The best lies are always the ones with just enough truth to make you regret asking. The truth is Garak never knew his father likely he killed him first as a test of loyalty to the obsidian order. The truth here is to Garak this man is his father and this little bit of theatre is as close to the truth as he can allow him self to show and he him self can have. Never tell the same lie twice.
I like the detail that Tain says "I can still see you on the back of that riding hound" Tain had gone blind, and last thoughts were of his son. The last thing he 'saw' before his death was Elim.
What's really remarkable about this scene, is that this scene uniquely is Garak being completely honest and demanding honesty. In this case, a lie will not do. He needs truth from his father.
It's one of my favorites. I think for me the most beautiful one has to be "Your honor, Starfleet was founded to seek out new life, well there it sits."
Garak is just like his father. When Garak was delirious, he told Bashir that he hated him because he cared about him. Bashir was a weakness that an enemy could exploit against him. Tain told Garak that same thing, that he wished Garak had never been born because he viewed him as his weakness. Exiling Garak was Tain's way of keeping him safe.
I'm not so sure about that. Cardassians won't hesitate to use family against their enemies, but that's precisely because family is so important to them that they know firsthand that anyone would go to any length for a loved one. Family is VERY important to Cardassians, it's arguably the cornerstone of their society. This is a Cardassian shri-tal, where a dying Cardassian confesses their deepest secrets to their next of kin, secrets that would get men killed, secrets that no one else could possibly know. Only in Enebran's case, that secret was that he loved his son. That's why this is my favorite scene in all of Trek. Even more than Picard's monologue in "The Drumhead", even more than Spock's funeral, even more than Sisko's final scene in "In The Pale Moonlight".
Holy shit. It never made sense to me why Garak was exiled before. But this makes perfect sense. Tain had long been looking for a reason to exile him that was believable so that he could get him out of danger.
@@WobblesandBean It would be better to say "but that's precisely because family is so important to them that they believe, because of their own convictions, that anyone would go to any length for a loved one." Much like how it's impossible to convince a Romulan intelligence agent that you're telling the truth -- because they wouldn't in your shoes. If I might point out a specific cultural belief that would be an issue for any Cardassians trying to exploit this against a member of a particular species, it would be _"Treat people in your debt like family: _*_exploit them."_*
I love that Garak allowed Bashir in the room. I remember hearing at one point (I don't remember if is was in the show or a book) where it was mentioned that it was frowned upon for outsiders to view a dead Cardassian's body. Shows how strongly Garak felt about his and Bashir's friendship.
Of course since it was Dukat that said it, and he had his own motives for wanting privacy at the time, you might have to take that "tradition" with a grain of salt.
@@williamcostigan91 Still, a final moment with family is a very private thing. Tradition or not, being essentially asked to stay for support is a touching display of their friendship.
@@williamcostigan91 I got that idea too. If Kira hadn't come out and seen the pledge bracelet, Dukat would likely have been able to shoot Ziyal and blame the Breen. It's entirely possible that Dukat didn't really want to do that, which is why he might have held it out for Kira to notice. Not admitting that he didn't want to do it...but knowing that she'd try and stop him.
When you really think about it, Garak really DID live up to that promise. He had Sisko drag the Romulans into the war on the side of the Federation, he and Kira aided Damaris rebellion, he personally shot Weyoun...I think that qualifies as making the Dominion pay for imprisoning Tain.
@@elftax There was a reference in the episode "Broken Link" where Garak keeps Odo's memory off of his illness by Garak talking about his career as a gardner on Romulus working at the Cardassian embassy there and talking about Romulans killing Proconsul Merrok and Garak assassinating Sub-Commander Ustard, could have been one of them (many high ranking Romulan officials mysteriously died that year when he was a gardner)
I love how Garak lies to Tain about being alone. He lets Bashir sit and listen, to get the tiniest of glimpses into Garak's past, and who he really is.
Garak (as Tain pointed out to Bashir in "The wire") felt that telling the truth was just an excuse for not having a good imagination.. so letting Bashir see into his real soul is truly an honor...
Bill Osborn I agree. Garak was a complex character, but throughout the series I would say Garak had come to truly trust Julian as a friend, the constant little pep talks, shared lunches together and so on. I suppose Garak was probably flattered by Julian's initial fascination with him given Bashir's love of things spy and covert. To allow Julian to sit and listen in on this most private of moments, says everything about how Garak truly viewed Bashir.
Bob Page Bashir is, after all, his best friend, I can't believe what was going through his mind as they had their last exchange, and knew he was, "the fly on the wall" for one of the most secret of exchanges.
In Cardassian tradition, non-Cardassians seeing dead Cardassians is taboo. So this was a great honour bestowed to Bashir (perhaps unknown to him), but still. For all intents and purposes, Bashir was the closest person to Garak throughout the entire run of the series. Everyone else of Garak's entourage sadly perished.
The saddest part is that Garak isn’t even phased by Tain saying he should have killed his mother before he was born. And then you see that Garak has killed all of Tain’s enemies and you realize that everything he did was all for him.
It's a lie he's herd to often growing up. It's worn thin, and is as much a reflex as denying that Garak's his son. He knows Tain would never hurt his mother. Mila the housekeeper will always be looked after.
I think it was just amazing that Garak allowed Bashir to remain in the room for such an incredibly emotional and private moment. It really speaks to the depth of the friendship they developed.
It's funny, I always had a different read on this. Throughout their association, Garak was always urging Bashir to be more cynical, more like himself. And in that moment, he'd _just_ been telling Julien about the folly of sentiment. I always thought that him allowing Julien to stay in the room was him trying to further prove his point. Even the bombshell that he is Tain's son always felt like it was for Bashir's benefit. Like 'See? I gave Tain everything, and also he's my _actual father,_ and even in his final moments, he won't give me my due. And _that_ is why you should avoid sentiment.' I think Garak got more than he bargained for, though.
@@angmordagnithil7127 I think Garak just needed the emotional support. No matter how Garak is at any given moment, atm he's still just a son at his f Dad's death bed.
I think it was more about Garak not caring who was there. There were no stakes. Nothing to gain, nothing to lose. Garak simply wanted his father to acknowledge him, after a lifetime of not acknowledging him, and that was the last moment it could possibly happen, and he didn't care who was there to see it.
@@TonboIV he was always a demon. you just bought into his lies and beacuse he is fictional. You wouldnt think that way if he was real. Space nazi who occupied a planet and commited genocide and slavery....
@@OOzd95 Hitler was a vegetarian who hated smoking, loved dogs, animals and was reportedly very good to children in his presence. It's easy to dismiss characters as nothing more than demons, and it's hard to admit that those monstrous actions are done by living breathing people; with strengths, flaws and ideals. Perhaps that's what makes them scarier: The potential that anyone has the capacity for evil and can never truly be a saint.
@@davidfoxall3344 but always felt that they allowed Tain to stay alive because he had a weakness as a man with nothing to loose in Power is indeed to dangerous to be kept alive as we see later with dukat.
It's really amazing how close he came to not taking the part. Apparently, wearing the makeup literally gave him a panic attack, but when he saw himself as Garak in the mirror, he found the drive he needed to see playing the character through.
