Star Trek DS9 Documentary Interview

Star Trek DS9 Documentary Interview with Ira Steven Behr, Kai De Mello-Folsom, Nana Visitor, Armin Shimerman and Andrew Robinson
If you’re a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine fan, on May 13th something very cool is playing for one night only in movie theaters around the country: What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The film is a feature length documentary that was partly funded by the fans and it’s loaded with new interviews with almost everyone involved in the series, tons of DS9 footage in HD for the first time, and so much more. However, while I enjoyed the entire doc, my favorite part was a sequence where showrunner Ira Steven Behr got a few of the original writers together to brainstorm ideas for a season 8. While it was just done for the documentary, after you hear what they came up with, you’ll wish they were getting ready to make a new season because the storyline was very cool.
A few days ago, I got to sit down with Ira Steven Behr, producer Kai De Mello-Folsom, Nana Visitor (Major Kira) , Armin Shimerman (Quark) and Andrew Robinson (Garak) at the Collider office for an extended interview about Deep Space Nine. During the wide-ranging conversation we talked about how the documentary happened, what it will take to get the show remastered in HD, how they pulled off making twenty-six episodes a year, how things changed during the writing process, if they were nervous about getting renewed each year, who took home what from set and why, their reaction to the series finale, when Andrew Robinson realized Garak was a fan favorite, and so much more. As a longtime fan of DS9, this is one of those interviews I was so happy to be able to do and I hope you enjoy hearing what they had to say.
Finally, if you’re a fan of DS9, I absolutely suggest checking out the documentary next week. You can get more details on where it is showing here.
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[@chrisarseneault5617]

I met Andrew Robinson once at a convention out in California many years ago. I told him that he was the reason why I watched DS9. He stopped signing autographs, shook my hand and said to me "that really means a lot to me. It really does". One of the nicest actors I've ever met and very appreciative of his fans.

[@sexylawyer8228]

Garak was an amazing character.

[@jacquidicks2466]

I've just been re-watching LA Law and noticed Andrew in an episode. He is a fantastic actor!

[@MissWitchiepoo]

My daughter met him too but not in the US and has a great photo of them together and you can see how nice a man he is. They spoke for a long time because she really loved him too and he was so friendly and nice to talk to. She also loves Q and met him not that long ago and the picture of them was just like the one with Andrew that you can see that he is a really nice man.

[@eddiethehead4791]

100th like :)

[@chrisarseneault5617]

@@eddiethehead4791 thanks

[@dennisp.2147]

My first thought was, "They're all so old!" Then I looked in the mirror and realized I am too, and that I watched the show a quarter century ago.

[@brybish]

It's a shock isn't it that's time.

[@Revan2908]

Andy Robinson had to speak before I realized who it was!

[@BVBloom]

Well now I'm sad.

[@seanp8220]

You Should REWATCH It

[@dennisp.2147]

@@seanp8220 It's on the list, But I'm plowing through ChiPs right now... :-)

[@douglashenry6996]

Let's not forget about Michael Dorn, who put on his "Worf suit" for 8 years on TNG, 5+ years on DS9, and 4 movies. He fought skin issues a lot all that time.

[@courtlaw1]

It's sad that they never thought to create a Star Trek show with Worf as the lead.

[@towallomeesgel1703]

Worf has been made to look like a buffoon too many times to be the lead in a series.

[@MarkHayes-ue7hs]

@@courtlaw1 Yes they did. There was talk a few years ago about him having his own show.

[@MarkHayes-ue7hs]

@@towallomeesgel1703 Yeah. It was pathetic but he is still loved as a character.

[@2LegHumanist]

I hate the Worf-centred episodes.

[@ghostmedic86]

Wow, Armin Shimerman is such a class act and he's such a humble guy. I really miss these guys/gals. DS9 is a legend.

[@fjtalleyauthor2242]

So well spoken and kind to everyone. He's impressed me more and more as I see him.

[@beatediehl7966]

and he is really like that in real live. I met him at several conventions and once he was the only perdon who noticed that something with my autograph photo was messed up by the helpers. He took care of it when everyone else probably thought it was too unimportant to take care of.

[@JGoldx]

Yeah. He is very polite. I can hear Quark but I don't 'see' Quark in him.

[@raymondjackson6069]

I agree, Armin is a pro. I think what offed the show (besides old age) was the Dominion thing. IT took too much prominence and really bogged down the show. It was an interesting side narrative, but becoming a major theme made the show boring and predictable. The most creative episodes were those NOT about Dominion things were very brilliant, creative and classics.

[@evanbelisle8464]

Would you kindly

[@kasession]

The episode where they go back in time and incorporate TOS Trouble with Tribbles episode SHOULD HAVE WON AN EMMY!!! PURE GENIUS!!!

[@Tigerman1138]

Karen Session “In the Pale Moonlight”

[@Tigerman1138]

I loved the show.

[@j.s.connolly8579]

"Trials and TrIbbilations" is a GREAT Episode and one of my all time FAVS! And Jadzia has the HOTS for SPOCK! So Funny!

