Garak's Words of Wisdom

[@JnEricsonx]

My favorite line of Garak's: "I believe in coincidences. Coincidences happen every day. But I don't TRUST coincidences."

[@ObsidianBehemoth]

I also like "Treason like beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

[@DarkKnight52365]

the jedi disagree since its all the will of the force

[@DarkKnight52365]

@SlyFlySpyGuy well both are right and wrong at the same time

[@otbaht]

as a writer, if I can ever make a character even half as amazing as Garak I would consider myself lucky.

[@colinsmith1495]

My favorite is the exchange between him and Bashir about 'truth' Bashir: Out of all the stories you told me, which ones that you told me were true and which ones weren't? Garak: My doctor, they all were true. Bashir: Even the lies? Garak: Especially the lies. I love this, and if you look carefully at all the stories he told, even the lies hold a shard of the truth. To get the truth, you have to carefully sift through everything he's told you and piece it all together. In the end, he gave Bashir a puzzle, and when Bashir asked for the answer, Garak was simply encouraging him to solve the puzzle himself, which he knew full well was what Bashir wanted all along.

[@crucisnh]

Andrew Robinson's portrayal of Garak is an absolute gem. Obviously, he was well written. But Robinson's portrayal kicked it up a couple of notches, from being well written but forgettable, to being well written and so good that Garak nearly stole every scene in which he appeared.

[@Sight-Beyond-Sight]

If only someone can create a similar character for Andrew Robinson to play, either for a movie or another series.

[@BlazingOwnager]

I will always hold that Varys from Game of Thrones was heavily inspired by Garak.

[@BlazingOwnager]

@Timefliesbye I don't know. There was nothing cliche about Garak from the writing stand point to be honest. The actor did just absolutely elevate the material, but the material was good. I mean his first appearance included moments like "I was in the Bajorian underground." (HUGE SMILE) "Maybe we have met!" Just defending the character as written, not saying Robinson isn't what made it perfect. It's like Gus Fring in Breaking Bad; he was supposed to be a small part actor that barely had any lines, but he purposely played him so unusually that wildly expanded the part and made him a regular.

[@codyw1]

@@BlazingOwnager That was from his second episode, Cardassians. His first was Past Prologue in season 1. ;)

[@Dragnmastralex]

the writers played off the actor, whenever the actor would add something to the character that he thought would work... the writers loved it so much they expanded on it the next episode he was in. it grew and grew until Garak became a run away character that Rominson made his own and enjoyed each and every moment he played it.

[@robertmoore6149]

One of the intersting features of DS9, some the secondary characters became more interesting than most of the primary characters.

[@LordElpme]

Was a thing in Babylon 5 as well. Shows some good character writing when a side character is a easy stand in as a main character

[@allanfifield8256]

Sisko and his kid were very boring.

[@contrafax]

I know right? They had to work so hard to compete with Morn. He always had the best dialogue.

[@rowlandbuck2703]

Indeed. I always argue they saved the show. And always bring it up to the point that DS9 is kinda looked at through um.. what’s the phrase? Rosey Colored goggles?

[@Sindraug25]

@@rowlandbuck2703 Nope. I'm rewatching the series again. Still great.

[@brndnwilks]

I can still remember watching this scene when it premiered. My father, who disliked the show but was reading the paper as I watched, started laughing when Garak dropped that "safest way" line. Funny the things you remember....

[@rowlandbuck2703]

It’s funny cause it’s true. We have our morality and don’t shoot people in the back generally speaking. But objectively, it is the safest way. 💯

[@Kyrieru]

I know what you mean. I remember the exact same sort of situation, but with another show. People like sharing things that they love, so if someone has a lack of interest, then the moments where they do enjoy it really stick with you .

[@stuv1996]

Just curious, did your dad just not like this show or was he a ToS or TNG fan who didn't like it compared to the old?

[@brndnwilks]

@@stuv1996 He's an older gentleman and didn't care for sci-fi in general. The news and a handful of sitcoms were all that he'd watch. But he never begrudged me my star trek and Babylon 5.

[@ricaard]

@@brndnwilks I'm glad he's still with us.

