Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 1, 1994 TAG: 9411140026
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: IAN SPELLING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As a result, the series and its cast would have to prove themselves worthy of inclusion in the legendary "Trek" canon.
Now, almost two years later, what does Auberjonois think? Has "Deep Space Nine" accomplished its mission?
"This is the time we'll really see how we're doing," the actor says by phone from his trailer on the Paramount lot in Hollywood.
"Our third season has just begun, and 'TNG' isn't across the alley anymore ..."
The conversation is interrupted by a knock at Auberjonois' door.
"God, Majel! Every time you come here I'm on the phone," he shouts in mock anger.
Then, softly, he adds, "Just leave it here and I'll sign them for you."
"Returning to the phone, he explains that Majel Roddenberry (Lwaxana Troi) has dropped off a package of Trek photos and memorabilia for him to autograph.
"We're doing a Lwaxana episode now, and she's still after Odo, chasing me all over the station.
"Where were we?"
He is reminded that he was talking about "DS9" holding its fate in its own hands now that it is the only ongoing Trek series in the universe - at least until "Voyager's" debut in January.
"Oh, yes," Auberjonois deadpans. "In most major markets we're in the old 'TNG' time slot. That's great for us because it's in the hour hard-core fans are used to seeing Trek.
"Our numbers reflect that. They've been very good so far. Some of the 'TNG' writers have come over to us, which also helps.
"It's nice to have this window to prove ourselves, and we're trying very hard to do just that."
Auberjonois feels the show has matured during its first two years and that its cast has become more seasoned. Just as "Next Gen" found its dramatic legs in its third season, so too will "DS9," he says.
The high points so far?
Auberjonois' favorite episodes include "The Search I & II," in which Odo discovered his heritage; the humorous "House of Quark"; the respective Dax (Terry Farrell) and Kira (Nana Visitor) character studies, "Equilibrium" and "Second Skin"; and this week's episode, "The Abandoned."
In it, an infant is discovered among a pile of junk bought by Quark (Armin Shimerman). The baby, whose origins are unknown, begins to grow in leaps and bounds.
By the time the child reaches adolescence, it's clear that he is a violent Jem'Hadar. The Jem'Hadar are the soldiers for the Dominion and its Founders - Odo's people, from whom he has disassociated himself after years spent seeking out his heritage.
"Odo becomes involved with him because he identifies with the adolescent, with his confusion and conflict about who he is and where he's from," Auberjonois says. "Odo feels he can help him.
"He tries, but the consequences are very tough on the young man, on Odo, and on everyone in the station because it puts them all in danger."
"The Abandoned" was directed by Avery Brooks.
"He did a wonderful job," Auberjonois says. "It's an excellent episode, and it carries along this whole great development of Odo that the writers have devised.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what else they're planning."
The 54-year-old actor, who bikes to Paramount daily from the Los Angeles home he shares with his family, hopes the show's writers will continue to mine laughs from Odo's "sparring" friendship with Quark, explore his unrequited affection for Kira and better develop Odo's relationships with "DS9's" other characters.
Further, the former "Benson" star intends to direct a future episode, even though he says "it scares me silly."
During the show's summer hiatus, Auberjonois kept busy with acting projects, joining Dianne Wiest and "Duet" guest star Harris Yulin in a weeklong Los Angeles staging of "Don Juan in Hell."
He also did dramatic readings for several audio novels and recorded vocals for "Cats Don't Dance," an animated feature in production from Turner films.
He's thrilled, however, to be back at work on "Trek."
If you have Trek trivia to share - or if you have questions relating to "Star Trek'' - write to Ian Spelling, in care of the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
by CNB