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ISSUE 5 — MAY 2025
Whether you’re quoting the Rules of Acquisition or finagling for that next bit of gold pressed latinum, it is undeniable that the Ferengi have intrinsically added something special to the Star Trek franchise. Originally meant to be the next big “baddie” in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the Ferengi Alliance was a compelling addition to the show in 1987 that just didn’t find it’s footing. Gene Roddenberry envisioned the Ferengi as the “next” Klingons that is a new adversary for the crew of the starship Enterprise.
The early Ferengi characters were written in a less than threatening way, however, and often came off as comical or cartoonish. The actors portraying those characters did an amazing job with what they were given, but make no mistake the Ferengi didn’t land with the audience especially not as an adversary.
Flash forward to 1992 and Deep Space Nine is now being developed. Here, on this fringe space station outside the Federation, the Ferengi would again surface and become a central part of the story telling. The nexus of activity on the station would be Quark’s a bar and casino establishment run by the toadiest of toadies (that’s what the Grand Nagus calls him) Quark. Armin Shimerman, Max Grodenchik, Aron Eisenberg, Jeffrey Combs, Wallace Shawn, Chase Masterson and a host of other great actors would resurrect this species and provide depth, meaning and value. To them, this issue is dedicated as a thank you for all their hard work and character development
The Ferengi are, to this day, my favorite species in the Star Trek universe, and it is because of them. Dabo!!!
Mark Sickle
Founder & Host Star Trek Family
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W
hen Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) originally aired in 1987, it was with the concept that there’d be a new villain in town: the Ferengi. The Ferengi were supposed to be to TNG what the Klingons were to the original series. In the original Star Trek, the Klingons were conceived as an allegory for the Soviet Union during the Cold War, representing the U.S.’s geopolitical adversaries with their militaristic, expansionist nature. But unlike the Klingons, who evolved in Star Trek to reflect the changing political landscape—ultimately mirroring the transformation of the Soviet Union the Ferengi were initially intended as a caricature of greed and capitalism, embodying exaggerated stereotypes of profitdriven behavior without much depth.
It didn’t play out that way, although “caricature” is a fantastic word that describes the early Ferengi lacking any depth, almost cartoonish in nature. Their portrayal was meant to be humorous, but all too often ended up as exaggerated stereotypes of capi-
talism greedy, deceitful, and driven by their love of profit.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) however saw a different evolution take place, with plenty of opportunity to add depth to Ferengi culture and characters.
At the heart of much of this evolution was the character Quark, portrayed by the talented, Shakespeare-inspired and trained Armin Shimerman.
I had the pleasure of discussing this evolution of the Ferengi with Armin one recent evening and we were able to review all things Ferengi…
We began our conversation by discussing the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Last Outpost,” which introduced the Ferengi as the antagonistic, mercantile species in the series’ fourth episode. In this episode, they were portrayed as over-thetop villains, driven by their greed and ruthlessness. This marked the first appearance of the Ferengi in the Star Trek universe, setting the stage for their later development in future episodes. The Ferengi, in this early iteration, were largely one-dimensional villains, often
portrayed as overly greedy, deceitful, and driven by their love for profit characteristics that were meant to be humorous but ultimately came off as exaggerated caricatures of capitalism. Armin, who played the first notable Ferengi character, was never shy about sharing his personal dissatisfaction with how he portrayed the species. He candidly admitted, “I was filled with shame. It was a horrible performance, and the choices I made were all wrong.” Armin reflected that the portrayal was far too simplistic and lacked the depth he believed the Ferengi deserved. He admitted that, in that episode, the Ferengi were depicted without the richness he later aimed to bring to the role. “It was less than one-dimensional,” Armin sadly remarked, expressing regret over not fully capturing the potential complexity of the Ferengi. He was critical not just of the script, but of
acters he hoped to create in subsequent roles.
This critical self-reflection is not uncommon in the world of acting, but what sets Armin’s experience apart is his commitment to improving upon the portrayal. His dissatisfaction with the TNG Ferengi was a driving force behind his future work on Deep Space Nine, where he could reshape the Ferengi into something far more complex and engaging. Armin’s assessment of his early portrayal in The Next Generation served as the catalyst for his determination to revamp the Ferengi race and its representation, turning them from laughable stereotypes into characters with rich backstories and relatable struggles. For Armin, this personal quest was not only
misrepresented.
“My agenda,” Armin told me when I asked him what was different going into DS9, “not only for the first season, but for all seven seasons, was to try to resuscitate this race and make them more three-dimensional.”
Quark was not the only Ferengi character we regularly saw on the screen. Quark’s brother Rom and Rom’s son Nog were series regulars. All three started out as simple caricatures of typical Ferengi, but each developed over time to reveal their complexities, flaws, and growth.
“They became more human, more Starfleet-oriented,” Armin said, when recalling the evolution of these characters. And ever the one to tie Star Trek and
acting to Shakespeare, Armin made a comment that harkened
The Merchant of Venice and Shylock.
“When you live in a community with people that are not of your world’s background, you morph into that community. You become a member of that community. You take on ideas, ideals, that are reflected by that other community. And that’s certainly what happened to all of us, perhaps more so to Nog and Rom than Quark. But even Quark certainly changed.”
This shift wasn’t just a reflection of the Ferengi interacting with other species, but also of how they evolved by living and adapting within the larger Star Trek community.
In order to accomplish this, it was more than simply reading the words in the scripts they were
put into cement and can never be changed again. In theater, you get 30 days, maybe more, but certainly at least 30 days to rehearse your choices, to decide what the other will see and what the other people are going to provide, and make your choices based on what the other people are giving you. As one theater philosophy states: all life comes from the other actor. So my desire to rehearse was based on that. I wanted to know what the other actors were going to do and feel like it was more like a theatrical experience than a television experience.”
Another key element to the challenging performance was the restrictions imposed by the prosthetics. “After about nine hours enclosed in the prosthetics our energies would just seep out of every pore, and I knew that most of our days were 12-hour days.”
And thankfully, Armin was not alone. “The other actors who wore similar makeup all understood this. They were kind enough to get together with me for several years and rehearse in my house so that we had a better understanding of what was coming forward.”
handed. Armin has often discussed his unique-for-television approach to rehearsing with the cast to refine his portrayal of Quark. This included practicing outside of filming hours, using their theatrical backgrounds to bring more nuance and emotion
to the performances.
Armin recalled, “One of the differences between television and theater, an obvious one is, on television, you get about 10 to 15 minutes to rehearse with the other actors before they turn the cameras on, and everything is
This brought the actors together to form a community, Armin told me. Given their common theater backgrounds, it worked like magic. “All of us understood [from theater], and all of us understood the problems with the makeup as well. And because I offered them lunch, they were happy to come over and do this and give their time, which is antithetical to everything I know about working TV. But we
wanted to give the best performances we could give.”
With a talented cast committed to providing impactful performances, and a team of writers dedicated to exploring broader themes on DS9, the result was the evolution of a culture and its individuals grappling with issues of identity, cultural norms, and cooperation.
“Our show,” Armin said of DS9 itself, “was about the problems at home. How do we live with each other and cooperate with each other?”
We have long struggled and continued to struggle in society with the tension between individualism and community responsibility. It’s a delicate balance between the desire to succeed on our own terms and the reality that we must coexist in a world where cooperation matters. I couldn’t agree with Armin more when he said matter-
of-factly, “You can have that individual ambition, yet still take on communal responsibility.”
For us to see the Ferengi the way we do now, we had to move past the initial portrayal and the unfortunate truth that people often judge a book by its cover. Armin reflected on how our first view of Quark came through the eyes of other characters, particularly Major Kira, who was never very happy with Quark. “But luckily we had Dax,” Armin said, “who could say, ‘You know what?
[The Ferengi] are not as bad as you think they are.’ And it was then a progression an arc of the other characters finally coming to realize that the Ferengi weren’t as nefarious as they originally thought. That was a good lesson for viewers to watch.”
“We’re ugly,” Armin continued. “People often judge others by their first impressions. What I think our performance did was get
people to look beyond the first impression for a while, see if we continue to live up to their low expectations, or do we exceed s a very valua-
The character of Quark has come to be a fan favorite. Despite his flaws, his popularity endures.
Armin s not to be trusted at s charming, and s transforis one of the most remarkable character . And s thanks to dedicated actors like Armin Shimerman, whose pride and efforts in shaping that creation have left us with a legacy of a complex, enduring character and species.
“I was able to transform the less than one dimensional Ferengi into a fully realized, threedimensional character and that overall accomplishment is where I’m most proud,” Armin reflected. Ultimately, Quark’s evolution and that of the Ferengi — reflects Star Trek’s commitment to complex storytelling, proving that even the most unlikely characters can leave a lasting impact.
ADEENA MIGNOGNA : Adeena Mignogna, a lifelong Trekkie, is a science fiction author who spends her days as an engineer working in aerospace. Adeena is the creator of the 4-book Robot Galaxy Series and the novel “Lunar Logic,” and she shares her sci-fi enthusiasm as a cohost on “The BIG Sci-Fi Podcast”. Explore her universe at adeenamignogna.com
remains so intriguing to fans continues to be because of his passion. Let’s go back to the beginning. The origin story of the Ferengi is important because Armin, himself, had a part to play in the TNG season one, episode five story, ‘The Last Outpost.’ The writers were looking to create new and interesting aliens. Specifically, they wanted a new alien threat that would rival the Klingons. The Ferengi were their first attempt.
If you’re reading this and you remember watching that episode for the first time, you’re probably already shaking your head as you recall the silly whips and the contorted fingers and running around they were doing like some kind of deranged little demons. Fast forward to DS9, and we find a vastly different kind of Ferengi. A culture that becomes much more defined and even interesting, if not deplorable in some ways, as well: Forcing their women to walk around naked,
and women banned from making a profit, just to name a couple of things.
From the pilot episode, “The Emissary,” we see a scheming and conniving character, but we also see potential. We see the first signs of Quark being a family man, and even more than that, a man who could harness his influence into something more than just a profit-making business. He remained chiefly concerned about profit throughout the series because that’s what Ferengi do.
Season two’s seventh episode reveals the “Rules of Acquisition” in which a female Ferengi disguised as a male helps Quark set up business in the newly discovered Gamma Quadrant, thanks to one of the show’s biggest plot lines, a rather convenient wormhole. Quark seems to push the edge of what his culture thinks is “right” or “proper” in order to reap profit above all. But he doesn’t stay there simply hanging out on the edge.