But he never said the word 'son'. Also: "I should have killed your mother before you were born." Meaning he did so afterwards. A highly dysfunctional family, from a highly dysfunctional culture.
Ephemis Priest though he didn’t say “son” , he still admitted his pride for him. It’s something many a son wishes to hear from their fathers, at least once in their lives, and hopefully before a death bed confession. Gratefully, my father has said that to me several times, and he is still around. This scene was always powerful to me, because of my relationship with my father.
I love how in the end, Garak still felt enough mercy to grant his father _shri-tal._ And it's heartbreaking that, in the end, the greatest secret Enebran held was that he truly did love his son.
You don't call someone you don't love a "weakness". They can only be a weakness if they mean something to you and their harm could be used as a bargaining chip to get to you. So in a way the simple act of him admitting Garak was a weakness was him admitting he cared.
@@zxb995511 Just the realities of Tain's position in the Obsidian Order. Loved ones are always a weakness for people at the precipice of power. Protecting oneself is easy, but protecting someone you care about, who doesn't have the armor of your position to protect them at all times, it IS a weakness, especially with regards to someone who's death would be your own destruction. It's not a slight on Garak, but an acknowledgement of an annoying truth.
+macFuz The whole, over the top, empassioned Klingon thing was annoying and very prevelant in TNG, DS9 gave them abit more diversity and depth. I liked Kor too, for the fact he really seemed like a washed up old war hero from an age gone by. But Martok was awesome.
Martok is the first Klingon we ever see apart from Worf and Gowron that has no pretensions and facade to keep up. Every time we see them in TNG it is the warrior elite or the political animals in Qu'onos. From Martok we get insight into Klingon marriage, kinship, class systems, politics and true leadership.
"Elim...remember that day in the country? You were almost five." "How could I forget? It was the only day." Much like Sisko and the day his wife died, that day is where Garak exists. For him, it is the only day. The first episode of DS9 would've been a lot less dramatic if Garak was the emissary.
"I was very proud of you ... that day." It was hard for Enabran to open himself up, even in his final moments. But he found that place in himself, found a way to tell his son that his father had always loved him.
Reminds me of my father, who was also a rather large man. We never got along very well, but after he became ill and i took care of him he really softened up. And then he died. Its strange how knowledge of your impending doom can change relationships. We were as different as night and day, but he took care of me at the beginning of my life and i took care of him at the end of his.
A Father and a Son do not need to be friends. And you do not need to like someone to love them. Honor has nothing to do with agreement. I think your father taught you some lessons that many never learn. Respect, Responsibility, loyalty, and compassion(a much bigger and harder word to understand, then most get. Cause forgiveness is in that word as well). The four foundation stones to build any healthy relationship on. May God Bless and Keep you.
I'm glad y'all were able to become close in the end. I always loved my father but we were never close until I had to start taking care of him. One of the last things he said to me was "I feel so close to you", wish he was still here. He was a big ST fan and I owe my scifi love to him.
@@ssjwes Just lost mine three days ago. He was 83. During our last one-on-one phone call, I told him, that he is dear to me. And so I hope he could leave with relative peace about that.
This scene is so painful but so necessary. I wonder how differently Garak would have turned out if his father accepted him from the beginning and/or wasn’t in the Order. Tain was a bad and abusive father for sure but deep down in his cold heart he did care-thus why Garak was indeed a “weakness” he couldn’t afford. It’s nice to see Garak in these genuine moments, they are so powerful. Bless Andrew Robinson, I can’t imagine anyone else playing this complex gem of a character. Honestly, the exile did save Garak. As painful as it was for him it also proved imperative to be in the background in order to help Cardassia and to make friends with Bashir and experience something other than the cold desolate loveless life he was undoubtedly living on Cardassia being in the Order. So in a big ironic twist, Tain really did help save the Alpha quadrant through his son by putting Garak in a position to help the Federation and Cardassia win the war. Not bad for the unwanted illegitimate traumatized child of a Cardassian nazi.
Enabrin Tain beeing Garaks father was the equaly impressive light version of Vader and Luke. I still can remember how great this moment was when he said this one line and I had the same look on my face as Bashir. I miss Star Trek in television :(
Unless this is a scene between two consummate liars sharing in one last pure canard. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of Tain being Garak's father. But I also thoroughly enjoy the prospect that Enabrin and Elim are weaving together this beautiful bald-faced lie between mentor and pupil.
Didn't we already know he is his father or at least Garak sees him as one? I recently saw the wire and he mentions Elim and himself being referred to as the sons of Tain. Remember... even the lies are true
@@nancytimmer9026 Well, it was mentioned that they were close, but the true relationship was always hidden, cause they changed sides so often. Once they hated each other and in other episodes they kinda showed their bond. Maybe it was more obvious for others, but I was very young at that time and for me it was just stunning what happened. I don't know how much the books are cannon. But in two books "the suns of Tain" were explained as a group of agents who Tain decided to keep them close so he would at least have something like an inner circle. You could say this was already a hint, but I understood it in the way which was described in the books.
Garak: Sentiment is the greatest weakness. Tain: You have always been a weakness I could not afford. Truth: Tain neither killed Garak's mother, Mila, while he was in the womb nor kill Garak. He didn't acknowledge him, but Garak was raised within Tain's household not discarded at an orphanage. Garak to Bashir, Episode 2-5, "Cardassians": Orphans have no status in Cardassian society. Tain was the Obsidian Order spymaster, yet this warped, abusive, horrible man could not do the ONE ACT that would protect him from his greatest weakness being discovered by his enemies. Choosing exile vs killing him was contradictory to his past means of dealing with troublesome spys. Maybe he loved Garak in the only way he knew how. By molding him, watching over him, as Tain, spymaster extradinaire.
At first I did not like the idea of a ST series based on a station. To me ST was all about space exploration and such. As time went on however, the characters grew on me and the overall story became very intriguing. I will admit I cried a little during the last scenes of the last episode.
meltedplasticarmyguy I like to think of it like this: All of the ST shows were about exploration. The other shows focused more on exploring space, DS9 focused on exploring humanity.
Of all the Star Treks, I find that DS9 has taught me the most lessons that stick-- about human complexity, political nuance, tolerance and forgiveness.
This scene finally explains Garak's relationship and feelings to Tain. This is why he wanted to save Tain from the romulans. This is why he joined him when he asked. This 8s why he came to the prison. Because he was his father and he loved him, after everything that happened between them. This scene is a very important one for the Garak Character.
In a twisted way, he kept helping Tain because he was desperate to have a father who loved him. Tain never showed that love, but Garak (like many an abused son or daughter) held on to the hope that one day everything he did would be enough, and his father would love him. When Tain dies, Garak isn't mourning the man he actually was. Garak is mourning the death of any possibility that Tain could become what he needed.
I really loved these scenes. Garak was such a wonderfully complex character. And it really speaks to the depth of the friendship/bond he formed with Bashir that he would allow the doctor to be there for what was an intensely private moment and let the man know such a profound, secret truth about himself, especially when he was always lying. Beautifully done.
Inferno's Light / Purgatory's shadow is really one of the best two parters from Ds9 and star trek in general. It doesn't get enough love. The story has everything, surprise plot twists, epic space battles, great character moments: Worf fighting in the arena, Garak facing his claustrophobia and his father, Dukat's betrayal. DAMN IT'S GOOD.
