DS9 Stories/News: That’s What He Said, Ira Steven Behr (2)

During his time as DS9 writer and executive producer, Ira Steven Behr had been in contact with fans via AOL postings. An archive of these postings has been hosted on a Geocities page, which is about to be closed before the end of the year.

Because of this, Memory Alpha is hosting these postings, which were originally provided as .txt files, as-is. Below is the introductory paragraph of the archive page, followed by links to the individual postings. Please note that the posting pages are protected, and should not be edited.

Star Trek: Continuum Chat With Ira Steven Behr – Sept. 30, 1997

…………..

STC: Ted Nichols asks, What is your most embarrassing moment, since you’ve been involved with DS9?

Ira Behr: I guess the most embarrassing moment which has now lasted about six years would have to be the ever-shrinking ratings. At least this used to bother me quite a bit. Actually, now I’ve become perversely attuned to it. I find that DS9 is a cult within a cult… or perhaps “cult” is a bad word in today’s environment… oh well, you know what I mean. Everyone wants to be loved by as many people as possible and it took me a long time to realize that DS9 was not going to be everyone’s taste.

I think TNG proved confusing to all of us. Star Trek suddenly became a mainstream entity where the original series was a fringe show, TNG was much more viewer friendly. It was a very safe, very clean show.

There was no real threat that its characters could not handle. It was, indeed, an easy show to embrace. DS9 has always been quirkier. It doesn’t necessarily make you feel that all is right with the world… it is not Connecticut

STC: Trey asks, I would like to say that I respect and appreciate how you have made DS9 a unique part of the Star Trek Universe. In fact, DS9 was what rekindled my interested in Star Trek. There are many out there, a few of whom I know personally that don’t like the direction that you, the producers have taken this show? Do these kind of opinions discourage you in any way, or do you take it in stride like I do? Thanks for the enjoyable past 5 years!

Ira Behr: I know in the past I’ve said things that have made it sound like I have a contentious relationship with the fans…

I don’t think that’s accurate but I do believe that trying to please the many diverse types of fans that make up the DS9 audience would be a futile task. There are fans that only like the action shows… there are fans that like the Bajoran shows… Fans that like the Klingons shows… Fans that only like the Lesbian Shows

Fans that only like the Lesbian Shows... & apparently Ira is one of them!

Fans that only like the shows that feature SPAM… There is no way we can please them all. Again this is not like TNG which basically did the same kind of show (i.e.. exploration, exploring strange, new whatevers) each week. So basically, we have to make the decision that we (meaning the writers/producers) are going to guide the show. It doesn’t mean that we don’t want to please the fans, or we don’t hear the fans…

But it does mean that we can’t let the fans unduly influence us because if we did, we run the risk of only doing Lesbian shows and then stations might cancel us

Oh, Ira and His Sense of Humor!!!

STC: WSHart asks, Do you ever get a chance or even care to watch the “competition” like B5 or X-Files or even Voyager — or Herc & Xena?

Ira Behr: The fact is I’d rather read a book or watch a laser disc than watch television. This sounds pretentious, I know but it’s the truth. But if I did watch a TV show, it definitely would not be any of those mentioned above. I spend my life thinking about DS9, science fiction, space opera, whatever you want to call it and watching Herc or Xena is not my idea of relaxing.

STC: Alan Cooper says, I’ve noticed, as you said, that all of the characters on DS9 have gone through massive changes character-wise. Bashir went from somewhat annoying glory hound to a great character and Rom went from being a nobody to being a major character. Were these transitions at all planned or did you feel your way along as you go?

Ira Behr: I don’t know if you can say they were planned… but I do think that from the very beginning of the series, the writers have been very interested in exploring the characters. So, I guess you could say that we do feel our way as we go along but at least we know we’re on a road we want to travel.

STC: Keinbert asks, Do you like Villains more than heroes?

Ira Behr: That’s a little simple. I think I like characters who surprise me and I think DS9 is full of those. The one thing I will say about the Villains of DS9, they’re much more verbal than the heroes which makes them a lot of  fun to write. They can spew words with great elan and I sure as hell don’t look like Paul Schaffer… get your eyes checked!

