If You Could Rewrite DS9
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I'm not sure how such greatness can be bettered. I liked how it depicted a very diverse community all learning to live together.
A short DS9 spinoff show would have been good! Perhaps centered on an Akira-class starship on shakedown or something, with numerous crossovers!
Niner and proud here, but it never hurts to look at how this great show could've been tweaked or altered.
So what would you do differently? What would you keep in and what would go? How might characters be different (or would you have different characters altogether?)? Would you make it serialised right from day one?
My take on an altered DS9:
The station wouldn't be Cardassian but one of the original ideas, a sort of Tower of Babel, an ancient space station built by a long forgotten race, since inhabited, extended and altered by numerous others over the centuries (the most recent being the Cardassians during their occupation of Bajor). When Starfleet comes in to lend support to the Bajorans, they take up residence on the base, which houses many mysteries of its own that have yet to be unlocked (one of which reopens the previously sealed wormhole).
Thinking of most of the characters, I don't actually seeing them changing much, a few little tweaks here and there, as well as maybe a new addition or two.
Sisko would remain pretty much as he is (though I'd want him bald and bearded from the start), starts off as a Commander with a chip on his shoulder following the death of his wife, who learns that he is to be the Emissary of the Prophets. His offspring would be a daughter, Jaqueline (or "Jackie" to most), who is a decent student though knows that she doesn't want to join Starfleet but doesn't really know what she wants to do with her life--despite all odds, she manages to befriend the Ferengi Nog, much to the chagrin of their respective fathers.
As much as I like Ro, I'd have to keep Kira as the First Officer. Wouldn't see her changing much from the original either, though maybe a little trepidation about being on the station, which would have a long history with the Bajorans (not all of which good, especially in recent years, as a result there are many myths and legends about the place). Odo would be much the same, though he has a longer history with the station, being the place he was studied and examined after being discovered, as such he knows it better than most but doesn't like to say just what he's learnt about the place. I'd also love to include another Bajoran officer, someone who grew up on a refugee camp near the border and has a somewhat divisive opinion about the Bajoran religion and beliefs (even after witnessing the return of the Celestial Temple). I'm thinking a young male (early-twenties at the most) who may be technically gifted but lacks formal training, serving as the Communications Officer or another Ops-based role that would see him work a lot with Dax and O'Brien, who he'd more in common with than with other Bajorans.
Jadzia Dax would have her adventurous, life-loving personality (as opposed to the wise old sage in a young body from season one), she embraces all that the universe offers and knows how to enjoy herself, which she is constantly trying to get Sisko to do as well. She'd also have a "fun aunt" relationship with Jackie, which would see the pair get involved in some hijinks. O'Brien is the everyman, who would still have to suffer something horrible every season, but he always manages to get through it mostly thanks to his loving family (Keiko and Molly would also have more of a presence). I'd also like to add in another Starfleet officer, a non-human male who would be in a 'combat' role such as tactical officer or even a fighter pilot (seeing as how there wouldn't be any starships on hand, a squadron of fighters would be a reasonable defensive line for a solitary station beyond the Federation border). He could either be from a planet close to the Cardassian border, so knows just what the Bajorans have faced, or has spent a lot of her time in service facing off against them, either way he can sympathise with the Bajorans (and later the Maquis once they arise).
Bashir would remain the brilliant and idealistic young doctor, though include a few hints about his genetic enhancement from earlier on, though something that is hidden and he is paranoid about coming to light. The medical staff would also have a Counsellor on hand to help provide support to those that required it, though her presence may not be well-liked by many on the station. I envision Melora Pazlar in this role, still fiercely independent and forthright, she wouldn't let people hide away from their problems, whilst trying to overcome her own frailties in the "normal"-gravity environment she has chosen to make her life.
Quark would be the resident Ferengi bar owner and swindler, always on the lookout for more profit and willing to do just about anything to get it--not that Odo lets him off with anything. Due to his time on the station, he too knows a few of its secrets, ones that help him keep ahead of the competition (and the authorities). With the age and history of the station, it would attract all sorts of people (both reputable and not so much), one of which would be an archaeologist, looking to unlock the secrets for both the scientific insight and the chance to make a little money on the side. Vash would fit this role nicely, though likewise it could be developed for another character, though I'd still think it would be best suited to a woman (either human or not).
So what would you do differently? What would you keep in and what would go? How might characters be different (or would you have different characters altogether?)? Would you make it serialised right from day one?
My take on an altered DS9:
The station wouldn't be Cardassian but one of the original ideas, a sort of Tower of Babel, an ancient space station built by a long forgotten race, since inhabited, extended and altered by numerous others over the centuries (the most recent being the Cardassians during their occupation of Bajor). When Starfleet comes in to lend support to the Bajorans, they take up residence on the base, which houses many mysteries of its own that have yet to be unlocked (one of which reopens the previously sealed wormhole).
