10 Welcome Changes Deep Space Nine Made To The Star Trek Formula
6. A Main Antagonist
Depending on who you ask, it's debatable who this main antagonist is: The Dominion, an empire of countless evil alien races in the Gamma Quadrant? Winn Adami, the obsessive Kai of Bajor? Or Gul Dukat, the dangerously unstable Cardassian psychopath? In truth, it really doesn't matter, because all three represent something that, until DS9, the Star Trek series had never seen before.
Sure, the Original Series had recurring enemies like Khan and Harry Mudd, and, similarly, TNG had the likes of the Borg. But one of DS9's strengths is its lessened focus on the 'monster of the week' format, thereby giving rise to a number of adversaries that continue to be ever-growing thorns in Captain Sisko's side.
Over time, we see these enemies' goals and personalities change, elevating them from disposable one-episode baddies to real threats of equal significance to the crew of Deep Space Nine. As their plans unfold slowly and organically, it's all the more satisfying in the end when they finally meet their match.