[@michaelgabriel7919]

While this interaction is classic Garak... my favorite is still the scene when Julian tries to explain the boy who cried wolf fable to Garak. While Julian tries to explain the tradition meaning of the fable... that one shouldn't lie... Garak asks... 'Are you sure?' to which Julian answers... 'Oh course... what else could it be?' Garak responds... 'That you should never tell the same lie twice.' Classic Garak... delivered impeccably by Andrew Robinson

[@taitano12]

I remember getting the most amusing reaction from my first grade teacher when I said this, followed up with "Of course, it is a dangerous thing to do." A classmate chimed in with "Because the more you make up, the more you have to keep track of." The teacher was a little creeped out by that.

[@cjlooklin1914]

@@taitano12 People think kids are stupid for some reason, but a lot of them are wicked sharp. There brains aren't done growing and they haven't had many experience so they tend to be a little foolish, but sometimes they do or say something that let's slip there's a lot more going on up there than one expects, and some find that "creepy".

[@andrewjackson3959]

@@cjlooklin1914 You describe them like you never were one yourself.

[@cjlooklin1914]

@@andrewjackson3959 I don't quite follow, but ok?

[@TalsarGeldon]

I wonder if he would have come to the same conclusion that I did regarding the folktale called "soup from a stone". It's ment to show the importance of sharing. But I think its about how someone whos clever can trick gullible people into providing you with a free meal.

[@smc1942]

What I loved about Garak was he was unfailingly polite. "Ah, my dear Constable..." In the finale, when he's standing in the rubble of his home, and everyone he loved is dead, he thanks Dr Bashir for his friendship over the years, and how he will miss their lunches together. ALWAYS the Gentleman!

[@brothersgt.grauwolff6716]

I loved that he reprised the role in Star Trek Online along side Rene in his last days both of them phenomenal actors in their own right

[@weldonwin]

To quote the TF-2 Sniper "Be efficient, be polite, have a plan to kill everyone you meet" And that really does sound like Garak in a nutshell

[@Halthior]

@@weldonwin I think Garak would appreciate that phrase

[@smc1942]

@@weldonwin ; Yes, that sums him up quite nicely.

[@weldonwin]

@@smc1942 Garak: I'm not a crazed gunman, I'm an assassin... Well, the difference is one's a job and the other is mental sickness!

[@youtubeviewer4472]

ODO: (incredulously) "You'd shoot a man in the back?" GARAK: "Well not that long ago I did torture you on the Romulan ship to win Enabran's approval and you are STILL shocked by my behavior"

[@seand.g423]

Which part, the torturing a Changeling or the _still_ trying to earn the approval of... you know, Enabran-FUCKING-Tain?

[@Walexander3243]

@@seand.g423 it's Odo, so both

[@SlideIX]

I’ve seen or read many variations of “it’s the safest way” but Andrew Robinson’s delivery is my favourite

[@finaladvance5085]

Well no, I can’t fight all these klingons by myself, so I let him live.

[@SvendleBerries]

"You do not fight with honor!" - Lysa Arryn "No...but he did." - Bronn

[@O4FUXACHE]

Or Rimmer from Red Dwarf . . . " I'd shoot him on the job . . "

[@SlideIX]

@@O4FUXACHE ohhh! Good reference 😂 still prefer this one but Rimmer’s is good

[@kosefix]

Of course in the back. It's only a pity he's awake.

[@GeneralG1810]

DS9 had the greatest recurring characters of any show ever

[@germanvisitor2]

It's also the first and possibly only show where two recurring characters who are completely unrelated and played by the same actor met.

[@Elthenar]

@@germanvisitor2 which two? Brunt and Weyoun?

[@germanvisitor2]

@@Elthenar Yeah, those two.

[@Elthenar]

@@germanvisitor2 JUst a guess but I figured it had to be Jeffrey Combs characters lol. That man is a gift.

[@germanvisitor2]

@@Elthenar Indeed.

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

"I'll kill a man in a fair fight... or if I think he's gonna start a fair fight." -- Jayne Cobb

[@jonnybrello4360]

I almost wish that show was never created.

[@brandonclark435]

Or If I'm getting paid.

[@jacevicki]

@@brandonclark435 Mostly if I'm getting paid.

[@williamwaha3193]

" I'd Kill You in a Fair Fight " . - Will Turner " Then what incentive is there for me to fight fair " ? Captain Jack Sparrow , Pirates of the Caribbean ..

[@Krahazik]

@@williamwaha3193 he so had a point there. When do villains and miscreants ever play 'fair' or by the rules.