In season two, episode 26, the season-ending story, Quark volunteers to go with Sisko, Jake and Rom on a science-gathering camping trip in the Gamma Quadrant. Sisko reluctantly allows it, and great fun follows! While they experience adversity together in the form of being taken prisoner by the Jem’ Hadar, we learn that
Quark actually does care about more than just making profit. We even learn, in an interesting twist, how his culture views humans. He holds up a mirror to Sisko and makes an intriguing argument. From this point on, we see a slight shift in how Sisko treats and responds to Quark throughout the rest of the series.
“Little Green Men” was a
Season 4 episode that highlighted his ability to lead other Ferengi and navigate extreme situations rather well. Maybe not in a classic Starfleet way, but he’s not a part of Starfleet. He’s not an officer. We see him working to make the best of the situation and doing his best to help his brother and nephew through it all.
We also see Quark playing
an important part in the war as he and other DS9 personnel are left behind to spy and create trouble for the Dominion. He puts himself, his very life, on the line for the sake of the cause. This cause is, perhaps, the highest of his life. In this, we see a kind of full evolution in the character of Quark. The once selfish, enigmatic profitseeker becomes the selfless defender of freedom and ultimate good.
On the surface, it might seem like you could label Quark a type of villain early on in the series. A criminal? Certainly. But I’m pleased and delighted that the writers made him something more than just a funny, occasionally annoying character for Odo to interact with.
In the end, Quark became much more. He became a friend, a trusted colleague and even an outstanding leader in the community. Quark became a type of war hero. He was loved, and he loved passionately himself. I’m looking at you, Grilka!
He may have started out as a criminal, but as life would have it, he changed and became one of the most complicated and well-developed characters in the Trek universe. Being willing to change is something that I admire in every one of my personal heroes.
BRIAN DONAHUE: Brian is a pastor, songwriter, aspiring author and avid podcaster hosting three different podcasts, including The BIG Sci-Fi Podcast. He lives in Ohio with his wife, two kids and Data the golden-doodle.
The Rules of Acquisition. These are the steadfast rules that govern the entirety of Ferengi society. Especially regarding how they conduct business between themselves and other races with which they interact. It is a code of conduct that consists of 285 rules. The unabridged and fully annotated version also includes 47 commentaries, 900 major and minor judgments, and 10,000 considered opinions.
These rules should cover every conceivable situation a Ferengi could come upon in any business transaction or any aspect of life, really. We won't be covering all of them here for two reasons: one, we don't have the space or time, and two, not all of them have appeared in Star Trek.
Rule 17: A contract is a contract is a contract … but only between Ferengi
A Ferengi is as good as their word as long as you’re also Ferengi and even then I’d still be cautious. The Ferengi are capitalists in the purest sense. They are always looking for the BBD (Bigger, Better, Deal) …
Rule 16: A deal is a deal … until a better one comes along
… and always doing what they can to increase their profit margins and come out on top. They are not above padding a price here and there or even inventing a sales tax, or shipping cost of some kind to achieve that goal. Sometimes even a complete misdirect is used to ensure that they get the better end of the trade deal.
Rule 19: Satisfaction is not guaranteed
Rule 82: The flimsier the product, the higher the price
Rule 239: Never be afraid to mislabel a product
In fact, profit and wealth are so Important to the Ferengi way of life that most of the rules are regarding those two ideals. Such as:
Rule 18: A Ferengi without profit is no Ferengi at all
Rule 41: Profit is its own reward
Rule 62: The riskier the road, the greater the profit
Rule 202: The justification for profit is profit I could go on (boy how I could go on!) but these are just a few examples of how important profit is in Ferengi culture.
Case in point, everything on the Ferengi home world of Fereginar and most likely throughout the Ferengi Alliance is based on commerce. From visiting a fellow Ferengi’s dwelling to using an elevator or even sitting in a chair it will cost you. If you find yourself at a place of business, or a government building, there will usually be an employee to tell you the prices and to direct you to a small receptacle in which to put the requested amount. Do not be afraid to haggle on the price!
Rule 98: Every man has his price
It is also customary to tip any employee as well. On the flip side, the Ferengi also have rules to remind them not to trust potential business partners.
Rule 47: Never trust a man wearing a better suit than your own
Rule 48: The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife
Rule 99: Trust is the biggest liability of all
Rule 190: Hear all, trust nothing
Suffice it to say the Ferengi have rules not just for business, but for all aspects of life. Everything from family —
Rule 6: Never let family stand in the way of opportunity
Rule 139: Wives serve … brothers inherit
— to my personal favorite (I’m not sure exactly why, yet, here we are):
Rule 111: Treat people in your debt like family … Exploit them
— to love, and relationships:
Rule 40: She can touch your lobes, but never your latinum
Rule 223: Beware the man who doesn’t make time for oo-mox
Rule 255: A wife is a luxury … a smart accountant is a necessity
Even some for being staff:
Rule 33: It never hurts to suck up to the boss
Rule 112: Never have sex with the boss’ sister
Rule 113: Always have sex with the boss
— or even for management level Ferengi:
Rule 28: Whisper your way to success
Rule 211: Employees are the rungs on the ladder to success. Don’t hesitate to step on them
As you can see there are rules upon rules. A frequently asked question is, “Do the Ferengi break their own rules?” Well, kind of. It’s more like bending them or changing the context, if they think they have the upper hand and can get away with it. Especially when dealing with a race for the first time when the Ferengi reputation has not reached the new potential trade partners yet. If it happens that they’re caught bending a rule, they will try to lie their way out.
Rule 266: When in doubt, lie and
Rule 66: Keep your lies consistent
Only under the threat of incarceration or death will a Ferengi begrudgingly fess up. Even then they will still try and shift the blame to anyone or anything but themselves A Ferengi might even try to invoke the unwritten rule:
When no appropriate rule applies, make one up
However, the most important rule in Ferengi society and I can’t stress this enough is:
Rule 1: Once you have their money, you never give it back
That one is fairly self-explanatory. You cannot turn a profit if you are giving money back all the time. In other words, Buyer Beware. Unless of course you
derstatement.
Rule 285 (alt): A good deed is its own reward
Rule 285 (standard): No good deed goes unpunished
Or
Rule 21 (alt): Never place profit before friendship
Rule 21 (standard): Never place friendship above profit
Even worse was his rewrite of the Tenth Rule of Acquisition:
Rule 10 (alt): Greed is dead
That alone would send chills down any Ferengi’s spine, (you know, if they had one) as the proper rule is:
them
Because, as we all know, the true First Rule of Acquisition is:
Rule 1 (standard): Once you have their money, you never give it back!
Or simply put … ALL SALES FINAL !!!!!!
JAYMZ SMITH: Jaymz Smith is a house spouse, who hosts a miniature gaming figurines review and painting show. He lives with his two parters and five cats in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has been a Klingon and a member of KAG since 1994.
Sometimes you have to root for the underdog, the little guy that you wouldn’t expect to come out on top. When Deep Space Nine’s resident Dabo Girl, Leeta, doubled down on a relationship with fellow Quark’s denizen Rom, it was an unexpected relationship that didn’t feel like it would pay off. By the end of the show Leeta and Rom quietly established themselves as a true power couple. Actor Chase Masterson joined me for an interview about the relationship that beat the odds.
Melissa: This interview is focusing on Rom and Leeta’s relationship, but before we get into that, can you tell us a bit about your life before Trek?
Chase: I had been in LA for a few years and did a couple of leads in movies. I recurred briefly on General Hospital. But I was mostly working small day jobs and volunteering for a nonprofit project that was raising money for children with AIDS. I had to leave that project, in order to get a better job, and I got a series of marketing positions, including Director of Corporate Marketing for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl. I also produced fashion shows, including for Armani, at Chasen’s Restaurant, an iconic, Golden Era Beverly Hills venue founded in 1936. Then I was Director of Corporate Membership for the International House of Blues Foundation. I had been going to auditions on my lunch hours, and when I finished my contract there, I was finally was able to focus on acting. I booked DS9, ER, another recurring role on a show for UPN called Live Shot, my own series on Showtime, and other work in my first year as a full-time actor.
When I got DS9, fans told me that all the actors at the time had fan clubs that support charities. So, I went back to the AIDS charity I had supported earlier, and I was able to say, “I’m back and look who I brought with me:” thousands of fans all over the world who now helped me raise funds for Caring for Babies with AIDS (CBA). Because of this outreach, my fan club actually became the largest club in Star Trek fandom, and we became CBA’s largest private contributor. We helped them build a new house for kids to live in kids who didn’t have anyone else left.
So very quickly, Star Trek fans taught me the power of fandom, and I am forever grateful for the powerful things we do together.
Melissa:What got you into acting? What enticed you to play Leeta?
Chase: My mom, Patricia Carafano, was a theatre director and actress, and I grew up in the theatre, as an actress, singer, and dancer. I did my first play when I was five years old, playing “Child” in the chorus of Oklahoma, and my Mom was also in the cast. I remember the day she asked me if I wanted to audition, and how the makeup smelled wonderful, and getting piggyback rides around the theatre. And I was hooked. I did community theatre and regional theatre in my teen years, mentored by a wonderful choreographer and director named Larry Alderette at an incredible dinner theatre called The Moulin Rouge, and playing lead roles including Luisa in The Fantasticks, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Eliza in Pygmalion
and then I got my degree in theatre, doing leads in musicals, including Cabaret, Anything Goes, and Restoration comedy, Jacobean tragedy, and other classic theatre.
For DS9, I initially auditioned for the role of Mardah, the Dabo Girl that Jake dated in Season Two. I got down to the final two actresses but wasn’t cast. Later, René Echevarria and Ira Behr told me that they wrote the role of Leeta for me. I still had to audition. But what an honor, beyond words.
Melissa: How did you approach your character and what process did you go through to get into her mindset?
Chase: I have always loved that Leeta was both spiritual, as a Bajoran, and fun, as a Dabo girl. I realized when I worked on my audition that Leeta is quite bright, in that the way she approached Dr. Bashir was very clever. There was no “hey, baby” kind of vibe, which would have been cheap, but instead, a gentle, confident little game, which he picked right up on and played along with. I loved the way that scene was written, and I loved that the writers continued with those little moments. It’s an actor’s job to fill them in the most interesting way possible, and that’s what I tried to do.
I also knew that I had to make Leeta’s energy very different than Kira’s, because we were both Bajorans with short, brown/red hair and brown eyes. Of course, the roles are very, very different. But if I had played my role in a less gentle, more forthright way, I felt that Leeta wouldn’t be as unique as I wanted her to be. So, my choices, including Leeta’s soft voice, and gentle way of moving, were very purposeful.
Finally, the comedic sensibilities came in the moment, because here I was, working with the Ferengi. And Max is so endearing, I couldn’t help but play along with his wonderful Rom. I love them both Max and Rom so much. They are my very favorites.
Melissa: Rom and Leeta’s relationship started unexpectedly. What were your initial thoughts when you learned your characters would become a couple?
