If you had been one of the writers ...

[Bad Thoughts]

... and only a writer, what would you have done differently?

I'm going to do this a little differently with the hope of getting new and thoughtful responses.

You are a writer for DS9, either someone on staff or a freelancer. You are not Rick Berman, Michael Piller, or Ira Steven Behr--you are not an executive producer. To that end, you may only make changes to individual episodes under your control with the hope of influencing the overall development of the series, but cannot make broad changes on your own. You cannot hire Michelle Forbes, bring back Thomas Riker, changes Terry Farrell's mind about leaving, or stop Dukat from becoming the anti-Christ. You cannot make changes to any episodes written by Berman, Piller or Behr. (For simplicty's sake, one of their names should be credited for either story or teleplay or both to disqualify it.)

Given those parameters, imagine that you are a singular writer on the show. If you imagine you are RDM, you can make changes to any or all of his scripts. Are there changes to individual stories that would have made the series better as a whole? Are there ways that things that you didn't like in the grand narrative could have been addressed in other ways?

I know there are fans who would have liked to see the new Dax host to have been male, because it would challenge Worf one way or other. Something that could have been done with Ezri was make it such that she admitted she was really in love with Lenara Khan, not Bashir, in Strange Bedfellows. One of the benefits of the conceptualization of Ezri was that she was not constrained by the social constraints against re-association. Not having been prepared to be joined, she could connect with Worf. However, it could have also given Ezri impetus to connect with Khan, putting Worf in the uncomfortable position of having had been rejected. It would have forced Worf to deal with his own values and his self-worth.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

First thing that comes to mind is things with Worf's family.

Kurn would get a very different fate, instead of erasing his memory he'd keep his memory, officially join another family with another name, and then he could be part of the discovery of changeling Martok.

And Alexander, he would not be a complete moron but rather he'd try to be a ruthless Klingon warrior and realize he's just not ruthless, then he'd come to terms with who he really is and pursue a diplomatic career path.

Like, maybe between the end of TNG and Sons & Daughters, he actually trained with the bat'leth and actually became competent at fighting with it -- in the holodeck at least. But in actual combat with actual stakes he hesitates, he gets flustered, and doesn't have the emotional ability to go in for the kill when he has the chance.

 

[Lynx]

I would have sent Kes (from Star trek Voyager) to DS9 after the character was dumped from Voyager, got rid of that nine year lifespan thing and the energy being mumbo-jumbo, teamed up her with Q and have her as a recurring character in episodes that I would have written. It wouldn't have affected the ongoing story or timeline, just saved a great character from a sad fate.

 

[Sophie74656]

I would have sent Kes (from Star trek Voyager) to DS9 after the character was dumped from Voyager, got rid of that nine year lifespan thing and the energy being mumbo-jumbo, teamed up her with Q and have her as a recurring character in episodes that I would have written. It wouldn't have affected the ongoing story or timeline, just saved a great character from a sad fate.

except that DS9 was off the air at that point

 

[Sophie74656]

First thing that comes to mind is things with Worf's family.

Kurn would get a very different fate, instead of erasing his memory he'd keep his memory, officially join another family with another name, and then he could be part of the discovery of changeling Martok.

And Alexander, he would not be a complete moron but rather he'd try to be a ruthless Klingon warrior and realize he's just not ruthless, then he'd come to terms with who he really is and pursue a diplomatic career path.

Like, maybe between the end of TNG and Sons & Daughters, he actually trained with the bat'leth and actually became competent at fighting with it -- in the holodeck at least. But in actual combat with actual stakes he hesitates, he gets flustered, and doesn't have the emotional ability to go in for the kill when he has the chance.

I would have liked to see this too with Alexander. I would have rather seen him be more competant than the klutz we saw who couldn't do anything right.

 

[Lynx]

except that DS9 was off the air at that point

Not correct.

The events in the Voyager season 4 episode "The Gift" took place at Stardate 51008 (Thursday, 03 Jan 2374) and was aired in the US at 1997-09-10.

The events in the Deep Space Nine season 6 episode "Rocks And Shoals" took place at Stardate 51096.2 (Tue, 05 Feb 2374) and was aired in the US at 1997-10-06.

So it would have been convenient to have Kes appearing at DS) some time after that episode.

 

[Qonundrum]

I'm not much of a writer, but would opine to be a story editor - polishing rough edges and TBH, DS9 doesn't often have many because the show is extremely well-written. But some scenes and moments just seem awkward or out of place.

"The Visitor" is, as a whole, marvelous, but its flaws are too glaring. The strange woman who stops by doesn't bat an eyelid over this strange guy she's in awe of telling her he's going to kill himself because of his seeing and hearing things. She doesn't take one moment to consider he might have schizophrenia, she's a plot token with nice legs conveniently moving the story and its contrivances along.

