The Unlikable Character of Dr. Bashir on Deep Space Nine: An Analysis

Deep Space Nine (DS9) remains a beloved science fiction series, but one character often draws mixed feelings and criticisms: Dr. Julian Bashir. In this article, we will explore why Bashir might be considered unlikable, based on the insights from behind the scenes and character portrayals. We will discuss his backstory, character development, and the writing choices that may have contributed to this perception.

Origins and Backstory

According to , Bashir was originally an afterthought in the creation of DS9. Alexander Siddig, who played Bashir, expressed frustration with the character's lack of substance in the earlier seasons. Here is a summary of the initial conception and development:

In the beginning, Julian Bashir was called 'Emissary' as part of a seven-year story outline. He was added as a last-minute necessity when it was decided that the medical team on DS9 needed an extra character. No storyline was specifically written for Bashir, making him a "tenderfoot" figure reminiscent of a character from Western shows.

Alexander Siddig originally auditioned for the role of Captain Sisko but was casts as a doctor due to his age as he wasn't old enough to have a teenage son on the show. This ultimately led to him playing a character that he felt was not aligned with his vision or passion.

Character Development and Performance

Interestingly, Siddig played Bashir with an aire of ambiguity, introducing subtext that was not explicitly written into the script. This led to:

"I subconsciously kept that door open with just about every character that I play and I always keep it as ambiguous as possible. I would just come off that project and I’ve done it numerous times since. It just keeps ambiguous. That’s a big part of who I am. For characters that are written straight, I’ll make sure they are not quite straight."

This added an element of depth that Siddig aimed to bring to the role, but the writing team did not always align with his vision. For instance, Bashir was depicted as a straight character despite Siddig's personal interest in portraying him ambiguously.

Plot Elements and Missteps

One pivotal aspect of Bashir's character is his genetic modification, which only came to light several years into the show. Siddig was taken aback by this revelation, stating, "I didn't know about it on Tuesday and on Thursday the script arrived – we started shooting on Friday. I was so shocked."

The genetic manipulation was a missed opportunity for storytelling. It could have provided a rich background for character development and added intrigue to the plot. Instead, the character was often written as a foil to other, more experienced and complex characters, leading to a less compelling portrayal:

"In hindsight, I would wonder if that annoying behavior defused suspicion and kept everyone away from him. He was at less risk of being discovered then. So much of his backstory was unbelievable in retrospect - he said he performed his first surgery on his teddy bear at the age of five but he was severely developmentally delayed until he started genetic modification treatments at age six. I find it easier to think many of his stories were not true and they were just told to deflect attention. So many times we heard that he missed one question on his final exam of Starfleet medical - but we later learn he had perfect recall of anything he had studied."

Conclusion

While the character of Julian Bashir has its flaws, it is also important to acknowledge Alexander Siddig's nuanced performance. The writing choices and the original conception of Bashir as a last-minute addition certainly impacted his character development. In the end, the combination of an underdeveloped storyline and an abrupt reveal of genetic modification might explain why Bashir seems unlikable to some viewers. However, it also suggests potential for future character arcs and storylines that could have brought a more engaging and satisfying experience to the audience.