When thisoriginally aired, I had caught only a few episodes of DS9 and thought it was dull. "By Inferno's Light" is when I became invested in the show.
Not to mention the total MINDFUCK that the Dr. Bashir we had been watching for at least the past four episodes was a freakin’ Changeling impostor! Mind. Blown.
As much of a bastard as Tain was and a deplorable person...i like how Garak ensured his last final thoughts were not of a spymaster ranting on about revenge, but a father proud of his son.
This is a great example of the damn good writing this series had. Not only does it develop Garak's relationship with Tain, finally putting all the pieces in their puzzle, but it also develops his relationship with Bashir at the same time, allowing him to see an extremely personal moment between him and his father, really showing how far their friendship has come.
Garak initially lost his own kind. People on the station did not much like him. The Bajorans basically hated him. He lost the woman he loved. Then he lost the man who was both his mentor and his father. He later lost what amounted to his mother. And then his home world was basically destroyed. I think he had lost the most.
I think the Klingons would disagree with you there. They believe that a man who has killed all of his enemies becomes a man without purpose. They say it is better that one or two of your enemies outlive you, or, if you have killed all your enemies, get new ones.
If you want to live for revenge. I want to live for the Joy's of life. Life is short enough, Revenge is always bitter sweat. But does nothing to make life longer. There is only a few things you get to keep after life, memories, love, Regret, and guilt.....
Perhaps because Bashir hid a huge secret all his life himself (aka being a genetically augmented human) and senses Garrak was holding in a lot of secrets as well.
If you think about it, the character Tain is so committed to his work that he becomes the antithesis of the general Cardassian population, which, it is stated, hold family bonds to be vital.
Honestly people talk about the best Friendship Bashir had in this show was with O'Briend. This scene is one of many that proves without a shadow of the doubt, that his best friendship was with Garak. By a country mile.
This was one of the best arcs in all of DS9. Worf and Martok were bad ass. Garak overcame emotional and personal problems at the same time. It was all great Trek.
“You’ve always been a weakness I couldn’t afford.” Translated. “I’ve always let my sentiment for you get in the way of my focus.” In his own twisted way, Tain was telling Garak that he loved him above his work; an anti-Cardassian ideology. Garak saw only the face-value insult...Ironic, given his lessons to Bashir to see through the lies...But, I suppose he is biased.
This scene has changed meanings for me over the years. I used to think Tain's very last moments with Garak were sweet and paternal. Now, I think Tain's using that story from Garak's childhood is just another example of his self-centered, Machiavellian behavior. Tain demanded all the benefits of having Garak as his son while at the same time refusing to act as a father. He wants a completely parasitic relationship--yes, even if Tain was a "good" mentor and boss to Garak. That is not the same as being a true father, especially in a society that places such high value on the family. And the fact that he chose to rehash a decades-old memory about that one time he actually "liked" Garak... feels like a cop-out to me. What about, "I'm proud of you NOW"? Or, "I'm proud of the man you've become"? Or, "THANK YOU for all you've done for me, Elim"? Nope. Nada. And I think Garak's reaction (or lack thereof) says it all. And to think of all those years Garak spent trying to win Tain's acceptance and love... If only Garak had known there was NOTHING he could have done to make himself "worthy"... because the problem was never with Garak. The problem was that TAIN was fucked up. In conclusion, I hate Tain. Good night.
I think it is sweet in the sense that it is as sweet as Tanin and paternal as he could or would give. But it still falls short and I would agree that it makes Tanin, well, bad. But the thing is, it is not clear why. The problem isn't Tain's self contentedness. If the issue were due to self centeredness, there would be some sort of loss he would be paying that would offend his self centeredness by acknowledging Garak. A similar issue with respect to his "Machiavellian" behavior. Machievallian behavior is basically doing what you need to, including violating conventional morality (or knowing when not to be good) in order to rise to power, stay in power, and protect the state. Tanin is about to die, there are no machiavellian issues involved here. The only thing I could think of is if some sort of Honor issue. I am thinking here that having Garak as a son would violate his sense of Honor somehow. Maybe Garak was an illegitimate child. Although this would depend on Cardassian culture. Would an illegitimate be a shameful thing among the Cardassians?
I agree that Tain was Cruel and unusual. But the life of spymaster is not one to take lightly. Even though the cardassian Union values family unity, it's not always the common practice. Politics and Control are always in play. Tain was both feared and respected. He had enough enemies, both foreign and domestic. They would love nothing more than to scandalize or eliminate him. As far as Garak is considered or concerned, Tain view him as an asset and possible successor. Unfortunately Tain is not a Kind nor forgiving Man. Mistakes are viewed with complete contempt. Tain final moments with Garak are simply the last call of a Broken heart and soul of a once powerful man. I don't pity him. It's just the fact of a hard knock life.
It's a litte sad to consider that as grim as Garak's past is, he may never have seen someone pass away like that, from age and sickness. Certainly, Bashir seems much more familiar with it,.
Garak (of all people) puts such trust in Bashir in this scene. He had no idea what Tain was going to say. Dude could have said literally anything, especially since he thought they were alone. Considering what a private person Garak is and how much he likes to keep secrets, that's huge, that he allows Bashir to sit in on that conversation. (Not to mention what an emotionally fraught moment it must have been for him.)
Interesting fact: Paul Dooley (who played Tain) is only 14 years older than Andrew Robinson (who played Garak). You wouldn't really know it though from their scenes in DS9 - excellent acting was on show here.
Props to Paul Dooley - He only has a few scenes during the DS9 run besides the major scenes in Improbable Cause and "The Die is cast" , and yet he nails the essence of the character. In this scene, you're convinced that he's been the head of the Obsidian Order and dealing with the last moments of a legend's life.
On this one occasion, Garak reveals just how tired he is of having to EARN paternal trust and love from someone who is too broken inside to give it. Like a door swinging forever shut to other places, Tain's death irrevocably commits Garak to filling the role of the State's merciless enforcer. And so, the cycle of mental ill-health continues....
It shows that the rigid pilar Tain doesn´t have the strength to face his deepest parts of his mind(you´ve always been a weakness I can´t afford), and the real strength is shown by Garak till the end.
...with kindness. Garak is the most treacherous character in the entire Star Trek canon, and the most honest. Cold, devoid of any discernable true emotion, sort of an anti-Vulcan. And the most frightening thing of all, the more you see of him, the more you like him. There's a bit of him in us all.
I was uneasy with the revelation that Tain was Garak's father when I first watched this episode, but I've grown to really like it. it grants even more depth to both characters.
I'm going to give the old man a hug while I still can. Those watching here, we're all probably old and nearing that age where they won't be around much longer soon.
Mine is already no longer around, actually years before this EP aired did he die of a sudden heartattack at age 42 So yeah, appreciate their presence, you'll never know when time comes to say goodbye
@@Nightdare Mine died just three days ago, aged 83. I'd had sparse contact with him because we're geographically separated, but during our last one-on-one phone call, I told my Father, that he's dear to me. He thanked me, and got tired (his go-to excuse when he got emotional). We'd much later had a family video chat, too, and I'd told him again, that he was dear, perhaps trying to reinforce what I'd told him earlier. It should be known, that he did care for me, and that he was in his own way an awesome father. In some ways, despite all my terrible faults, broken promises, and numerous failures, I'd like to think, that I might have turned out to be the better son (I have an older brother who is not unlike Dukat).