"Emissary", oddly, has the problem of being too-TOS in feel. The magical glowing light bulb aliens repeating the "What is love?" stuff feels far more Kirk-era. If they knew Sisko had the right stuff, they would have known that and more already - and I didn't get the vibe they were queing him up (or Q'ing) with tests to pass. Picard, in the second half, started feeling a tad out of place as well. (Yes, the Prophets use his image despite recent events, but it felt more like stretching the budget for the special guest star than keeping it in tune with the arc.) Kept in in part 1 only, his presence helps bridge both shows while letting Sisko's personality show through and the writers nailed that from the get-go. Don't get me wrong, given the time, "Emissary" is pretty much fantastic as an opener. Easily the best opener any Trek show has ever had, bar none. (Man Trap being runner up, Farpoint is bad, Caretaker is boring... Broken Bow was unconvincing... DSC's was so forgetful and inconsistent I didn't even remember the title.) But the repetition, Picard being used later on that didn't feel right, the sudden rush with the wormhole despite it being there for 10000 years... it's got rough patches.

Jumping to another series, "Timeless" shoves in too much Borg technobabble and whittles down the drama somewhat. It's the only nitpick - minor, but sitting there like a wart on a finger.

 

[Sophie74656]

Not correct.

The events in the Voyager season 4 episode "The Gift" took place at Stardate 51008 (Thursday, 03 Jan 2374) and was aired in the US at 1997-09-10.

The events in the Deep Space Nine season 6 episode "Rocks And Shoals" took place at Stardate 51096.2 (Tue, 05 Feb 2374) and was aired in the US at 1997-10-06.

So it would have been convenient to have Kes appearing at DS) some time after that episode.

I love how you can do this even on the DS9 board

 

[Lynx]

I love how you can do this even on the DS9 board

Well, the question was "if you had been one of the writers........"

Since I wasn't allowed to change anything canon or important to the timeline, I couldn't avoid Jadzia's death and make Ezri a sister to Jadzia which was my first thought.

So then I came up with something which wouldn't disturb or destroy the ongoing Deep Space Nine saga and which also contained something special, sort of trademark for me.

In other words, the creation of a genius!

Which shouldn't be laughed at but celebrated!

 

[Bad Thoughts]

Since I wasn't allowed to change anything canon or important to the timeline, I couldn't avoid Jadzia's death and make Ezri a sister to Jadzia which was my first thought.

So then I came up with something which wouldn't disturb or destroy the ongoing Deep Space Nine saga and which also contained something special, sort of trademark for me.

I wrote the question in such a way because I was hoping people would come up with answers that sounded like they coming from within the production and that might look logical. Some things were never going to happen: Robinson was never going to become a cast member, regardless of ISB's wishes. Terry Farrell chose to leave DS9: she had the opportunity to do other work, and her relationship with Rick Berman had deteriorated. During the 7th season, she resisted and opposed efforts to bring back her character, even in flashbacks. Jadzia's death, from this perspective, is just a minor plot point that would bring back Farrell in no capacity. And it would be a rather god-like action to do so,

OTOH, you are more than welcome to change episodes that might have encouraged Farrell to stay--things that made the part of Dax more interesting to play. I thought it was cool that they made Dax the CO of the Defiant, but alas, ISB decided that would not be permanent.

On the other hand, more could have been done with Dax's part in One LIttle Ship. Surprisingly, she sits on her butt most of the episode, but I think it would have been perfectly logical to have her go with Bashir to rewire the console. She was pretty cool in Pale Moonlight--it might have been cool had she aware of part of Sisko's plan--perhaps even participating in it.

 

[Lynx]

I wrote the question in such a way because I was hoping people would come up with answers that sounded like they coming from within the production and that might look logical. Some things were never going to happen: Robinson was never going to become a cast member, regardless of ISB's wishes. Terry Farrell chose to leave DS9: she had the opportunity to do other work, and her relationship with Rick Berman had deteriorated. During the 7th season, she resisted and opposed efforts to bring back her character, even in flashbacks. Jadzia's death, from this perspective, is just a minor plot point that would bring back Farrell in no capacity. And it would be a rather god-like action to do so,

OTOH, you are more than welcome to change episodes that might have encouraged Farrell to stay--things that made the part of Dax more interesting to play. I thought it was cool that they made Dax the CO of the Defiant, but alas, ISB decided that would not be permanent.

On the other hand, more could have been done with Dax's part in One LIttle Ship. Surprisingly, she sits on her butt most of the episode, but I think it would have been perfectly logical to have her go with Bashir to rewire the console. She was pretty cool in Pale Moonlight--it might have been cool had she aware of part of Sisko's plan--perhaps even participating in it.

My personal opinion about this is that they shouldn't have killed of Jadzia. Instead she could have been taken prisoner by the Cardassians and been liberated in the last episode, I'm sure that Farrell could have been persuaded to do a guest appearance in the last episode.

Ezri, who I think is a great character could have been Jadzia's sister who happened to get a posting on DS9.

