Question of the Day

Dukat, played by actor Marc Alaimo, was a recurring character on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The series started out slow before the Dominion War turned it into a grand space epic. Throughout the entire DS9 run, Gul Dukat was a thorn in the side of the station's Bajoran/Federation crew as he pursued power, revenge, and glory for the Cardassian people. He fell in love, endured loss, gained victories and suffered defeats. And all the while he did so with great panache, style, and passion. This only unraveled with the murder of his daughter Ziyal, whom he sired with a Bajoran mistress during the occupation of Bajor. Dukat loved her, but he also used Ziyal for his purposes. This did not prevent him from mourning as she lay dying in his arms, saying:

We'll go back to Cardassia, Ziyal. We'll be safe there. You'll live with me. Everything will be fine. We'll both be very happy together. I know you forgive me. After all, I am your father. And I forgive you... my precious girl...

Dukat was never the same, and spiraled down into destruction and self-destruction as a consequence.

He was among the most interesting characters on the show, and in the entire Star Trek canon. Dukat was certainly a compelling villain, and a favorite of mine.

Who is your favorite villain from science fiction?

Image: Paramount