[@davido.1233]

Elim Garak is the unsung hero of the entire DS9 series! He has by far the absolute best advice, best scenes, and best delivery of his lines! This is why my Swtor Legacy name is based on him, he is my top favorite character in the entire Star Trek Franchise!

[@BlazingOwnager]

Garak is personally responsible for saving the entire Alpha Quadrant in The Pale Moonlight. Sisko was the POV character but he was just the con within the con. I heard a fascinating theory that his 'contact' that needed the biogel was no contact at all but rather the material Garak used to make the bomb. No idea if it was intentional but it fits perfectly. It's well established what he asked for is good at making hidden explosives.

[@hyhena-gaming9986]

You know if I can either restart my legacy or make a new one in a new server, I’ll probably do that myself

[@smc1942]

@@BlazingOwnager "In the Pale Moonlight" is my favorite episode of ALL the Star Trek series!!! Well written, and so well acted you have to remind yourself it's fiction! Of course the title comes from an old Batman comic. It's a portion of a Joker quote... "You ever dance with the Devil _in the pale moonlight?_ I ask all my victims that." 😉

[@davido.1233]

@Jam Pudding Garak is my top 1.

[@estergrant6713]

“its the safest way isnt it?” i love that line

[@mardiffv.8775]

Spoken by a true and effective spy. A spy does anything to succeed his mission. A spy does not follow the rules.

[@LordZontar]

While Garak's sentiments are perfectly understandable, the plain fact is that if he had shot Dukat in the back, the Dominion would simply have found another Cardassian to sell his people out --- and perhaps one who was less of a raving egoist than Dukat and therefore more competent and reliable a Quisling for them to use more effectively during the war. So it actually was as well that Garak let Dukat live.

[@mikealpha4169]

I think Dukat gets a bad rep, he must have been supremely competent or otherwise he would not have been able to fight the Klingons on his own without any support from anyone for so long. And it's not just military matters, he excelled in more or less anything he attempted and he would have succeeded in holding DS9 if it weren't for wormhole shenanigans.

[@sklaWlivE]

...except for Pah-wraith-Dukat killing Jadzia and possible future child...pretty sure Worf would've preferred it if Garak had killed Dukat if he knew what would happen later...

[@aqua2565]

Didn't Gul - Dukat went crazy after his daughter died the half Bajorian .

[@SantomPh]

they found Damar but he was more of a von Stauffenberg than a Quisling, then Broca who was the perfect Petain.

[@schwarzerritter5724]

Aqua Dukat was always crazy, the death of his daughter just made him drop the pretends.

[@thesilvershining]

Jadzia: “Shoulda done it, Garak!!!”

[@Daedalus-BC308]

Too soon!

[@USDebtCrisis]

Thank you for not doing it Garak

[@Daedalus-BC308]

@nobody important Ezri=Jadzia in my opinion

[@Dan-uf2vh]

the reason Jadzia dies is that the actress wanted to retire from the show

[@cassyterpstra3991]

@@Dan-uf2vh I wish she would’ve just stuck it out she only had one more season anyway.

[@josephthering6035]

Robinson delivers these lines so impeccably. The flow of it all...

[@michaeldougherty6036]

Funny that it's DS9's two most morally ambiguous characters (Garak and Quark) that seem to drop the greatest words of wisdom on the show.

[@krzosu]

I gueess they had the biggest perspective on things both from good and the bad viewpoints and they were flexible enough to recognise the other perspectives and were ruthless enough to exploit them. The real pros per say in their respective areas of expertise. I loved the episode when Quark hired Garak to kill him - that was such a funny episode... where they explored the dynamic between them. Garak lines there were brilliant: "The knife was too savage, The hanging took too long and the nerve gas "smelled bad and the poison - what was wrong with the poison ?" - that cracked me up :P You know thing get weird when the ruthless professional assasin starts to complain about the job:P

[@fredrickseiler4492]

It's called being neutral.

[@krzosu]

@@fredrickseiler4492 Actually they wouldnt be neutral - Garak would be more like lawfull evil the same for Quark - both want the order and prosperity (Garak for Cardasia, Quark for himself) and neither of them is shy of breaking the rules when it suits them but both recognise rules are necessary in their line of work and life :P Cheers o/

[@fredrickseiler4492]

@@krzosu I don't believe Garak would be evil of any sort because deep down, he's not really out for just himself, and he's not strictly lawful because you yourself basically stated what neutral would be in place of lawful or chaotic. :) Now Quark? Yeah, he's definitely lawful evil. LOL

[@KairuHakubi]

science fiction has a long history of coating hard-to-swallow pills in something that obscures their immediate presence, so that by the time you realize it, it's in your bloodstream doing whatever it does.