STC: Keinbert asks, How many episodes do you write a year?

Ira Behr: Usually I’ll co-write about eight a year and rewrite a bunch of others without taking credit. This year has been especially busy and I think I’ve written or rewritten six out of the first ten episodes. Of course, I would’ve written more if I didn’t have that Letterman gig.

STC: Chris Fisher asks, You have written many episodes, which are you’re favorite and will you be doing more?

Ira Behr: It’s a tough question… Among those that I have a special fondness for “The Nagus”, “Past Tense”, “Call to Arms” and “Duet”. “Duet” was a rewrite that I did with Peter Allan Fields… it still ranks up there as one of my favorite Star Trek moments.

STC: Alan Cooper asks, Are there any episodes in particular that you wish you could go back and refine further?

Ira Behr: Obviously my first response is: ALL OF THEM

On a TV schedule there’s always room for improvement but if I had to choose one, it would have to be “Let He Who Is Without Sin”, it was supposed to be a show that looked at 24th Century morals and sexuality. We pretty much failed on both counts.

STC: Trey asks, With the Dominion war going on and the crew being separated, does it make it difficult at times to give all the characters enough “Screen Time”?

Ira Behr: Doing the sex episode arc was VERY difficult. Keeping all the characters serviced was a tap dance that seemed to go on forever. But I think the end result is worthwhile. Ultimately it will be the fans that will let us know if it is or not.

STC: Tedd Nichols asks, What is your favorite Motto or Quote?

Ira Behr: It’s from the Beckett novel “The Unnameable”, I can’t go on. You must go on. I’ll go on.

STC: Scott S asks, What are the chances of Rom and Leeta having a child?

Ira Behr: As of two weeks ago, Max Grodenchick and Chase Masterson are still arguing. Whether or not Rom and Leeta have had sex yet. So I think a child is a bit premature. Personally, I’m leaning toward Max’s point of view. Rom may be an idiot but he’s not that big of an idiot

STC: Dax asks, All I have to say is the season premiere was amazing and I hope you have a big wedding planned for Worf and Dax

Ira Behr: Thank you. And indeed we do

STC: Kes asks, Have you ever, or would you ever consider doing a cameo appearance on the show?

Ira Behr: Actually, I play Morn.

Marc Shephard is just an actor I’ve hired to confuse the fans at conventions… but don’t tell anyone… it’s a secret…

STC: LarryN asks, Have you ever dallied with the idea of having Q or even Vash, back on the station? Or any other “old” guest roles?

Ira Behr: I don’t foresee Q being back on the show. To me, his relationship with Picard was gold and I don’t think we can top it. As for Vash, I’d like to see her back but so far inspiration has not struck.

STC: Starfleet7 asks, What is your new book about?

Ira Behr: “Legends of the Ferengi” is a compendium of stories, folklore, songs, articles, obituaries and outright lies that explain and define various Rules of Acquisitions.

Read this book and you may not increase your profit margin (or mine for that matter) but you will smile. And after all, what could be better than a smile!

TRUE, SO TRUE IRA

:-)

If you don’t believe me, ask Red Skelton… Oh, you can’t… He’s dead

So I guess you’ll just have to take my word for it

STC: Loctus asks, I just wanted to say that I started watching DS9 in its fourth season and I have been in love ever since. I think you guys are doing a wonderful job and especially you Ira. I personally think that DS9 is better than TNG. Let the insults fly but really you guys do a superb job and I wish you good luck on many more seasons of wonderful shows

Ira Behr: Your insight, wit and superior intellect are beacons that light the darkness that surround so much of our lives here at the end of 20th Century. I know I speak for all of us, not only on Star Trek but at Paramount, Melrose Avenue, Greater Los Angles, Southern California, the Western United States and the United States Postal Service when I say to you…

Good night and God Bless…

Oh no.. That was Red Skelton, not me. I though he was dead.

I must’ve been thinking about Burgess Meredith

STC: Alan Copper asks, Being completely honest, what re the chances of a fan’s script/story idea being used in DS9?