Thinking of most of the characters, I don't actually seeing them changing much, a few little tweaks here and there, as well as maybe a new addition or two.
Sisko would remain pretty much as he is (though I'd want him bald and bearded from the start), starts off as a Commander with a chip on his shoulder following the death of his wife, who learns that he is to be the Emissary of the Prophets. His offspring would be a daughter, Jaqueline (or "Jackie" to most), who is a decent student though knows that she doesn't want to join Starfleet but doesn't really know what she wants to do with her life--despite all odds, she manages to befriend the Ferengi Nog, much to the chagrin of their respective fathers.
As much as I like Ro, I'd have to keep Kira as the First Officer. Wouldn't see her changing much from the original either, though maybe a little trepidation about being on the station, which would have a long history with the Bajorans (not all of which good, especially in recent years, as a result there are many myths and legends about the place). Odo would be much the same, though he has a longer history with the station, being the place he was studied and examined after being discovered, as such he knows it better than most but doesn't like to say just what he's learnt about the place. I'd also love to include another Bajoran officer, someone who grew up on a refugee camp near the border and has a somewhat divisive opinion about the Bajoran religion and beliefs (even after witnessing the return of the Celestial Temple). I'm thinking a young male (early-twenties at the most) who may be technically gifted but lacks formal training, serving as the Communications Officer or another Ops-based role that would see him work a lot with Dax and O'Brien, who he'd more in common with than with other Bajorans.
Jadzia Dax would have her adventurous, life-loving personality (as opposed to the wise old sage in a young body from season one), she embraces all that the universe offers and knows how to enjoy herself, which she is constantly trying to get Sisko to do as well. She'd also have a "fun aunt" relationship with Jackie, which would see the pair get involved in some hijinks. O'Brien is the everyman, who would still have to suffer something horrible every season, but he always manages to get through it mostly thanks to his loving family (Keiko and Molly would also have more of a presence). I'd also like to add in another Starfleet officer, a non-human male who would be in a 'combat' role such as tactical officer or even a fighter pilot (seeing as how there wouldn't be any starships on hand, a squadron of fighters would be a reasonable defensive line for a solitary station beyond the Federation border). He could either be from a planet close to the Cardassian border, so knows just what the Bajorans have faced, or has spent a lot of her time in service facing off against them, either way he can sympathise with the Bajorans (and later the Maquis once they arise).
Bashir would remain the brilliant and idealistic young doctor, though include a few hints about his genetic enhancement from earlier on, though something that is hidden and he is paranoid about coming to light. The medical staff would also have a Counsellor on hand to help provide support to those that required it, though her presence may not be well-liked by many on the station. I envision Melora Pazlar in this role, still fiercely independent and forthright, she wouldn't let people hide away from their problems, whilst trying to overcome her own frailties in the "normal"-gravity environment she has chosen to make her life.
Quark would be the resident Ferengi bar owner and swindler, always on the lookout for more profit and willing to do just about anything to get it--not that Odo lets him off with anything. Due to his time on the station, he too knows a few of its secrets, ones that help him keep ahead of the competition (and the authorities). With the age and history of the station, it would attract all sorts of people (both reputable and not so much), one of which would be an archaeologist, looking to unlock the secrets for both the scientific insight and the chance to make a little money on the side. Vash would fit this role nicely, though likewise it could be developed for another character, though I'd still think it would be best suited to a woman (either human or not).
Hmm, I've just started a similar thread and was obviously working on it when you were posting this.
For me DS9 works so well because it's on a station, the crew are in one area where what they do has consequences and the actions they take will impact on the entire sector they find themselves in, whilst having the GQ to explore is simply a bonus for them.
For me DS9 works so well because it's on a station, the crew are in one area where what they do has consequences and the actions they take will impact on the entire sector they find themselves in, whilst having the GQ to explore is simply a bonus for them.
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Maybe they could be merged? I wouldn't have a problem if this one was dropped
I doubt I would change anything to the show's premise. If anything, I would have wanted to station to feel more populated: there should be more minor characters who might appear on an infrequent basis, perhaps only a few times during a season, and then replaced by someone else the next year. I think we need more people like the Klingon restauranteur. There also need to be more named Bajoran crewmen, especially those who formed Odo's security force. I also would hope that Keiko would appear more regularly.
And the Dukat-as-anti-Christ things has got to go! He's evil, but he doesn't need to be the mirror-opposite of Sisko.
And the Dukat-as-anti-Christ things has got to go! He's evil, but he doesn't need to be the mirror-opposite of Sisko.
Done! Thanks for offering!Maybe they could be merged? I wouldn't have a problem if this one was dropped
Rewrite most of season six and seven, bring the show back to how good it was in earlier seasons.
Off the top of my head:
* Get rid of the whole "Sisko is half-prophet nonsense"
* Eliminate Dukat's becoming the Pah-Wraith cult leader.
