jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

I still have tons to say about the Garashir Goes Canon™ moment in Lower Decks so here is my big meta post about it! Below the cut is a meta discussion about the penultimate Lower Decks episode, contextualizing what it means for something to become canon.

To be clear, this is a mostly positive post with analysis included. You’ll see lots of love for Garashir and Lower Decks and also oodles of fandom meta below the cut, since we have a complicated relationship with Paramount. My analysis and graphic is based on a recent lecture about Star Trek canon I gave at KiScon!

First, I have to say that both Unification and this Lower Decks episode following mere weeks after of my lecture panel at KiScon titled Fuck Paramount, about what Star Trek canon really is and what its place is in relation to us as slash fans, is absolutely mind-blowing timing. I wish everyone in both the K/S and Garashir fandoms had been able to attend it because it was absolutely designed to serve as a framework for both of these major fandom moments. And also it was just funny as hell. But most importantly, it was relevant, and existed to give us a sense of understanding when navigating Paramount hell, particularly when they play Gay Chicken (will they, won’t they — most of the time, they won’t).

Since not every single Star Trek fan on this website was at KiScon last month, I want to expand on that a little more here, this time in Garashir context, since last time it was centered on K/S, though Garashir came up several times! When I was giving my lecture, I asked the audience what it would look like if K/S were made canon tomorrow. Everyone had different ideas—but the most common theme that came up was sheer distrust of Paramount doing it justice.

For those of you that are reading this, the thesis of Fuck Paramount was that you as a fan and a viewer have more control over what is and isn’t canon than you think, and that our role as fans is to take ownership of our stories back from corporate interests. I also developed a four-sided framework to describe how we interact with canon to take power back and make sense of canon. Both Unification and the very, very fresh Lower Decks episode have already been controversial for a number of reasons, the primary one they share being: “Wait… does this make this canon?”

So far it looks like the main reactions for this Lower Decks episode (especially considering how sudden and late in its run it is) are mostly “HOLY SHIT THEY REALLY DID IT” and “I AM DISAPPOINTED BY THE MERE SCRAPS.”

And my position on it is that both of them are completely reasonable reactions that don’t contradict one another! I’m going to make the case for both sides as I try to explore the implications of this episode with respect to the episode’s subtext, corporate storytelling, and so forth. I’m not going to go too much into the academic aspects, but I am happy to make the original slides available for anyone who is curious about my canon analysis framework.

Why It’s Enough

On one hand, this episode is done well. Undeniably. It’s a lot of fun. I have also said many times before that the only way I’d want K/S or G/B to become canon is if they suddenly randomly drop the info that they were married and don’t bring it up again, because otherwise they might do more harm than good! This was an example of it done incredibly well, in my opinion.

This episode serves as all the confirmation you could possibly really need of Garashir. Yes, there are quite a few gimmicks involved—it’s all AU, all the way. Garak is now a surgeon from another dimension, and Bashir is from an entirely different dimension, and also not really himself, but a hologram. Here’s how they’re introduced:

WILLIAM BOIMLER: “Elim Garak, a brilliant Cardassian Surgeon—and his husband, an emergency medical hologram based on Dr. Julian Bashir.”

What I really love about this moment is that it actually does more than it looks like it does, at face value. For most of us, our first instinct is to go, whatever, he’s based on Bashir, he’s not even the real one! But what they did here was brilliant—it serves as implicit confirmation that our man Bashir is also bisexual, and loves Garak. He is indeed not a corporeal human being, but as the DS9 episode where the LMH is designed based on Bashir tells us, the hologram is designed and based on who he is. It has his personality traits. Interviews are conducted to make sure that the hologram is as authentic and true to the real thing as possible:

O'BRIEN: “You mean this programme is going to have all of his personal likes and dislikes?” ZIMMERMAN: “That is why we bother to choose a human template in the first place.”

William Boimler, from the prime Star Trek universe, doesn’t say the EMH is based on some Bashir, he says this one is based on Dr. Julian Bashir. Again, this serves as clear confirmation that he is modeled on recognizably the same character from DS9. They’re not that different in essence from their prime universe counterparts, or it wouldn’t be fun for the writers or the audience. We learn that Garak is still former Obsidian Order. They are still the same people, in essence. They may be AU characters but the point is for them to be similar to the originals, or they may as well just have been some guys!