[@ComicBookGuy420]

It was great how they seamlessly incorporated them into the episode, even Sisko with Kirk was done well

[@idontwannaidontwanna7307]

@@Tigerman1138 one of the finest episodes of any TV show, let alone sci-fi. Avery Brooks was a beast in this, my lord!

[@ericn1833]

My wife and I are huge Trek fans and when we had our daughter, we decided to give her a middle name of Nerys. Our families don't understand, but nothing will stop our love for the show.

[@wildsmiley]

That is awesome, I had the same idea if I ever had a kid, a daughter with the middle name Nerys. Ita a pretty name. Kira is not only my favorite DS9 character but she is my absolute favorite Star Trek character ever. I just love her. Strong and principled.

[@wolfecanada6726]

I understand your motivation. My daughter's name is Deanna.

[@darylallen2485]

HAHAHA! That is amazing!

[@MontagZoso]

Well, guess what? Your Star Trek family (ALL of us!) DO understand and giving your daughter the middle name of Nerys is just fabulous and SO wonderful! We get you! My husband and I are HUGE fans of DS9 in particular and we send our love to you, from Seattle. 👍😎❤️

[@csl2063]

I named my daughter Jadzia.

[@mickaka]

Good lord Nana Visitor has aged like a fine wine, stunning!

[@matthewclements6603]

mick_aka I know right.

[@nxmvd6908]

Yeah, I could immediately tell "oh thats kira nerys"

[@Arrbyy]

Some do. Some don't. It has nothing to do with who they are as people. But, yes, I agree. She's unusually beautiful. Actually, More so than when she was younger!

[@erikrupp692]

I think she's more attractive now than she was 25 years ago. Honestly. And she seems like such a great person to be around, not to mention the fact that she's a great actress. I would love to see a restart of DS9 just to watch her every week!

[@dizzeek9139]

If you've seen Ted 2 you see Nana Visitor and Michael Dorn, she plays a lawyer, he plays a lover.

[@emwungarand]

I love that the Root Beer scene meant so much to Andrew and Armin. That scene was brilliant and I'm glad they fought to have it done the way they did.

[@blackmondayy1]

Its ville !!!!

[@lcflngn]

Aha, I imagined that was the one, was is for sure? Legendary.

[@lcflngn]

So hard to imagine it done any other way.

[@bensonstrumpet_tips]

Its so. Good. The first time I saw that scene. I didn't realize they where speaking in code until half way through the scene.

[@bensonstrumpet_tips]

@@blackmondayy1 "Just like the Federation!!" 😎

[@BadgerUKvideo]

I fucking loved DS9. Dark and intelligent. Garak* is the best character of all time.

[@bernhardtsen74]

Me and kid bro loves to remember that episode where their station is about to get borded!Quark is about to pull up his old trusty phaser and opens the case just to see his dirtbag cousin had taken it and sold it and only left a note!

[@two-face1041]

bernhardtsen74 lol

[@Schrsmnymkr]

bernhardtsen74 lmao I remember that episode

[@bernhardtsen74]

@TheJughead77 sad they cant write that kind of series any more!

[@bernhardtsen74]

@TheJughead77 plz dont mention Star Trek Disfunction!Klingons was at their best, truest colours during DS9!cbs is killing the spirit of Star Trek!

[@joehanna3623]

Garek was one of my all-time favorite characters on DS-9.

[@lwaves]

He might be my favourite in all of Trek, he's definitely top 3.

[@Hahnfruh]

Yet you don't even know he's pronounced Garak...

[@fjtalleyauthor2242]

So deep and complex.

[@MrRocksW]

Quark and Odo is my favourite duo of characters on the show, I love their banter

[@Eggy79]

100% agree except he's my favorite character in all of science fiction.

[@barrymccaulkiner7092]

DS9 IN HD me: *SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY*

[@erikrupp692]

Exactly. I'm ready to give CBS/Paramount $90 per season for DS9 on Blu Ray. Right now. I'll gladly pay it!

[@jamesa6494]

supposedly it cost $70,000 per episode to remaster TNG which would amount to over $12M for the entire DS9 series.

[@gustafsone]

@@jamesa6494 It would cost a lot more than TNG. From seasons 4-7, they switched to almost entirely CG visual effects. While the show was still captured on film, it was then digitized for post-production to accommodate the visual effects, which were all created in SD. While the remastering of the original film negatives isn't exactly cheap, it's nothing compared to what it will cost to completely redo all of the visual effects in HD resolution. It would probably end up doubling the amount it cost them to remaster TNG, if not more than that. I do think, however, that it is still a possibility for CBS to do eventually. Their decision to not do it so far is because of the low sales of TNG that was well below what they expected, and TNG is arguably the most popular Star Trek show. TNG was remastered before streaming video became mainstream, and now that CBS has their own streaming platform which will be airing all of their new Star Trek content, I don't think its out of the realm of possibility that they might go ahead and remaster DS9 (and possibly even VOY) and then have them exclusively on CBS All-Access for a while to try and get more subscriptions. After maybe a year or so of having it exclusive to their own service, then they can start selling the Blurays and allowing other streaming providers to pick it up. I really hope it becomes a reality as the remastered footage in this documentary is incredible. It would be mind-blowing to see the whole series this way!