 

[Sophie74656]

I wrote the question in such a way because I was hoping people would come up with answers that sounded like they coming from within the production and that might look logical. Some things were never going to happen: Robinson was never going to become a cast member, regardless of ISB's wishes. Terry Farrell chose to leave DS9: she had the opportunity to do other work, and her relationship with Rick Berman had deteriorated. During the 7th season, she resisted and opposed efforts to bring back her character, even in flashbacks. Jadzia's death, from this perspective, is just a minor plot point that would bring back Farrell in no capacity. And it would be a rather god-like action to do so,

OTOH, you are more than welcome to change episodes that might have encouraged Farrell to stay--things that made the part of Dax more interesting to play. I thought it was cool that they made Dax the CO of the Defiant, but alas, ISB decided that would not be permanent.

On the other hand, more could have been done with Dax's part in One LIttle Ship. Surprisingly, she sits on her butt most of the episode, but I think it would have been perfectly logical to have her go with Bashir to rewire the console. She was pretty cool in Pale Moonlight--it might have been cool had she aware of part of Sisko's plan--perhaps even participating in it.

I don't think there was any reason for jadzia to come back. In terms of story telling a permanent death has far more impact and emotional significance. A problem that always exists with tv shows is when a main character is in danger, you're not overly concerned because you know they will end up fine because they are a main character. Having someone die and stay dead gives it more significance

 

[Bad Thoughts]

I'm sure that Farrell could have been persuaded to do a guest appearance in the last episode.

They didn't convince her to come back. That can't be changed.

 

[kkt]

I wrote the question in such a way because I was hoping people would come up with answers that sounded like they coming from within the production and that might look logical. Some things were never going to happen: Robinson was never going to become a cast member, regardless of ISB's wishes. Terry Farrell chose to leave DS9: she had the opportunity to do other work, and her relationship with Rick Berman had deteriorated. During the 7th season, she resisted and opposed efforts to bring back her character, even in flashbacks. Jadzia's death, from this perspective, is just a minor plot point that would bring back Farrell in no capacity. And it would be a rather god-like action to do so,

OTOH, you are more than welcome to change episodes that might have encouraged Farrell to stay--things that made the part of Dax more interesting to play. I thought it was cool that they made Dax the CO of the Defiant, but alas, ISB decided that would not be permanent.

On the other hand, more could have been done with Dax's part in One LIttle Ship. Surprisingly, she sits on her butt most of the episode, but I think it would have been perfectly logical to have her go with Bashir to rewire the console. She was pretty cool in Pale Moonlight--it might have been cool had she aware of part of Sisko's plan--perhaps even participating in it.

If Sisko allowed Dax to know about the Pale Moonlight operation, it would have made him look incompetent. The fewer people who know about it, the better. It's bad enough Garak knows, and Starfleet Command.

 

[Armus]

I would have written more "chick exploration fun". Just kidding. That's an in joke to an old closed thread.

I would liked to seen more of a wild west feel to the show, having shady aliens that were associates of Quark pose a real threat to the station, and more exploration of gamma quadrant aliens.

 

[Nyotarules]

I would make Section 31 a legitimate department in the Federation's intelligence service, its ultra ultra black ops, but known on a need to know basis. The discovery of which would make Bashir and others realise 'Paradise' comes at a price and dent Bashir's naivety. None of this 'a department acting on its own illegally, to protect the Federation' rubbish.

 

[Bad Thoughts]

If Sisko allowed Dax to know about the Pale Moonlight operation, it would have made him look incompetent. The fewer people who know about it, the better. It's bad enough Garak knows, and Starfleet Command.

I am simply tossing out ideas on that one, hopeing to encourage Lynx to see an avenue for his interests within the parameters I put in place. If you were a writer and wanted to convince Terry Farrell to stay, what would you do?

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

None of this 'a department acting on its own illegally, to protect the Federation' rubbish.

In every group like this, you will always have people who do unsanctioned activities. So a department that does questionable things and attracts those with questionable morals, who may act beyond their orders.

 

[Lynx]

I am simply tossing out ideas on that one, hopeing to encourage Lynx to see an avenue for her interests within the parameters I put in place. If you were a writer and wanted to convince Terry Farrell to stay, what would you do?

Just for your information, The old and feared Lynx is a "he", not a "she".

The reason for me to use the name "Lynx" is a long story which involves a fascination for those fierce cats, a short-lived rock band with that name and a story about a Maquis crew on a ship named "Lynx", a story which developed into something more different than it was meant to be from the beginning.

 

[Nyotarules]

In every group like this, you will always have people who do unsanctioned activities. So a department that does questionable things and attracts those with questionable morals, who may act beyond their orders.

I can understand that, but I would not have Section 31 operating like a B613 (Scandal) but as a legitimate department in Federation intelligence, that sometimes does questionable things like 'black ops' did for the CIA, KGB etc