting talent was incorporated with the true principles of Star Trek.

[@sweiland75]

DS9 is my favourite Star Trek series and Sisko is my favourite captain.

[@factfactory575]

Such a talented actor.

[@TheRealNewBlackMusic]

The DS9 episode far beyond the stars is one of the best 10 television screenplays in television history. thank you to Avery and his fellow castmates

[@werideatdusk]

that episode was directed by Brooks no less!

[@RickReasonnz]

That is recommended viewing even if you don't like the show. Stand so well on its own, should be used in classrooms.

[@ValiantPixel]

I agree that it was a great episode in all respects and has substantial cultural significance, but The Visitor is still the episode which stands above the rest for me. I don’t know if it was the screenplay or the acting but by the end my mouth was agape. I used that episode as a benchmark to judge the rest of the episodes and Far Beyond the Stars is one of the few which came very close.

[@RickReasonnz]

@@ValiantPixel Yes, that is an amazing piece of art. Honestly, I'm glad that we're so spoiled for choice for great DS9 stories. Love that show.

[@TheRealNewBlackMusic]

@@ValiantPixel unfortunately i think the days of great writing and great stories with thought provoking subject matter are in the past. too bad too sad!

[@richardmcgowan1651]

While TNG gave a somewhat "fairy tale" outlook on the future, DS9 gave us a more realistic outlook on the future with Star Trek as a backdrop. Actors like Avery Brooks really took Star Trek to the next level. But in time I've since learnt there was a continuing battle throughout Star Treks height, between the people wanting a more traditional Star Trek and people wanting to move away from that. Then again the whole cast of DS9 was top tier.

[@no1special999]

TNG was about exploration and discovery, DS9 was about staying put and letting the story come to you. TNG was mostly an observation of outside cultures with occasional character growth as a reflection on that (darmok is a great example) while DS9 was about the fringes where non federation and starfleet officers worked together to manage a remote outpost and the center of an extended battle and had many seasons of various characters building deeper bonds than those expressed between characters in TNG. Sisko dealt with the harsh realities which were more closely related to Archer's command than Picard's. End of the day, I want to see a Avery Brooks play an Admiral Sisko that is disgruntled with his mostly paperwork role leading to his retirement and visiting of various federation planets with extended stays at DS9 among other places.

[@AStrangeWindmill]

My favorite thing about ds9, and what still makes it my favorite star trek, is that that's the one where you get to _sit in_ the universe. The federation can't just drop some enlightenment and dip on to the next planet. They have to try to live that out with 14 other cultures who have _their own_ enlightenment.

[@CountryMetal01]

TNG was the Loveboat in Space

[@IRMentat]

Fantastic in their roles. Mental patients in their hive mind outlooks and need to misrepresent their previous works. Not to mention the abominable writing in the final season, dukats fall and post-mental-break was terribly handled/rushed. No meaningful build up, a plot line that Keiko O’Brien handled way better (with a character defining episode) and a BS conclusion that resulted in a damned Star Wars return of the jedi (emperor vs luke) standoff with dogs of the worst dialogue of all the series.

[@khnz0052]

According to the producers/studio, this struggle is why Voyager went back to the traditional style of exploration Star Trek and ridiculous technological terminology

[@Ryvucz]

Deep Space 9 deserved a movie or four. Especially the Dominion War.

[@SoulsJourney]

I adore him. He was brilliant as Sisko. I've re-watched that series so many times, he was magnificent.

[@jaredvalkki2957]

I can confirm what he says at the end, watching Star Trek (TNG, VOYAGER, DS9) as a young kid really did give me a positive outlook on life, and helped me grow up more accepting of others. To this day, its why I love Star Trek so much.

[@UltimoDragon83]

Having loved him as Hawk, Sisko was another level

[@jimsteele9975]

Amen!

[@salsa101]

The Visitor brought me to tears.

[@chrisfordeditor]

The pilot episode is easily in my top ten DS9s.

[@chrisfordeditor]

Rocks and Shoals is my favorite episode.

[@TheMerlin24]

followed by Way Of The Warrior, Shattered Mirror and Little Green Men

[@allnamesaretakenful]

I fell asleep during the pilot when I was a teenager. I came back to the show later and enjoyed it, but I pretty much hate all Star Trek pilot episodes.

[@truestory2990]

Yeah it’s great. «Why do you exist here?»

[@chrisfordeditor]

@@truestory2990 "I have never been able to move past this moment." "It is not linear." "... It is not linear." Last time I watched that part I cried a little.

[@kevindockery5182]

I love me some Avery Brooks, he brought passion to the role of Sisko, and as a Black man I am proud of how he represented us.

