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: That’s What He Said, Ira Steven Behr (1)

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

Welcome to STAR TREK CONTINUUM, the site for tonight’s chat with Ira Steven Behr. Ira, on behalf of STAR TREK CONTINUUM, I’d like to welcome you to our chat tonight…

Ira Behr: It’s great to be here!!!

STC: DJData19 asks: Are the rumors of DS9 character being killed during a Dominion attack founded?

Ira Behr: Yes. One of the recurring characters will not survive the retaking of the station. Instead of flowers, please send extra viewers.

STC: Greg_Magnus asks, Were you a fan of Star Trek when you were growing up?

Ira Behr: Yes. I don’t think I missed an episode of the original series. Though, like most fans I was disappointed with season three. I think the show that really won me over was “Charlie X”. When I lived in Malibu, Robert Walker Jr ran a store there and I used to see him on occasion. I used to think “Oh my God, It’s Charlie X”. But I never watch the show in repeats and I didn’t think much about Star Trek in the intervening years.

STC: DJData19 asks, Whenever the show does end, will the final episode try to be all-encompassing like TNG, or a focus on Sisko as the Emissary, like the premiere was? What would you like see happen?

Ira Behr: When the show ends, at the conclusion of year 15, we will try to wrap up as many loose ends as possible. With nine regular characters and about 17 recurring characters, we’ll need about a season to do that. But that’s the plan at least as of now.

STC: DJData asks, as far as the fleshing out of characters, when do you feel the series began to flourish and step out from the shadows of TNG?

Ira Behr: Obviously working on the show is different than watching the show. I never felt we were in the shadows of TNG. I think we’re very different shows. Personally, I don’t think TNG was a character-based show and after seven years and two movies, I think most people would be hard-pressed to really describe some of those characters. I think that we’ve done more with the recurring characters in DS9, as far as making them full-bodied, interesting people than we ever got to do with TNG. But, again, I don’t think that was the emphasis of that particular series.

Ira Steven Behr

STC: ShellieTribble asks, Would you say Hi to everyone in the Starfleet Lounge Chat?

Ira Behr: Hello to everyone in the Starfleet Lounge!

STC: Greg_Magnus asks, Who are your favorite authors?

Ira Behr: I take books very seriously… I collect books, so I have a fairly long list. I recommend any of these authors… reading their books will improve your life and your mind; Beckett, Faulkner, Celine, Cormac, McCarthy… Phillip K. Dick, J.G. Ballard, Time Powers…. Dellilo… L. Shepard… That should get you started.

STC: DJData19 asks, How do you feel Rick Berman has handled the franchise since Roddenberry’s death?

Ira Behr: Between DS9, Voyager and the movies he’s given the fans many different ways to enjoy the franchise. I think Gene would appreciate all that he’s done to keep the franchise alive. In fact, one of the few things that Rick hasn’t been involved with, is my latest book “Legends of the Ferengi” by Pocket Books… co-written by Robert Hewitt Wolfe. Without a doubt, it is the funniest Star Trek book ever written… not that there’s been much competition.

STC: LarryN asks, Ira, the Legends of the Ferengi is great, a new way to use a book to expand show background by a “Creator”. Any of the tales turning up in future episodes? What about another book?

Ira Behr: Little things that are mentioned in the book are bound to pop up on the show. In fact, one already has… the Marauder Mo, Quark’s boyhood toy came directly out of the book. As far as there being another book, it’s a lot of work and I really do prefer to concentrate on DS9.

STC: LarryNHost asks, Ira, as a NY’er, how did you get to be such a big western fan, esp. of the Alamo?

Ira Behr: As a Bronx boy, I sometimes felt I was living in Fort Apache. So being a fan of the Western isn’t as far-fetched as it may sound. As for the Alamo, I’ve always had a fascination for the losing side, a heroic loss is always more interesting than a win in my twisted brain. You can read in anything you like in terms of DS9.

STC: Alan Cooper asks, Many people have questioned the motivations of bringing Worf onto DS9 i.e… it was ONLY to get ratings… etc.. etc… etc… How do you respond to them?

Ira Behr: Obviously, one of the reasons Worf was brought on the show was to increase the ratings. After all, they call it show “business”. But if we did not feel that Worf would’ve brought something to the party, we never would’ve done it. Sometimes business decisions and artistic decisions can ride the same wave.

STC: Mrben2 asks, When will your book “Legends of the Ferengi” be released?

Ira Steven Behr

Ira Behr: The book is already in release. If you cannot find it in your neighborhood, move to another one. If you cannot find it in your state, move to another state. You need this book!!! You will like this book. FIND THIS BOOK!!