This scene with Garak and Bashir made me realize that theirs was the unsung romance of Star Trek. The chemistry and the affection between the two characters is powerful and this scene just drove home for me how important Bashir was to Garak. No words were spoken, only a shared look as they entered the room together. Their eyes said what their scripts did not and it is beautifully conveyed.
Andrew Robinson did such a stellar job portraying the anger, grief and emotional neediness Garak has been burying his whole life. I think it's worth mentioning that his own father was killed fighting in WW2 when he was a small child; no doubt he drew on it.
garak was definitely someone who you had to beware of. He killed a romulan senator and out witted one of starfleet best captions.He was a enemy to one of the most powerful leaders of his people. He was conning and ruthless. yet in this scene. He was so kind and gentle you would never know it.
0:48 I know this scene is about Garak and his father But Anybody get the goosies when Martak comes to tell Garak about his father Really serious and Sturn but still soft because it is rough news
Garak was such a badass secret agent he brought his best friend to see a side of cardassian that very few if ever get to witness. Tain loved his own son so much he had to disown him for his own good, till the day he died...
This is Garak's gift to Bashir. A true bit of his past
“There’s no one here, but you and me.”
@Purplekitty cease
He could have been lying about Tain's enemies all being dead
The best lies are always the ones with just enough truth to make you regret asking. The truth is Garak never knew his father likely he killed him first as a test of loyalty to the obsidian order.
The truth here is to Garak this man is his father and this little bit of theatre is as close to the truth as he can allow him self to show and he him self can have.
Never tell the same lie twice.
@@mooseclamps Possibly.
I would speculate that the Romulan Ambassador is dead, this was referenced in season 4 episode 26 (Broken Link).
I like the detail that Tain says "I can still see you on the back of that riding hound"
Tain had gone blind, and last thoughts were of his son. The last thing he 'saw' before his death was Elim.
Enabrin Tain: "I was very proud of you that day."
Bashir: "Garak."
Tain: *pops up* "AHA, there WAS someone else here!"
3:15 *"... I should have KILLED your mother before YOU were born..."*
SaltpeterTaffy Don't be so crude in such a sombre moment.
Ahh Tain. Distrustful to the bitter, bitter end...
@@hebrewyisraeliteyahawadahite ... BEFORE you were born...
My mind played that out also,it's what my own dad would do.😆
What's really remarkable about this scene, is that this scene uniquely is Garak being completely honest and demanding honesty. In this case, a lie will not do. He needs truth from his father.
"How can I forget it? It was the only day."
I think this might be the most beautiful line in all of Star Trek.
You and 100,000 other sons who wished to be cherished by their fathers.
I was very proud of you that day.
Just.... much better acting than we had any right to expect.
It's one of my favorites. I think for me the most beautiful one has to be "Your honor, Starfleet was founded to seek out new life, well there it sits."
In all of star trek?? Please
Garak is just like his father. When Garak was delirious, he told Bashir that he hated him because he cared about him. Bashir was a weakness that an enemy could exploit against him. Tain told Garak that same thing, that he wished Garak had never been born because he viewed him as his weakness. Exiling Garak was Tain's way of keeping him safe.
I'm not so sure about that. Cardassians won't hesitate to use family against their enemies, but that's precisely because family is so important to them that they know firsthand that anyone would go to any length for a loved one. Family is VERY important to Cardassians, it's arguably the cornerstone of their society.
This is a Cardassian shri-tal, where a dying Cardassian confesses their deepest secrets to their next of kin, secrets that would get men killed, secrets that no one else could possibly know. Only in Enebran's case, that secret was that he loved his son.
That's why this is my favorite scene in all of Trek. Even more than Picard's monologue in "The Drumhead", even more than Spock's funeral, even more than Sisko's final scene in "In The Pale Moonlight".
Holy shit. It never made sense to me why Garak was exiled before. But this makes perfect sense. Tain had long been looking for a reason to exile him that was believable so that he could get him out of danger.
Tain's way of keeping them both safe. Protecting himself from the hole in his own armor, and protecting Eliam Garak from being hurt to get to Tain.
@@WobblesandBean It would be better to say "but that's precisely because family is so important to them that they believe, because of their own convictions, that anyone would go to any length for a loved one." Much like how it's impossible to convince a Romulan intelligence agent that you're telling the truth -- because they wouldn't in your shoes.
If I might point out a specific cultural belief that would be an issue for any Cardassians trying to exploit this against a member of a particular species, it would be _"Treat people in your debt like family: _*_exploit them."_*
To Cardassians, family is everything. Perhaps this is how agents of the state show their care. An… interesting form of tough love.
I love that Garak allowed Bashir in the room. I remember hearing at one point (I don't remember if is was in the show or a book) where it was mentioned that it was frowned upon for outsiders to view a dead Cardassian's body. Shows how strongly Garak felt about his and Bashir's friendship.
I remember, it was the episode Gul Dukat and Kira went to look for a crashed Cardassian ship and end up finding Dukat's half-bajoran daughter.
Season 4 Episode 5 “Indiscretion”
Of course since it was Dukat that said it, and he had his own motives for wanting privacy at the time, you might have to take that "tradition" with a grain of salt.
@@williamcostigan91 Still, a final moment with family is a very private thing. Tradition or not, being essentially asked to stay for support is a touching display of their friendship.
@@williamcostigan91 I got that idea too. If Kira hadn't come out and seen the pledge bracelet, Dukat would likely have been able to shoot Ziyal and blame the Breen.
It's entirely possible that Dukat didn't really want to do that, which is why he might have held it out for Kira to notice. Not admitting that he didn't want to do it...but knowing that she'd try and stop him.
When you really think about it, Garak really DID live up to that promise. He had Sisko drag the Romulans into the war on the side of the Federation, he and Kira aided Damaris rebellion, he personally shot Weyoun...I think that qualifies as making the Dominion pay for imprisoning Tain.
Wouldn’t be surprised if the “Romulan Ambassador” was the senator that was killed in the Pale Moonlight.
@@elftax I feel it more likely from his work as a dedicated simple gardener on Romulus.
@@elftax wow, interesting point, I wonder about that.
@@elftax There was a reference in the episode "Broken Link" where Garak keeps Odo's memory off of his illness by Garak talking about his career as a gardner on Romulus working at the Cardassian embassy there and talking about Romulans killing Proconsul Merrok and Garak assassinating Sub-Commander Ustard, could have been one of them (many high ranking Romulan officials mysteriously died that year when he was a gardner)
elftax he most likely was and what better way to honor the father than to kill his enemy.
I love how Garak lies to Tain about being alone. He lets Bashir sit and listen, to get the tiniest of glimpses into Garak's past, and who he really is.
Garak (as Tain pointed out to Bashir in "The wire") felt that telling the truth was just an excuse for not having a good imagination.. so letting Bashir see into his real soul is truly an honor...