[@erikrupp692]

@@jamesa6494 - Which would be a wise investment since HD is becoming the standard and broadcasters will only want HD content in the future. It will ensure that they can continue to sell DS9 to cable/internet outlets for decades to come.

[@KillBoyUK]

@James A if I won the euro millions lotto I gladly give a massive chunk to pay for it

[@adamlemus7585]

My niece doesn’t Ike Star Trek. But with DS9 I was binge watching a few episodes and I was about to look for the remote as not to subject her to another episode she picked it up and skipped the countdown to start the next one. I got teary eyed

[@CrankyGrandma]

Adam Lemus same with my son in law. He was not interested in Star Trek. I put “Emissary “ on and he sat and watched four episodes in a row. His comment “this is really good”

[@adamlemus7585]

Cranky Grandma Yup. What’s really interesting is when they make comparisons to other shows. Like Pale Moon Light started a conversation on how Garak is DS9’s Varys from game of thrones. Scheming, planning and a sort of selflessness that he will do anything for the alpha quadrant and cardassia like Varys does for the seven kingdoms. Her only complaint really was it’s not in HD

[@DivinePearl]

Yeah, Next Generation was a drag to get through for me sometimes. I definitely enjoy DS9 more.

[@MontagZoso]

Yes!! 👍❤️

[@rickg8015]

I dropped out of high school for a year because of family issues and health problems. DS9 was like high quality comfort food during that time..

[@reesepeacock]

DS9 took Star Trek to the next level. It documented the backstory of the Klingons, the Ferengis, the Cardassians, the Bajorans, the Romulans, the Changelings, the Trills, the Jem Hadar, have I left any one out? It is epic. The story arc of the opening of the worm hole, the awakening of Captain Sisko, the Prophets, the great war with the Dominion, Jeffry Combs as Brunt and Weyoun, Vic Fontaine and his holographic world in Las Vegas. Deep State Nine is the greatest of all the Star Treks. So underrated, I cannot say enough good things about this amazing work. The cast is perfect. If you haven't watched it, fasten your seatbelt! It is as good as any classic mythology. BRILLIANT! I have watched and re-watched it and it just gets better.

[@midnighttornado22]

It was also amazing how they handled the transition between the actresses for Dax. They mined some meaningful stories out of what could've easily been underplayed and swept under the rug. They put Ezri Dax through a lot in that final season.

[@joehanna3623]

You left out The Orion Syndicate, and the Breen. "Never turn your back on a Breen" - A Romulan caution.

[@reesepeacock]

The Breen! Yes!

[@reesepeacock]

There are so many stories within the story, my favorite are the redemption of Dumar, the Ferengi home world (all the rain, the mom kidnapping, and the time they visited past earth omg so funny) the friendship between Julian and Miles, Garak, Mortak....well. I could go on and on. I noticed that the Ferengi men all have one syllable names. That is just another indication of how detailed the backstory goes. Again, Brilliant!

[@reesepeacock]

Oh forgot Betazoid, as in Lwaxana Troi, a crossover from TNG.

[@middleearthmarxist]

"The True Ferengi" I love Armin Shimerman.

[@jairocastillo3674]

seriously underrated

[@MedalionDS9]

BURN!!!! Take that See BS

[@courtlaw1]

Great post. Garak is by far one of my favorite science fiction characters. "The truth is usually just an excuse for lack of imagination."

[@PH34RB]

"They broke seven of your transverse ribs and fractured your clavicle! " "Ah, but I got off several cutting remarks which no doubt did serious damage to their egos."

[@decmurray1096]

Garak, Wayoun, Dukat, Quark, Moogie... I could go on. These supposedly peripheral characters were so deep and interesting, it really sets DS9 apart

[@tubewatcher155]

Paramount the true Ferengi. LOL I love Armin shimerman.

[@Norvo82]

From all I've gathered, making DS9 was a brutal, often joyless task. I'm sorry to hear it was so hard for the cast and crew, but what a legacy to look back on 20 years later. The work continues to endure.

[@matthewburns3471]

It's made them rich though so I'd say it was worth it!

[@Norvo82]

@@matthewburns3471 And the passage of time tends to make the memory sweeter. But the idea to do 7 years of 16 hour days and then rehearse on the weekends? That's incredible and demanding.

[@joehanna3623]

Yes. But, the cast now feels that it was all well worth it, and they very much appriciate the fans.

[@zaltmanbleroze]

And wasn't the actor who played Benjamin "Your Eminence" Sisko very demanding?

[@OlafoWaffle]

@@zaltmanbleroze He's been a tenured professor of drama, acting, and directing at Rutgers University, so of course he's gonna be demanding person to work with.

[@pooroothegreat3006]

I cried at the ending of this show when they’re all sitting by the bar st Vic’s... I never thought this show would impact me the way it did, you come out of it a better person. Don’t judge a book by its cover because I did and almost went my whole life without watching this series

[@itschrisritter]

Agreed. I avoided DS9 for a long time because it wasn't like the others, but I finally watched it a few years back. I didn't know what I was missing, It's dark and impactful, with so many excellent characters and stories.

