From Quirky Romances to Bizarre Bonds: Exploring the Strangest Love Stories in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Summary

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine featured a variety of unique love stories, from committed relationships to complicated attractions and unexpected pairings.

Rom and Leeta's relationship played a pivotal role in reshaping the perception of the Ferengi, transitioning them from one-dimensional antagonists to a multi-faceted extraterrestrial civilization on the verge of embracing positive evolution. Certain romantic entanglements posed challenges due to the weight of previous experiences, such as the intricate dynamic shared between Worf and Ezri. On the other hand, the connection between Gul Dukat and Kira's mother shed light on the intricacies stemming from the Cardassian occupation.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is no stranger to peculiar love stories throughout its history. While the show features a number of enduring romantic relationships, such as Chief Miles O'Brien and Keiko O'Brien, as well as Captain Benjamin Sisko and Kasidy Yates, there are also unconventional pairings that are just as genuine. These unusual love stories, however, did not have the same longevity and were wisely abandoned. Examples include the scrapped romantic storyline between Major Kira and Gul Dukat, which thankfully never made it to the screen. Similar to the Star Trek universe, relationships in DS9 came in various forms and sizes, and the success of these peculiar love stories varied.

10 Rom And Leeta

A committed relationship between a Ferengi and a Bajoran dabo girl is unconventional due to the contradictory beliefs held about their respective species. In contrast to their commonly understood lascivious and misogynistic nature, Rom (Max Grodenchik) and Leeta (Chase Masterson) presented a refreshing departure as they embarked on a genuine romantic relationship. This significant portrayal of Rom and Leeta's connection played a crucial role in the transformation of the Ferengi throughout Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Their journey shifted these formerly failed villains from Star Trek: The Next Generation into a multifaceted alien culture, on the verge of embracing positive societal reform.

9 Quark And Grilka

Quark (played by Armin Shimerman) never really settled down like his brother Rom, but beneath his tough exterior, he had a softer side. In the third episode of season 3 of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, titled "The House of Quark," Quark found himself reluctantly marrying Grilka (portrayed by Mary Kay Adams) as part of a scheme to gain control over her House. Surprisingly, Quark began to develop genuine feelings for Grilka and turned to Lieutenant Commander Worf (played by Michael Dorn) for help in winning her over. This led to a series of hilariously unpredictable events. Interestingly, while assisting Quark, Worf and Lieutenant Jadzia Dax (portrayed by Terry Farrell) were able to confront their own hidden attraction for each other.

8 Odo & Lwaxana Troi

7 Grand Nagus Zek & Quark’s Mother Ishka

Lwaxana Troi, portrayed by Majel Barrett, was married to several individuals throughout her time on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Among her notable spouses was Constable Odo, played by Rene Auberjonois. Prior to their marriage, Lwaxana and Odo developed a unique connection in two previous episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. While Lwaxana was immediately smitten with Odo, his affections were directed towards Major Kira Nerys, portrayed by Nana Visitor. Nonetheless, Odo fulfilled his duty and married Lwaxana in the episode "The Muse" to safeguard her from the archaic patriarchal customs of his species, preventing her from losing her unborn son. Following the successful deception that allowed Lwaxana to retain custody of her child, the marriage was promptly annulled, and the fate of Lwaxana's son remains unknown to this day.

In an unexpected turn of events, Grand Nagus Zek (Wallace Shawn) embarked on a covert romance with Ishka (Cecily Adams), the forthright activist mother of Quark and Rom. Despite initial reservations from Quark, their relationship blossomed into a heartwarming love story between two seasoned Ferengi individuals. Not only did Zek's connection with Ishka bring joy to their lives, but it also paved the way for significant advancements in women's rights on Ferenginar. This, in turn, set the stage for Rom's ascension as the more progressive Nagus during the final season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Although their pairing may have seemed peculiar at first, Zek and Ishka proved to be a formidable power couple within Ferengi society. Their bond faced a formidable challenge when Ishka was captured by the Dominion, enabling Quark to gain favor with the Federation by transferring one of DS9's Vorta villains into their custody.

