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Exploring the separation of Garak and Dr. Bashir
Our much beloved relationship between Garak and the Doctor has dissipated, and many mourn the loss of such a unique and entertaining bond on Deep Space Nine. As the writers have never confronted the issue of why this came into being, I provided a version of what I imaging to be the scene where both speak of their increasingly distant relationship. Everything below is fictional, and written as a hypothetical example.
Garak: Doctor, you've been ignoring me. Julian: Garak, you're overreacting. I've simply had no need for luncheons the past year. It doesn't constitute the ignominious crime you accuse me of. Garak: You seemed content to leave me to the least experienced counselor to be found anywhere and disappear. (Mimics Julian) "Ezri, please counsel Garak about his deeply disturbing psychological disorder while I fade into the background." Julian: Garak, our relationship has changed. You have changed, and so have I. We can no longer fall back on the old Mentor/Student roles we once played out. Garak: I think it has more significance than your growing up, Doctor. In fact, I think it has everything to do with that encounter in the holosuites. You've never forgiven me for being a better agent than you in that pathetic program. Julian: (Angrily) And so what if it did?! You must admit, Garak, the cutting words you said in there were too blunt and too injurious. I once found your mystique fascinating, your sophistication entertaining, your intelligence stimulating, but now I see that you're only a lonely, exiled Cardassian who will probably live out a dreary life hemming skirts and die with no one to honor your memory. Garak: Now, Doctor, your impassioned words don't anger me, though I very well might, because I see some truth in what your words. However, can you say the same of yourself? Can you admit to the truth about yourself? It is too easy to see fault in others while remaining blind to the faults of self. I always considered you a worthy friend to keep, an intelligent counterpart in this station. When you were young and naive, I brought it on to myself to steel you for the rigors of a deceitful universe. Five years later, you were cognizant of the perils of reality, became suspicious and distrusting. I taught you well, it seems, but all I receive in return is cool indifference and pointed avoidance. Julian: Don't be so bitter, Garak. You're better than that. You always had an ulterior motive in all you did. Even when I had just arrived on the station, I could sense that. How do you expect me to develop a constant friendship with someone who changes his morality at will? Garak: I give no rationale for my actions, past and future, Doctor, because I don't need to provide any. My life has been a constant battle to survive. I cannot afford the luxury of high moral ground. Simply being able to stay alive in my line of work has been a preoccupying priority. Julian: Please, don't insult me with such poor excuses. Garak: I beg your pardon, Doctor, but I had just said it wasn't an excuse. Julian: If you really want to know why we've not been seeing so much of each other lately, it's this: We've outgrown one another. You once provided the experience and intellect I found so fascinating, but now I don't live for thrills any more. I am a doctor, and to see the survival of people and freedom within the Alpha Quadrant is enough to satisfy me. End of conversation So why did a pair who had such a wonderfully interesting relationship split up? As it has never been addressed in the series itself, one thing is certain, outside forces are behind this unfortunate development. There are some proponents of the theory that there may be more than friendship involved. I've come across sites that have collected fanfiction that explore this direction. The most notable of them is Cardassia Sutra. To some, Garak's interest in the doctor has some undertones of attraction, romantic or otherwise. Mr. Andrew Robinson, whose alter-ego is the tailor in question, has answered to questions along such lines with, "Of course he [Garak] is attracted to him [Bashir]." Mr. Robinson also says that in his portrayal of Garak, he acts as if he is attracted to the doctor. However, before anyone draws a conclusion from this, let me add that I am not a supporter of this theory. I don't think anyone questions Julian on this issue. It is basically a question of Garak. Does Garak care for Dr. Bashir beyond what is considered friendly? I don't give much weight to such trains of thoughts, simply because I feel that this issue can never be resolved and it has a tendency to twist my interpretation of their stimulating dialogue and interactions. I just want to enjoy the show and the relationship. That is the point of everything, isn't it? What do you think happened to Garak and Julian? Why has their wonderful relationship dissolved? Send email to verania@yahoo.com with your response and I will add your opinion here as another perspective in this issue.
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