[@JGoldx]

Same here! Same here! You speak the truth. :)

[@wildsmiley]

So glad Ira thought of the right ending for the whole series, the final shot of Kira and Jake looking out of the window on the Promenade out to where the ones they love most are out there somewhere, and the camera slowly pulling away from the station. During my binge rewatches of the whole series I find myself in tears at that ending after everything that came before. These characters are almost family in a way. What a show.

[@anielloliguori6312]

Dr Bashir speaking to Garak, "The boy that cried wolf, Moral of the story, if you lie constantly Know one will believe you even when you eventually tell the truth!" aimed at Garak, Garaks response "Maybe doctor, the moral of the story is not to tell the same lie twice!" Simplistic Brilliance! The way he says it, with a brilliant shady expression that befitted his character, great show, great characters, great writing! My fav star trek! love them all!

[@michaelstone7514]

Ds9 was the best of trek!! The best ensemble cast of all time. The story arcs, the passion ,costume makeup and sets were head and shoulders above everything else!!

[@firefalcoln]

I love Armin at 25:50 referring to the Paramount executives as the true ferengi. 😂

[@stueygriffith4671]

and that's a JEW talkin' too!

[@jaqenhghar2970]

@@stueygriffith4671 definitely can't use the anti-semite card on that haha.

[@Daxsymbiote]

The best thing I find about DS9, is that I can go back and watch it time and again. And still catch new depths and undercurrents, to the cast and stories.

[@PH34RB]

It captures such truths about human nature that every re-watch is a new insight into our own condition. I like sci fi and trek and everything, but what I love and what brings me back to DS9 is the depth of humanity.

[@MontagZoso]

Same here!

[@antoniotafoya9433]

Deep Space Nine was the best Star Trek show ever being a kid watching Star Trek next Generations and DS9 good times

[@miles2378]

When it first came on my mom wiuld not let me stay up it was on at 9pm and eould record it and i would watch it after school but one times they would forget to record it, and it pised me off.

[@magic8340]

I love this show! I recently rewatched it and I realized that it tags very modern issues and that it was very prophetic. The issues that striked me most are: -religious wars -terrorism -sleepers and the danger of increased security meassures -Post traumatic stress -homelessness -capitalism -grey areas of morale -....

[@jcortese3300]

Agreed. One of the quietest and most overlooked little ah-ha moments I've ever seen on television was in this show, although my memory of the exact plot specifics is foggy at best. The station crew had found themselves going back in time to a very dystopian past where IIRC the doctor looked around and asked something like, "Why didn't people do anything about this?" Later on, when a person from that time expressed resignation about how little could be done to improve things, he comforted her telling her not to blame herself, and that she was doing her best ... and she replied, "Everyone tells themselves that, and nothing ever changes." And you could see the sinking realization in the doctor's face when he realizes that together, they just answered his question in the most depressing way possible. Possibly the single most subtle and insightful moment in television, and I doubt anyone remembers it. Whoever wrote that is a damned genius.

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

That's what great story telling always does. You will find most of these issues in all great stories because they are the human condition. The secret is to keep the issues confined to the story so the moral becomes known without a bludgeoning. That bludgeoning has spun out of control in Hollywood currently and they are not telling as many stories as they are preaching from their character's mouths. One is great entertainment that touches the soul, the other is best left to trained preachers.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@TheRadioAteMyTV That's what I love about DS9, they dealt with modern issues without trying to ram it down our throats, which would have turned people off.

[@MacaSkys]

The most beautiful thing about DS9, there are happy and sad endings. That's life.

[@ShroomKeppie]

@Caleb Imrie The "no money" thing bit Sisko's son in the ass when he wanted to buy the baseball card for his Dad. He's just been going on to Mog about how superior the Federation was because they had no use for money, and then immediately hit Mog up for money to buy the card. Mog laughs in his face and says something like "If you don't need money, you don' need MY money. Go somewhere else." Then Mog puts together the swap of the millennium to get the card for Jake. A true pal.

[@philmorton4590]

Quark was awesome, and his counter balance with odo was why I watch DS9

[@chetkayeable]

Just about the greatest sci-fi TV show ever.

[@cjc363636]

And it has aged so well. Gets better each time I dive back in. I so hope CBS funds a HD restoration.

[@dbnx1701]

DS9=B5

[@Bad_Moon_Rising]

I am one of the few that didn't like DS9 I guess. There were some good characters. But overall , it was bad to me.

[@Acrosurge]

@@dbnx1701 That may have started out as the case, but I remember in the 90s I didn't want Babylon 5. I wanted more Star Trek and more adventures in that world. Ds9 seemed strange at first since it was lacking a hero ship at the beginning, but by the time the Klingon attack on the station occurred, I was completely on board.

[@Imsuper656]

Almost.....

[@LGranthamsHeir]

14:12 - 14:23 RIP Rene! Thank you for bringing Odo to screen and to our lives!!

[@blubeetle3]

I STILL have a crush on Major Kira!

[@E9Project]

agreed!

[@powderedwater67]

It's that damn smile. Gets me every time.

[@ChrisGunderson]

I still have a crush on Commandant Kira...

[@nythepremier]

Colonel Kira! No wonder Dr. Bashir impregnated her lol

[@dedrickhowell805]

She definitely was cute.