[@Myrdden71]

I like how Odo reacts differently to Garak in this conversation than he might have to anyone else. He's not judgmental, not surprised, not angered...he's merely observant. And notice how they don't even show us his reactions past a certain point, they just keep the camera on Garak. I always want to see Odo's reaction when Garak says, "Well, it's the safest way, isn't it?" but the focus stays on Garak. It leaves me wondering. And that's a nice touch.

[@kingbaldwiniv5409]

Deep Space 9 was underrated. Garak was a deeper character than most characters in any of the newer movie or series attempts in the Star Trek brand, and he was a secondary character!

[@ShaDO118k]

God damn. I have never seen this show, not one episode but despite this, I buy everything Garak says in every clip I watch. I need too see this show!❤️

[@Vulf_Faolan]

One of my all time favourites. I hope you enjoy it ❤️

[@essaboselin5252]

If you haven't watched it yet, I'll warn you the first season isn't the greatest. It has one of the best episodes of the entire run, but it also has some clunkers.

[@chrisko6439]

@@essaboselin5252 Yeah, the first season alienated a lot of people. These never got to enjoy this great show.

[@CaptainBars]

This show got better with each passing season. If you don't get much out of Season One, stick with it and by the time you get to Season Three or Four, you'll barely be able wait for Season Five-to-Seven.

[@noclu4u384]

Absolute must see. Ive seen every episode so many times i could recite the scripts from memory . As Vic Fontaine would say" You gotta do it pally" .

[@azraelknightquest5754]

Odo states his disapproval at shooting a man in the back like that. Most people in Garak's position would give a sermon on struggling with morality. Garak just says "It's the safest way, isn't it?" Like a shameless assassin. He does not regret that inclination at all and in addition to humor... It shows just how deadly and dangerous Garak is. He WILL kill you by whatever means if he decides to. But the last line... "Ah, my dear Constable... Before this day is over, everyone on this station is going to regret it" is somber and foreboding. It should have been funny or self-justifying. But it was chilling and dark, because it was true: A lot of people are going to have to bury friends and maybe even family members, because Garak did not shoot Dukat in cold blood. Not Garak's fault, he had no way of knowing. But it's true. A rare scene where a cold blooded assassin would be appreciated over a sentimental model citizen.

[@RN1441]

Then there was that whole attempted genocide thing on the defiant.

[@azraelknightquest5754]

@@RN1441 Yes, the female founder threatened genocide on Cardassians. Then actually went through with it, very nearly succeeding. Garak did that to protect his people. What's your point? What does that have to do with his scene?

[@john.premose]

Well….technically that’s not cold blooded. If it was cold blooded it would have had to be planned beforehand but Garak just had a spontaneous impulse which he didn’t act on

[@iancolthart6676]

That sounds like something Bronn from Game of Thrones would say: "do you want to fight pretty? or do you want to win?"

[@craigtucker1290]

I am reminded of a dialogue from Red Dwarf: Rimmer : What are you waiting for? Gloop him. Lister : I can't. He's not armed. Rimmer : Lister, this is not a scout meeting. We are not trying to win Best Behaved Troop Flag. Gloop him. Lister : What? In the back? Rimmer : Of course in the back. It's only a pity he's awake. Lister : You mean you can happily kill him if he was asleep? Rimmer : I can happily kill him if he was on the job.

[@jimkirk4357]

My favorite Garack scene was with Julian after Garack had told him numerous conflicting stories. Julian asked which ones were true. Garack replied "they're all true" whereupon Julian asked "even the lies?" Garack replied "especially the lies". All while smiling that Cheshire Cat smile. The MOST entertaining character on DS9 and MY favorite in all of Star Trek. Except perhaps for kirk and Spock from TOS. My childhood heroes.

[@samspeed6271]

I think Quark says it best: No good deed goes unpunished - Rule of Acquisition No.285 Garak is a well written and well performed character.

[@r0bw00d]

ODO: And now you regret it? GARAK: Why would I? I'm still alive--that was the whole point.

