The Undeserved Fate of Deep Space Nine and the Unlikely Absence of Miles O’Brien
In the grand tapestry of the Star Trek universe, Deep Space Nine stands as a unique and beloved thread, woven with complex characters, compelling narratives, and a captivating exploration of war, politics, and the human condition. While other Trek series have enjoyed revivals in the franchise’s streaming renaissance, Deep Space Nine has been treated as something of an underdog, receiving only occasional nods and fleeting references.
As the franchise races forward into new frontiers, the question of a potential return to the world of Deep Space Nine lingers. In light of recent comments from Colm Meaney, the actor who played Chief Miles O’Brien, one of the series’ most beloved characters, the prospect of a reunion seems increasingly unlikely.
"I think seven years in a space suit was enough, you know?" Meaney remarked in a recent interview, reflecting on his time playing O’Brien. While acknowledging the possibility of a return, he expressed reservations: "I’m often asked that question, and you never say never, of course, but first of all, I wouldn’t fit in it anymore… I remember people saying at the time when Voyager got going, ‘How many times can you go to the well? How many times can you revamp this?’"
The Star Trek franchise, however, has repeatedly proven its ability to revisit and reinvent itself. As Meaney rightly pointed out, “They successfully did it with Star Trek and they’re still doing it. Good luck to them.” While offering his well-wishes to the franchise, he concluded with a playful yet firm statement: "Do you want to see an elderly Miles O’Brien? I don’t know. It’s certainly not at the top of my agenda of things I’d like to do at the moment.”
While Meaney might not be keen on returning to the role, his reluctance might be an underestimation of the desire within the Star Trek fandom, particularly among dedicated Deep Space Nine enthusiasts. This dedicated fanbase yearns for a revival of the show, eager to revisit the characters and the impact of the Dominion War, a conflict that reshaped the Star Trek galaxy.
The potential for a revisiting of Deep Space Nine is undeniably enticing. Imagine a story exploring the lingering ramifications of the war on its characters, their lives after the tumultuous events of the series. A narrative echoing the initial exploration of Picard’s first season, before venturing down the path of hero deification, could be fascinating. This could provide a deeper examination of how such a devastating war has molded the galaxy beyond the immediate consequences explored in the series.
Furthermore, given the relative lack of focus on the early 25th-century setting of Star Trek in modern canon, a Deep Space Nine revival could offer a compelling avenue to explore the contemporary world of the franchise. It could explore themes such as the lingering effects of the war, the changing social and political landscapes, and the evolving relationship between humanity and the galaxy.
However, with Meaney’s apparent disinterest in returning to the role, the possibility of a Deep Space Nine revival with a complete ensemble cast seems increasingly remote. Perhaps O’Brien, like many veterans of the war, has chosen to quietly retire, embracing the tranquility of domestic life alongside his wife Keiko, indulging in his passion for holodeck wargames.
Ultimately, whether we’ll see a proper Deep Space Nine legacy project remains uncertain. The absence of O’Brien adds a layer of melancholy to the prospect, leaving a void in the hearts of fans yearning for a reunion of the iconic characters and a continued exploration of the franchise’s complex and nuanced world.
While Deep Space Nine may not be getting its full-fledged revival, the dedication of its fanbase ensures that the series continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Star Trek enthusiasts. It reminds us of the enduring power of stories that explore the complexities of humanity, the fragility of peace, and the enduring strength of hope even in the face of overwhelming odds. As we venture into the future of Star Trek, a tribute to the legacy of Deep Space Nine, even without the complete cast, is a testament to the power of the franchise’s enduring influence.