STC: Werewindle asks, Many fans that I have chatted with have wondered why Worf’s son, Alexander didn’t show up with him on the station. Are there any plans to include him in the future?

Ira Behr: Yes. You will be seeing Alexander more than once this season. The new actor who is playing him is quite wonderful. Marc Worden is his name. I think he’s going to be very popular. Between him and J.G. Hertzler (who plays Martok) I think it is obvious that there’s still life in those Klingons after all.

STC: Scott S asks, What are the chances of there being a ST:DS9 movie?

Ira Behr: Right now, I don’t think the chances are all that good. Of course, I think it would be wonderful idea. Deep Space Nine in Panavision… what a concept! Maybe if the fans started writing into Paramount demanding that a DS9 feature be made, it would have some effect. Of course, you can take that same energy and buy a few copies of “Legends of the Ferengi”.

Either way I love ya!

Ira Steven Behr

STC: TBone asks, Are Worf and Dax really going to get married?

Ira Behr: Yes. Wait until you see the dress.

I bet you had no idea that Michael Dorn had such beautiful legs.

STC: SiskoKid asks, Will this be the last season of Deep Space Nine?

Ira Behr: I suppose it’s possible. But right now, this being September 30, 1997, I would say there’s a very good chance we’ll do a seventh season. But I would like to say that if we don’t I would not consider that, in any way, a failure. Six seasons for a TV show is pretty amazing and this idea that a seventh season is mandatory seems to me to be somewhat greedy. As I said, I think the chances are very good that we’ll go seven.

STC: Quark asks, Mr. Behr when does the new season of DS9 starts. P.S I love the show?

Ira Behr: The new season starts this week. Check local listings in your area.

As for you loving the show, we love ya right back.

STC: Keinbert asks, What do you think of the Star Trek Experience in Vegas?

Ira Behr: Believe it or not, I go to Las Vegas frequently. It is one of those bizarre cities that speak “America” to me. To think of Vegas and Star Trek in the same breath is enough to make my head explode with righteous joy. Now if only they could get Frank Sinatra Jr. to be the host, that would be Nirvana. Few people know that the true pilot episode of DS9 was the movie “Ocean’s Eleven” and if you watch the DS9 pilot “Emissary” on one TV and “Ocean’s Eleven” on another TV, you’ll be amazed by what you’ll find.

STC: Brian Blackmore (TR1SPY) asks, the Ferengi started out as rather lethal in ST:TNG. Now they are almost used as galactic comic relief. Do you agree with their transformation?

Ira Behr: I think I’m not saying anything out of school by telling you that the idea of lethal Ferenig was kind of a bust. The Ferengi are not the Klingons or the Romulans. They were minor villains at best. I don’t really see them as galactic comic relief. To me, they’re the closest thing to a 20th century hew-mons.

STC: Keinbert asks, How long does it take to write an episode?

Ira Behr: Usually we write the story in one or two days. Then the writing staff meets to break the story down into an outline… this usually takes two or three days. Then we usually write a script in seven to ten days. It’s very intensive. There are times I wish we could relax and take a month but that’s not television. At the same time, as we’re writing the scripts, we’re also producing the series (i.e casting sessions, production meetings, visits to my therapist… etc…). It’s a full life and I’m getting older by the second.

STC: DJ asks, I can’t believe I’m talking with you. Is there any way that you would be able to e-mail my sister so she believes that I talked with you. She is a BIG fan of Deep Space Nine?

Ira Behr: What I love about the internet is this “thread of paranoia” that seems to be a part of it’s life’s blood. I feel your pain… let it rain.

I can only say I am who I say I am.

Though at times when I’m tired, I will look in the mirror and to my horror, sees Hans Beimler

STC: DJData19 asks, How often do you attend conventions? Do you enjoy them? If you are in the Milwaukee area in August, you could hit GenCon, a four day con devoted not just to Sci-Fi bu to gaming as well… Previous guests I have met personally have included Garrett Wang and Walter Koening… whaddya think?

Ira Behr: I have only attended a handful of conventions. The truth is, I don’t think the majority of fans care much about talking to the people behind the scenes.

I mean, this is understandable, though I do think I am as attractive as Terry Farrell

STC: I’d have to agree!

Ira Steven Behr

Ira Behr: I feel part of my duties as an Executive Producer is to promote the show. I really enjoy working on DS9 and I can’t think of much that I wouldn’t do for it. So as Dickens wrote in David Copperfield, “Barkis is willing” but if I was a fan I’d rather see Nana Visitor.