[@Cheesusful]

Underrated comment

[@jedigecko06]

Ziyal died. Garak will regret that.

[@cleanerben9636]

He wasn't wrong. Actually the only honest conversation Garak ever had.

[@cteal2018]

No Garak often tells the truth...it make the lies harder to detected. "The best lies has a grain of truth to them"

[@krzosu]

@@cteal2018 Yes... So... this still makes it one of the most honest of conversations in here he didnt lie even once - unless the entire story was a lie and he didnt want to shoot Dukat (which i find even more impossible :D). The another conversation was when Sisko coerced him into going to Cardasia to save Kira :P - When he complainted that this is a freaking extorsion and Sisko outright admited it :P

[@Battleguild]

Root Beer

[@pwnmeisterage]

Garak never lies. Every word he speaks is truth. Even when he admits he's caught lying. The problem is that nobody else can ever trust what he says - because he happily admits that he'll unhesitantly betray his closest friends if it'll benefit him more than having them around - so they automatically _expect_ his lies, they can't allow themselves to blindly accept his truths.

[@joeschembrie9450]

@@pwnmeisterage Garak says he'll betray you, but in the end he seems to always find some selfish reason for saving you.

[@pepperVenge]

"Ironic" is probably the most commonly used word in DS9, outside of "a" and "the."

[@mattender8323]

Ironic isn’t it. Also, “Quark!”

[@Unethical.Dodgson]

Most commonly used words: Prophet Bajor Station Wormhole Dominion Cardassian

[@RuralTowner]

Probably because "Indeed" was already taken elsewhere.

[@VonSpud]

Garak was a perfect addition to DS9...every scene Garak was in had me listening just that little more intently.

[@djokealtena2538]

I loved this actor's performance everytime he graced the screen

[@krzosu]

He had that weird Charisma - that was true - you knew you couldnt trust him - EVER - but still he seemed quite likeable... Nog would disagree though ;P

[@toomanyaccounts]

pity those imbeciles who cannot distinguish an actor from their role made his life hell after Dirty Harry. He was the serial killer and people made death threats against him so he had to get an unlisted phone number and was unable to get roles in hollywood for over a decade due to his stellar performance.

[@mxplixic]

Brings to mind the old Cardassian proverb: "No good deed goes unpunished." :)

[@MrStrikecentral]

That also happens to be Rule of Aquisition #285.

[@dsandoval9396]

I believe that was from the works of Shakespeare in the _original_ Klingon.

[@IONATVS]

@@dsandoval9396 Gene Roddenberry *really* loved that trope, didn’t he?

[@jonnybrello4360]

@@IONATVS Genitals, too, apparently.

[@skynetprime82]

This is why garak was one of my favorite characters from ds9....and still is lol

[@russell7768]

God I miss classic star trek. 😢

[@heatherporterfield7343]

You have to love Garek, he is such an honest villian.

[@eugenewright-4p1l1ba6]

Garak was my favorite recurring character. And in a show with Martok, Dukat, Weyoun and ADM Ross, that is no simple statement. Damn, I love DS9.

[@richacoll1]

Characters like this made DS9 particularly good and very memorable

[@joek5882]

Simply great. I love that DS9 never shied away from rationalizing the darker elements of humanity. The right thing to do may not always be the ethical thing to do. 🤔

[@nicolasadileonardo]

Garak is one of the best Star Trek characters ever.

[@user-nj5cl6xs4n]

My favorite Garak moment is his interpretation of the story of "the boy who cried wolf".

[@Vulf_Faolan]

I think my favourite is when he just straight up says that lying is a skill and to be good at it, you need to practice.

[@calvingreene90]

Garak is one of the best written characters in Star Trek.

[@compmanio36]

Garak is the best character in this show full of great and well fleshed out characters. Change my mind.

[@AdAm-dd4jq]

Garek is the best character in the series. Along with Quark, Rom & Dukat.

[@ChairmanMeow1]

his facial expressions killed me. always had great dialogue.

[@williambarnes5023]

Odo: "You'd shoot a man in the back?" Garak: "I'm honestly offended you'd even ask that."

[@jodecideion]

THis is why it's the Best of the 24th Era Trek! From the Starting Lineup to the backups! There are no weak characters on Team DS9!

[@demarcusfaulkner7411]

These are two great performers. They helped make DS9 come alive.