* Conclude the Dominion War in season six (Berman was right about this)
* Not have Bashir genetically enhanced
* If Jadzia is to be killed off, make it a more interesting scenario than she's in the wrong place at the wrong time for bonkers Dukat
* Don't ruin the character of Alexander Rhozenko
* I'd prefer Kira and Odo never got together. The unrequited love from Odo, and their friendship, was a great part of earlier seasons.
Off the top of my head:
* Get rid of the whole "Sisko is half-prophet nonsense"
* Eliminate Dukat's becoming the Pah-Wraith cult leader.
* Conclude the Dominion War in season six (Berman was right about this)
* Not have Bashir genetically enhanced
* If Jadzia is to be killed off, make it a more interesting scenario than she's in the wrong place at the wrong time for bonkers Dukat
* Don't ruin the character of Alexander Rhozenko
* I'd prefer Kira and Odo never got together. The unrequited love from Odo, and their friendship, was a great part of earlier seasons.
Two other things I would change: (1) Message in a Bottle would lead into Pale Moonlight and (2) Far Beyond the Stars would come after Pale Moonlight. DS9 and Voyager so seldom touched that Message in a Bottle is precious. That said, it painted the Romulans as less than neutral when it came to the war: they were operating covertly against the Federation. Developed more, Sisko's operations against the Romulans would not have seemed to random, without affecting the moral gravity of his actions. On the other side, Far Beyond the Stars could have followed up to provide greater context to what Sisko was doing while giving a modicum of redemption.
Minor changes
Less evil Dukat more complex Dukat as in the early season
Sisko looking like Hawk from Season 1
Superman Bashir hiding his secret from Season 1
Bring in Worf from Season 1
More stories from the planet Bajor
Less evil Dukat more complex Dukat as in the early season
Sisko looking like Hawk from Season 1
Superman Bashir hiding his secret from Season 1
Bring in Worf from Season 1
More stories from the planet Bajor
Wow. This seems over-the-top to me. It's like a cook asking, 'How's the steak? Is there anything I could do that would make it better?' and getting the reply 'I'd rather have ice cream.'
^ Everybody has a type. Sisko's liked women with dark skin, Kim always liked the wrong woman, Kirk liked anything with a pulse.
The fact of the matter is that Sisko was never involved nor showed any interest in a non-black woman unlike other actors' characters like Michael Dorn's for example.
No, he, Avery Brooks, took action to recommend Masterson for such a role. Please don't read agendas into what happened on the show.
1. Kill off Keiko O'Brien, never cared for the actress at all. Then pair up O'Brien and Kira, they had much better chemistry than she and Odo did.
2. No Worf, I had enough of the Klingons on TNG I didn't need any more of them on DS9. All it did was ruin Jazdia's character.
3. Instead of Jake working for the Federation News Service, have him work for Cassidy Yates to gain life experience.
4. No Ezri Dax, instead have the Dax symbiont go to a male host and have Nicole as a Romulan liaison.
5. No Rom as Nagus, instead have Isska as Nagus.
6. End the war a few episodes earlier and have Bajor admitted to the Federation Then have Sisko fight Dukat and his disappearance will be bittersweet to Bajor as they celebrate Federation status and lose their emissary.
2. No Worf, I had enough of the Klingons on TNG I didn't need any more of them on DS9. All it did was ruin Jazdia's character.
3. Instead of Jake working for the Federation News Service, have him work for Cassidy Yates to gain life experience.
4. No Ezri Dax, instead have the Dax symbiont go to a male host and have Nicole as a Romulan liaison.
5. No Rom as Nagus, instead have Isska as Nagus.
6. End the war a few episodes earlier and have Bajor admitted to the Federation Then have Sisko fight Dukat and his disappearance will be bittersweet to Bajor as they celebrate Federation status and lose their emissary.
Or even before that, have the entire Dominion arc be (at most) a season and a half. From the very first mention to war's end and the Dominion's complete disappearence from the series.
Bad Thoughts, you seem to be confusing Brooks with Sisko. With the exception of mirror Dax, the character of Sisko exclusively showed romantic and sexual interest in Black women, both Human and alien women.
Brook's suggestions are nice behind the scenes info, but have no bearing on Sisko in-universe.
Fantastic idea, but have Dax continue to show interest in both Bashir and Worf.
Worf especially would show obvious discomfort when the new male Dax would bring up how much fun it was making love to Worf. Which the new Dax would of course have personal memories of.
I would have rather the Bajor government told the Federation (through Ross?) that on further consideration they deside that they wouldn't be joining the Federation. They didn't feel the Federation had it's act together yet, however Bajor would reconsider joining in a few centuries.
Other changes I would have liked to of seen.
Worf brings Alexander (new actor okay) with him to DS9, and show that Worf has become a much better father than he was previously. Have Worf and Alexander possess the same kind of relationship as Ben Sisko and Jake.
Ben and Jake had possibly the best father and son relationship that TV has ever done.
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