[@argonwheatbelly637]

Avery is an excellent actor, and this part was perfect for him. He brought such a wonderful...humanity...to the role, and was believable in every episode, from the first to the last.

[@hirakaiko5570]

He also brought a critical brutality to the role - given it was a time of war, with the entire quadrant at stake - and damn he played that well. He had his humanity and the reality of war on his shoulders - watching him deal with the two is why the series was so amazing.

[@thomasel9171]

This man is one of my childhood heroes, Captain sisko forever 💪

[@kills26]

Possibly the best captain off all time, to give him his proper rank of Commodore the best Commodore period in Star Trek. it boggles my mind that he hasn't been in more, but from what I heard he doesn't need the money and cant be arsed. So x100 on Avery being unique.

[@Thkaal]

Commodores aren't anything anymore now it's lower Admiral

[@kills26]

@@Thkaal They have Commodores in TOS and they have had commodore ranks used in the movies and also in Picard

[@CRAZYHORSE19682003]

@@Thkaal When I was in the Navy from 87-89 Commodore was still a title. It was used for senior captains that would be promoted to Admiral if a war broke out.

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

@@kills26 Commodore Rank was Retired in the 2300s. Became Rear Admiral.

[@kills26]

@@michaelgreenwood3413Well the could have given him something to denote his seniority. Admiral just doesn't fit the show. But could have raised him to the rank of Admiral only for him to give it back when the war was over and request his old command back.

[@hariseldon3786]

One of the best captains - excellent actor who dealt with a great script. Well done, Sir, well done.

[@bdr32965]

Watching Avery on DS9 made him my favorite Star Trek Captain, because he was cool as hell and a total badass.

[@19buseye71]

Its a shame that Deep Space Nine never got at least one movie. Could have at least created something like was going on in-between the Dominion War that we didn't get to see in the series which plays an important role in the arc.

[@toddkes5890]

Or at least a reference to it in "Insurrection". Have the Admiral explain that the Sona are providing Ketracel White to the Dominion, and the price they demanded from the Federation was the Baku planet. The Admiral also mentions that thanks to Picard getting the Evora (the alien race at the beginning that started eating the flowers) into the Federatio has freed up a dozen ships to be put on the Romulan border to watch for Dominion raiders. Have Worf looking over a list of casualties, and say that he reads the names every morning, and each day he gets an updated list. Basically give the audience a clue that there is something bigger going on, and Picard's actions at this planet will affect the future of the Federation.

[@maryej59]

I would have loved to have seen a filming of the rebuilding of Cardassia. Una MacCormack’s Crimson Shadow is a very good book; I’d love to see it filmed. Sadly, it will never happen. I also want to see what happens to Jake and Kassidy, and I want to see Ben Sisko return. So many great stories! And Sisko was a terrific character, very well played by Brooks.

[@pt29999]

Why, we got a great, timeless classic like Insurrection....ugh, sorry, can't even joke about it, what the heck were they thinking??

[@Reoh0z]

The beauty of Sci-fi is it ability to take a problem from today and strip it bare of the history and preconceptions we all have.

[@boomer2095]

Wow.. so many great things to say about Deep Space nine. The writers had a vision for the arcs of all of the characters. I was constantly amazed with how good the writing was without ever having to fall into the mistake that STNG or voyager did by using the holodeck. I literally stopped watching voyager when they started doing captain proton episodes. Avery Brooks is an amazing actor who brought so much humanity to the role.

[@bendover9813]

You’re right, they only had a bunch of holodeck centered stories around season 3

[@pango4425]

Voyager indeed does a bunch of holodeck episodes, but I think that sets it apart in a good way. Their doctor is holographic. They delve more into the technology both scientifically and ethically than any other show. Given the premise, it makes sense why. Yes, the Captain Proton stuff was eyerolling, but they didn't make that many episodes of it later on and eventually ended it altogether. Voyager first couple seasons were kinda rough, but from the latter half of season 3 onward they begin to hit their stride. Of course, the episodic format is not for everyone, but they have more two-parters than the other shows to compensate.

[@cfo0621]

Captain Benjamin Sisko was always my favorite Captain as a kid growing up. And after growing up I have alot more appreciation for the character.

[@jayjohn9680]

With all the technological advancements with graphics it would be nice to see a comeback return of those changeling things. Some unanswered things like their culture and do they die or have ‘puberty’ could be explored

[@louthelabmonster]

Yeah for sure i been thinking the same, i recently ran through ds9 again.

[@jayjohn9680]

@@Ivytheherbert nope, it’ll only give MORE questions. More storylines, and more need for picard to show up.