[@philharrison5210]

My favourite of all the star trek series. Great to see everyone involved together again. Thanks Collider.

[@leejohnstone3051]

DS9 is also my favourite Trek show

[@Arrbyy]

This was watchable and had it's moments, but the religious element was just awful.

[@Ntwister]

i wish i could ever make up my mind of what series i love the most (i even like voyager and enterprise) exept std i didnt like that.

[@sonofcy]

@@Arrbyy I disagree, it gave a spirit to the show, I'm not religious at all, but I thought it was about time that they handled religion on a trek show, and they did it well.

[@tayzonday]

This is lovely.

[@graftedin3]

I liked Andrew Robinson part from the start and was glad the writers allowed his character to grow and finish in such a grand fashion. Tom

[@narcissus79]

My man Chocolate Rain!

[@ColonelMetus]

This is racist

[@devo076]

Tay is a Star Trek fan? Nice!

[@Diggnuts]

Not remastering DS9 would be a crime, but then again, CBS is mostly criminal.

[@joehanna3623]

CBS, putting out and insisting on STD, has committed an assault and battery upon the public.

[@jonsnor4313]

STD isnt bad, but ds9 shows that a good build up of characters is better than story every day. It isnt bad but lacks consistency.

[@BeckerFlag]

Blame the poor TNG Blu Ray sales. The investment vs sales wasn’t there.

[@coffeeveins]

Jason Becker I think they’re underestimating the demand personally. Mainly because I think as popular as next gen was, a lot of that mainstream popularity means that there were plenty of casual fans who watched and enjoyed it, but not enough to buy it. Where as Deep space nines fans tend to be more hardcore(not to say there aren’t hardcore TNG fans, but I mean as a percentage of the fan base, the hardcore fan bases for both shows...that is the ones who would pre-order a Blu-ray if it meant getting the series remastered, is a lot closer in size then paramount thinks).

[@jonsnor4313]

They underestimate that it aged like fine wine like angel.

[@thudthedestroyer515]

This was my favorite star trek. Avery Brooks was the BOMB in this show! He made Shatner's overacting from TOS give us an indication that in the future this pedantic and hyper-emotional speech pattern had to do with the education of these characters! I miss him greatly from any visual media. The rest of the cast was over the top in talent as well. Nana is as lovely as ever!

[@jaygee6738]

I so wish they could have done a movie afterward. I loved the show so much. Dark and gritty where it needed to be.

[@MontagZoso]

I know, right? They gave those muppets on NextGen a bunch of movies, and NOT DS9? Epic and superior series.

[@thesemp69]

The best Star Trek series.

[@ogqueenpraet0rian73]

Jason Semple agreed!!!

[@MagicHeide]

Agreed.

[@SolarTwinLunarKing]

I also love how Commander Sisko walked the station in full African garb, and then seeing an Avery Brooks interview, and he's nowhere near as uptight as Sisko. He's a Jazz man! Two other fave characters were Odo and Quark. I love how they gave Quark a little more depth and dignity in the final seasons. 😍😍😍

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Which is why his acting is incredible, as his normal personality is loose and borderline crazy. So to portray a highly disciplined, focused, officer was quite a feat

[@kyleb4151]

I've watched every Star Trek series multiple times, DS9 has always been my favorite.

[@sabin97]

mine is tng, but ds9 is an extremely close second....i loved the character development.

[@wildsmiley]

DS9 was my very favorite TV show period from when it was originally running up until 2004 when I discovered a little show called Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Now it's second favorite. Trek doesn't get any better and I don't think it ever will again.

[@acinoralas9107]

Me too man

[@markden21]

There is something sublimely engaging and accessible about Star Trek actors, fans couldn’t ask for more. A quarter century later we are all still talking about their stories and characters, indeed with more passion as each year passes.

[@iqbalfaizercomedian4066]

Great interview. As a hardcore fan, who's watched the DVD special features, read many an interview and the entire 700+ page "'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' Companion", it's upsetting when you hear the same things over and over again in interviews. This doesn't do that and is like a nice bonus after watching "What We Left Behind". I discovered so many new things! Thank you!

[@jynirax]

The guy doing the interview did a fantastic job. Wish there was more. Can't wait to see the documentary.

[@SpocksFridayNights]

RIP Rene

[@NintenGamer]

Even though they weren't among those interviewed, RIP Rene Auberjonois and the actor who played Nog.

[@ChristopherStandardTime]

Aron Eisenberg.

[@thecanadianborderguard5215]

Couldn’t be bothered to google that?

[@robertjakicic5878]

Saw the documentary yesterday and it was just fantastic. Boy, how I wish they would have made one full length Deep Space Nine movie.

[@SJHFoto]

I'm not saying the rest of them don't, but Armin Shimerman REALLY has some insightful comments! A very intelligent man, as well as a man of feeling!

[@OneTalkerOne]

DS9 had such a huge influence on my life and philosophy. I loved the subtle references to the Greek thinkers and plays.

[@seanp8220]

Cellular boredom?

