Torture Quark episodes are superior to Torture O'Brien episodes

[Navaros]

Torture O'Brien episodes have nearly universal acclaim as great episodes. I can see why people like them because Colm Meaney is indeed a great actor. I like them too.

However, I don't understand why the Torture Quark episodes do not likewise have nearly universal acclaim like they should. The Torture Quark episodes seem to barely get any mention.

I mean episodes like Rules of Acquisition, House of Quark, Bar Association, Body Parts, Business as Usual and also the Quark plot in Starship Down. All of those are phenomenal episodes because of Shimerman's excellent performance, backed up by great writing. Shimerman gives an even more compelling performance than Meaney IMO (also because Quark was written as a deeper character which isn't Meaney's fault), and that is no slight against Meaney who is also a top-grade actor, but my point is it seems Shimerman doesn't get his fair share of acclaim.

Furthermore, the Torture Quark episodes actually give very deep insights into who Quark is. We learn that Quark's mean and underhanded traits are a direct result of a deep loyalty to the tenets of his culture, not because (as it would appear at first glance) he has a side to him that is inherently evil. Also, Quark gets developed in these episodes by learning that there are boundaries to how far obedience to his rules should be taken. Additionally, they show Quark's willingness to lay down his life for what he thinks is the moral thing to do (both in House of Quark and Body Parts), whereas most other Ferengi are cowards who would never do such a thing.

On the other hand, the Torture O'Brien episodes do not give us any new insights into the O'Brien character, nor do they develop his character in any tangible way. Therefore, when compared to Torture Quark episodes, they are unquestionably inferior IMO.

I wish there were more Torture Quark episodes, as opposed to say instead wasting opportunities for that on unfunny & annoying Ferengi 'comedy' episodes involving Ishka (ie: Family Business).

I'd go so far to say that the Torture Quark episodes are one of the high watermarks of the series, and among it's very best episodes (which is a huge list for DS9), most especially Bar Association, Body Parts, and Business as Usual.

 

[Deckerd]

Furthermore, the Torture Quark episodes actually give very deep insights into who Quark is.

You sound like Niska.

 

[Navaros]

^
Who's Niska?

 

[Jono]

^
Who's Niska?

I think it's a reference to the character Niska from "Firefly". He was fond of torture and I think he said/quoted someone about how torture can reveal the true nature of a person.

 

[Thestral]

Additionally, they show Quark's willingness to lay down his life for what he thinks is the moral thing to do (both in House of Quark and Body Parts), whereas most other Ferengi are cowards who would never do such a thing.

This quote partly points to why Torture O'Brien is better than Torture Quark, I think. The idea that a culture would even make it to spacefaring status, let alone become a semi-major power in the AQ, clashes hard with the depiction of most Ferengi as cowards who won't lay down their life for what they think is the moral thing to do. How did they ever make it to space? How survive first contact with any hostile species?

That aside, you're right that those Quark episodes should get lauded, but I think most of them do. Shimerman is a fantastic actor, and Quark may be one of the best characters in Star Trek (though so many of said best characters reside in DS9...). One of his best sideplot is in "The Siege of AR-558" which you notably left off your list. However, I think Meaney's a slightly better actor, and think the Torture O'Brien episodes are (generally) better-written and acted as a whole.

I think part of it also is that O'Brien as a character is so relatable. And many of the scrapes he's put into are more sympathetic to viewers. I mean, which strikes closer to home, you become a weapons dealer and have to live with your conscience, or you're unjustly arrested and tried?

 

[CaptainStoner]

Love the Ferengi Episodes. O'Brien is more relatable in some ways, Quark in others. As Kirk infamously said, "Everybody's human".

 

[PSGarak]

I think part of it also is that O'Brien as a character is so relatable. And many of the scrapes he's put into are more sympathetic to viewers. I mean, which strikes closer to home, you become a weapons dealer and have to live with your conscience, or you're unjustly arrested and tried?

Hey, speak for yourself. Those of us who are weapons dealers suffer a tremendous sense of guilt the few times we're sober enough to think about it.

All kidding aside, I do think you hit on why a lot of people relate to the O'Brien episodes a bit more. It's easier to understand him.

The credit I'd really like to give to Shimmerman is how much emotion he was able to convey through very heavy prosthetics. I cannot imagine that would be easy at all, or to be as coherent as he was with his speech with that mouthful of unnaturally pointy teeth. Ever tried to pronounce something correctly with costume teeth in your mouth? It's all but impossible!

 

[Navaros]

^

Yup, and also he could barely hear due to all that thick rubber on his head which covered his ears. Not to mention the weight and heat of a fake head.

It's really quite amazing how seamless and fascinating his performances always are despite being burdened by the makeup with those numerous handicaps. Ditto for all the other DS9 Ferengi actors.

As for Quark being relatable, I find the theme presented with Quark of: how far can you bend the rules before it goes way over the line?...to be a highly relevant theme to everyday living. Likewise for the other Quark theme of: when should the rules be abandoned because it is the right thing to do?