6 Worf & Ezri Dax

5 Gul Dukat And Kai Winn

Worf's grief over Jadzia's death prompted him to make a questionable choice as he briefly pursued a relationship with Lt. junior grade Ezri Dax (Nicole de Boer). It was evident that Worf's attraction to Ezri stemmed solely from her retention of Jadzia's memories. Likewise, Ezri's interest in Worf was largely influenced by the memories of Jadzia, rather than her own emotions which were directed towards Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig). This resulted in a highly intricate love story, further complicated by their capture by the Dominion. Despite these challenges, they managed to resolve their conflicts and successfully return to Deep Space Nine with their respective lives intact.

Gul Dukat's interactions with Bajoran women present a multi-faceted aspect of his character that exposes his self-deception. His enticement of Kai Winn (Louise Fletcher) carries less peculiarity due to his alignment with the plan to annihilate Bajor using the Pah-wraiths. Disguised as Anjohl Tennan, a Bajoran identity, Dukat skillfully infiltrates Winn's inner circle and manipulates her into releasing the Pah-wraiths. However, both Dukat and Winn exploit one another, as Winn desires to replace the Cardassian as the true emissary of the Pah-wraiths. In an attempt to atone for her betrayal of the Bajoran Prophets, Winn sacrifices her life for Sisko to defeat Dukat and imprison him and the Pah-wraiths within the fiery caverns beneath Bajor.

4 Odo & The Female Changeling

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Odo discovered the truth about his origins in the season 3 premiere, leading to a unique bond with the Female Changeling (Salome Jens). There was an undeniable attraction as she embodied the knowledge and understanding that Odo had yearned for his whole life. Their relationship, although unconventional, continued throughout DS9. The Female Changeling even took on the guise of Odo's beloved Kira, inflicting psychological torment on him. This highlights the intricate dynamics between these two Changelings.

3 Major Kira & Chief O'Brien

During Major Kira Nerys' pregnancy with the child of the O'Briens, an unusual connection formed between her and Miles. Sharing a living space with both Miles and Keiko while carrying the unborn Kirayoshi, Kira became attracted to O'Brien due to his considerate and nurturing personality. O'Brien, on the other hand, felt drawn to Kira due to the inevitable closeness that developed through the surrogacy. It was quite peculiar to introduce the possibility of infidelity within the enduring relationship of Miles and Keiko, however, fortunately, O'Brien and Kira chose to separate their growing emotions, opting to remain friends for the remainder of their time on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

2 Gul Dukat & Kira's Mother

Kira Meru, played by Leslie Hope, was Major Kira Nerys' mother. She was forced into a role as a "comfort woman" for the Cardassian forces and was kept on Terok Nor. She later became Gul Dukat's mistress, leading to her family receiving better treatment. In the "Wrongs Darker Than Death Or Night" episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Kira Nerys time-traveled to confirm Dukat's claim that he and her mother were in love. Out of anger towards her mother, Kira joined a plot to assassinate both Dukat and Meru. Eventually, Kira came to understand that her mother may have only chosen to be with Dukat to support their family.

The relationship between Gul Dukat and Kira's mother offers insight into the Cardassian occupation of Bajor. Dukat, seeing himself as a benevolent leader rather than a tyrant, used his relationships with women like Kira Meru to justify his actions. However, it is important to remember that these "comfort women" were taken from their families and coerced into working under duress. This makes it difficult to believe Dukat's claims of love and care for his Bajoran mistresses.

1 Elim Garak & Ziyal

The unconventional relationship between Elim Garak and Tora Ziyal in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is considered one of the strangest love stories. The significant age difference between the actors, Andrew Robinson and Melanie Smith, mirrors the gap between Garak and Ziyal. However, their relationship took away from Garak's originally planned omnisexuality, instead portraying him solely interested in a heterosexual connection with a younger woman. Garak struggled to reconcile his emotions towards Ziyal, but ultimately recognized the impact she had on him after her death.

It has always been disappointing that Star Trek: Deep Space Nine chose to explore the peculiar romance between Garak and Ziyal. A close friendship between the only two Cardassians on the station could have heightened the animosity between Gul Dukat and Garak without the need for romanticization. This choice stands as a rare misstep in the captivating and intricate storyline of Elim Garak, who remains one of the most multifaceted characters in the entire Star Trek franchise.