[@jayjohn9680]

@@Ivytheherbert Picard always comes back. Janeway will be assisting him in any borg destruction that may and shall occur.

[@alfredoprime5495]

@@Ivytheherbert not sure I agree. I think the writers made them out to embody the worst of humanity: xenophobic, paranoid, and racist (or is it specieist?)

[@toddkes5890]

I figured that the Changelings effectively became a Hive Mind when they formed the Great Link, and when one of them would separate it would get all the perspectives from the rest of the Link. The key is that thy never introduced outside perspectives, so it became an Echo Chamber. For birth, death, etc, I figure an existing Changeling would divide into two others (or two Changelings would merge and create a third), and the child would have all the knowledge of the Great Link put into their mind. So no need for basic education, each Changeling born already as the full knowledge of the Great Link immediately available. For death, the Great Link would try to get samples from the leftovers in order to gather what experiences the dead changeling had not yet copied to the Great Link

[@chrishubbard64]

I love the theater style behavior of sisko and picard. It adds this level of control and gravity to a commanding officer. You can feel the seriousness of the actor shining through into the role.

[@Artisan1979]

One of my favorite Star Trek captains of all time. Ben Sisko felt as real as Jean-Luc Picard. It was such a unique beginning for a major character in this franchise, to start from a place of tragedy and then by the series end, find that piece that Avery is talking about. The pilot serves to put him on the road towards it by first having him confront his grief at the loss of his wife. And it was so masterfully handled watching him evolve, open his heart again, let people in, never forget his roots or his role as a father. I sincerely hope that we see Benjamin Sisko again in the new series.

[@hirakaiko5570]

Done so brilliantly, also his role as a son; remember Sisko with Papa Sisko on earth, the changelings etc and the tests, his father wouldn't let them test, then his father cut his finger? Heartbreaking scene. But i wish man but the way they ended it idk how we'd see him again.

[@sharawhite3343]

I love Mr.Avery Brookes,, I'm in my mid 50's and I remember him from Spencer for hire,,,the series black man on TV and I still watch Spencer on Roku TV cause i can't get enough of the role mr Avery play,,,,Awesome character!!!!!!!!!!!.

[@therealbahamut]

Respect the Sisko. This is not a suggestion.

[@JohnMarshall-NI]

Star Trek used to do that, but not since the early 2000s...Grateful for the early Star Trek series!

[@1jotun136]

I would never mistake Mr Brooks for Mr Burton.

[@lovemastersocks4595]

I missed the show and I miss this man. Of all the captains in Star Trek I would feel the safest with him

[@victormendes1588]

The captain who punched Q in the face,classic!

[@dsc4178]

They wrote so many good stories, had the actors to pull it off, and the tech people to make it real. Mr. Brooks deserves his honours.

[@mattyboyanderson]

Dude Sisko is my favorite Captain and DS9 is the finest Star Trek of the franchise. It's like pure Trek.

[@hannibalb8276]

Probably the most underrated actor in Star Trek

[@swiggityswag6748]

I couldn't have seen this at a more perfect time. With all the things going on in my country the outlook can be pretty bleak. Star trek gives me hope.

[@jonathanharms4351]

Same, Swiggity

[@JohnRBIV]

oh for sure, that's why the new star trek series bother me so much. They're way too bleak. Star Trek has had its dark moments, but overall the message was a hopeful one. Now it's just action with mediocre writing

[@JoinTheProgress]

I agree, but with caution, not knowing your politics. I'm almost done with my 3rd watch of DS9, after starting back in August, looking for a positive distraction. Was troubled to find how many episodes resembled our real-world scenario today, actually finding it disturbing on occasion, between the massive corruption in politics/government over the past year in the US, and the massive abuse of an alleged pandemic. There have been several correlations in episodes of DS9 that made watching them outright uncomfortable at times. Instead of a pleasant escape from reality, I found the stories to almost literally parallel our current life. Hard not to see correlation between the Founders/Dominion and the world-wide manipulations and brainwashing we're witnessing in real time, the Cardassians and Bajorans and their "terrorists" conflicts and fights, the Maquis rebellion that ST fans mostly would not side with...but are actually easy to side with if we listen to their complaints, etc. Hard to enjoy sci-fi when a lot of the conflict/violence/indoctrination involved is even more available right up the street.

[@JoinTheProgress]

@@JohnRBIV I gave it a try for the first time several months back, knowing nothing about it, and was so disappointed in how commercial and predictable it is. Seemed to lack any intellectual/philosophical challenges and was loaded with embarrassing action scenes reminiscent of a teen horror movie. If that's what "Star Trek" now is, ST is officially dead.

[@JohnRBIV]

@@JoinTheProgress that was exactly my process. I didn't hate those star trek kelvin universe movies, but this new stuff is just terrible.

