10 Star Trek Moments You Never Knew Were Improvised

7. Keep... What You Leave Behind

Star Trek Damar
CBS

What You Leave Behind is the finale of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, which sees many characters killed off in spectacular (and some less so) fashion. One of those unlucky few is Legate Damar, the leader of the Cardassian Resistance against the Dominion. For several months, he has been plotting to overthrow the Dominion government led by Weyoun and the Female Changeling, culminating on the attack on HQ.

The original script had Damar gunned down by the Jem'hadar, dying without any last words. Casey Biggs was very upset when he read this, as he felt Damar deserved to get at least something to mark his passing, other than the reactions of those around him. He approached director Alan Kroeker and begged him to let him include something. Kroeker agreed.

In the final scene, the doors to HQ open and the Jem'hadar emerge, executing Legate Broka, the puppet leader of Cardassia. Damar stands and attacks, taking several disruptor blasts in the chest. As he collapses, he looks up at Garak and Kira, trying to speak. He manages the word 'Keep...' before he dies.

It is enough to inspire the troops to press on, allowing Kira and Garak to make it all the way to the command centre.

Contributor
Contributor

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"