Chase: I was thrilled when I learned that Leeta and Rom would be together, for so many reasons. Leeta and Bashir was a “nice” relationship but there wasn’t a lot to do. We were a bit like the Barbie and Ken of Star Trek. Leeta and Rom were more like the Lucy and Ricky of Star Trek. There was a lot more opportunity for dramatic tension because Leeta’s and Rom’s backgrounds are so different, and the lightheartedness that characterized us as a couple gave the audience some relief from the show’s dark episodes.
Melissa: What was it like working together as a “power couple?” Was it collaborative?
Chase: Goodness, a “power couple?” I guess so. But Leeta and Rom are too loving to really be a “power couple.” My thought is that as Grand Nagus and “First Clerk” of Ferenginar (thank you, Mike McMahon!), we’re trying to help that society understand that love and empathy in action are the only real power. Good luck, right?
Melissa: You’re both very musical. Do you think that helped your connection when portraying a couple?
Chase: Thank you! Well, I know our sensibilities as artists, as theatre actors, helped. I had done the lead in a play called Apostrophe 68, which was written and directed by a very close friend of
Max’s. Max saw the show, so we had met before DS9. LA really is a small town in a lotta ways.
Melissa: Max Grodénchik helped Armin Shimerman develop Ferengi culture. What was it like being on the ground floor of that process (meeting at Armin’s house to rehearse, etc.)?
Chase: It was fun and also comforting to rehearse at Armin’s feeling like a part of the cast community. For me, it eased the tension of being the “visiting” kids on the block. It helped me feel that we belonged. And that is an important feeling for an actor, so you can get that awkwardness out of the way and just do the work. Belonging is such an important feeling for everyone, in everything we do.
Melissa: You had to wear make-up and prosthetics to play Leeta. What was the process like?
Chase: Because my make-up, hair, and wardrobe took three hours, my call-time was really early, usually at 4 a.m. And when I would get to work, I was usually one of the first people on the Paramount lot. Often, the only people around were a couple of security guards, and my makeup and hair artist. And me. And that feeling, when the moon is still up high, and there’s a bit of fog and dew and when the world is so silent that you can actually feel the history of the place where you are walking, through those production streets and alleys… and knowing that I was invited there to work, too it was magical in a way I will never forget.
Melissa: Leeta started as a Dabo girl but proved to be much more than that. How did you approach portraying her intelligence, independence, and depth over time?
Chase: Thank you. One of the first keys I learned about work as an actor was not to limit a character by saying, “(this character) wouldn’t do that.” So, when Leeta was able to grow and show strength and depth on various levels, it was a joy.
And one of the very most Star Trek themes is that a book is not its cover. Rom and Leeta both embody that, as characters who unfold over time, and who keep fulfilling our potential in ways we — and the audience — didn’t expect. It shows us, as the audience, that we, too, can do things that are greater than we ever expected. So, the writers giving me these opportunities to show various facets of Leeta was a gift, and I enveloped myself in that, in the fullest ways possible.
Melissa: Your characters had one of the most loving and supportive relationships on Deep Space Nine. What do you think made their dynamic so special?
Chase: That Leeta and Rom were so different, and still so cherishing of each other, was such a key. People often have trouble in relationships because of differences but Leeta and Rom had those differences as the foundation of our relationship. Our differences were a set of challenges — either to face and navigate, or to take in stride and simply accept. But either way, Rom and Leeta decided that our differences were something that would ultimately strengthen us, and not deter us, from being happy together.
In the fifth season, Ira told us, “I want Leeta and Rom to be the happy couple on television. There aren’t many couples on TV who are actually happy. Couples on TV are almost always either experiencing some form of angst, or cheating, or caught up in addiction or other trauma, because
most writers don’t think that “happy” can also be interesting. With Leeta and Rom, I want the audience to know that you can be in a relationship that is both happy and interesting.” Beautiful, huh?
Melissa: Rom and Leeta’s relationship was unique in Star Trek, breaking stereotypes about romance and attraction. How do you think their love story challenged traditional sci-fi tropes?
Chase: Rom was wonderful in so many ways that other characters couldn’t see, or didn’t want to. But Leeta saw Rom. And Leeta was not in the class, or the race, that Rom’s culture raised him to want. But Leeta and Rom both looked deeper than all the noise and external values and saw beauty and true riches in each other. So much so that Leeta broke up with the handsome, British doctor, and Rom agreed not to have a prenup. We both deeply valued each other, and we both took risks, going against the grain in order to be together. And that, I think, is why we are here today talking about Leeta and Rom. Isn’t that what we all want, to be seen, and loved, and appreciated for who we really are inside?
Melissa: Leeta could have had a more conventional love story with Bashir, but instead, she fell for Rom. Why do you think she chose him, and how did that decision shape her character?
Chase: That’s exactly why because the love story with Leeta and Bashir was more conventional. And who wants that, really? We all want the real stuff. We all want adventure. And the dynamics were just more fun in Leeta and Rom’s relationship than the dynamics with Leeta and
Bashir. (Plus, according to Ira, the writers wanted to keep Bashir single because so many fans had a crush on him.)
Melissa: Leeta and Rom’s wedding was a heartfelt moment in the show, especially since it came in the middle of the episode that started the Dominion War arc. What was filming that scene like for both of you?
Chase: Immediately after Leeta and Rom are finally able to fulfill their dream of marrying, Leeta has to leave the station because of her race, because all Bajorans are ordered to leave DS9. So, into the most beautiful moment of Rom and Leeta’s lives comes the fear of never being together again. It was one of the many parts of Deep Space Nine that is, heartbreakingly, timeless. Leeta and Rom were civilians. And we were the happy people. The resilient ones. The ones who could get through any challenges that came our way. But those who wage war have no sense of “humanity,” no respect for individuals. For Leeta and Rom, who usually helped bring the lightheartedness, to be wrapped up in the cost of war…that was so truly powerful. Max and I definitely felt the responsibility inherent in being part of that story.
Melissa: Looking back, what aspects of Rom and Leeta’s story do you think resonated most with fans? Have fans shared any particularly touching stories with you?
Chase: I remember and cherish the stories of so many fans who have told us how closely they relate to Leeta and Rom. How they have always wanted to be loved, just for who they are. How grateful they are when that finally happens. How they loved the unexpectedness, the unlikeliness, of Leeta and Rom being together. How it gave them hope that they would be seen, and loved, and truly valued, as Rom and Leeta did for each other. Being part of that means more than I can ever say.
Melissa: Were there any behind-the-scenes moments or episodes that stand out to you as
particularly fun or memorable while working together?
Chase: Oh, goodness. If I were to create a montage of Max and me, it would include… saying hello on our first day together, mentioning our mutual friend Janet Aspers, the playwright and director the first episode where Leeta and Rom interacted, “The Bar Association”, and the moment where Rom was on the floor and Leeta went to him. The sweet way that Rom’s eyes would water when he looked at me. The fun of the scenes in “Dr. Bashir, I Presume,” when neither Rom nor Leeta could get up the courage to admit our feelings. The scene where Rom runs and catches Leeta just before she’s running off with Bob Picardo. The time Max and I took the photo together on the Paramount lot on Valentine’s Day, 1997, which we still have at conventions Leeta and Rom imprisoned and sprung free by Quark and Ziyal… Our mariage… and Rom becoming Grand Nagus, of course. The conventions and cruises we have done all over the world together. Welcoming his beautiful wife Carina and daughter Lena into this madcap, wonderful Trek world. Falling on the floor laughing, along with the fans, when we did Ferengi Family Hour, and then being so proud for him with The Rat Pack, truly blown away by his creativity and genius lyrics. Meeting up in Austria, where he lives. The incredible sweetness, the genuineness, in who Max is, every time we interact every time he interacts with anyone, to this day. I don’t know if that answers your question, but it’s what I want to say. I love you, Max. And I love you, Rom.
Melissa: We saw a glimpse of your characters’ future on Lower Decks, but if Deep Space Nine were to get a continuation or revival, where do you think Rom and Leeta would be now?
Chase: Well, I hope we would be creating a kinder, gentler, less greedy Ferenginar that story sure would have plenty of comedic and dramatic struggles and what a great, timely show that would be.
Melissa: What was your most favorite accomplishment in the role of Rom/Leeta?
Chase: Having Leeta’s quiet strength be recognized so widely has been wonderful. Having women come up to me and saying, “Thank you for playing a character that didn’t need to backburner her femininity or her sexuality in order to be seen as strong.” Leeta didn’t need to wear her strength on her sleeve. There are many different kinds of strength, and the world needs all of them. It means so much that people recognize Leeta for that.
Melissa: Is there anything you would have done differently about your character had you had the opportunity, or a storyline you would have loved to portray?
Chase: I have sometimes wished that Leeta had the opportunity to show a grittier strength, a more earthy, brave, gutsy side of herself. But Mirror Leeta gets to do that, mostly in Star Trek Online. I had a blast doing that. No, I don’t have a goatee, but I’m still as badass as it gets. Mirror
Leeta would eat the Borg Queen for breakfast and come back for seconds.
Melissa: Beyond Star Trek, you have had a fascinating career. What projects have you been working on, and how has DS9 influenced your journey since? I know you’ve been very active with Pop Culture Hero Coalition, for example.
Chase: Thank you, that’s nice to hear. Largely due to my first major, on-camera role being on DS9, I am grateful to have been able to play a lot of other, wonderful roles. Playing opposite Bruce Campbell for an early SyFy Channel film was fun. Doing “Doctor Who” Big Finish and having the title role in the spinoff “Vienna“ for four seasons was a great, creative experience because of the extremely fun and powerful character and the mind-blowing story lines truly excellent science fiction. Then reprising that role, Vienna, opposite Eric Roberts in The Master was a blast. Yesterday Was a Lie, a sci-fi noir feature by James Kerwin where I play a mysterious jazz singer, is a favorite of mine, which Trek fans often appreciate. I also have sole Produced By credit on that film, and it was a huge accomplishment. And the feature films The Baby Pact by Matt Berman, and Skipping Stones and You’re Not There, directed by SJ Creazzo, are projects I’d love for fans to check out. I play roles that are very different from Leeta, and these are all rich, wonderful stories, directed by very talented people.
And because the power of stories so deeply impacts our lives, I founded Pop Culture Hero Coalition in 2013 with award-winning author and speaker Carrie Goldman. We use iconic stories from TV and film, including Star Trek, to teach kids and adults life-changing mental health strategies and concepts — including IDIC. Our flagship program, The Heroic Journey is created by renowned, pop culture-fluent clinical psychologists and veteran educators, and it was produced in Partnership with YMCA of the USA, one of the largest nonprofits on the planet. We have provided the program to over 500,000 people in fortysix states. Bringing IDIC into schools what could be better?
