Why Avery Brooks had to reshoot scenes in Emissary

Emissary was the pilot episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Emissary set the tone for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine when it debuted on January 3, 1993. Written by the late Michael Piller, it was a creative introduction to both the space station and the people that would serve aboard it. But Piller wasn’t happy with it at first. In fact, in a behind-the-scenes interview with Trekcore, Piller said, after everything was done and put together, he thought the pilot was going to be a disaster. He was especially concerned about Avery Brooks and his portrayal of single father Commander Benjamin Siskso.

Piller thought Brooks came across as very unlikeable, especially during Siskos’s first meeting with Kira. He believed if they didn’t soften him and make him more likeable, they would lose the audience from the beginning.

Avery Brooks reshoots helped soften him

Piller asked Brooks to reshoot scenes with Nana Visitor (who played Kira), and he also reshot part of the scene with Sisko and his son, Jake (Cirroc Lofton) in their quarters.

"“I felt it was terribly important that he be a competent, respect-worthy commander even though he was troubled when he came aboard. We asked Avery to go back in with Nana and reshoot a couple of things and make a few changes that softened him, which I think helped enormously.”"

Brooks mastered the role of Commander later Captain Sisko, becoming one of the most popular captains in Star Trek history. He needed to be authorative, strong, and in control, but there was a softer side to him, especially in the scenes with his on-screen son. He has been incredibly missed by Star Trek fans, and we have long-wanted to see him return to the universe. With so many options available, we should see Captain (or Admiral by now) Sisko make an appearance. As Spock would say, it’s only logical.