Ira Behr: At this point, DS9 is closed to outside submissions. At best, the show’s only going to go for another year and a half and the backlog is already huge. I know that’s not what you want to hear but I’m afraid that’s where we’re at.

STC: Berserker asks, Is there really an episode about Morn? And will he speak, or will it be some sort of dream thing where he doesn’t talk at all?

Ira Behr: There will be an episode about Morn in which much will be learned about our favorite barfly but you won’t be hearing it from him.

STC: 1hp aks, I love Moogie. Is he coming back this year?

Ira Behr: Moogie will be back this year. Andrea Martin was going to reprise the role but had to drop out at the last minute.

STC: Kinloks V asks, Ira, Thank you so much for spending your valuable time with us here on CONTINUUM! I look forward to this new season of DS9 (It kicks Voyager Butt, BTW!) and want to know if you find it a challenge to make your episodes accessible to a casual viewer who may not know the rich detail and background on the world you’ve created?

Ira Behr: You’ve touched on a problem that has given me pause for the last two years. DS9 can seem daunting to a new viewer. Unlike most TV shows, we do tend to build on what’s come before but I do believe, or at least want to believe, that the individual episodes are entertaining enough to pull a viewer in. Once we get them interested, there are many ways (Videos, Reruns… etc) for them to catch up.

STC: Gleknar asks, How tall are you?

Ira Behr:

I am a giant who doth bestride the world like a Colossus

REALLY? IRA???

STC: Bones1701 asks, Is it just me, or have you purposefully been getting old TOS guest starts on DS9? Like space hippie Adam for the general in Little Green Men?

Ira Behr: We tried to get Robert Walker Jr. This year but he’s not interested in renewing his acting career. I am trying to get Iggy Pop on the show. I know he wasn’t on the original series but I just want to give a plug to Iggy.

Ira & Iggy Pop

After all, Iggy truly does bestride the world like a Colossus. If he does do the show, He’ll be playing a Vorta.

And I, for one, would be very happy

STC: ItsAMystique asks, Ira, Do you intend to beat Jeri Ryan’s three hour plus CONTINUUM chat record? If so let me know so I can order in dinner. Thanks.

Ira Behr: Thank you and drive home safely. I guess this is as good a time to call it quits.

My kids are waiting for me to put them to bed. My wife is waiting to hear me complain about my day.

This has been a real pleasure.

The guys here at Star Trek CONTINUUM have been great. The questions have exceeded my expectations. We hope to give you the best season of DS9 yet. If we fail, it won’t be through lack of trying. So, keep watching… and read a goddam book once in a while (Even if it’s not one of mine)

And finally, yes this is really is me!

Goodbye Ira

STC: We’d like to thank Ira Steven Behr for joining us here tonight. We’re looking forward to the upcoming exciting season of Deep Space Nine!

Thank you all very much for participating in tonight’s special event!

Remember to watch the season premiere of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine this week. Check your local listings for day and time.

DS9 Stories/News: A Chat with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Armin Shimerman

Source: http://www.themortonreport.com/entertainment/television/intergalactic-wheeler-dealer-a-chat-with-star-trek-deep-space-nines-armin-shimerman/

By Steve Eramo, Contributor

October 28, 2011 9:25 AM 3

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Quark (Armin Shimerman)

One thing that patrons of Quark’s Bar on Deep Space Nine could always count on was a warm welcome from the establishment’s owner. After all, the more people who enjoyed themselves drinking, eating, gambling, and living out their wildest fantasies in one of his Holosuites, the more gold-pressed latinum the Ferengi would make. Of course, the bar was not Quark’s only source of income; like all his people, he was always keen to turn a profit and looked for any and all business ventures, legal or otherwise.

Despite his dubious professional dealings, Quark was a harmless as well as likeable character and one that Armin Shimerman thoroughly enjoyed playing for seven seasons on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His first Trek role was that of a very special Betazoid gift box in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Haven.” He then played not one but two Ferengis – Letek in “The Last Outpost” and Bractor in “Peak Performance.” It was, in fact, the actor’s work in the latter which led Deep Space Nine co-creator and executive producer Rick Berman to cast him as Quark.

