I watched several episodes of DS9 last night in memory of René Auberjonois. Looking at his important scenes and his acting, I tend to think it would be a mistake if people focused too much on his characterization. Surely, he made Odo unique. However, his great acting gift is best seen in how he interacts with other actors. He elevated the actors around him. The nuances he brought in made those around him look more interesting. And he knew how, and particularly when, to give and take control of the stage. Never did those sarcastic quips take away from their intended target by making Odo look more interesting; instead, the quips enlightened the character he played against. When Odo and Quark talk about defending the bar in Way of the Warrior, it is about Quark. When Kira is avoiding talking about her awkward feelings toward O'Brien, his remark about how she was "family" gave something for Visitor to react to rather than stealing the scene. On the other hand, when he confronted Garak about bombing the tailor's shop, he took control of the situation, but still gave Robinson room to maneuver.
The other great thing: he was malleable. He was willing to let his character take some bruises by making him less reliably moral.
The other great thing: he was malleable. He was willing to let his character take some bruises by making him less reliably moral.
