10 Best Individual Performances In Star Trek

10. I Call That A Bargain

Deep Space Nine: In The Pale Moonlight (S6, E19)

In The Pale Moonlight consistently ranks among the top episodes of Star Trek overall. There are any number of reasons for this, not least Avery Brooks’ stellar performance as Sisko as he sinks further and further into the plot to con the Romulans.

However, it is Andrew Robinson’s Garak who takes this spot.

From the character’s first appearance in season one’s Past Prologue, Garak had always held audiences with the mystery – and danger – suggested by his various backstories. With the confirmation that he was a former member of the Obsidian Order, the danger doubled – but his charm never wavered.

However, it was the reveal in the climactic scene between Sisko and Garak that truly stunned viewers. Sisko’s rage at Garak’s actions are countered with the Cardassian’s cold, yet accurate, assurance that the captain knew exactly what he was doing when he came to Garak.

Robinson plays the scene perfectly. In Garak’s mind, Sisko had always planned for events to unfurl as they had – and simply lied to himself to sleep at night. Garak had no such pretensions. Robinson’s furious insistence of the fact, along with listing the acceptable costs of their actions, left more than one jaw on the floor. One of the darkest moments in Star Trek, complimented by one of the greatest deliveries from a guest star in the franchise.