[@BX138]

Garak, Quark, Data and Spock are the four best characters in the entire Star Trek universe

[@christa3224]

Agreed! I really like how Worf's character evolved over the years as well.

[@canwenot573]

Quark had some of the best character development in all of television. I also loved how he was a selfless hero of the resistance in the Mirror Universe. He turned out to be a pretty good guy in the main universe, too. In spite of all his faults, or perhaps because of them, Quark was a genuinely memorable, and lovable, character.

[@philipthomas6808]

Odo is my favorite DS9 character!

[@spicenug]

Gotta admit Garak was always one of my fave characters on DS9. Glad we got to see more of his character as the series went on.

[@MaverickChristian]

Jeeze, I forgot how good the writing was good on this show.

[@pheonix_coalition7216]

God damn that show had A class characters

[@russell5078084]

Has anyone besides me noticed that Garak never blinks?

[@Vulf_Faolan]

Can't risk blinking. That's when they get you.

[@AximandTheCursed]

"His eyes... his eyes!!!"

[@EnDSchultz1]

They must have given the actor so many eye drops.

[@christopherbacon1077]

Is it just him or all Cardassians?

[@dsandoval9396]

Isn't that the point, they're supposed to be lizard-like aren't they?

[@twist7799]

Garak: Why tell the truth, when a lie will do just as well.!

[@tangylizardk6117]

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

[@jamesf791]

Garak was truly underrated.

[@JohnnyWishbone85]

Robinson is such a phenomenal actor. It's hard to believe he's the same guy who played Scorpio in Dirty Harry.

[@jamesalexhowlett]

Odo and Garak were probably my two most favorite characters in DS9

[@chopin65]

Garak is a wonderful character. He is so good for illustrating the evil aspects of life. For example, in "In the Pale Moonlight" (season 6, episode 19), Garak assassinated Senator Vreenak, a Romulan diplomat. This leads Romulans to believe The Dominion killed him. The Romulans then declare war on the Dominion. Garak knows Sisko is too honorable a man to do such a thing. Sisko wants the Romulans as an ally in the war, but the Dominion has signed a non agression pack with the Romulans. It is therefore up to Garak to do what Sisko cannot. That moral flexibility in Garak is a central and significant part of his rationale. We see it operate in many ways. Because Garak is a charming person, we can see the lines blurred between what we perceive as right and wrong frequently. Garak is the absolute outsider, too. He is an expatriate and former spy. He is guilty of innumerable war crimes. Even Odo doesn't know the full extent of his crimes. In short, he is a mystery. He is the sort of man that can hem a dress and blow up a spaceship. Yeah, it's characters like Garak that kept me hooked.

[@pwnmeisterage]

"Moral flexibility"? Garak understands the cruel, ugly, dirty aspects of life. He's seen it, he's learned it, he's been on both sides of it. He's made sure that he's good at it - he'd prefer to be the one who lives than the one who dies. But all that being said he doesn't have any complex morals or special ethics. Life is simple - enjoy the comforts, value your friends, taste the food, admire the sights, live and let live, when on Romulus do as the Romulans do. Even assassins, outsiders, and exiles like being "normal" people when they're not working.

[@ObservingLibertarian]

Andrew Robinson was utterly brilliant as Garak.

[@nickokona6849]

Odo: "You'd shoot a man in the back?" Garak: "Well, it's the safest way, isn't it?" I think that one line more than any other in Trek explains Garak's character.

[@Granite-wz6iw]

Can't argue with that logic!

[@smc1942]

The conversation with Dr Bashier in which Garak confesses his past in a series of changing lies... Later, Bashier asks him which one was true? Garak assures him they all are. Whereupon Bashier asks, "Even the lies?" With that classic Garak smile, he calmly replied, "Especially the lies." Quintessential Garak!!! That remains one of my favorite episodes, topped only by "...in the pale moonlight". Remember the first half of that title line is, "You ever dance with the devil..." Sisko DEFINITELY was dancing with him in that episode!!! Avery played that one so well too, it's hard to top that performance! It's why I bought the series on DVD; just so I could watch it whenever I wanted to!

[@Maverickgrindstar]

"My dear doctor, they're all true!" "Even the lies?" "ESPECIALLY the lies."

[@Xifihas]

Garak is a wonderful character. Conniving, devious, but incredibly charismatic. You know he's a weasel, but he'll still manage to convince you he's on your side.