[@jorymil]

The writing on DS9 was just phenomenal, week after week. It's rare to find a show that can help you grow as a person, but it's exactly what DS9 did, week after week. I owe an immense debt to the grueling work these people put in for seven years. I don't know that I'd be able to do that.

[@VCYT]

As a writer, an a trekker, Garak, was a great character to have. Perfect for DS9.

[@TheCloudX]

This is a fantastic interview. You can tell every person has a personal stake in the show, even the interviewer. Thank you for such a fantastic show, doc, and this interview. DS9 is truly the best generation.

[@Promance2300]

I can't believe how far Trek has fallen. I don't think I'll ever rewatch STD. But I have rewatched DS9 so many times.

[@Xondar11223344]

DS9 was the very best Star Trek show. I saw the doc twice (I was an IndieGoGo supporter), and I absolutely loved it. If I got nothing out of the doc except the privilege of watching it twice for my $100 donation, I would have been a happy man. It was worth far more than what I paid for it. Also, the remastered scenes were breathtaking! It would be a crime against art itself if CBS does not remaster DS9!

[@onen6942]

Yeah, I don’t care about Discovery, but I would absolutely sign up for CBS All Access if they started re-airing DS9 with an HD remaster.

[@CrankyGrandma]

“In the Pale Moonlight” is such a fantastic episode....it beats Duet imo. (It was written primarily by RonMoore who was uncredited). This was a great show. Like all Trek it had a few clunkers, but rewatching the pilot with my son in law recently, I was struck by how his show so amazingly tied up all those threads from the pilot...7 years and it is a whole story. Amazing.

[@jeromemartinez5603]

My favorite episode, I just watched it 3 times I have an friend who reminds me of Garak, some times they talk the same way, I wasn't sure about the character at first, but the scene with Dr Bashir in the cafeteria plain simple Garak? Nothing could be further from the truth and having Andrew J Robinson? Became a favorite! These people did monumental work.

[@woodwind63]

As a big Star Trek Fan, I've been binge-watching DS9 and am now almost through season 6... absolutely love the cast and character development...even the bad guys ;) Its really nice to see the personalities of these professionals who breathed life into such creative and challenging scripts. And its really good to see we're acknowledging the mastery & dedication of the personnel. How wonderful to find this heartwarming interview. You guys are great and its so nice to have this opportunity to express gratitude to the cast so many years later... Thank you All for your contribution :)

[@bensonstrumpet_tips]

The Garek Scene with Quark at the bar was amazing. One of the best scenes in the whole show!! "Root beer! If you have enough of it you begin to like it!" "Just like the Federation"

[@oldkid8811]

you forgot "It's insidious!"

[@bensonstrumpet_tips]

@@oldkid8811 didn't want to do the whole quote :)

[@ejr87r]

When I hear people and critics say that Discovery is taking Star Trek into more advanced storytelling, they clearly haven't watched this show. This show was serialized storytelling and had 26 episode seasons, and was really dark. All fans know how Sisko got the Romulans into the Domain War. Enough said.

[@blackmondayy1]

You mean Garak got the Romulanas into the war and saved the Alpha and Beta quadrants ... right !?

[@ejr87r]

@@blackmondayy1 Yeah Garak did the dirty work, but Sisko could have said what happen at the end. Instead he said he could live with it, and deleted his file recording his conservation.

[@ogqueenpraet0rian73]

I hate discovery. I want a Star Trek series along the lines and themes of TNG, DS9 and Voyager. Those were the best

[@oldtwinsna8347]

@@ogqueenpraet0rian73 i refuse to watch that discovery drivel

[@Corbomite_Meatballs]

What you mentioned is commented on in the documentary, especially when there are "retrospectives" of the 90's, talking about TV shows and how they fit into the social landscape at the time.

[@Iftrustisaissue]

We STILL! LOVE THESE GUYS. DEEP SPACE NINE WILL ALWAYS BE ONE OF THE SHOWS I WATCH EACH YEAR FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. GREAT JOB GUYS. QUARK & GARRICK, THANKS FOR MAKING ME LAUGH ALL THOSE YEARS GUYS. HATS OFF TO ALL THE CHARACTERS OF DP9. GOD BLESS.

[@susanwallace2258]

I just binge-watched DS9--again! I love it! They are so fabulous!

[@lauranolastnamegiven3385]

I'm so happy to hear that the actors took their characters, and the stories, so seriously, that they cared, and wanted to fulfill the writers' visions for the stories they were telling...they weren't just phoning it in for a paycheck, or treating it like a joke, because it was a 'space show,' and many were in makeup/prosthetics...I think that helps us get into the show, and love it, even more

[@peablair]

I'm a late-in-life trekkie and Deep Space Nine got me through UK lockdown 2. I have such tremendous affection for the show and cast.

[@beatediehl7966]

I love them so much ❤ DS9 is by far the very best Star Trek ever! And it was so so underrated. I'm so glad and happy they did this documentary "what we left behind" and I really hope they will do thid remastered HD version.

[@duchesnejennifer]

Such a rare show, where the supporting characters are played by such magnificent actors that they become some of the favorites. Garek, Quark and Gul Dukat are three of the best characters in the whole Trek universe.