And now we have a Patreon where we are making these fun, powerful tools available to everyone at home. Come be a part of our work at www.Patreon.com/TheHeroicJourney. We are turning struggles into strengths so we can all live long and prosper.
Thanks so much, everybody!
Chase
You can connect with Chase here:
Chase Masterson on Facebook, Twitter, BlueSky: @ChaseMasterson / Instagram: @ItsChaseMasterson
Pop Culture Hero Coalition: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, BlueSky @SuperheroIRL
MELISSA A. BARTELL: Melissa A. Bartell is a writer, podcaster, voice actor, improviser and kayak junkie currently living on Florida's Nature Coast. She has one husband, two dogs and only one kayak (so far). Find her at MissMeliss.com or on social media:
Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Mastodon
Every child deserves to be mentally healthy. And secure, empathetic and resilient kids are the key to a positive future for us all.
But research shows kids are often focused on more urgent issues: depression, anxiety, fear, shame, loneliness, self-doubt, anger, addiction and suicidal ideation.
The Heroic Journey harnesses the phenomenon of stories kids love, along with evidence-based psychology — and teaches them to be heroes, for themselves and for each other.
he Ferengi have earned a reputation for being the quintessential capitalists throughout the galaxy. Depending upon whom you ask on any given day, that reputation may be prefaced with what Mr. Spock used to call From the time we met them in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) to the time we saw them join the FederStar Trek: Lower Decks, we have seen change and growth in the Ferengi. As the Ferengi adapted to their changing galaxy, they filled needs that Starfleet t consciously know they s take a deeper look at why Starfleet needed the
During the Enterprise-D’s , one can be forgiven for thinking that the Ferengi had nothing to offer Starfleet. Most of the portrayals of Ferengi highlighted individual greed and an obsession with profit. From the Ferengi father putting aside his profits for his individual need for revenge on Captain Picard to the Ferengi DaiMon who kidnapped Lwaxana Troi, Counselor Deanna Troi, and Commander Will Riker, we saw the individual needs (wants) outweighing the needs of the culture (making profit). It was the cultural focus on making profit that led to those individuals being disciplined
by other Ferengi, thus resolving the crises.
Prior to seeing the Ferengi in Deep Space Nine (DS9), we were introduced to a Ferengi who was not motivated by greed or profit. In the TNG episode “Suspicions,” we met Doctor Reyga, a Ferengi scientist who had developed a metaphasic shield. Because Reyga was a Ferengi and metaphasic shielding at this point was highly theoretical, Reyga was not given an audience or respect. Therefore, Dr. Beverly Crusher organized a demonstration of Reyga’s shield aboard the Enterprise-D. Although the episode showed the first demonstration ending in failure and Reyga’s determination to prove his shield worked, I noted that Reyga was very respectful to Dr. Crusher and the other scientists. As Dr. Crusher and other scientists attending the demonstration were female, this is a marked difference from typical Ferengi behavior towards the female gender. This episode showed the Ferengi were more than greedy capitalists and patriarchs, leaving the opportunity to show future growth in the Ferengi as a whole.
When Commander Ben Sisko arrived on Deep Space Nine, he met Quark, the proprietor of Quark’s Bar; Rom, Quark’s brother; and Nog, Rom’s son/Quark’s
nephew. Even though Quark presented as a “typical” Ferengi, Commander Sisko saw something in Quark from the beginning. That something led to an agreement between the two to keep Nog out of a Bajoran jail cell and keep Quark’s Bar open on the Promenade. Little would anyone suspect how significant this arrangement would be for both the Ferengi and Starfleet during the next seven seasons of DS9
Starfleet needed the Ferengi for the following three reasons: their ability to make deals in any situation, their willingness to seek new trade partners, and their willingness to fight when it became necessary. When Starfleet discovered the Founders in the Delta Quadrant, along with the Vorta and Jem’Hadar, having the Ferengi as a nonaligned ally for first contacts was extremely valuable. (“Priceless” has come to have a humorous connotation.)
Having Quark’s Bar act as the Switzerland of Deep Space Nine helped to connect different races of people, and it allowed Quark to be a neutral party officially. Although there is no doubt that Quark was still a Ferengi to the core, evidenced by his quoting the Rules of Acquisition every other breath and looking for the gray area to earn a deeper profit, he ultimately would do what was
staff, his bar employees, and his family.
Whenever Quark hesitated to get involved with Starfleet’s plans for the Gamma Quadrant, Grand Nagus Zek would intervene. Zek could see that if the Founders overran the Alpha Quadrant, no one would be making profit. An infamous example of this was Zek lending Sisko his staff so that Quark would cooperate with an upcoming mission. The way Zek saw it, the Gamma Quadrant was untapped treasure that the Ferengi were going to take advantage of... and if Starfleet owed them a favor afterward, so much the better.
The Ferengi could and would fight when there was a need. Although several times during the series, we would see Quark put his wrists together in a submissive position to avoid a fight, we also saw him pick up a phaser to protect his injured nephew, Nog, on a planet that the
injured because he had attended Starfleet Academy, received a battlefield promotion, and was in the thick of fighting. In one of the best Ferengi episodes ever, ‘The Magnificent Ferengi’, not only did Quark, Rom, and Nog head off for an abandoned Cardassian space station to rescue Moogie (Quark & Rom’s mom) from the Dominion, but they recruited additional Ferengi to do so. Although the episode was humorous we saw many things about the Ferengi. First, they would fight for family. Second, they knew how to broker a solid deal. Finally, they knew how to adapt when the original plan failed. Although Starfleet understood the need for adaptability, importance of family, and brokering a solid deal, doing so within the constraints of Federation guidelines often eluded them. Finally, because Starfleet and the Ferengi recognized each other’s values, Ferenginar joined the Federation in the Lower Decks
Rom, and his First Clerk, his wife Leeta, greeted Captain Freeman and Admiral Vassery with a list of their demands for agreeing to join the Federation. Negotiations seemed to be going steadily downhill for the Federation until Captain Freeman presented updated Federation demands, which showed Nog and Leeta that the Federation was not weak-minded or gullible. Starfleet learned valuable lessons in negotiating and dealing with the Ferengi at Deep Space Nine. The addition of the Ferengi to Starfleet led to the addition of the Ferengi to the Federation, which was a win-win for both parties.
STEPHANIE L. SMITH: Stephanie hails from the Kansas City metro area with her sibling Jordan and 2 cats. Her day job is working from home as a staff accountant.
us watch feminism grow and blossom through the stories of Ishka (Moogie) and Pel, as well as through the evolving relationship s brother Rom
Moogie encouraged her sons to embrace their emotions and treat women with respect and compassion.
Ishka, known affectionately as Moogie by her sons Quark and Rom, was arguably the most influential character when it comes to Ferengi feminism, as well as being the one with the
In the episode “Family Ishka shocked her sons by revealing that she had been wearing clothes and conducting business. Over time, they accepted the value of her actions and changed their perception of Ferengi women in general. Ishka did more than just challenge the rules of female behavior in Ferengi culture, however. She also pushed against the societal value that prioritized profit over personal relationships by maintaining nurturing relationships with her sons. While other Ferengi mothers were portrayed as submissive and compliant,
Ishka led by example, fighting for female empowerment and also modeling the idea that feminism isn’t only about women’s rights but also about the need for men to reconsider their roles within a patriarchal society. This was further examined in the episode “Ferengi Love Songs” when Quark, in need of some mothering, goes home to Ferenginar and learned that his mother is dating (and planning to marry) Zek. His attempts to ruin
their relationships only highlighted Ishka’s strength and resilience even after her son nearly destroyed her relationship she still helped him overcome the ban on his business by telling him what to say. Quark demonstrated that his mother has made him change by then admitting to Zek that Ishka is the one who told him what to say.
Pel
In the season two episode “Rules of Acquisition,” we were introduced to Pel, another character who added depth and breadth to the portrayal of women in Ferengi culture. By disguising herself as a man in order to participate in business, Pel demonstrated the lengths to which women
must go to gain agency.
In her interactions with Quark and Rom, Pel forced both men to confront their biases and reconsider the roles of women in Ferengi society. Her relationship with Quark was particularly important, not only because there
was a romantic spark between them, but also because it compelled him to recognize her intelligence and business acumen, finally becoming an equal partner rather than a mere utility.
Pel was only in one episode, but her influence remained throughout the series and was a key part of Quark’s character development.
Rom and Leeta
The romance between Rom and Leeta served as another significant exploration of gender dynamics in Ferengi culture.
As a Bajoran, Leeta had agency and independence that Ferengi women lacked, while Rom was portrayed as insecure and
submissive. More than once, we saw him struggle to assert himself within his own family as well as the masculine framework of his own culture.
It was Leeta’s influence that helped Rom grow and evolve, and their relationship became less a side story meant to ease dramatic tension and more a look at how partners can provide each other with mutual support and respect. This was especially true in the episode “The Dogs of War” where Leeta’s encouragement was crucial to helping Rom move from a subordinate position to one of leadership.
Their relationship showed that feminism is also about allowing women to lead and guide and
giving men the space to be vulnerable.
Overall, the inclusion of Ferengi women like Ishka and Pel in DS9, along with the evolving romance between Rom and Leeta, demonstrated the different experiences and perspectives within a single culture. Each of these women represented different segments of society but collectively they provided a demonstration of how empowerment requires collective action as well as individual support.
By using Ferengi culture as a backdrop, DS9 invited viewers to consider their own society, and the intersection of power dynamics, solidarity, and the need to uplift women, and for women to up-
lift each other. It also encouraged people to question their own beliefs about traditional gender roles and recognize the potential for change, both within the fictional world of Star Trek and in the real world.
MELISSA A. BARTELL: Melissa
A. Bartell is a writer, podcaster, voice actor, improviser and kayak junkie currently living on Florida's Nature Coast. She has one husband, two dogs and only one kayak (so far). Find her at MissMeliss.com or on social media:
Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Mastodon
so were many of the crew members of DS9, as well.
s note: Ronald D. Moore, who wrote the script for this episode explains some of the more confusing rules in baseball, infield fly rule,” which is explained in great detail.)
during tryouts for the team and stated that baseball might seem simple, yet the nuances of playing this game does require learning some needed skills. As expected, the team is less than ready for the game as their baseball skills are less than that of a Little League
termination to beat the Vulcan team, the “Logicians” (the perfect name), drive his players too hard, causing injuries and the joy of baseball to be diminished.
Odo is employed to be the umpire of the game, and I love the scene where he is practicing his calls of, “You’re out!” Odo suggested using a hologram of an umpire to call balls and strikes, yet Sisko says that using a computer to do this is wrong. (Baseball is currently looking to use a computer program to do just this: the Automated Ball-Strike System.)