“Rick told me at the end of the audition process for Quark that the part had been written for me but I still had to try out for it,” explains Shimerman. “I was thrilled when I heard that they were doing a third Star Trek series, Deep Space Nine, but when I discovered they were also going to have a regular Ferengi character in it I was determined to get the part. I’ve always been a big fan of the show and the idea of my possibly making a bigger contribution to the Trek myth other than my work on The Next Generation really appealed to me.

“I sort of campaigned to get an audition for Quark and as it turned out I was, I believe, the first actor to try out for the role. There was this long hiatus until my next audition and during that time I was despondent that they had forgotten about me. The easiest thing to forget in Hollywood is the first actor who auditions for a part.

“A month-and-a-half later they called me back for a second audition and there were only two of us going up for the role, me and Max Grodenchik [eventually cast as Quark’s brother Rom],” continues the actor. “I went in and read and then waited outside for Max. I had never met him before but I’d seen his work as a Ferengi on The Next Generation [in “Captain’s Holiday” and “The Perfect Mate”]. Max and I had a wonderful chat for about two hours. He told me he approached Quark much more comically than I had, whereas I tried playing him more like I did Bractor in my second Next Generation episode.

“After this audition I had to wait another two weeks for the final audition. I came into the waiting area where Rene Auberjonois [Security Chief Odo] was sitting along with Avery Brooks [Commander Benjamin Sisko] and Nana Visitor [Major Kira Nerys]. I didn’t know at the time that Rick Berman had pretty much made his first choices – we were them – and that he just had to convince the people at Paramount Studios as to the wisdom of his choices. After that, I walked out of the room and the rest is history,” he says happily.

Quark was ready to leave Deep Space Nine after the Federation took over the base from Cardassian occupation, but Commander Sisko persuaded the Ferengi to stay, hoping his bar would help draw tourism to the facility and bolster its economy. Although his instincts told him to put profit before people – which typically got him in trouble, especially where Odo was concerned – Quark gained a moral or two during his time spent with humans as well as the local Bajorans. Shimerman was always pleased whenever his character’s more serious side was allowed to emerge.

“I’m particularly proud of the fifth season story ‘Business As Usual’ because it shows Quark as much more of a thinking, deeper person in the sense that he has a real problem to solve,” notes the actor. “There are a number of episodes in which he must face moral dilemmas, such as ‘Bar Association’ and ‘Looking for Par’mach in All the Wrong Places.’ I always saw Quark as much more of a dramatic character than the show’s writers, who always saw him as sort of comic relief. They did give me some dramatic episodes, but there was always a lot of comedy mixed in.”

Unlike the original Star Trek series and three of its four spin-offs – The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise - our heroes on Deep Space Nine did not travel the universe seeking out new life and new civilizations. Most of the action had to come to them, which made the series a difficult one for Trek fans to initially embrace.

“Because we stayed in one place we really went from being an episodic program to something more like a serial,” says Shimerman. “With an episodic show you can tune in any week having never watched before and know what’s going on as well as understand what’s going on with the characters because it’s all new every week. With Deep Space Nine we had more than 40 recurring characters and ongoing story lines, so our show was closer to being a serial. If you tuned in for the first time and, let’s say, saw the relationship between Worf [Michael Dorn] and Dax [Terry Farrell] you were going to be a little bit ‘lost at sea’ because you weren’t aware of what had come before.

“Another change that took place with our show had to do with its characters. When we first started out, the flaws everyone had were minor, but as the series continued these imperfections expanded and all of our characters became much more three-dimensional because of it. Quark’s flaw was that he’d become a little too human and moral. Kira was much more of a jingoist; anything that wasn’t good for Bajor wasn’t good for her, either. Sisko struggled between being a captain for the Federation and also respecting his position as the Bajoran emissary. So every now and then he was caught up in a moral dilemma as far as which path he had to follow. All of this, hopefully, is what made the show interesting to watch and the audience tune in week after week.”