I Finally Started Watching Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, And I Already Have A Serious Problem With Quark

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I proudly identify as an avid “Star Trek” enthusiast. I’ve watched the movies so many times that I’ve lost count. As a child, I used to enjoy re-runs of both “The Original Series” and “The Next Generation.” I eagerly anticipate my visit to Universal Studios for their Fan Fest, where I can’t wait to feel like I’m actually on the Enterprise.

Up until recently, I hadn’t completely watched two entire Star Trek series – “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Star Trek: Voyager”. They first aired when I was in high school and college, which diverted my focus elsewhere. This year, I finally binge-watched all of “Voyager”, and now I’m preparing to rewind the timeline and watch “DS9” for the first time thoroughly.

Currently, we’re past one season into the series, and I’m finding it entertaining overall, despite Deep Space Nine’s less-than-ideal portrayal of a pandemic situation. It stands apart from traditional Star Trek in being more serialized, which might have been why I struggled to connect with it at first. However, there’s much to appreciate about the show, but one scene in Season 2 has left a lasting impact – so much so that my feelings towards Quark, the Ferengi barkeeper, have taken a drastic turn for the worse, and now I can’t stand him.

Quark Should Have Been Thrown Off DS9 After “Invasive Procedures”

In the second season of “Deep Space Nine,” there’s an episode known as “Invasive Procedures.” A Trill character, portrayed by John Glover, who feels resentment for not being selected to host a Trill symbiote like many others from his species, seizes control over DS9 when the station is largely deserted. He then compels Jadzia Dax to undergo a surgical procedure to remove her symbiote against her will.

In the end, the Trill transplant procedure is performed successfully at first, but unfortunately, it’s predicted that this operation would eventually result in Jadzia’s demise. However, an unexpected turn of events occurs, and everyone manages to survive. Despite this fortunate twist, Jadzia still experiences near-death and undergoes a harrowing ordeal, all due to Quark’s actions.

In the end, it’s revealed that Quark received payment to aid the invaders in entering the station. The crew confronts him about this and neither pays him nor treats him well. However, he later assists the crew in reclaiming the station. Lt. Kira implies a severe consequence for his betrayal, hinting at his possible expulsion from the station.

I Hope Future Seasons Of Deep Space Nine Don’t Forget About This

Although I haven’t watched every episode of Deep Space Nine prior, I am well-aware that Quark is a significant character and he wouldn’t be expelled into space via an airlock. Yet, I must confess, I couldn’t help but secretly hope for such an event. Watching Lieutenant Kira give Quark a thorough beating would have been satisfying, at least from my perspective. However, the episode in question fails to provide any resolution regarding their altercation, and it appears the series has simply left this storyline behind and moved forward.

Quark’s action was questionable and goes against common sense for a business deal.

Given the complex, ongoing nature of Deep Space Nine, it’s surprising that this specific problem hasn’t been addressed yet. It seems like we’re expected to accept that Quark resolving his own negative deeds compensates for them, but I find myself in disagreement with that interpretation.

Absolutely, I’ve watched five seasons of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” before its conclusion. It’s possible we might revisit this subject later. I genuinely hope so, as I don’t think Quark has necessarily done something unforgivable, but an apology would be appropriate for him.

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2025-02-24 22:38