Amongst the players is Rom, who is the worst of the bunch. (Author’s note: Max
Grodenchik who plays Rom, was going to be a pro baseball player, yet chose acting instead. A natural right-hander, he played left-handed to look convincingly bad.) Except Rom represented all that is great about the game. No matter how bad he was, he wanted to play even more. Yet Sisko throws him off the team; winning means more to him than the feelings of Rom or the other players. Sisko even employed a “ringer,” his wife, Kasidy Yates-Sisko, to help them prepare and play in a game they were destined to lose. Yet the story of why Sisko wants to beat Solok, because of a wrestling match he lost to him years ago, drives the team to want to win for Sisko and their own pride.
During the game, Sisko admonished the players for their bad performance on the field (though the Niners’ uniforms are beautiful). In arguing a called third strike against Worf, Sisko is thrown out of the game for touching the umpire (yes, that is a real rule in baseball, as explained
Relegated to a bystander in the stands, Sisko sat down near Rom, who was so happy just watching the game. Seeing his pure joy, Sisko insists Rom get into uniform and take a bat in place of Jake for one last chance to score a single run. Rom, without knowing, bunts the ball, allowing his son, Nog, to be safe at home, scoring their
one and only run. Rom is cheered by his fellow players. Later at Quark’s, Sisko apologizes to Rom for doubting him. It is Rom who represented all that is good about baseball, what it is to be part of a team, and to try your best (even though Rom still did not understand what a bunt was).
Finally, Solok confronted Sisko about the Niners losing the game at Quark’s. In celebrating, Solok claims that Sisko was trying to “manufacture a triumph” even though the Niners lost 10-1. Sisko buys a round of drinks to celebrate their loss, which frustrates Solok. What Solok does not understand is that baseball is not about winning; it is about how you play the game. And that is the beauty of the game and why I love it so much.
So go out, catch a Little League game. Watch how kids can act like adults, or go to a Big League game and watch adults act like kids. Cheer on your favorite team, even if they lose. And once our National Anthem has been sung, be sure to yell out as loud as you can, “PLAY BALL!”
STEPHEN MIRKIN: I first learned about science fiction the moment I was able to reach the on/off knob on my parents’ black-and-white TV set. Being born in 1956, I was there on Sept. 8, 1966 to watch the first episode of Star Trek. Since then, I have watched every TV series and every movie and I only look forward to the next great Star Trek moment.
When we think of Ferengi cuisine what comes to mind are grubs, slugs and bugs. But the Ferengi are more sophisticated than that. Of course when push comes to shove, they may just dig a hole and eat whatever insects they may have. But, since meeting other species and visiting other worlds, they had to find a way to make their food pleasing to the palates of other species. Let’s look at a few foods that have done just that.
Slug-o-Cola
First seen in the DS9 episode: “Profit and Lace”, "The Slimiest Cola in the Galaxy" has a very long history amongst the Ferengi. This drink was made out of necessity by a group of beverage makers who were on the brink of bankruptcy because of another popular drink, Eelwasser. According to the book, Legends of the Ferengi, Sluggo, a co-founder of Eelwasser, was given shares of the Slug-o-Cola company and allowed the company to use his name to sell the product. Eventually, this company took over 70 percent of the beverage industry. The drink is known for its almost neon green color and contains 43 percent live algae. Yummy!
Eelwasser
Another popular drink among the Ferengi and the rival of Slug-o-Cola, Eelwasser was owned by Vorp and Sluggo. It is rumored that the drink was discovered by Sluggo tricking Vorp into drinking fetid bog water out of the Bowog Bog. Vorp loved the taste of it so much that he decided to market it, stating, “Mmm. Tastes like ” Eventually the drink was marketed and sold. It was the leader in the beverage industry for several decades until Slug-o-Cola came along.
Beetle Puree
First discovered in the DS9 episode “The Assignment”, this popular dish was served frequently at Quark’s on the promenade and is staple of Ferengi cuisine.
Flaked Blood Flea
Flaked blood fleas were a type of insect found on Ferenginar. According to the DS9 episode “Rules of Acquisition,” Zek and Rom ate bowl of these succulent insects and offered some to Quark to try.
Gree Worms
Gree Worms are a type of animal that has razor-sharp teeth. According to the DS9 episode “Little Green Men” and the Star Trek novel: The Art of the Impossible, when eaten, they are usually served in the form of jellied gree worm and is a very favored meal.
Lokar Bean
Lokar Beans were a type of bean that was found on Ferenginar. It was traditionally served baked and is a common dish served amongst the Ferengi.
Gramilian Sand Peas
An edible seed grown on the swampy plains of Ferenginar that inhibits the salivary glands and dessicates the tongue. This produces an uncontrollable need to drink, an insatiable thirst.
Slug Liver
Slug Liver is a dish made from the liver of any slug lifeform. According to the DS9 episode, “The Assignment”, Quark’s Bar was the only place that would serve this meal first thing in the morning.
Slug Steak
According to the book, Legends of the Ferengi, wooly slugs are very slow and docile creatures. Not only were they consumed as food but their hides were used as clothing. According to the DS9 episodes “Ferengi Love Songs” and “Profit and Lace”, it is no longer eaten because it contains dangerous parasites.
Tube Grubs
A larva-like worm enjoyed as a delicacy in the Ferengi culture. Like Klingon gagh, these worms are generally eaten live, but can also be fried or minced. When they are served fresh, they are best served cold.
These are just a few of the foods that are popular among the Ferengi and those who enjoy their cuisine. So if you’re into grubs, slugs and bugs, why not give it a try? Recipes for some of these dishes can be found in the Star Trek Cookbook.
MARISSA ANNE: Marissa Anne is an employee of the State of Indiana. She enjoys Star Trek, especially Star Trek: Voyager. She lives in Indiana with her family.
As we near the end of season 3 of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Ferengi females still remain largely a mystery. By this point, we know a few shocking facts about their culture: Ferengi males are misogynistic and profit-driven. Ferengi women, not even secondclass citizens, are not allowed to wear clothes, cannot earn profit, and are largely unknown outside of their own society. These oppressive customs are often played for laughs, but certain standout episodes begin to challenge these issues. Once again, Star shines a light on real-world women's issues through the lens of science fiction.
The first Ferengi female we meet is Pel in "Rules of Acquisition" (season 2, episode 7), played by Helene Udy. Pel disguises herself as a male to work alongside Quark (Armin Shimerman), quickly proving herself to be his equal and, in many ways, his superior. She knows the Rules of Acquisition better than he does, negotiates a major deal in the Gamma Quadrant, and earns Quark’s admiration, if not his heart. Her presence even stirs jealousy in Rom (Max Grodenchik), who begins to plot against her. Most significantly, Pel stands up to Grand Nagus Zek (Wallace Shawn), the Ferengi leader. Though she ultimately leaves, Pel’s character leaves viewers eager for more stories exploring the lives of Ferengi women.
That wish is granted Family Business" (season 3, episode 23), with the introduction of Ishka, Quark and Rom’s mother, played by Andrea Martin. After
the Ferengi Commerce Authority (FCA), represented by Liquidator Brunt (Jeffrey Combs), shuts down Quark’s bar, Quark discovers it’s because Ishka has been earning profit, against the law for a Ferengi female. Like Pel, Ishka is fiercely intelligent and determined to live by the same standards as Ferengi men. As the eldest male in the family, Quark is held responsible for her actions, forcing him to return to Ferenginar. Rom insists on going with him because he really wants to see his “Moogie.”
Quark finds Ishka defying every Ferengi social norm, wearing clothes, speaking to men outside her family (something she has done since his childhood), and earning profit. Brunt gives Quark three days to make her confess, surrender her profits, and conform to the Ferengi moral code or face indentured servitude. Despite the heavy themes, the episode is grounded in family dy-
namics. Rom and Ishka share a deep bond, while Ishka and Quark clash. Ishka reveals that Rom inherited his father’s gentle nature, while Quark inherited her sharp business instincts. The tension is relatable; the mother who seems to favor one child, or family members who clash because they’re too much alike.
In the end, Ishka sacrifices her pride to protect her sons, confessing to the FCA and playing dumb in front of Brunt. Yet she does not believe that her earning profit was wrong. In a private moment with Rom, she reveals she’s hidden even more wealth than Quark knows about. Ishka
shows she is still one step ahead.
The way Ishka is treated reflects the real-world struggles of women fighting for equality, both historically and today. Ishka’s name and influence is mentioned in many episodes that she doesn’t appear in keeping her in the minds of the audience.
Two seasons later, in "Ferengi Love Songs" (season 5, episode 20), the role is reprised by Cecily Adams. Quark is once again in hot water with the FCA. He returns to Ferenginar, depressed and seeking comfort from his mother. He’s shocked to discover Ishka is romantically involved with Grand Nagus Zek. Initially, Quark
sees the relationship as a way to fix his problems, but the Nagus refuses to play favorites.
Brunt pressures Quark to sabotage the relationship, and he does, convincing Zek that Ishka is exploiting him. But Quark soon learns the truth, that Brunt was really manipulating him, and Ishka has been secretly keeping the Ferengi economy afloat. Zek and Ishka reconcile, and though she still dreams of equality, her love for Zek is genuine. This episode also touches on the discomfort children often feel seeing their parents form new relationships and how it's easy to project our own motives onto others.
In "The Magnificent Ferengi" (season 6, episode 10), Ishka’s importance is central, even though she only appears at the end. She’s been kidnapped by the Dominion's Yelgrun (Iggy Pop), and a motley Ferengi crew attempts a rescue, including Quark, Rom, Brunt, Nog (Aron Eisenberg), Cousin Gaila (Josh
Pais), and Leck (Hamilton Camp). Their plan for a prisoner exchange of the Vorta, Keevan (Christopher Shea), becomes an action-packed comedy of errors, but eventually they succeed. Ishka runs into Quark’s arms at the end, confirming their love for each other.
In the episode "Profit and Lace" (Season 6, Episode 23), Ishka's political influence is undeniable. After Zek proposes reforms allowing women to wear clothing, go out in public and earn profit, he is deposed. The plan is for Ishka to impress the commissioners, but when she collapses, Quark must take her place as a woman. While the episode leans heavily
the challenges real women faced and many still face in maledominated spaces. Ishka, even in recovery, refuses to abandon her
mission that he s going to be the next Grand Nagus. He envisions the changes he will make. Brunt arrives and reveals that Ishka’s
nounce that Rom, not Quark, will be the next Nagus. But we’ve seen Ishka’s reforms take place in Rom already. What began as one woman breaking the rules ends in a full -blown revolution. Ishka’s legacy will live on through her son Rom, ushering in a new era for all of his people, the Ferengi.