[@Scripture-Man]

Yes, the aliens were the best: Garak, Dukat, Weyoun, Quark, Odo. The only human I thought really excelled to that level was O'Brien.

[@Abbriscoe]

Nana Visitor looks good. Great eyes and nice smile.

[@lcflngn]

As gorgeous as ever.

[@MeMyselfI_69]

Yes, she looks amazing!

[@Dancestar1981]

Darryl Ruiz mine too

[@Dancestar1981]

Maximus Prime yes very much so

[@seanp8220]

And Jadzia

[@divingadventures121]

I wish Jeffery Coombs was on here. He has so talented and was so many characters and different Star Trek shows.

[@ashleyvanhammer3448]

DS9 still edges out the rest as my favourite of the lot. There was just too much greatness to even begin to list it all. The amazing development and fleshing out given to every race is still a treasure to experience. Some episodes were simple character pieces, giving us a fun slice-of-life series of moments. Others were so incredibly heavy, examining the hard elements of a world still picking up the pieces after a brutal war. Seeing the Bajorans and their superstitious religion forcing itself into a world ready to move past it was always an exercise in frustration and fascination. The Cardassians, the Klingons, the FERENGI, Oh, sweet Baphy, the Ferengi episodes still stand out so well. I could go on for hours and not cover even a tenth of how awesome the show was. NEVER duplicated. Hands down. You folkes are the best.

[@nshezz8562]

Imagine the pride they feel definitely left a legacy for future generations 🖖

[@thereallantesh]

I was, and still am a huge fan of DS9. So I am looking forward to seeing the documentary. One item touched on in this interview is the show's use of serialized story arcs vs episodic stories. I think DS9 had a fantastic mix of the two styles. A purely serialized story arc like many modern shows go for today is just too mentally draining to try to keep up with. Nothing ever feels like it is finalized. Everything just drags out to the point where I lose interest. DS9 found the perfect balance between the two styles, and I think that is part of what made it such a great show.

[@stevzor]

I agree DS9 was waaayyy ahead of the curve, especially for the 90s it was just miles ahead of it's game, which is why it does so well on Netflix because it easily rivals anything else that people binge watch today, it's at the absolute top for character development and story.

[@pcerod7689]

Nana looks amazing.....can't describe it but she looks so graceful and beautiful

[@fmj_556]

Wish Star Trek was still this good!

[@Scripture-Man]

Anything after Voyager ended isn't Star Trek. You can't just make a radically different series, call it "Trek" and expect fans to accept it.

[@Cyberwolfman]

Proud to have been a donor. Got to watch it early on a private stream for contributors but I'm still going to see it in theaters tomorrow. Don't panic, they don't forget to mention the greatest moment in DS9, they just save it for the credits.

[@coffeeveins]

I’ve got that dang hopscotch song burned into my brain. 😳

[@elainematthews7846]

If I may ask, will the documentary be available on DVD, Blu-Ray, iTunes to purchase? If so, when? Thanks.

[@strow1969]

Elaine, they said it would be available on DVD/Blu-Ray/etc. in early August (I think August 6, but don’t quote me on that).

[@lcflngn]

Oh help, which is the greatest moment?

[@elainematthews7846]

Matt Holder, thanks!! I’m going to mark my calendar. Just another question, what website would best to follow to be informed about that info? Thanks.

[@TomUK737]

DS9 is still the most well written, acted and produced Star Trek series of them all

[@cgavin1]

Wow my brain just exploded when I realized Garak has secretly also been the Scorpio Killer from Dirty Harry for 47 years .. ?!!

[@eddieking2976]

wozzlepop This was 1971. I was ten at the time. I thought the scene where he paid the black dude to mess him up so he could blame it on Harry was brutal and yet cunning. A really "good" bad guy.

[@johnmoldoch3127]

Look at what Calihan did to my face!!!

[@ShroomKeppie]

@@johnmoldoch3127 "How can you prove that?" "He looks too GOOD!"

[@johnmoldoch3127]

@@ShroomKeppie watch "Dirty Harry". It's a reference to a line his character used after paying someone to beat the crap out himself and then claim that Harry Calihan was responsible for it in front of reporters and cameras.

[@ShroomKeppie]

@@johnmoldoch3127 Hey, John! I know -- I watched that movie about ten times in the theater; I was 14. My reply was what Harry said to his Captain after Zodiac claimed Harry had done it. I just watched it again, and what he said was, "Besides, anyone can I didn't do that to him." "How?" "Because he looks too damn GOOD, that's how!"

[@hellfish2309]

Before the Game of Thrones spec-fic sociopolitical intrigue, there was DS9

[@pferreira1983]

And written better.

[@hellfish2309]

P Ferreira seasons 1-4 of Game of Thrones are unparalleled in the quality of writing; the second 4 seasons however 😒

[@pferreira1983]

@@hellfish2309 Okay cool.

[@svartedauden3566]

Move along home!!!

[@pferreira1983]

@@svartedauden3566 I love that episode.

[@johnmichaelarnaud]

Nana is a mystical creature. Armin is incredibly gracious. Goodness.

[@danielgiles3323]

Nana Visitor is such a beauty, and such a great actress!

