10 Most Intense Star Trek Scenes

9. Maritza's Darheel Speech - Duet

Deep Space Nine Cardassian Duet
CBS Media Ventures/Paramount A Skydance Corporation

In this first season episode of Deep Space Nine, guest star Harris Yulin delivers a masterful performance as Amin Maritza, the Cardassian filing clerk, consumed with guilt over the Occupation of Bajor. His breakdown toward the episode's end was also a strong contender for this list, but it is his earlier speech that nabs this spot.

While he is outlying 'his' actions, the audience still believes that he is Gul Darheel, the so-called 'Butcher of Gallitep'. Therefore, hearing him confess to ordering his soldiers to kill 'Bajoran scum,' and their return being bathed in blood, was a terrifying thought.

Nana Visitor perfectly sells Major Kira's horror, declaring him insane. Maritza, at this point, doesn't hold back. 

Now why did they feel that way Major? Because they were clean.
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Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"