The important thing, for me, is that it’s a clear, unambiguous acknowledgement. It’s played straight. Well, not straight—but not as some elaborate joke or filled with contempt. It doesn’t tease and doesn’t dance around the issue and wink and nudge, begging the viewer to question whether or not they’re together. That much is made immediately very clear. In the episode, AU Garak and AU EMH Bashir are a married couple, and they kiss. Every moment of their relationship is sincere, the comedic moments being not about the fact that their relationship exists, but about the dynamics it brings to the story. It also tells us very clearly that they’re not even from the same universe, and that their compatibility remains nonetheless:

HARRY KIM: “Are they from the same reality?” CURZON: “No, but they love to brag about how statistically unlikely their marriage is.”

Again, I tend to see this as a positive nod to the compatibility of these characters rather than a brush-off that says the prime universe Garashir couldn’t be together. And then Garak tells us his universe’s Bashir is like the original: still a racquetball player and competes with Chief O’Brien—again, revealing quite a bit.

And the B-plot is about them squabbling, acknowledging very clearly to us that Cardassians really do just love flirting via argument, which serves as a brilliant nod to everyone who complained for three decades that the DS9 writers never really admitted that Bashir and Garak were just flirting. Finally! The writers seem to understand quite well what’s important to us, even if this isn’t the ‘Real Garashir.’

What satisfies me ultimately is that this doesn’t in any way look like a rejection of the possibility of Garashir in the prime universe. It looks to me like it supports the text, not a mean-spirited denial that it could only happen under bizarre AU circumstances. To sum it up with another Boimler quote:

BOIMLER: “The multiverse is just a rehash of stuff I already know.”

Hm… :)

And as I pointed out in a prior post, the whole point of the episode is to show that even in different circumstances and worlds, the love characters have for one another remains a constant and is utterly transcendent. The episode straight up tells us that some relationships are so powerful that they span dimensions and realities, and then Garak and Bashir say they would follow one another to any reality!

In my panel-lecture, I said, “[Paramount’s control over the text] suggests that certain readings require their endorsement or confirmation to be true.” But this doesn’t feel like that to me, and so I accept this. It leaves room for possibilities of all kinds, and opens more doors rather than closing them. I can appreciate that.

I also spoke about how canon isn’t one thing—not a binary yes or a no, and that there is no singular meaning. I call this multiplicity:

“Multiplicity is about the continuous proliferation of ideas and the rejection of the text as having a single meaning. It rejects mere viewing or the consumption of media in favor of dialogue and participation rather than a one-way communication.”

This episode served to defy singular interpretations of the text. It tells us that there are infinite possibilities and it took a route that challenges the single-story interpretation of Garashir = Not Canon. It made room for new perspectives and affirmed what “the stuff we already know.”

Why It’s Not Enough

Now for the other side of the coin: why it’s not enough. As exciting as it is to have this kind of confirmation from the current writers for Star Trek in a frankly increasingly conservative storytelling environment, it’s still disappointing for many people that even in the most progressive Star Trek that exists, they cannot or will not openly state that the prime universe Garashir got the ending and acknowledgment they deserved. 

It feels like begging Paramount as a corporation for scraps and thanking them for what really doesn’t feel like enough—it stops short of full, sincere, complete validation of Garashir’s queerness. As I said in my panel, it’s normal for us to want confirmation from the writers and creators that what we’re seeing is real and not just imagined, even when the role of fanfiction is for us to transform canon and reject it ourselves.

It’s absolutely exhausting for us to say we see something that is continuously denied by those who ‘own’ the story in favor of mass appeal, and to me, that is a legitimate perspective that can coexist with the idea that fandom is designed reshape the canon to fits its own needs, and that we don’t need confirmation from the creators for something to be true. Fandom exists to defy corporate ownership of stories, but to have to fight for mere moments where marginalized perspectives are foregrounded causes anger for good reason. We may not need confirmation from them, but saying that we should never expect anything from Paramount releases the corporation of accountability and obligation to respect the audience and their own characters. We should be able to expect and trust that these characters and their relationships can be done justice by those who have the privilege of steering that ship.

It’s one thing for me to say that this episode affirms the reality of Garashir, but it’s also true that prime Garashir probably could not be given complete canonization because this is the best way they knew how to ‘get away with it’ all while maintaining its mainstream and popular appeal with heteronormative audiences that would have a problem or reject it if it happened to ‘real Garashir.’