[@smc1942]

Which, as it turns out, he was all along. Even though it broke his heart, and cost him everything he cared about on Cardassia. All that remained was his Friends on DS9, and he wasn't going to see them anymore. He was home at last, and staying to rebuild. He knew the Cardassia of the past had to die, so a new Cardassia could be born. He was staying to make certain that Cardassia was more like the Federation. His friends had shown him how well such a government worked. Not perfect, to be sure! But far better than what Cardassia was before the war.

[@Kalenz1234]

There will never be a show of this quality again. Never.

[@elijahsdad]

"Ah, my dear constable...."

[@MRJK87.]

probably the only time someone can say something like that without it being a threat from themselves.

[@Unethical.Dodgson]

Literally incorrect but the sentiment is noted.

[@mike9289]

These words, have got to be among some the greatest wisdom of my life. Not only are they utterly practical, but prophetic, and (probably more important) self-reflective

[@danielmcphee2546]

Many of the characters were well written in ds9 but i think garak was one my personal favorites. You never knew where his loyalties lied even if he was your 'friend' for a moment and later on showing what he is like.

[@austinlevreault6211]

He was loyal to his people, his friends, his family. (The only truly evil thing Garak tried was nuking the founders from orbit... but he tried that as an act of revenge for killing Tain, his father.) He like Odo wanted to go home.. that was why they bonded. He had a moral compass... but it was a different moral compass than that of the federation. The same could be said of Odo who was devoted to order. As for Garak giving Mr. "It's a Fake" a warp core breach..... that saved billions of lives. My personal read on it was the Romulans knew the Federation or Garak did it. They just didn't care. It showed the federation was willing to do whatever it took to win the war. It gave them the unexpected excuse they needed to enter into the fight.

[@geraldshields9035]

Never words truly spoken. He was right.

[@MmmMmm-yf5fz]

People say STD is bad because it's so dark, but DS9 with its Garak and Gul Dukat plots was pretty dark at times as well.

[@princecharon]

The difference, of course, is that DS9 was *well-written* and dark.

[@ggggg77273]

STD's idea of "dark" is the same as a 12 year olds idea of "dark".

[@MurasakiTsukimaru]

@@ggggg77273 So their OC who's totally not just Vincent Valentine and is edgy enough to shave with?

[@codyw1]

That's not why they say it's bad.

[@SpockBorg5]

Std was garbage. Anything inspired by the jar jar verse is garbage

[@Novasky2007]

Garak always passing on lil pearls in casual conversation..

[@Gwaithmir]

I remember Andrew Robinson mostly from his role as Scorpio in the film Dirty Harry.

[@Ash_Rein]

I think that people miss the point. He’s a great character. He’s a thoughtful character. But he is not a good man. Listening to him will cause problems you don’t see coming. This is a person that suffered for his sins. And his being cynical caused a great deal of pain

[@kjpierson1152]

Garak with possibly the greatest lines of the series right there.

[@vulcan2882]

I loved Garak ... he didn't always lie but at the same time he always told the truth depending how you looked at it.

[@flopofshame2582]

" You would shoot a man in the back?". " Well, it is the safest way." Classic Garak.

[@jos.1839]

We need a miniseries about Garak

[@theunknownstuntman4010]

Some fantastic characters and dialog in ds9, garaks mysteriousness, Bashirs nievety at the beginning before coming more self assured later on, watching Jake and Nog grow up,episodes filled with both drama and hints of comedy, the best Star Trek series of the early set. I say that not having seen anything past Enterprise but it was bloody brilliant

[@zachspanos441]

I'm just getting into Star Trek Deep Space 9 and I like it

[@timandshannon03]

Garak, and Nog had the best Character arcs in DS9. Garak was definitely the most interesting Character on the show.

[@junheceta268]

Garak is memorable for innumerable reasons, not the least of which is that he's exactly the kind of character Roddenberry loathed. In fact, DS9 is the best of all the Trek series precisely because it defies Roddenberry's naive utopian fantasy about the future, thus making the stories infinitely more interesting and riveting.

[@thomasembleton1467]

Wise words from the Scorpio killer!

[@bagbunny]

SPOILER: It's no wonder that Garak was so willing to sacrifice himself and the Defiant, after watching this scene.