[@pathfinder2reality]

Deep Space Nine is the best Trek. The writing, the character development, the actors performances, the humour - everything was top notch.

[@ChrisRyot]

that final sentence tho

[@BijouBakson]

I don't know if this man knows how special he is. I really hope I meet him one day :)

[@Xerdar36]

He is not Sisko... He is THE SISKO!!!

[@Professor__Cow]

DS9 was such a special show and Avery Brooks is a special man.

[@damirzlatkic8134]

Legend!

[@catherinehubbard1167]

He has always been my favorite Star Trek leader.

[@dootdoot1867]

So much thought. The amount of hours he sat there THINKING and just being in himself leaves me a deep longing. Today with the social media game and constant distraction with everyone having an ear bud... we have lost this.

[@wibblewobble1934]

Star Trek always had absolutely perfect casting when it came to the role of the captains. Kirk, Janeway, Sisko and Picard.

[@joeritchie7286]

The Emissary

[@marciacacruz27]

Love him. Kirk is a legend. Janeway is a warrior! But Sisko and Picard are so alike! I'm so glad that most of the actors playing Star Trek and its spinoffs understand and cherish its message.

[@Devin-O]

Avery Brooks his voice is so smooth. Thank you for being the best part of my childhood growing up your passion of music and the way you bring that passion to your character I cannot express it in words so I just want to way Thank You.

[@Minshara85]

This hurts a little. The positive view of the future for humanity in pre-DSC Startrek is something I will never give up on. Even though the media is so intend on painting the bleakest of pictures.

[@tarn1135]

Depending on the day Sisko or Kirk are my favorite captains. Tbh the more interviews I see of Avery the more I love Sisko and Avery. Ultimate respect for him.

[@vincewilliam5848]

His voice is more soothing then Morgan freemans.

[@dreammaker4022]

Sisko, Or Hawk Avery Brooks is truly a talented craftsman and from his short comment a man filled with respect for humankind.

[@TheLongjohntim]

I felt his character was so under rated. He was one of my favorite captains.

[@MatthewBluefox]

Captain Geordi La ... wait ... Ben Sisko! =)

[@TopGunSTL]

Met him once years ago, super nice guy. I'll never forget that I met him.

[@legaiaflame]

"Give children some positive look at the world, indeed the universe. Star Trek helps to do that." Looks at Star Trek Discovery and Star Trek Picard........NOT ANY MOREEEEEEEE!!! YUM YUM!!! (Dies inside)

[@jove1155]

To steal a line from RLM, ST: Picard is neither Star Trek nor Picard. Same goes for well-named STD.

[@dragonballzkai9283]

Avery Brooks is such a fucking king

[@ah7910]

He’s magnificent. And I agree with his thoughts on why Trek was so damn important. I say ‘was’ because Trek currently under the leadership of SecretHideOut is dark, dystopian and essentially torture porn.

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

Spoken like someone who's judged all of the new Treks from Clips they saw, rather than actually watching the shows. As usual. They still understand what Avery said. You just can't be bothered to watch it.

[@freelancenerd4804]

The absolute best captain/ commander in Star Trek! 🖖🏼

[@Katie-hb8iq]

Star Trek doesn't give a positive view of the universe anymore. It's all dark and the characters are completely unlikeable and broken in modern Star Trek. There's gore, senseless killing and f-bombs galore. Regardless of the Discovery Timeline or the Picard timeline, the Federation is evil and broken. Oh Avery, how far things have fallen.

[@HonkiDonki]

Yes, Discovery and Picard completely replaced the general optimism of TOS, TNG, DS9, Voyager, Enterprise with a pessimistic view: The present is the future. Humans don't change. Not exactly the view that I would like my children to adopt.

[@repatch43]

Hehe, being mistaken for Levar? What makes Sisko the best captain is how HUGE his character changed from day 1 to the final episode. He was a fundamentally different person in almost every way, and that progression was perfectly described and demonstrated during the course of the series. The fact that Avery was able to take SUCH a difficult task on, and perform it flawlessly? Amazing! Sisko wasn't he only one though, compare Bashir from first ep to last, or Kira? And of course, the most incredible changes: Nog.

[@jimhills1920]

The REAL Star Trek helps give a positive view of the universe, not the current DREK they give us now.

[@MrAsmontero]

Picard was also bad.. :-(

[@kanaric]

bitch and whine like a boomer on youtube about it then.

[@darrengriffin8609]

@@kanaric well said, my friend. A load of whiny man bitches. 🖖😁

[@kaylasplace9426]

Sisko was easily my favorite. I love the passion he brought.