DONNA RUNYON: Donna Runyon is a single mom of four living in the Washington D.C. area and a lifelong Star Trek fan who firmly believes all Trek is good Trek. She's found that the camaraderie of fandom has brought many lifelong friends into her orbit, and given her invaluable life lessons such as channeling her inner Kirk when faced with the Kobayashi Maru.
There are many places to stay including private residences, but the most recommended establishment for respite is Lobes Lodge. This lodge is perfect for singles or couples or guests staying for business. They offer a honeymoon package that comes with a discount! (Restrictions apply.) This progressive policy really puts Lobes Lodge ahead of their competitors. There is a
tors will accept valuables or
Female guests are now welcome everywhere, with or without clothes and with or without an escort!
restaurant and gambling spot is available on site. For a more comprehensive honeymoon package, treat yourself to Oo-mox Suites. This luxurious couples’ resort comes with a lobe massage guide in every room. With photographers always at the ready, you will never miss having those extra special moments commemorated. Concierge service is available 26 hours a day.
With such a wealth of rain, there is an abundance of rotting vegetation and mud that do wonders for the skin. A few treat-
Check out our great Luxury Mud Baths and Mud Wrap Spas!
ments from Windfall Wraps will have your skin feeling rejuvenated, moist and firm.
SIGHTSEEING
After a day of pampering take a tour of our capital city and enjoy such sights as the Tower of Commerce, the largest and tallest building in all the Ferengi Alliance. It houses such treasures as the Palace of the Grand Nagus, the Chamber of Opportunity, and the
Chamber of Petitioners. The tower is located in the center of our Sacred Marketplace. This is the hub of Ferengi commerce and notable for being the location of betting on unanticipated events. You can try your hand at gambling at the Historic Public Library on your way to the Center for Forged Arts to learn how to authentically forge
replicas of noteworthy pieces. The city hosts many museums: the Museum of Bribery, Museum of Gambling, Museum of Haggling and a Ferengi Hall of Fame. Pay your respects at the Dominion War Memorial commemorating all the lost profits due to the war.
SPORTING EVENTS
A must see is the galaxyrenowned Sisko Stadium. This is the highest ranked baseball stadium ever built. Grand Nagus Rom spared no expense building this state-of-the-art masterpiece to pay homage to the man that introduced him to the game, Captain Benjamin Sisko. Take in a home game with the Profiteers and cheer them on while sipping on the team drink, Slug-O Cola. On the first of every month you can take part in Rom’s Bunting Basics. Classes are offered in the morning
Enjoy a meal with your fellow Ferengi or aliens of any race, at Quark’s Bar & Restaurant. Where everyone is welcome! (This is a real behind the scenes photo of the cast of DS9 in makeup enjoying lunch.)
are non refundable. There are also vole races, mud wrestling matches, swamp ball games.
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Many restaurants and bars are available, for a price of course.
One of our most popular hotspots is Uncle Quark s Bar. Nostalgia runs deep with memorabilia from Terok Nor, or Deep Space 9, as it is known in the federation. The dabo tables are hot and the service is even hotter! You may even get lucky and encounter the everloquacious Morn, who occasional-
TRAVEL DISCLAIMER FROM THE FERENGI COMMERCE AUTHORITY
ly will drop by for a visit. After a night of lightening your monetary burden, take a stroll along the Profit River as it flows lethargically around the city. Souvenir sludge is available in the gift shop. Come see for yourself why Ferenginar is one of the top travel destinations this year!
*The Grand Nagus, Ferenginar, the Ferengi Alliance and all subsidiaries therein assume no liability for any visitor, guest or businessperson’s loss of finances, poor decisions or any injury, illness or malaise. The aforementioned are not liable or responsible for any person(s) that does not read the fine print of any contract. By establishing a credit account with the Ferengi Tourism office, you are agreeing to all laws, rules and contracts, both written and implied. Any and all claims made by proprietors and/or business establishment are unsubstantiated and not legally binding. The burden of all contract negotiations is assumed by the consumer.
JANERA TIELL MANNO : Janera Tiell Manno has been a life-long Star Trek fan, loves her family, logic and bad puns.
community.
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ve waited over six months for this presentation. I
s right, it was over six months ago that I finally got a reply to all my texts, emails, and snail mail letters to arrange this meeting with the head of new shows at Paramount+. Yet here I sit, for hours, waiting for that person to accept me into their office where life and death decisions are
nice couch. I wons covered in. The skin of every young, up and coming TV producer with a sure hit TV series? Na. It feels like velour. I wonder how many people in my position had to sit, for hours, waiting for that moment to pitch their new series?
I wonder if the creators of Bonanza,” MASH,”
s Playhouse” m going through? I wonder if the great Gene Roddenberry had to sit on a couch like this waiting to pitch wagon train to to some pencil pushing t know good TV from bad TV. Sure, they passed on the first go around of the pilot episode and the idea of Christopher Pike as the captain of the Enterprise. Ok, so William Shatner was more of what they were looking for, but really, what hoops did Gene go through to get his show on TV? And little did those idiot executives know that Pike would end up as captain of the Enter-
I look down at my watch
and start to wonder if this meeting is going to happen.
I looked up at the production assistant seated at his desk and I raised a single finger. “Excuse me? Ah, hi. I’ve been sitting here for a long time; do you think the executive will be available anytime soon?”
The P.A. looked up at me from the papers on his desk. “Sir, you have a meeting. Be lucky it’s even happening.” And then he looked down at those stupid papers, once again.
Oy. I wonder if Gene had to wait for hours. I guess I’ll never know. I see that they used a very fine wood for the paneling of this room. It probably cost a pretty penny. Yup. A pretty penny. Hum. Maybe it’s cherry wood? Touching the wood, it feels very nice. Reminds me of what I used in the past to make furniture before I decided to become a script writer. Maybe I should return to that profession. No one ever made me wait hours for a meeting.
Suddenly the intercom came to life with a buzz. A voice came out of it with the words I had been waiting hours to hear, “you can let the gentleman in.”
The P.A. did not say a word. He just pointed to the double doors that led into the executive’s office. I collected my papers, adjusted my jacket as I rose from the couch and began the slow walk into the executive’s office.
“Have a seat?” the executive said to me.
“Ah, thank you,” I replied. I cleared my throat. “Nice weather we are having, eh?”
The executive did not look
up from her phone.
“Well ma’am, thank you for taking this meeting with me…”
“It’s Ms. Not ma’am. And you are wasting your five minutes.”
Five minutes!
Quickly I said, “Ok, ok. Right. Ok. You know how some shows have spinoffs? Beverly Hillbillies to Green Acres? Mary Tyler Moore to Rhoda and Phyllis and Lou Grant? Or even your brilliant Discovery to Strange New Worlds? Well, I think I have a spinoff series that will be a sure-fire success!”
She did not look up from her phone.
“Right. So, one of the most beloved Star Trek series was Deep Space Nine. And one of the most beloved characters was Quark. And, and he was the proprietor of his Quark’s Bar, Grill, Gaming House and Holosuite Arcade? You remember, right?”
“Vaguely,” she replied. “Oh, come on. There was a re-creation of it at the old Star Trek Experience, remember?”
“How old do you think I am? And you’re running out of time,” she said, still typing away on her phone. “You’re down to your last minute or so.”
“In this show, visitors from all over the universe come to stop and have a drink. To share their stories from amongst the stars. And you don’t even need to get the original actors from the series. It can be run by any Ferengi or by Quark himself if Armin would be up to it?”
“Sell it to me,” she said. “Ok, so all great shows have a theme song. Sure, the
opening song from Enterprise was a bust, but it still got Star Trek fans singing it even if they didn’t want to. And I have one for this show. Do you mind if I sing it to you?”
She did not look up at me. She just pointed to the piano located opposite to her desk. “You can use that. I think it’s in tune.”
Do all TV executives have pianos in their offices? Is that the piano Sherwood Schwartz used to sing the theme song to “Gilligan’s Island” to the CBS executives? Does that even matter? This was my chance and I had to make it a good one. As they say, “you never get another chance to make a bad impression.”
I got up from my chair, sat on the stool before the piano and placed my sheet music in front of me. “Ahem,” and I began to play and sing.
(Sung to the theme song music from the TV show “Cheers.” With apologies to Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo)
Making your life on the Deep Space Nine can surely take a lot. Making a friend of Odo’s can surely help a lot. Travel a wormhole to get away. Sometimes you gotta go. It’s only a light year’s trip away. And we’re always glad you came. You wanna be where aliens are free.
Even though we’re not all the same.
You wanna be where the Latinum’s as pure as me. You wanna be where the aliens are free.
Even though we’re not all the same.
You wanna be where the Latinum’s as pure as me.
She just froze. That’s it, my big chance was ruined. She hates it. I might as well just quietly leave this big, beautiful office and.. “Just a moment,” she said. She tapped a few buttons on her phone and added, “Ralph, yeah, it’s me. Listen, I just heard this theme song for a new show I want
to develop and and no, I’m not crazy. This might be the next being thing in Trek Trek. That’s right, Star Trek! Yeah. I’ll get him to sign a contract right away and we can get this into development.” She pressed another button and put down the phone.
“How soon can you get me ten scripts for this new series?”
Ten scripts? I hadn’t even written the first one. “Ah, give me a couple of months?” I replied.
“You’ve got one month.” She looked back at her phone. “What are you waiting for…get going!”
I sat at the piano stool for what seemed like a million years. “Right. A month. I won’t disappoint you!”
I gathered up all my sheet music and walked out of the office knowing my big chance had finally paid off.
Two weeks later Paramount+ was sold. She was replaced and my contract was canceled as well as the show.
I guess I can always go back to cabinet making.
The End
STEPHEN MIRKIN: I first learned about science fiction the moment I was able to reach the on/off knob on my parents’ black-and-white TV set. Being born in 1956, I was there on Sept. 8, 1966 to watch the first episode of Star Trek. Since then, I have watched every TV series and every movie, and I only look forward to the next great Star Trek moment.
hen I signed up to select the 5 top Ferengi episodes of Star Trek, I thought it would be a fairly easy ve seen. However, there are over a dozen Ferengire all good! However, after some research and episode
Rom takes a stand and forms a union to fight back against the cruel employer practices of Quark.
s earlier history. We see leadership qualities exhibited by Rom, a willingness by Quark to t find out), and how one small movement can have long- term effects.
Deep Space Nine: “Family Business”
This episode deals with the Ferengi culture and the family unit, as the title indicates. We meet Ishka, Quark & Rom’s mother, when Quark & Rom travel to Ferenginar to see her. Sadly, this is no ordinary visit. Ishka has been accused of earning profit, an activity illegal for all Ferengi females. Quark, as the oldest male in the family, has to take responsibility for Ishka’s actions. When we first see Ishka in her home, she is wearing a floral muumuu. Quark is visibly shaken, not because he disagrees with her fashion sense, but because Ferengi women traditionally don’t wear clothes.