[@mardiffv.8775]

Yes, that was a golden opportunity to eliminate the founders.

[@terrorsaur599]

Andrew Robinson is one of the most underrated actors of all time. It’s a tragedy he never had a career beyond this and Dirty Harry.

[@PennsyPappas]

Before this day is through everone on this station will regret it. Ultimately the Alpha Quadrant regretted it.

[@Vulf_Faolan]

Some folks in the comments mentioned that if Garak had killed Dukat, the Dominion would just have found another patsy. But no, nobody else they could have found would have caused as much damage as Dukat did. Yes, the Alpha Quadrant absolutely regretted it.

[@PennsyPappas]

@@Vulf_Faolan Amazing how one person can make a difference. Good or bad.

[@highlandoutsider]

Truly one of the greatest Star Trek Characters of all time in my opinion

[@tnvol2011]

Truer words were never spoken. When you KNOW that someone is so bad and corrupt that they don’t deserve to continue to live and yet you do let them live, they can bring a destruction upon you and the ones you care about that you will never forget and that will make you REGRET not doing what you know you should have done.

[@DrewSavo]

This is an important lesson that everyone should learn: if you want a line in your tv show delivered with gravitas and impact, you don’t cast some 20-something mook who can’t get past his own reflection, you cast a stage actor. The best actors in Star Trek history (not the most memorable, but the best performing) are all people who learned how to project their voice and emotions with every word.

[@mardiffv.8775]

Indeed, stage actors are the best. On stage there is only one take, no second.

[@antr7493]

my favorite episode with Garak was when him Nog and O'Brien went to the other space station. Nice little horror episode

[@trplankowner3323]

Garak is my favorite non-human character from Star Trek. I think he had the most interesting storyline. Probably the pinnacle of Andrew Robinson's work, certainly so for me. Thank you Mr. Robinson! Most people seem to gawk and act ridiculous when they meet celebrities. As for myself, either I wouldn't pay them any attention or, in the case like Andrew Robinson, I would tell them "thank you for your work". Few people would get that from me, but for those that have enriched my life with their work, I gladly give it.

[@JnEricsonx]

He's gonna be at a con in PA...not close enough. :(

[@trplankowner3323]

@@JnEricsonx Garak: "Why they were all true my dear doctor, especially the lies!"

[@ericpelote998]

He was right !!

[@tommyzDad]

"It was Calahan!" "Jesus wept."

[@elroma7712]

Dude never blinked

[@rodshaw61rs]

God, I miss Ds9. Garak was truly one of the best characters in the star trek universe.

[@ryanbaker979]

The thumbnail is priceless~

[@andrewpepper3145]

Andrew Robinson bloody nails this part. Garak could've been a mess with a lesser actor playing him but it just works so well 😁 Also one of my favourite ever Garak lines. He'd happily shoot a man in the back, it's the safest way. Remember, Garak puts no stock in rules, ego, concience, remorse. Only professionalism and getting the job done

[@joeedh]

I love Garak

[@victoriapappakostas9377]

Garak was my favorite character on DS9.............."Especially the lies" 😂😂😂😂

[@davidlindsay131]

What ARE our lives compared to the lives of the Entire, Alpha, Quadrant?

[@zalseon4746]

ya know the funny thing is, after being in a related line of work with the military, i started to get Garak.

[@saturn580]

Jaime Lannister: "Bold warrior you are, attacking a man when his guard's down." Bronn: "Best time to attack a man!"

[@pocketheart1450]

I love you Garak.

[@Just_Call_Me_Tim]

This Garak fellow is making me REALLY want to start DS9 and actually watch it.

[@kharnt.betrayer2946]

"You'd shoot a man in the back?" Most characters say either: "Nothing so dishonourable" or "it would be regrettable". Garak: "Yes, of course, what of it?"

[@Vulf_Faolan]

It's funny you should say that. I remember an episode of DS9 where someone, I think Bashir, calls out the Klingon tactic of cloaking in wait to ambush ships responding to distress signals as being "Dishonorable", to which Worf replied "In war, there is nothing more honorable than victory." I feel like DS9 in general showed a far more pragmatic view of the galaxy, with Garak exemplifying that.

[@spaceflight1019]

I think that only Kira and Sisko were spared the blade of Odo's sarcasm. Just one reason why we loved him!

[@Skull-in-the-house]

I know it's an old video but Garak was the best character on DS9