Bill Osborn I agree. Garak was a complex character, but throughout the series I would say Garak had come to truly trust Julian as a friend, the constant little pep talks, shared lunches together and so on. I suppose Garak was probably flattered by Julian's initial fascination with him given Bashir's love of things spy and covert. To allow Julian to sit and listen in on this most private of moments, says everything about how Garak truly viewed Bashir.
Bob Page Bashir is, after all, his best friend, I can't believe what was going through his mind as they had their last exchange, and knew he was, "the fly on the wall" for one of the most secret of exchanges.
@@BillinHungary that wasn't, "The Wire," it was was, "Improbable Cause."
In Cardassian tradition, non-Cardassians seeing dead Cardassians is taboo. So this was a great honour bestowed to Bashir (perhaps unknown to him), but still. For all intents and purposes, Bashir was the closest person to Garak throughout the entire run of the series. Everyone else of Garak's entourage sadly perished.
The saddest part is that Garak isn’t even phased by Tain saying he should have killed his mother before he was born.
And then you see that Garak has killed all of Tain’s enemies and you realize that everything he did was all for him.
When you live long enough knowing how someone really feels about you, statements like that don't tend to shock or surprise.
It's a lie he's herd to often growing up. It's worn thin, and is as much a reflex as denying that Garak's his son. He knows Tain would never hurt his mother. Mila the housekeeper will always be looked after.
Vicky Mc till she died
As he said he's told him that before you can hear something enough to the point where in it doesn't phase you.
@@vickymc9695 He did whatever it took to keep his little family safe. Exiling Garak was the best safety measure he had left so he took it.
I think it was just amazing that Garak allowed Bashir to remain in the room for such an incredibly emotional and private moment. It really speaks to the depth of the friendship they developed.
Cassadinegirlaz I was thinking the same thing. It's touching.
It's funny, I always had a different read on this. Throughout their association, Garak was always urging Bashir to be more cynical, more like himself. And in that moment, he'd _just_ been telling Julien about the folly of sentiment. I always thought that him allowing Julien to stay in the room was him trying to further prove his point. Even the bombshell that he is Tain's son always felt like it was for Bashir's benefit.
Like 'See? I gave Tain everything, and also he's my _actual father,_ and even in his final moments, he won't give me my due. And _that_ is why you should avoid sentiment.' I think Garak got more than he bargained for, though.
@@angmordagnithil7127 I think Garak just needed the emotional support. No matter how Garak is at any given moment, atm he's still just a son at his f
Dad's death bed.
I think it was more about Garak not caring who was there. There were no stakes. Nothing to gain, nothing to lose. Garak simply wanted his father to acknowledge him, after a lifetime of not acknowledging him, and that was the last moment it could possibly happen, and he didn't care who was there to see it.
Acting often occurs without words - the look on Bashir's face when he realizes that Tain is Garak's father....
This is why DS9 is so good. It makes you feel bad for reprehensible characters.
Fully-fleshed out characters. A rarity. Redemption in villains, condemnations in heroes.
@@FinalFirebrand No one is ever totally a villain or a hero.
@@CheesyChez421 And yet, if you look back at how Dukat got there, it's an entirely believable progression.
@@TonboIV he was always a demon. you just bought into his lies and beacuse he is fictional. You wouldnt think that way if he was real. Space nazi who occupied a planet and commited genocide and slavery....
@@OOzd95 Hitler was a vegetarian who hated smoking, loved dogs, animals and was reportedly very good to children in his presence. It's easy to dismiss characters as nothing more than demons, and it's hard to admit that those monstrous actions are done by living breathing people; with strengths, flaws and ideals. Perhaps that's what makes them scarier: The potential that anyone has the capacity for evil and can never truly be a saint.
Tain probably saved Garak's skin by not acknowledging him as his son. Can you imagine what Tain's rivals can do using Garak as an hostage.
As if they could obtain him as a hostage 😂
That’s what he meant by “you were always a weakness I couldn’t afford” the weakness being his love for his child.
@@davidfoxall3344 but always felt that they allowed Tain to stay alive because he had a weakness as a man with nothing to loose in Power is indeed to dangerous to be kept alive as we see later with dukat.
@@davidfoxall3344 The closest a cardassian spy comes to saying "I love you."
I don’t think it’s too easy to capture him
Garak was my favorite. Andrew Robinson breathed so much life into his character. Such an amazing and talented actor.
One of my favorites, too...
It's really amazing how close he came to not taking the part. Apparently, wearing the makeup literally gave him a panic attack, but when he saw himself as Garak in the mirror, he found the drive he needed to see playing the character through.
His final thoughts were of the pride he felt over his son.
And maybe in the end all you can hope is that your final thought is a good one
@@nesenda Funny, I watched that Scrubs clip just a little earlier today.
But he never said the word 'son'.
Also: "I should have killed your mother before you were born." Meaning he did so afterwards.
A highly dysfunctional family, from a highly dysfunctional culture.
Dont overlook the scene from Garak's point of view. The last memory he has of his father is admitting hownproud he was of him.
Ephemis Priest though he didn’t say “son” , he still admitted his pride for him.
It’s something many a son wishes to hear from their fathers, at least once in their lives, and hopefully before a death bed confession.
Gratefully, my father has said that to me several times, and he is still around.
This scene was always powerful to me, because of my relationship with my father.
You left out my favorite part "Gentlemen, I don't know about you but my business is here is done."
Even after seeing his father die, Garak is still a professional spy.
I love how Tain's last words are about being proud of Garak.
We don't know if Tain's telling the truth, or is just trying to goad him into following his last order.
@@Bacxaber No matter the motivation, it was very kind to allow Garak to feel that love in the end.
I love how in the end, Garak still felt enough mercy to grant his father _shri-tal._ And it's heartbreaking that, in the end, the greatest secret Enebran held was that he truly did love his son.
You don't call someone you don't love a "weakness". They can only be a weakness if they mean something to you and their harm could be used as a bargaining chip to get to you. So in a way the simple act of him admitting Garak was a weakness was him admitting he cared.
@@zxb995511 Just the realities of Tain's position in the Obsidian Order. Loved ones are always a weakness for people at the precipice of power. Protecting oneself is easy, but protecting someone you care about, who doesn't have the armor of your position to protect them at all times, it IS a weakness, especially with regards to someone who's death would be your own destruction. It's not a slight on Garak, but an acknowledgement of an annoying truth.
@@jamesbuchanan4414As it is in real life, blood fued's, political fued's in some countries, Business fued's etc.
sir, we are detecting a high degree of feels in this video
Shields down, port eyeball is venting tears
1993bahamut Reroute all auxilliary power to mental fortitude, this much exposure, we’re looking at a possible emotional collapse.
Remodulate feels harmonics! Helm, get us out of here!
Reroute power to the deflector array
Reverse shield polarity
Probably one of the most realistic depictions of an abusive parent. Just because you love them, doesn't erase the things they did.
And just because they're abusive doesn't mean that they don't care for you deep down.
Not as much as Garak wanted, but probably more than he ever thought he'd get.
Garak was one of the most brilliantly written characters of any show, period.
Oh yes
Brilliant... And somehow... We know so little about him.
