9. He Successfully Juggled Parenthood And Love Around His Career
Episode Evidence: Explorers The talk of personal loss leads me to my next point. Sisko had something even Kirk didn't. He juggled his incredibly difficult Starfleet career with raising a son single-handed into childhood. Dealing with the loss of his wife, it wasn't until he took command of Deep Space Nine that he managed to balance the two and achieved in raising a strong, independent son...sometimes a little too independent as his actions staying behind on the Dominion-occupied Deep Space Nine showed. Still Sisko was always eager to support his son and show him the universe. From a field trip to end all field trips in 'The Jem'Hadar' to piloting the ancient solar-sailed Bajoran ship in 'Explorers'. The latter may not have been the most exciting episode, but it showed that Benjamin Sisko was fiercely devoted to giving Jake a first hand experience at all the wonders of the universe. And okay, it might have ended tragically, but Sisko also managed to find love again in Kassidy Yates. Amid the cold war tensions with the Klingons and the Dominion, and later the war itself, he managed to devote time to the woman who would bring him happiness again. Even when the Prophets warned him not to, Sisko committed to Yates whole heartedly, marrying her...even though his final fate (joining the Prophets) meant that they never got to live a full life together (at least not on screen). KIRK: Orion slave girls, Doctor Carol Marcus, every female alien in the universe...Kirk had them all. Unfortunately he was too much of a ladies man to commit to any of them. And his newfound relationship with his son Marcus was cut tragically short. PICARD: A will they, won't they relationship with Doctor Beverley Crusher, awkward denial over his attraction to Vash, a flirtation with Anij on Baku...poor Picard was never able to balance his emotions with his role as Captain of the Enterprise(s). JANEWAY: No children. No love. She's too busy getting her crew home to deal with any of that nonsense. ARCHER: I can't quite remember any romance. He was fiercely devoted to his per beagle Lou though...
8. He Wasn't Afraid To Use His Emotions To Drive His Convictions
Episode Evidence: Far Beyond The Stars While some captains might be rigidly stoic in the face of danger, Sisko instead chooses to use his emotions to handle tough situations. He isn't afraid to show his anger, going head to head with Gowron and the Klingon Empire, the Dominion and the Maquis to show the strength of his convictions. And hell, he even punched Q. He also showed his inner geek, asking Captain Kirk for an autograph when they crossed paths (time travel of course) in the excellent 'Trials & Tribble-ations'. But nowhere did Sisko do it better than in playing the role of Benny in the Prophet's induced dream that was 'Far Beyond The Stars' and its follow up 'Shadow's And Symbols'. His speech where we rants that you cannot deny an idea, that of Benjamin Sisko and Deep Space Nine, is an amazing scene that stands at the pinnacle of any Star Trek performance. Full of conviction and passion, this is the true nature of Captain Sisko, a man who will do what he must to make others see the right thing. KIRK: Another man who didn't hold back. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is full of great moments. Discovering he has a son allows for a moment of rare tenderness and his anger at Khan (Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!!!!!!!) and loss at Spock's death show the Captain at his emotive best. PICARD: Rarely a man to let emotions rule him, it comes to a head when Lily questions his decisions in Star Trek: First Contact. "They invade our space and we fall back. They assimilate entire worlds and we fall back. Not again. The line must be drawn here! This far, no further! And I will make them pay for what they've done! " JANEWAY: Like Picard, she doesn't let emotions show. She has the need to be in control all the time. So much that it isn't until the season five opener 'Night' that she finally opens up and questions her actions so far to Chakoty. ARCHER: I admit, I'm drawing a blank. Suggestions anyone?