‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ Finally Makes ‘Deep Space Nine’ Fan Favorite Characters Garak and Bashir a Couple, 30 Years Later

As a lifelong Trekkie who has witnessed the evolution of Star Trek’s representation over the years, I must say that “Star Trek: Lower Decks” has truly outdone itself with the penultimate episode of its fifth season, “Fissure Quest.” The long-awaited romantic union between Doctor Julian Bashir and Mister Elim Garak, characters that have captivated fans for decades, was a delight to finally see.

In the television series “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” the characters Dr. Julian Bashir (played by Alexander Siddig) and Mister Elim Garak (Andrew Robinson) had an intriguing dynamic that captivated viewers throughout the show’s run. However, any underlying real relationship between them remained a mystery to audiences. Despite this, their pairing has been a favorite among fans, leading to numerous theories and even fan-made stories over the years.

In the penultimate episode of “Lower Decks,” titled “Fissure Quest,” the series’ long-running storyline about a dimensional rift reaches its climax. This happens after an alternate version of Boimler (played by Jack Quaid) embarks on a secret, inter-dimensional journey to probe the fissures.

In an episode that could be considered one of the most self-referential in “Star Trek” series, titled “Fissure Quest,” a variety of familiar faces reappear from different corners of the “Star Trek” universe as part of Boimler’s crew. These characters include T’Pol from “Enterprise,” Harry Kim from “Voyager,” Lily Sloane from “First Contact,” and notably, Bashir and Garak from “Deep Space Nine.

Back in 1993, I first encountered Andrew Robinson as a guest star on “Deep Space Nine,” specifically in the Season 1 episode “Past Prologue.” From that moment, the electrifying chemistry between the young Doctor and the seemingly world-weary tailor Garak immediately captivated viewers. To everyone’s delight, this one-time role for Robinson soon transformed into a recurring character, thanks to their effortless camaraderie on screen.

Star Trek” is known for its daring spirit, yet the notion of an on-screen same-sex couple, such as a man and a reptilian character, was not widely accepted in the 1990s. Characters like Bashir and Garak remained confined to the realm of close friends, despite fan demands for a romantic narrative arc.

In summarizing the interactions between characters, “Lower Decks” showrunner Mike McMahan stated that the writers have enjoyed the romantic connection between Andrew and Sid’s characters, reminiscent of Garak and Bashir from “DS9”. For thirty years, they’ve cherished these two characters, now married, as they delve into their relationship and space exploration across the universe. The multiverse seems to offer an opportunity for us to spend more time with this beloved couple.

Even years after “DS9” ended its broadcast, Robinson and Siddig persistently advocated for the Garak/Bashir bond. This included promoting them at conventions during the ’90s, as well as recording an audiobook together, and even performing scripts written by fans via Zoom. Consequently, they played a significant role in generating enthusiasm surrounding their on-screen relationship.

Even though “Star Trek” has introduced numerous LGBTQ+ characters and relationships in later series, like the central romance between Stamets and Culber in “Star Trek: Discovery”, the show “Lower Decks” revives Garak and Bashir’s relationship, which was an early pioneer but did not receive proper representation. This is achieved through clever manipulation of different universes (multiversal chicanery).

As a movie buff, I’d put it this way: “Always remember, don’t hit the hay while still seething, and never breach the golden rule – only do so if it’s absolutely necessary.

2024-12-13 04:17

‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ Finally Makes ‘Deep Space Nine’ Fan Favorite Characters Garak and Bashir a Couple, 30 Years Later

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