STC: Ramses asks, What exactly does an Executive Producer do?

Ira Behr: Basically, my job is to keep pipeline of scripts active so that the monster TV camera doesn’t eat us while we’re not looking. But, like I said earlier, I also make many of the decisions that go into the day to day production of the series. It’s a job involving detail work, from approving costumes to viewing dailies and giving my comments on the rough cut of each episode.

STC: RobertO asks, Your bio says you turned down a playwright scholarship in NY to go out to LA for films & TV. Was that a big risk for you?

Ira Behr: Actually, it was a scholarship to Brandeis University. I don’t know if it was a risk but it certainly changed my life. For a few years, I kind of drifted around… worked in market research and did many of the things I will tell  my children not to do but I don’t regret the decision. I had a fear of winding up an academic and though I do like the thought of, one day, teaching to have done it from the time I was 25 would not have given me the satisfaction I get playing here at Paramount.

STC: Brian Blackmore (TR1SPY) asks, Between the holodeck, time travel, parallel universes and “sub-conscious dream” episodes, Star Trek writers have a lot of easy outs in terms of plot structure that I believe they abuse sometimes and strain credulity. Any comments or questions on how to write disciplined stories without relying so heavily on these plot devices?

Ira Behr: As I’ve said before, I think DS9 is a character-driven show. I’m not knocking plots… obviously they’re necessary but if we have to go to a holodeck or time travel, etc.. in order to have an arena in which to develop character, I have no problem with with that and in terms of straining credulity, I have one word for you “Beam me up, Scotty”

Ira Steven Behr

STC: Keinbert asks, What do you do to be inspired when you write?

Ira Behr: That’s a great question. So here’s the not-so-great answer. When you’re writing for television, you don’t have time to be inspired. You have to get the work done. Or, to put it another way, what inspires me most of all is fear, loathing and the ever-present sense of failure. The cameras keep rolling, so we have to keep writing or as a very wise man once said “Necessity is the mother of invention”. Seriously though, the other thing that inspires me is reading a good book. I love words, sentences, paragraphs. There are times I wish I could play an instrument or sing or paint but unfortunately I can’t do any of those things. I’m a true idiot-savant.

There is one thing that I’m good at… make that two things… one of them is writing.

STC: Ted Nichols asks, For someone wanting to be obtain the same amount of success as you what would you recommend? YOU ARE GREAT, one of the best Truly, LLAP!

Ira Behr: You have to low what you do. You have to have the guts of a bandit. You have to be prepared for some serious setbacks. You’ve got to keep perspective. You’ve got to care a lot and ultimately you can’t be afraid to not fucking care at all. To quote Bob Dylan “There is no success like failure… and failure is no success at all”. If you can remember that, if you can believe that paradox, you’ll be okay.

STC: Ted Nichols asks, Are you good friends with Michael and Denise Okuda? What all do they do for DS9?

Ira Behr: I think Michael and Denise are two incredibly talented people. They’re also hard core fans and though It’s easy at times to think of the fans as just being a pain, Michael and Denise are a constant reminder to me that fans are cool too. As far as the work they do for the show… ask them. I hear they go to all the conventions.

STC: 1hp asks, Your villains are 3-dimensional. Is this always intentional?

Ira Behr: Absolutely. Gul Dukat, Weyoun, the Female Shape-shifter, Damar… these are all great characters…. and wonderful characters to write for. It’s especially gratifying for me to have been a fan of Jeff Combs (Weyoun) for a number of years and then to be able to hire him to do the show and find out that he’s a great guy as well as a talented actor. It’s this kind of thing that makes all the long hours worthwhile.

The Villains of DS9

STC: Greg_Magnus asks, Gene Roddenberry’s “vision” is a subject much discussed by Trek fans. What is your interpretation of Roddenberry’s vision?

Ira Behr: I think the question has its answer contained within it. I see my job as interpreting Gene’s vision. Gene gave us the 24th Century. He gave us the knowledge that the human race will not only survive also prosper but that’s a  pretty broad vision and what I want to do is take that idea and study it. In other words, in “The Maquis Part II” I had Sisko say that Earth is a paradise but that it’s easy to be a saint in paradise. To me, DS9 isn’t about paradise and the fact that Gene Roddenberry’s human race can exist there and struggle there and try to make that little part of the galaxy a better place is a  positive view of the future but within that positive view, there’s a lot of pain, suffering, disappointment and death. None of those things I find to be in conflict with Gene’s vision. He was a creative man and I think it’s sad that there’s a segment of the audience that seem determined to paint him narrower than he was.

---