During the episode, we witness continual conflict between Quark and Ishka due to Ishka’s progressive values which contrast with Quark’s traditional Ferengi values. We find that, contrary to how Quark runs things at his bar, he provides a generous living stipend to his mother. She wants to do more with her keen business sense. We get a good look at Ferengi society on family in this episode and we get a different perspective on 2 of our favorite Ferengi.
Deep Space Nine: ‘It’s Only A Paper Moon’
This episode deals with the aftermath of Nog losing his leg battling the Dominion in the previous episode. Nog has ended up with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and we see that it impacts Ferengi just as deeply as it does humans.
At the beginning, we see Nog reject attention and caring from his family and his friends. When Nog retreats to Vic’s, he finds a safe place to heal.
While this episode focuses on Nog, the helplessness of his friends and family is well-portrayed. We see through the actions of Quark, Rom, and Leeta (Rom’s wife and Nog’s stepmother) that the Ferengi value and care for their family.
Deep Space Nine: ‘The Magnificent Ferengi’
The number one spot goes to the episode with the word “Ferengi” in the title. When Ishka is kidnapped by the Dominion, it’s up to Quark and Rom to gather the best Ferengi they know to mount a rescue mission.
Quark immediately recruits Nog for his Starfleet expertise. Among the volunteers to everyone’s surprise is Brunt. However, his reasoning is pure Ferengi. In addition to a share of the reward Ishka’s partner Zek provided, Brunt hopes to curry favor with Zek, who just happens to be the current Grand Nagus (ruler of Ferenginar).
As you can imagine, no one wants Brunt on the team as a former FCA liquidator. However, Brunt has something the team lacks: a working shuttle. Meet team member Brunt.
Brothers Quark and Rom assemble a crack team of Ferengi for a rescue operation. The mission recover Moogie from the Dominion. What could go wrong?
Disgraced Cousin Gaila and another Ferengi named Leck finish out the team roster. Gaila just wants to earn some gold-pressed latinum, but Leck just wants to test his tactical skills.
It's this ragtag group that Nog takes through basic training and then simulated missions on the holodeck. It goes about as well as you’d expect, with Nog walking off in frustration.
They finally load up in Brunt’s shuttle and head for Empek Nor, an abandoned Cardassian space station to meet up with the Vorta and Jem’Hadar to broker a deal and rescue Ishka. The Ferengi have something the Dominion want very badly: Keevan, a Vorta that Captain Sisko captured months ago.
They reach the station ahead of the Vorta and Jem’Hadar, which allows them to commandeer the infirmary for their base of operations. When their adversaries arrive, Quark successfully makes the deal to trade Keevan for Ishka. Smooth sailing, right?
Ferengi and Empek Nor just don’t mix, and in an infamous scene, they exchange a dead Keevan for a live Ishka and proceed to get out of Dodge. Words can’t capture the Weekend at Bernie’s hilarity that ensued in these scenes. Go and watch it for yourself.
Did you agree with these choices? Go to our Facebook page to let us know which Ferengi episodes are your favorites! Thank you for counting down the Star Trek Ferengi Top 5 episodes with me.
STEPHANIE L. SMITH: Stephanie hails from the Kansas City metro area with her sibling Jordan and 2 cats. Her day job is working from home as a staff accountant.
Quark came along And helped us all see There’s nothing quite like A lovable Ferengi
He took a man Concerned with profit and gain,
A man from a planet
Covered in rain,
Together with Rom And nephew Nog, Gave us an insight That parted the fog. They showed us a culture Driven by greed The rules of acquisition They will always heed.
Ferengi are not responsible for The stupidity of other races, So says rule 69, That will cover their bases.
Rom we loved For his innocent charm, And his sweet nature To never do harm.
These rules are the foundation For all Ferengi kind, Like rule 46: Make your shop easy to find.
Despite all the greed, Quark really was fun. He made some great friends, Like Odo, for one.
He did make right choices, Though it caused him great pain, ’d come through in the end
When he had nothing to gain.
From a brat to a man, We watched Nog grow. The first Ferengi in Star Fleet And pride we did know.
We saw a society That was ruled by men, A Grand Nagus in charge, The way it’s always been.
Moogie came along And demanded to dress, She refused to stay naked, Even under duress.
She had great lobes for business, Knew the rules inside and out, Taught Quark all she knew, Made him a success, no doubt.
Moogie fought for the right To have women be free And force men, even the Nagus To take them seriously.
Deep Space Nine Season six, episode 10. We start our adventure aboard DS9 in everyone’s favorite bar and gambling establishment, Quark’s.
It appears to be a regular run-of-the-mill day. People enjoying food, drink, and playing Dabo. Leeta (Chase Masterson) behind the bar, Odo (René Auberjonois) the stations security chief patrolling the floor. When Quark (Armin Shimerman) comes in with three crates of syrup of squill. He tells a tale of how the Agriculture consortium on Belenkar have been stock piling the syrup to drive up the price, and how he managed to broker a deal for the cases. A great and mighty feat if you’re a Ferengi. As Quark is starting into a second tale of financial daring, Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Sidig), Lt. Cmdr Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), and Chief Miles O’Brien (Colm Meaney) enter the bar and all attention is turned to them leaving Quark in the cold. When asked by Odo what’s wrong Quark replies that they just stole his audience. Odo reminds him that they are heroes and there is nothing heroic about earning profit, to which Quark fires back, “there is on Fereginar.”
“We’re not on Fereginar,” Odo reminds Quark as he walks off. Just then a Ferengi waiter whispers into Quark’s ear and Quark perks up at the news that the Grand Nagus is contacting him. Quark muses that the Nagus must have heard about the Squill trade, and that he should send the Nagus a dozen bottles of the syrup as the Negus loves Squill.
We cut to a Jeffries tube
where Quark’s brother Rom (Max Grodénchik) is working. Pops his head in and tells Rom that their mother has been taken prisoner by the Dominion and the Nagus wand Quark to rescue her. Que the title sequence for the show.
As Quark and Rom crawl down a length of Jeffries tube Quark tells Rom he wants Rom to go with him. Rom states that he is a married man and has responsibilities that don’t want him to die. Quark says he doesn’t want to die either so let’s just focus on the reward the Negus is offering — fifty bars of gold pressed latinum. Quark also informs Rom that the Negus and their mother have been romanticly involved for over a year and that Ishka, their mother, helps the Negus run the entirety of the Ferengi Alliance. After a wrong turn that puts them in Captain Sisko’s office the two end their Jeffries journey in a hallway somewhere on the space station. The brothers decide
to put together a commando team to save their mother, but Quark figures they can make an all Ferengi squad if they are properly motivated. Meaning latinum. They first try to recruit Nog (Aron Eisenberg), but he refuses untill Quark says that they would make him Strategic Operations Officer just like Lt. Cmdr Worf.
Now they are three. Next up is Leck (Hamilton Camp) a Ferengi with different priorities than your usual fare. He is an eliminator and would rather test his mettle against a target than earn profit. After finding out he would be going up against the Dominion the squad is now four strong.
After that Quark and Rom go to a Federation starbase and free their cousin Gaila (Josh Pias). Gaila asks what he has to do in return for his freedom and Quark replies, “Earn some latinum.” “Tell me more,” Gaila says with a smirk on his face. The squad has just gained its fifth
Back at Quark’s Bar the group is squabbling about calling Nog sir, and how they are going to get to the Dominion internment Center as they don’t have a ship. Enter Brunt (Jeffrey Combs) formerly of the FCA (Ferengi Commerce Authority) and all-around thorn in Quarks side. Nobody on the team wants to include Brunt and it’s easier to split the reward of 20 bars between five than six, but when he reveals that he has a ship they change their tune. The team is now six strong.
After a dismal training op in the holosuite, Quark and Rom discuss the next steps back at the bar.As Qurak regales Rom with more details of the Squill deal, Rom says that they have been going about this the wrong way.
re not commandos but negotiators it's what Ferengi do best. Quark quickly agrees and decides on a trade instead. Something the Dominion wants to trade for Moogie aka Ishka. It ends up being a prisoner exchange. A Vorta by the name of Keevan (Christopher Shea) for Moogie. When he is brought aboard he looks at the gathered Ferengi and informs them to notify their loved ones and to have their affairs in order, because once they leave for the trade they will have signed their death warrents. Then Keevan announces that he’s going to take a nap.
Quark has chosen Empok Nor an abandoned Cardassian space station that has the exact same layout as DS9. Upon boarding and scanning for lifeforms the team set up base in the infirmary and wait for the Dominion to arrive. During the wait the group decide to have a nap and have a guard on Keevan, which didn’t work out so well. Just as they catch Kevann at the shuttle trying to escape the Alam sounds
alerting everyone that a Dominion ship is approaching. Everyone hotfoots it back to the infirmary where Nog looks out onto the promenade and sees it full of Jem’Hadar. After a moment a Vorta by the name of Yelgrun (Iggy Pop) calls for them to come out. Quark takes Rom and Nog with him to go out and negotiate with Yelgrun.
After seeing Moogie (Cecily Adams) alive and unharmed Quark sets a few ground rules for the exchange and tells Yelgrun that he has 30 minutes to comply. The infirmary is a place of celebration as they believe they are in the homestretch. However Rom lets slip that the reward is fifty bars and not the promised twenty. More squabbling breaks out and Gaila accidentally shoots Keevan with a phaser killing him. Keevan’s last words are “I hate Ferengi.” And falls dead.
Now the Squad is scrambling to find a solution to the newest hurdle, Nog scans Keevan to confirm the death. As he does so he activates a neural stimulator and Keevan smacks Nog on the head. An idea springs to life in Nog’s mind and he calls for more stimulators.
Quark meets with Yelgrun now flanked by only two Jem’Hadar and stalls while Nog does his thing back in the infirma-
ry, citing that his brother is doing a scan to make sure his requests were met. Quark again asks for another change to the prisoner exchange. He wants it to be by the Ferengi’s ship, so they can cut and run as soon as the exchange is done. Yelgrun disappointedly agrees.
Outside the airlock in the hall Quark stands with Keevan and at the other end Yelgrun stands with Moogie. As the prisoners start walking toward each other Keevan is noticeably behaving in a manner that can be only described as ‘off’.
With the exchange hanging in the balance Quark springs his plan B and his team dispatches the two Jem’Hadar and take Yelgrun as their new prisoner to give back to the Federation.
Thoughts:
This episode is a fun look into Ferengi dynamics, both family and outside relationships. I especially enjoy the way Quark feels
that his people are just as strong and brave as any other race, but after the unmitigated disaster the holosuite training runs turn out to be, the Ferengi stereotypes emerge. They scream, run, trip, hide, and drop their weapons. Leck even shoots Moogie seeing that there is no good outcome for anyone except the Jem’Hadar.