“how could i forget? it was the only day” this scene is devastating omg
Has anyone else noticed how calm a Klingon Martok is. Probably why i like him the most out of the Klingon race
+macFuz The whole, over the top, empassioned Klingon thing was annoying and very prevelant in TNG, DS9 gave them abit more diversity and depth. I liked Kor too, for the fact he really seemed like a washed up old war hero from an age gone by. But Martok was awesome.
Martok is easily the best Klingon in Trek.
The Klingons had to have SOME sane people in their ranks, or their civilization would've fallen apart.
I also like how the mellow Worf some for DS9. But Gowron was still as bug-eyed as ever.
Martok is the first Klingon we ever see apart from Worf and Gowron that has no pretensions and facade to keep up. Every time we see them in TNG it is the warrior elite or the political animals in Qu'onos.
From Martok we get insight into Klingon marriage, kinship, class systems, politics and true leadership.
"Elim...remember that day in the country? You were almost five."
"How could I forget? It was the only day."
Much like Sisko and the day his wife died, that day is where Garak exists. For him, it is the only day.
The first episode of DS9 would've been a lot less dramatic if Garak was the emissary.
"I was very proud of you ... that day." It was hard for Enabran to open himself up, even in his final moments. But he found that place in himself, found a way to tell his son that his father had always loved him.
Reminds me of my father, who was also a rather large man. We never got along very well, but after he became ill and i took care of him he really softened up. And then he died. Its strange how knowledge of your impending doom can change relationships. We were as different as night and day, but he took care of me at the beginning of my life and i took care of him at the end of his.
A Father and a Son do not need to be friends. And you do not need to like someone to love them. Honor has nothing to do with agreement.
I think your father taught you some lessons that many never learn.
Respect, Responsibility, loyalty, and compassion(a much bigger and harder word to understand, then most get. Cause forgiveness is in that word as well). The four foundation stones to build any healthy relationship on. May God Bless and Keep you.
I'm glad y'all were able to become close in the end. I always loved my father but we were never close until I had to start taking care of him. One of the last things he said to me was "I feel so close to you", wish he was still here. He was a big ST fan and I owe my scifi love to him.
"So say we all" (Battlestar Gallactica)
@@ssjwes Just lost mine three days ago. He was 83. During our last one-on-one phone call, I told him, that he is dear to me. And so I hope he could leave with relative peace about that.
"The end of the world has a way of reminding you of what you forgot to do."
-Admiral Anderson, Mass Effect 3
This scene is so painful but so necessary. I wonder how differently Garak would have turned out if his father accepted him from the beginning and/or wasn’t in the Order. Tain was a bad and abusive father for sure but deep down in his cold heart he did care-thus why Garak was indeed a “weakness” he couldn’t afford. It’s nice to see Garak in these genuine moments, they are so powerful. Bless Andrew Robinson, I can’t imagine anyone else playing this complex gem of a character.
Honestly, the exile did save Garak. As painful as it was for him it also proved imperative to be in the background in order to help Cardassia and to make friends with Bashir and experience something other than the cold desolate loveless life he was undoubtedly living on Cardassia being in the Order.
So in a big ironic twist, Tain really did help save the Alpha quadrant through his son by putting Garak in a position to help the Federation and Cardassia win the war. Not bad for the unwanted illegitimate traumatized child of a Cardassian nazi.
According to "A Stitch In Time" by Andrew Robinson, who played Garak, this was the case. Mila was Garak's mother.
Enabrin Tain beeing Garaks father was the equaly impressive light version of Vader and Luke. I still can remember how great this moment was when he said this one line and I had the same look on my face as Bashir.
I miss Star Trek in television :(
Unless this is a scene between two consummate liars sharing in one last pure canard. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of Tain being Garak's father. But I also thoroughly enjoy the prospect that Enabrin and Elim are weaving together this beautiful bald-faced lie between mentor and pupil.
Didn't we already know he is his father or at least Garak sees him as one? I recently saw the wire and he mentions Elim and himself being referred to as the sons of Tain. Remember... even the lies are true
@@mykull1090 nice idea :)
@@nancytimmer9026 Well, it was mentioned that they were close, but the true relationship was always hidden, cause they changed sides so often. Once they hated each other and in other episodes they kinda showed their bond. Maybe it was more obvious for others, but I was very young at that time and for me it was just stunning what happened.
I don't know how much the books are cannon. But in two books "the suns of Tain" were explained as a group of agents who Tain decided to keep them close so he would at least have something like an inner circle. You could say this was already a hint, but I understood it in the way which was described in the books.
@@RockBottom45 i was too young to appreciate Garak when it came out. Now as an adult, the show has so much more to offer
Garak: Sentiment is the greatest weakness.
Tain: You have always been a weakness I could not afford.
Truth: Tain neither killed Garak's mother, Mila, while he was in the womb nor kill Garak. He didn't acknowledge him, but Garak was raised within Tain's household not discarded at an orphanage.
Garak to Bashir, Episode 2-5, "Cardassians": Orphans have no status in Cardassian society.
Tain was the Obsidian Order spymaster, yet this warped, abusive, horrible man could not do the ONE ACT that would protect him from his greatest weakness being discovered by his enemies. Choosing exile vs killing him was contradictory to his past means of dealing with troublesome spys.
Maybe he loved Garak in the only way he knew how. By molding him, watching over him, as Tain, spymaster extradinaire.
Feels like a long and storied character passing away. Meanwhile, Paul Dooley only appeared three times. Give the man his props.
Garak is such an underrated, under-appreciated character.
By who. Garak is composed primarily of awesome, I thought everyone knew that.
Everyone who watched DS9 knows how cool he is. The only ones who didn't were the ones who gave up on watching DS9 for Voyager.
At first I did not like the idea of a ST series based on a station. To me ST was all about space exploration and such. As time went on however, the characters grew on me and the overall story became very intriguing. I will admit I cried a little during the last scenes of the last episode.
meltedplasticarmyguy
I like to think of it like this:
All of the ST shows were about exploration. The other shows focused more on exploring space, DS9 focused on exploring humanity.
Of all the Star Treks, I find that DS9 has taught me the most lessons that stick-- about human complexity, political nuance, tolerance and forgiveness.
I've always loved how in the star trek universe characters were three dimensional. Few cookie-cutter villains or good guys.
ds9 has the best characters
Sisko was the best character of the series.
Trojansfan well to be fair Starfleet has hypocritics in charge
They really are. Bashir seems to be the person who knows Garak best, and they work so well together.
This scene finally explains Garak's relationship and feelings to Tain.
This is why he wanted to save Tain from the romulans.
This is why he joined him when he asked.
This 8s why he came to the prison.
Because he was his father and he loved him, after everything that happened between them.
This scene is a very important one for the Garak Character.
In a twisted way, he kept helping Tain because he was desperate to have a father who loved him. Tain never showed that love, but Garak (like many an abused son or daughter) held on to the hope that one day everything he did would be enough, and his father would love him. When Tain dies, Garak isn't mourning the man he actually was. Garak is mourning the death of any possibility that Tain could become what he needed.
@@annehaight9963 And Garak missed the fact that his father was basically showering him in love in the end by referencing back to "that day".
@@Humaricslastcall Acknowledging a moment of pride on your deathbed does not excuse a lifetime of being a shitty parent.
@@annehaight9963 Beautifully put.
