10 Star Trek Moments You Never Knew Were Improvised
7. Keep... What You Leave Behind
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.