Slash fans, for decades, have existed in the lane of compromise—firmly between having our truth validated and entirely rejected in favor of a Star Trek that is designed to be sold as a product to as many people as possible. Rarely do we receive more than a bone tossed to us by the powers that be, and when we do receive it, it’s on their incomplete terms, often with massive concessions made to make it happen. For Garashir to receive their blessing, they had to twist it into an AU. The reason they could do this episode is because it gave them the neat plausible deniability to also say this has nothing at all to do with prime Garashir, so that it didn’t entirely alienate audiences who wouldn’t support a queer narrative.

This is their way of having their cake and eating it too. In some ways, it looks like they’re just trying to make everyone happy, but the story shouldn’t have to make everyone happy, and a compromise can really just feel like everyone loses, or like prioritizing the status quo again. For decades, the status quo has always left those with marginalized readings of the text unhappy, sidelined by a narrative that is supposed to be progressive and supposed to look to a future where queerness is natural and not taboo. And if this is the best they can do, it’s only reasonable that it should still sadden us, disappoint us, anger us. It’s hard not to resent that reality.

What Now?

I urge folks to continue negotiating the text, as I did above in the first section. I made sense of it in a way that fits my understanding of Garashir! You do not have to assume that there’s no more to it than that because it was all that was said on screen. We don’t have to look at canonization as the final say on the text. My perspective is that we should take it as a wonderful and deserved affirmation, and continue to transform the canon as we see fit. This is your time to decide what it means for these characters. Personally, I see it as a massively positive step forward. Just remember that where canon is concerned, you are in control of what it means.

Canon is still transformable, multiplicative, negotiated, and timely. Holders of the ‘IP’ are only one piece of the puzzle where the truth of a story is concerned. So take this as a beginning to more, not an end! As I like to say, “canon is a means to an end, not the end itself.”

Also, please don’t hesitate to add your thoughts, questions, comments, or anything else. I hope you enjoyed this meta post, if you read this far.

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

I also feel compelled to point out that the whole thesis of this episode was that love and friendship can transcend dimensions and realities. It was stated directly in the episode several times!

Lily Sloane says to Boimler about Mariner, "Your friendship transcends realities. Trust like that is powerful stuff."

That line wasn't just about Mariner and Boimler. It couldn't have been. Garashir were a central part of the episode, not just there as set dressing, but as a whole B-plot centered on their relationship.

That line serves as a clear acknowledgment of prime universe garashir, too, if you're willing to take the puzzle pieces and put them together. It tells us that their relationship also carries across dimensions and realities because it's just that powerful and meaningful. That's why two of them from different dimensions found one another all over again. I don't feel that prime garashir have been ignored, even if Paramount never wants to just let queer couples have normal acknowledgment. They're the blueprint!

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

I know some people feel (fairly, rightfully) disappointed that for Paramount to allow Star Trek to canonize garashir, they had to make it so far removed from the prime universe and change one of them into a hologram. But also consider that William Boimler, who is from the prime universe, found absolutely nothing out of the ordinary with the relationship between those two!

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

A Partition of Oaths

By @onwhatcaptain

Deep Space Nine is hosting its fifth annual Peldor Festival. Garak, still struggling to accept the loss of his own home, despises the sound of joy and celebration. All he wants is to be alone. He fails to notice how thoroughly the changeling that replaces Bashir deceives him.

This fic grabbed me with the first sentence and did not let go. A Partition of Oaths is one of the best takes on Garak I've read in awhile. The way he knows, and yet will not allow himself to know his own heart is infuriating. Yet the reader is guided to understand how this self deception is so integral to his sense of himself. One is drawn in to his worldview, and left almost impressed by the steadfastness of his loyalty, even as we watch it destroy him.

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

Amok Time Fans and K/S Fic Readers - I Would Love Your Input!

Putting the poll up top, and additional context below. Earlier this year, I wrote and published my Amok Time K/S novel 'I Shall Do Neither' on AO3. It's been nominated for a Philon Award, and I'm incredibly proud of the endless work that went into making this!

Earlier this week, I realized that people who may have wanted to read the fic were not aware of its existence when some gorgeous Amok Time art was making the rounds, and a number of people expressed that they wished to read a story that explored these events just like my novel did. When my novel first debuted, I left the tags of my work intentionally vague to preserve the plot and surprise for the reader. So my question is, should I tag the work to make those spoiler plot points clearer? Spoilers below the cut for more context.

If you have read this work already, your thoughts on how your reading or perception of the work might have changed would be very valuable to me. Thank you! Below the cut are the major plot elements and spoilers for I Shall Do Neither I am considering adding in tags, including how the work ends.