I really loved these scenes. Garak was such a wonderfully complex character. And it really speaks to the depth of the friendship/bond he formed with Bashir that he would allow the doctor to be there for what was an intensely private moment and let the man know such a profound, secret truth about himself, especially when he was always lying. Beautifully done.
Inferno's Light / Purgatory's shadow is really one of the best two parters from Ds9 and star trek in general. It doesn't get enough love.
The story has everything, surprise plot twists, epic space battles, great character moments: Worf fighting in the arena, Garak facing his claustrophobia and his father, Dukat's betrayal. DAMN IT'S GOOD.
So true.
I agree!
In my humble opinion, they are second only to Duet.
When thisoriginally aired, I had caught only a few episodes of DS9 and thought it was dull. "By Inferno's Light" is when I became invested in the show.
Not to mention the total MINDFUCK that the Dr. Bashir we had been watching for at least the past four episodes was a freakin’ Changeling impostor! Mind. Blown.
Graak was one of the best characters on the show. They kept developing, and adding new things to him. It made DS9 worth watching.
As much of a bastard as Tain was and a deplorable person...i like how Garak ensured his last final thoughts were not of a spymaster ranting on about revenge, but a father proud of his son.
This is a great example of the damn good writing this series had. Not only does it develop Garak's relationship with Tain, finally putting all the pieces in their puzzle, but it also develops his relationship with Bashir at the same time, allowing him to see an extremely personal moment between him and his father, really showing how far their friendship has come.
Garak initially lost his own kind. People on the station did not much like him. The Bajorans basically hated him. He lost the woman he loved. Then he lost the man who was both his mentor and his father. He later lost what amounted to his mother. And then his home world was basically destroyed. I think he had lost the most.
And he calls himself a simple tailor
He is, when he needs to be
And you know what's sad? He's a very good tailor.
You're right he used to be a gardener, now if you have something you need weeded...
You know how the saying goes ,"tinkerer, tailor, soldier, spy". That's absolutely what he was.
And... he... calls... *himself*... asimpletailor.
“A man shouldn’t allow his enemies to outlive him.” Words to live by & die by...
Words Putin certainly lives by haha!
...and kill for.
I think the Klingons would disagree with you there.
They believe that a man who has killed all of his enemies becomes a man without purpose. They say it is better that one or two of your enemies outlive you, or, if you have killed all your enemies, get new ones.
"If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will float by."
- Sun Tzu
If you want to live for revenge.
I want to live for the Joy's of life.
Life is short enough,
Revenge is always bitter sweat. But does nothing to make life longer.
There is only a few things you get to keep after life, memories, love,
Regret, and guilt.....
This clip always make me tear up...my dad is a deadbeat POS too, yet i so desperately wanted his acknowledgement.
"I know it's crooked, but it's the only game in town."
If she is indeed his mother, I assumed the "housekeeper" thing was part of the cover, just as Garak being Tain's son was hidden from the public.
Perhaps because Bashir hid a huge secret all his life himself (aka being a genetically augmented human) and senses Garrak was holding in a lot of secrets as well.
If only Berman hadn’t deliberately cut down the Bashir/Garak scenes in later seasons
...or added that stupid frelling holosuite character and place...
"They're getting a little too friendly."
*reaches for the black marker*
I wouldn't have minded, but I am not missing it either. They have a beautiful bromance going on
@@grendelum Vic was great and "Its Only A Paper Moon" is one of the best Trek episodes ever.
He also forbade Garak’s actor from playing him as a pansexual.
If you think about it, the character Tain is so committed to his work that he becomes the antithesis of the general Cardassian population, which, it is stated, hold family bonds to be vital.
Garak-The Dark Side's most unlikely hero.
Tain probably wins the "Worse father of the year" award forever.
Not Dukat?
They can share the award
Stupid Obsidian Order Agents beaming sliced onions in my room....
Honestly people talk about the best Friendship Bashir had in this show was with O'Briend. This scene is one of many that proves without a shadow of the doubt, that his best friendship was with Garak. By a country mile.
best Star Trek series period. change my mind
"sentiment is the greatest weakness of all"
This was one of the best arcs in all of DS9. Worf and Martok were bad ass. Garak overcame emotional and personal problems at the same time. It was all great Trek.
The humanity in Star Trek is what is missing from the modern shows, I miss old ST
Tain did care for Garak on some level.
“You’ve always been a weakness I couldn’t afford.”
Translated.
“I’ve always let my sentiment for you get in the way of my focus.”
In his own twisted way, Tain was telling Garak that he loved him above his work; an anti-Cardassian ideology.
Garak saw only the face-value insult...Ironic, given his lessons to Bashir to see through the lies...But, I suppose he is biased.
This is one of my favorite scenes from DS9 and I learned an entirely new appreciation for Garak after this for the rest of the series.
You can only be astonished by this writing team and the actors who brought those moments to live, amazing.
Wow. DS9 was the greatest TV show of all time, easily. Amazing scene!
Paul Dooley was great as Enabran Tain.
'A man shouldn't allow his enemy to outlive him' is one of the best quotes ever.
This scene has changed meanings for me over the years. I used to think Tain's very last moments with Garak were sweet and paternal. Now, I think Tain's using that story from Garak's childhood is just another example of his self-centered, Machiavellian behavior. Tain demanded all the benefits of having Garak as his son while at the same time refusing to act as a father. He wants a completely parasitic relationship--yes, even if Tain was a "good" mentor and boss to Garak. That is not the same as being a true father, especially in a society that places such high value on the family. And the fact that he chose to rehash a decades-old memory about that one time he actually "liked" Garak... feels like a cop-out to me. What about, "I'm proud of you NOW"? Or, "I'm proud of the man you've become"? Or, "THANK YOU for all you've done for me, Elim"? Nope. Nada. And I think Garak's reaction (or lack thereof) says it all.
And to think of all those years Garak spent trying to win Tain's acceptance and love... If only Garak had known there was NOTHING he could have done to make himself "worthy"... because the problem was never with Garak. The problem was that TAIN was fucked up.
In conclusion, I hate Tain. Good night.
I think it is sweet in the sense that it is as sweet as Tanin and paternal as he could or would give. But it still falls short and I would agree that it makes Tanin, well, bad. But the thing is, it is not clear why. The problem isn't Tain's self contentedness. If the issue were due to self centeredness, there would be some sort of loss he would be paying that would offend his self centeredness by acknowledging Garak. A similar issue with respect to his "Machiavellian" behavior. Machievallian behavior is basically doing what you need to, including violating conventional morality (or knowing when not to be good) in order to rise to power, stay in power, and protect the state. Tanin is about to die, there are no machiavellian issues involved here. The only thing I could think of is if some sort of Honor issue. I am thinking here that having Garak as a son would violate his sense of Honor somehow. Maybe Garak was an illegitimate child. Although this would depend on Cardassian culture. Would an illegitimate be a shameful thing among the Cardassians?
F*ck man....Too deep.