[@Allentaorluath]

it is so sad that time goes by so fast and we only have the memory of the show.

[@saltysavestate5855]

It's a shame that these actors can't live forever.

[@joehanna3623]

I'd love to see a reunion film, or mini-series of DS-9, where Kira takes temporary command of the station as a General.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

My wish is for a big reunion movie or special where the characters of TNG, DS9, and Voyager get together. I don't know what for, I just really want to see a giant crossover!

[@brettcooper3893]

@@sarahkinsey5434 you're not wrong. There are so many characters that deserved to appear on the big screen.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Brett Cooper Q should have been in one of the TNG imho

[@captainyossarian388]

Love DS9, love all these people and their characters. Especially Garak in that last episode, "Of course, Cardassia will survive, but it won't be the Cardassia *I* KNEW!"

[@charlesdp]

The show is great and Nana is even more gorgeous now.

[@joehanna3623]

Nana Visitor looks spectacular!

[@mattcannon6148]

Yes

[@Alex-Bland]

What I like is how much they loved the show and the characters, just as we did. Beautiful.

[@xunit62]

This is the well rounded trek! It’s the only show to have its Star Fleet Captain lie and live with getting the Romulans into the war and then become a Demi god! Great show!😎

[@seanp8220]

And that Romulan ambassador predicted Trump "IT'S A FAKE!!!" "FAKE NEWS"

[@LittleMacscorner]

Hell yeah Garak is/was a fan favorite!!!! He is the single best character on the show, in my opinion! I mean, others were great too....but man was he the best!

[@mrprimo71]

It's nice to revisit this story through the characters.

[@kevthatguy1248]

I was completely unaware of the development of this documentary while it was happening, and seeing that became a reality makes my heart soar. DS9 was always my favorite Trek show as a teen, and seeing that it’s getting the love it deserves 20 years later is amazing.

[@NoelWesley]

My favourite quotes: Andrew - "it was like the Visigoths sacking Rome". Armin - "Paramount, the true Ferengi" BWHAHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

[@alanpennie8013]

Who knew the upright Odo was secretly a Visigoth?

[@bfg9k_]

Fantastic interview! I just found out Fathom is showing this doc at my theater on Monday. I'm absolutely going to check it out

[@tyoungjjr]

I was so pleased with this documentary. You did something that paramount has not done since the Undiscovered Country.& Star Trek JJ Abrahms I. You & the crew gave unselfishly to the fans! You fed our souls. I laughed, I cried and left the theater gratified. My wish the studios and the executive would run with your visions and take the limits off you alll!

[@hyzenthlay7151]

Who would have thought watching the show we would see Kira sitting and smiling comfortably between Garek and Quark... How the times change!!

[@thehighguarduk4820]

I LOVE Deep Space Nine!!! It really was and still is ahead of its time, you look at all the great shows today and you see how DS9 stands right up next to them. It story, characters, sets, music, theme, everything about it felt authentic and deep. Wonderful show, I have been binge watching it so many times since its came on Netflix. The interviewer guys was right doing a deal for multi-styled funding for remastering in HD is the way to go, part CBS funded, streaming provider and even crowd funding would see it done and what a perfect show to remaster.

[@Hassanospite]

I love this show so much. I was just rewatching season 1 on Netflix about an hour ago. Best star trek ever !

[@bbbabrock]

Season one mostly sucked tho.

[@larsq6128]

I just finished a last episode an hour ago ! haha

[@carolkitteral9737]

Strange, I Grew Up Watching The Original Series As A Child. Then I Started Getting Into The Next Generation, Became Hooked, My Son Who’s Also A Star Trek Fan Of All Them Wanted Me To Get Into Deep Space Nine, I Hesitated, But Eventually Watched, Now I’m Addicted!! TNG Is No Longer My Favorite, Deep Space Nine Is By Far The Best Star Trek Hands Down, One Of My Best Episodes, By The Pale Moon.

[@nonaboccalupo7733]

Come back! I miss you! All!

[@maxxlr8tion578]

The HD remastered scenes look amazing, c'mon CBS, don't let us Trekkies down. Edit: I rewatch it all 50 times again for HD!!!

[@jamiethomas18]

Nana has such a wonderful laugh.

[@AnthonyP73]

I recently binged the sh*t out of this show, having caught most of it during first run. Such a satisfying show, and I think it might have now become my favourite ST series.

[@Dancestar1981]

One of my favourites

[@TheHollygray]

Ds9 was my least favourite star trek series, but it grown on me and turned into my fav Star Trek of all time, still watch it back to back once a year, especially when I feel down. Thank you ds9 writers and casters and everyone involved in making that show

[@jasonw3414]

i try to watch the series at least once a year. its awesome

[@steve320t9]

Proud that I donated and got to see it at home as well as on the big screen last night. Wish they could do a season 8 perhaps in animated form? I’d love it as would all the fans!!

[@Reoh0z]

What a great cast, they really did pick the perfect person for each of their characters.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I really should be studying for my finals, but here I am! Every time I watch anything DS9 related I want to go binge watch it again! It is the best Star Trek show (barely above TNG for me) because of the story and character arcs, the relatable themes, the incredible writing and acting, just everything was amazing about this show!