In researching this episode I discovered that the movie ‘The Magnificent Seven’ was a source of inspiration and they even put tips of the hat into the episode. Like bringing Ferengi from different walks of life to assist on the rescue mission.
Of course it took the "idiot” of the group to realize that a rescue mission was not within the Ferengi wheelhouse. Rom said that the Ferengi people are negotiators and that’s what they should do, and because of that we have a great episode that pivots part way through the episode. Changing it from a rescue op to a prisoner exchange.
I love rewatching this epi-
sode if I need a chuckle and pick me up. Just watching the characters bicker and back bite oddly brings a smile to my face. It also shows that even in dire situations latinum can go a long way to motivate a Ferengi. Nog says that you should need to pay soldiers to which Quark replies you do if they’re Ferengi.
So at the end of the day I think this is a fun and light episode. It’s one to watch on a rainy day, you know, since Fereginar is perpetually raining. Sit back, pull up a blanket, grab a snack like some chilled tube grubs and a Slug-o-Cola, and enjoy.
JAYMZ SMITH: Jaymz Smith is a house spouse, who hosts a miniature gaming figurines review and painting show. He lives with his two parters and five cats in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has been a Klingon and a member of KAG since 1994.
The SyFy Sistas Podcast recently celebrated their 100th episode and I had the privilege of sitting down with Fran, Subrina and Tamia (Yvette was unable to join us for this interview) to talk about their heartbeat as a podcast crew. Reaching 100 episodes is an incredible milestone for any podcast and these women show no sign of slowing down from what they love to do: talk about science fiction, its impact on our culture, as well as Black thought and creativity.
They are a part of the Trek Geeks Podcast Network and the description of their podcast from trekgeeks.com describes their podcast as follows: Four Black women who are O.G., Gen X and Millenial Trekkies, discussing Black science fiction in TV, film, graphic novels, books and conventions. Let me tell you, though, they are far more than podcasters who like to talk. They are difference makers and thought provokers who desire to share their experience and wisdom with anyone who will listen. Since we’re celebrating their 100th episode, I thought it would be fitting to ask about their origin story as friends and as a podcast. What follows is a provocative and very raw conversation about their origin story and why they do what they do as SyFy Sistas.
Subrina: Fran and I met online in various Facebook groups defending Sonequa Martin-Green. We were backing each other up. Fran was there punchin’ it up! It was shocking to see how people were reacting to a black woman being the new lead.
Fran: Even before the show aired and the sneak peak trailer was released, it started then. The captain and first officer were women and women of color, nonetheless. We knew what Star Trek was really all about being “original” Trekkies!
Brian: I thought Trek was all about diversity! I’m shocked to hear that people were responding that way!
Tamia: Every new Star Trek iteration has received a whole lot of flack. It’s well documented. When Kate Mulgrew was the captain for Voyager; Avery Brooks the new head of Deep Space Nine. There’s directed attacks on them that are couched in other terms, but they’re so vociferous and multitudinous that it can’t be the simple explanations that people are trying to pass them off as. But we know exactly what it’s about. Star Trek is supposed to be about diversity, but some people have been watching it for years and apparantly missed it.
There were two women of color running the ship and some had major problems with that. There was no white man saving the day or being the hero. At the head of the show was a black woman!
Brian: So Fran and Subrina met online defending Sonequa in various groups. How did the rest of you connect?
Subrina: We decided that we had to meet up at Awesome-Con at the very first panel ever about Discovery. Fran and I just decided to meet up! We’re at the panel and someone taps us on the shoulder and asks if she can sit with us. It was Tamia!
Tamia: It was! The panel was conducted by people who were allies, but one person was not acting as such that day. The room was full of black women who were excited to talk about it. The fact that we had this momentus moment with Michael Burnham was only talked about for maybe ten percent of the time period (an hour slot).
It was an interactive panel with questions from the audience and they looked over all of us black women. Fran got her question in, though! The woman directing the panel was looking us in the eye and choosing other people. We came out of there fuming! It was a moment when we felt devalued and not heard. We weren’t alone, either.
The three of us were congregating outside and said, “We could do this better! We should start a podcast.”
Subrina: We said to ourselves, “This will never happen again!”
Brian: And that’s how the SyFy Sistas were born! Fran came up with the name, by the way! This moment that should have been celebratory and even gloriously joyful was, instead, another frustrating and heartbreaking experience for you and the rest of the women of color who had attended that panel.
Tamia: So, we started with Facebook groups to help build a community because community is very important. We were really trying to create a space where we as Black fans could talk about these franchizes and things we love from our perspective without having people calling us “woke” like it was a bad thing, or that we were bringing politics into it or
Black woman is a political statement and Trek has always talked a lot about politics anyways. What they were telling us is that they didn’t want us in their space. And we said, “We don’t need your space. We’re creating our own space where we can freely talk about this stuff how we want to.
Brian: So you, in essence, shook the dust from your feet and said, “They don’t want us here so we’ll go over there to create the space ourselves.”
Subrina: Yes! We wanted a space where we could be Black and let it shine. Everyone is welcome to listen and join the community. In fact, if you look at our numbers, our demographic is almost half white male. It's because we know our shit! They want to know what we see and feel as we watch Star Trek. They’re getting a different perspective.
Fran: Everyone is truly welcome to our space, but just know that it’s going to be from our point of view. It’s the whole point of the podcast.
Subrina: Absolutely! And the representation of Black people in Star Trek can use some review! We want to point that out.
Brian: One of the things that draws me to your podcast is the incredible genuineness and open attitude in the discussions you have. I think there are a lot of people who look like me (white) who really do want to learn. I want to know what I don’t know about your life experience and how you feel about this thing we all love called Star Trek. We need to learn how to listen to each other and care about lived experiences. When I listen to your podcast, I learn so much and it’s so very entertaining! It’s au-
thentic and it’s really easy for me as a white male to feel like part of the family when I’m listening.
So why SyFy (sci-fi) and not just Star Trek?
Tamia: We do cover a lot of Star Trek because we are Trekkies at our core. Part of our mission is to shine light on Black thought and creativity. We needed to be open to more than just Trek. We wanted the space to be open because we are Black women who love science fiction and fantasy. It’s also why we got a book club going, too. You never want to limit yourself because you never know how you are going to grow.
Fran: For instance, as a huge Buffy fan, I’m looking forward to covering that show in the near future. If we were just Trek, we couldn’t do that.
Brian: You have grown the podcast! We’re celebrating 100 episodes, which is an incredible achievement. What are some of your favorite guests or episodes?
Subrina: We did an episode with Dr. Crystal Fleming about Critical Race Theory in Star Trek that was pretty amazing and thought provoking. Also, I would say our first time interviewing Sonequa MartinGreen. Anson Mount actually discovered us first. He helped us get in with Paramount as a part of their media and promotion list!
Tamia: One of my favorite episodes was when we had Tawny Newsome on the show. It was so good we had to record it twice! We forgot to press record the first time! She was so gracious and fun, though. Nana Visitor was so inspiring. Krys Marshall from For All Mankind was amazing!
We get to have a lot of fun and a lot of inspirational conversations along the way. I also look forward to the shows we do together where we just have fun fan-girling and having a good time! When we’re together and having conversations about what we love as friends, that’s beauty to me.
And we couldn’t do any of it without Yvette who keeps us on track as our producer. She does so much
of the behind the scenes stuff. We didn’t talk about how she joined the group, but we really couldn’t do any of it without her!
Brian: Ladies, it’s been an absolute joy to talk with you. Thanks for spending the time for the Star Trek Family.
As I talked more with the Sistas, I was stunned to discover that many of the black actors do not enjoy the same level of invitations to conventions, the cruise, or even podcasts. These amazing women want to flip that script.
As a podcaster myself, I feel inspired to walk the narrow and often hard path of trailblazing just like the SyFy Sistas are doing. 100 episodes is a big deal, but it’s a bigger deal that they are talking about really important things along the way. They aren’t ignoring the hard and uncomfortable stuff. They are bravely going where few people have the courage to go. They are exploring truth and seeking trasparancy on what’s happening in the world around them. They love Star Trek and they believe in the potential of humanity.
You should listen to their show. I know that you’ll feel like part of the family when you do.
Listen to their podcast at trekgeeks.com or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!
Check them out on YouTube at SyFy Sistas Inc. They have a live show almost every Tuesday evening. You can find info on their book club and become a Patreon supporter.
Also check out CinnCine Goes SyFy as well as Two Moons and a Microphone hosted by Tanya ScottThomas. Don’t miss Derek Tyler Attico’s podcast on their network called Soul of the Story.
www.syfysistas.com
BRIAN DONAHUE: Brian is a pastor, songwriter, aspiring author and avid podcaster hosting three different podcasts, including The BIG Sci-Fi Podcast. He lives in Ohio with his wife, two kids and Data the golden-doodle.
Profit first is what a Ferengi seeks
Find it, earn it, inherit it or cheat
Get that latinum in your grip
All the slips, strips, bars and bricks
Once you're gone, the Great Treasury awaits
I was injured and suffered a loss I need to take time to gather my thoughts It might seem like I'm hiding
A way forward I'm finding I will stay till my cane I can toss
Rom and Leeta have a love that is true
She knows that he has a mind that is shrewd He sees that she is quite kind Their lives together they'll bind
On Ferenginar, together they'll rule
NAGUS ZEK
An updated list of events and conventions from all across the
Marina Kravchuk
23-25: GalaxyCon Oklahoma City (in-person convention; William Shatner, Jason Isaacs, Chris Sarandon attending)
May 30 - June 1: Trek Long Island (in-person convention)
May 30 - June 1: FedCon (in-person convention; Jonathan Frakes, Robert Duncan McNeill, JG Hertzler, Robert O'Reilly, Peyton List, Dan Jeannotte, Ed Speleers, Michelle Hurd, Tawny Newsome attending)
May 30 - June 1: Monsterpalooza (in-person convention; Doug Jones, Ron Perlman attending)
May 30 - June 1: Iron City Comic Con (in-person convention; Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden attending)
May 30 - June 1 - FanExpo Dallas (in-person convention; John Rhys-Davies, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson attending)
6-7: Hollywood Show in LA (in-person convention; multiple actors from across Trek series attending)
6-8: Phoenix Fan Fusion (in-person convention; Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, Ron Perlman, Rainn Wilson, Eugene Cordero, Simon Pegg attending)
7-8: Em-Con Nottingham (in-person convention; Todd Stashwick, Marina Sirtis, Terry Matalas
14: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 premiere as part of TriBeCa Film Festival