I agree that Tain was Cruel and unusual. But the life of spymaster is not one to take lightly. Even though the cardassian Union values family unity, it's not always the common practice. Politics and Control are always in play. Tain was both feared and respected. He had enough enemies, both foreign and domestic. They would love nothing more than to scandalize or eliminate him. As far as Garak is considered or concerned, Tain view him as an asset and possible successor. Unfortunately Tain is not a Kind nor forgiving Man. Mistakes are viewed with complete contempt. Tain final moments with Garak are simply the last call of a Broken heart and soul of a once powerful man. I don't pity him. It's just the fact of a hard knock life.
Well said.
Tain locked him in a closet for hours as a child and molded him into a killer. Tain is the worst.
That moment Bashir leans in....me as a kid. Say waaaaht?
It's a litte sad to consider that as grim as Garak's past is, he may never have seen someone pass away like that, from age and sickness. Certainly, Bashir seems much more familiar with it,.
He was proud of his son because on that day his son learned to never give up.
Garak (of all people) puts such trust in Bashir in this scene. He had no idea what Tain was going to say. Dude could have said literally anything, especially since he thought they were alone. Considering what a private person Garak is and how much he likes to keep secrets, that's huge, that he allows Bashir to sit in on that conversation. (Not to mention what an emotionally fraught moment it must have been for him.)
“A man shouldn’t allow his enemies to outlive him.” - Enabrin Tain
"Thomas Jefferson still survives." - John Adams
When John Adams said that, he didn't know that Jefferson had died hours earlier.
Tain final words to Garak powerful scene all ways gets me 😭
Interesting fact: Paul Dooley (who played Tain) is only 14 years older than Andrew Robinson (who played Garak). You wouldn't really know it though from their scenes in DS9 - excellent acting was on show here.
That has more to do with makeup than acting. They don't act like they are that different in age tbf.
Props to Paul Dooley - He only has a few scenes during the DS9 run besides the major scenes in Improbable Cause and "The Die is cast" , and yet he nails the essence of the character. In this scene, you're convinced that he's been the head of the Obsidian Order and dealing with the last moments of a legend's life.
i felt really bad for garak in this scene. i also liked tain
For a character they added in just to have someone play off Bashir, they really got in deep with him. Well done Andrew.
Garak wasn't the one who you could easily befriend. In seeing Bashir this you learn how and why he was that way.
On this one occasion, Garak reveals just how tired he is of having to EARN paternal trust and love from someone who is too broken inside to give it. Like a door swinging forever shut to other places, Tain's death irrevocably commits Garak to filling the role of the State's merciless enforcer. And so, the cycle of mental ill-health continues....
"FATHER!.....father... for once...."
It shows that the rigid pilar Tain doesn´t have the strength to face his deepest parts of his mind(you´ve always been a weakness I can´t afford), and the real strength is shown by Garak till the end.
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra!
+WolfySnackrib666 darmok and jilard on the ocean.. his arms wide..
Craigslist Administrator Temba, his arms wide.
+WolfySnackrib666 darmok and jalad on the ocean.. timba at rest
Sokath, his eyes open!
shaka the walls fell,darmok his arms wide
Garak could kill Chuck Norris
+fa de Just like he tried to kill Quark?
UnityQuest Showing mercy is a virtue
It'll be a surprise. He won't even see it coming.
...with kindness. Garak is the most treacherous character in the entire Star Trek canon, and the most honest. Cold, devoid of any discernable true emotion, sort of an anti-Vulcan. And the most frightening thing of all, the more you see of him, the more you like him. There's a bit of him in us all.
Winston Elston
*"The more you see of him, the more you like him."*
That sounds a bit like root beer.
I was uneasy with the revelation that Tain was Garak's father when I first watched this episode, but I've grown to really like it. it grants even more depth to both characters.
Garak and bashir are like brothers 😍
I'm going to give the old man a hug while I still can.
Those watching here, we're all probably old and nearing that age where they won't be around much longer soon.
Not all are old to respect and honour beauty.
Mine is already no longer around, actually years before this EP aired did he die of a sudden heartattack at age 42
So yeah, appreciate their presence, you'll never know when time comes to say goodbye
@@Nightdare Mine died just three days ago, aged 83. I'd had sparse contact with him because we're geographically separated, but during our last one-on-one phone call, I told my Father, that he's dear to me. He thanked me, and got tired (his go-to excuse when he got emotional).
We'd much later had a family video chat, too, and I'd told him again, that he was dear, perhaps trying to reinforce what I'd told him earlier.
It should be known, that he did care for me, and that he was in his own way an awesome father.
In some ways, despite all my terrible faults, broken promises, and numerous failures, I'd like to think, that I might have turned out to be the better son (I have an older brother who is not unlike Dukat).
A very solemn Martok in this scene.
This is why Garak let so few people in.... it is huge at 1:36 where he says he is alone too, it shows how deep he trusts Bashir and lets him in too.
Let alone a Human, but then again Garak was very fond of Bashir. He treated him as an equal, and (dare I say) Brother.
So true. Garak's story was very sad.
ive always found people vastly underestimate this scene for letting bashir stay, non cardassians seeing remains dishonors them
Dishonors the Cardassian who passes? Where did you learn that?
Was some BS Dukat told Kira cuz he didn't want her to be around in the event he found his mistress. Might be true, might not be.
C Pin im willing to give dukat the benefit of the doubt on this one. cardassians take honor seriously, not like a klingon but still
AnvilMAn603 cardassians do, yes. Dukat? Maybe for adoration, power and pussy. Which he was kinda going for in that ep so...okay.
C Pin i admit he may be yanking kira's chain when he says that but i think he wouldnt mess with something like this if it was true
This is what Star trek is supposed to be. Not this CBS grabage
This scene with Garak and Bashir made me realize that theirs was the unsung romance of Star Trek. The chemistry and the affection between the two characters is powerful and this scene just drove home for me how important Bashir was to Garak. No words were spoken, only a shared look as they entered the room together. Their eyes said what their scripts did not and it is beautifully conveyed.
That's not romance. It's true friendship.
Andrew Robinson did such a stellar job portraying the anger, grief and emotional neediness Garak has been burying his whole life. I think it's worth mentioning that his own father was killed fighting in WW2 when he was a small child; no doubt he drew on it.
Ok, yeah, so the writing on DS9 really is the best in the franchise isn't it? I'm a TNG girl, but apparently, DS9 took the cake long ago.
yes, yes it is
Gonna be super shallow cause this episode is amazing but I have rewatched it multiple times for Disheveled Bashir. My fave Bashir.
garak was definitely someone who you had to beware of. He killed a romulan senator and out witted one of starfleet best captions.He was a enemy to one of the most powerful leaders of his people. He was conning and ruthless. yet in this scene. He was so kind and gentle you would never know it.
It was the only day. Gets me every time.
0:48
I know this scene is about Garak and his father
But
Anybody get the goosies when Martak comes to tell Garak about his father
Really serious and Sturn but still soft because it is rough news
Garak, my favorite Star Trek character
I wish that Tian's final words to Garak had been.
"Garak, you were the best mistake of my life..."
When I first watched this episode and this scene, I was shocked.
Garak: "For once in your life, speak the truth!"
Tain: "Hah, that's rich, coming from you!"
Garak was such a badass secret agent he brought his best friend to see a side of cardassian that very few if ever get to witness. Tain loved his own son so much he had to disown him for his own good, till the day he died...
Elim Garak is a good son.