This fic specifically covers how the events of Amok Time came to be. In this work, McCoy has no way to intervene during the fight. Spock has killed Jim, and is unable to live with his own actions. McCoy is left to go on without either of his friends, and the second and third seasons of Star Trek are explored to their devastating conclusions, without either Kirk or Spock. However-- this is also a time travel story, and at his lowest moment, McCoy is granted the privilege of changing history by the enigmatic Guardian of Forever. McCoy races against time to unravel the mystery of Vulcan's darkest secret on his own and make sense of the hidden feelings that existed between his two closest friends, all while facing his own mortality. We learn just how and why McCoy brought the neural paralyzer that saves his friends' lives, and the work has a happy ending that resolves every little inconsistency, every single plot hole in Amok Time. In essence, it's Amok Time meets Romeo and Juliet meets It's a Wonderful Life. I would likely add tags that referenced a number of these major spoilers.

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

Trektober prompt day 5: time travel

“Spock, what are you doing? Stay out of sight… Spock? Spock, what’s wrong?”

“I… do not recall most of our fight. To witnesses its barbarity is… unsettling.”

“Spock, look at me. I’m fine. You couldn’t help it. Now I need you to focus. Why would the Guardian send us back to this time? What are we missing?”

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

I posted my first Garashir fic on AO3. It's my take on why Garak never noticed the changeling had replaced Bashir. It's some of my best writing yet, and I'm quite proud of it!

A Partition of Oaths (10561 words) by onwhatcaptain

Chapters: 1/2

Fandom: Star Trek, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Relationships: Julian Bashir/Elim Garak

Characters: Julian Bashir, Changeling Julian Bashir, Elim Garak, Tora Ziyal, Miles O'Brien, Mila Garak, Enabran Tain (mentioned), Original Bajoran Characters

Additional Tags: POV Elim Garak, Julian Bashir and Elim Garak's Book Club, Cardassian Literature, Cardassian Culture, Bajoran Culture, Bajoran Gratitude Festival, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Angst, Pining, Garak is desperate for love and attention, My take on why Garak doesn't notice the changeling, The ending is resolved through canon and not in the fic

Summary:

Deep Space Nine is hosting its fifth annual Peldor Festival. Garak, still struggling to accept the loss of his own home, despises the sound of joy and celebration. All he wants is to be alone.

He fails to notice how thoroughly the changeling that replaces Bashir deceives him.

-

The Federation reached its long limbs across the ink of space, unendingly planting itself with shallow roots in a thousand worlds. A Cardassian needed nothing outside of the nourishment of the homeland. They sustained the motherland, and in turn, she sustained them. Humans could not truly know isolation, for should they try hard enough, it seemed they could create a home anywhere, fickle creatures that they were.

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

This is gorgeous!!! Shout out to OW for being an incredible (and dedicated asf?!?!) artist.

HAPPY -317TH BIRTHDAY TO JULIAN BASHIR!!!! 🎂🎉

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

I like to think that when he's up late running tests and waiting on results, Bashir reads the stuffy Cardassian literature Garak keeps recommending him.

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

so does anyone else constantly get recommended garbage clickbait star trek articles on their homepage, or what

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

Just saw the finale to season 6 of Deep Space 9. Why even live.

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

i love the snw sneak peek

but im upset that im gonna be subjected to charades-hater takes from this website for about 12 months. Aliens have different biologies, neurologies, *AND* cultures, ok? Also, it's fun and star trek is ridiculous, just roll with it.

Also a+ casting on Roger Korby. And the new hairstyles?? Uhura and Chapel looking spectacular. And scotty was there! He's such a cutie patootie. All of them are so awesome i missed them so much. Love spock being so put upon. :D.

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

I am putting forth:

Odo has a catchphrase that we never see onscreen or read once in beta, but it exists nonetheless. He only says it in the privacy of the security office, and the moments he is about to regenerate in the bucket:

"It's goo time"

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

what a fucking drama queen

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

A hairstyle tutorial

[eng by me]

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

jim is caked up fr 😩

[jimkirksphilosophicalconundrum]

Here's a preview of my second piece for the upcoming @thylabang! ✨️

Featuring fairgrounds and supersize teddy bears with unicorn horns. 🧸 I am so excited to have worked with @ophelia-j, the author for this piece. It comes out on June 20th!

P.S. Click on it to see it in true high-res detail. <3