*raises hand, speaks like Randy Quaid in ID4*
I like Trek. I'm a Trekkie.
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And of all the series and movies... DS9 as a series is my favorite of them all.
It can be debated on characters, premise, location, etc, ad nauseum. And all that's fine, but what it boils down to is this: The development of the characters on this series is vaired and grand. Seasons are spent making characters who they are, and the arcs are huge. The development of the Klingons in DS9 is greater than in any other series, the Cardassians are made into more than just adversaries, as are the Ferengi, and even the Founders and the Dominion. The Bajorans grow as a people right before your eyes from the downtrodden to the strong... and so many other little details show up in this series. It's amazing the amount of detail that went into that series, keeping it all somewhat amazingly together. For a 'Star Stay' as my dad called it, it was better at being Trek than anyone could have thought when it came out.
Then again, I'm easily amused, I think, and am ready to overlook any flaws because, to me, DS9 is just like a good book... once I get started I won't put it down.
The first and second seasons are all setup and exploratory. The third season is where it really hits it's stride.
I recommend you start it from beginning to end (and yes, there'll be groaner episodes, but what series doesn't have those), and at the end of it... I think you'll be glad you did.
And Garak's my favorite character, btw. He's just so deliciously evil, but for the good guys... mostly.
Andrew Robinson was wonderful in his role.
And then, after you get done with the series, go read the 'Season 8' books and the book by Andrew Robinson that chronicles Garak's life after DS9.
I hope you enjoy, Magus!