Throughout its seven-season run, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine showcased the complex romantic life of Major Kira Nerys, portrayed by Nana Visitor. Unlike other Star Trek series confined to starships, DS9’s setting on a bustling space station allowed for deeper character interactions and a varied cast of recurring guest stars. This unique dynamic facilitated the development of Kira’s multifaceted romantic relationships, ultimately providing a richer narrative experience. Less focused on military or interoffice romances, DS9 opened the door to more nuanced connections.
Kira’s love interests were diverse and highlighted her character’s strength and depth. In the 1990s landscape of television, her multiple relationships were a refreshing departure from traditional portrayals of women, showcasing her as a powerful First Officer and the Bajoran liaison. Major Kira Nerys stood out not only for her romantic ventures but also for her strong faith, political convictions, and meaningful friendships.
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Vedek Bareil Antos (Philip Anglim)
Bareil Helped Ground Kira In Her Faith
In the early seasons of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Kira developed a tender relationship with Vedek Bareil Antos. His calm demeanor provided a stark contrast to Kira’s fiery personality, fostering a strong bond. Bareil’s unique interpretations of Bajoran scripture offered Kira new perspectives on her faith. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Bareil met his end in Season 3’s “Life Support”after a shuttle accident, leaving Kira to navigate her feelings amidst grief.
In a twist of fate, a version of Bareil from the Mirror Universe emerged in DS9’s sixth season. While she was initially drawn to this alternate reality’s Bareil, Kira grappled with the fact that he could never truly replace her lost love—even as the pairing demonstrated that the essence of their relationship transcended even the darkest reflections.
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Shakaar Edon (Duncan Regehr)
Oh Yeah. .. Kira Did Date Her Old Resistance Leader
Kira’s relationship with Shakaar Edon, the former leader of the Bajoran Resistance, emerged after a history steeped in shared struggles against the Cardassians. Their romantic connection developed when Shakaar became the First Minister of Bajor. Kira had never considered him in a romantic light until his advances in “Crossfire”prompted her to see him differently. However, their relationship did not resonate as strongly with audiences, as their interactions were limited, and their breakup occurred off-screen.
Shakaar served more as a narrative foil for Odo, awakening the latter’s dormant feelings for Kira during their relationship. Although the romance itself was somewhat forgettable, it underscored the complicated romantic dynamics at play within the series.
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Chief Miles O’Brien (Colm Meaney)
Kira Had O’Brien’s Baby, But Not How You Think
A twist in Kira’s romantic storyline occurred when she unwittingly became a surrogate for Miles and Keiko O’Brien’s child. In “Body Parts,”Kira took on the fetus equally to save the unborn child’s life, and the awkward dynamics between her and Miles began to shift. During the pregnancy, a mutual attraction developed, yet both characters made efforts to tread carefully, avoiding deeper implications while sharing intimate moments that remained platonic.
This storyline served a dual purpose: it explained Nana Visitor’s real-life pregnancy and enriched the narrative by drawing Kira closer to the O’Brien family. Post-birth, their friendship deepened, particularly as Kira became an enduring part of their lives, with their son named Kirayoshi in her honor.
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Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo)
Dukat Wanted Kira, But Kira Would Never, Ever.
Gul Dukat’s relentless pursuit of Kira added a layer of complexity to her relationships. While Kira was entirely disinterested in Dukat, his obsession only intensified. The show’s writers toyed with the idea of Kira reciprocating feelings, but Nana Visitor firmly rejected this notion, keeping their dynamic steeped in tension and repulsion.
Instead, Dukat’s dark past was unearthed through a connection with Kira’s mother, Kira Meru, adding a tragic dimension to the narrative. Utilizing the Bajoran Orb of Time, Kira uncovered the grim reality of her mother’s relationship with Dukat—a situation steeped in survival and manipulation, forever altering her perception of both her mother and Dukat.
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Odo (Rene Auberjonois)
Kira And Odo Were Star Trek: DS9’s Unlikeliest Successful Couple
The evolution of Major Kira’s relationship with Constable Odo is arguably one of the most compelling narratives of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Initially viewing Odo as a Cardassian collaborator, Kira’s perspective shifted as she recognized Odo’s commitment to justice. Odo’s underlying feelings for Kira blossomed during Season 4, culminating in a pivotal moment when a future version of Odo revealed his love for her in “Children of Time.”
This profound connection became pivotal, as Odo’s love was a significant factor that influenced his decisions during the Dominion War. Their relationship culminated in a romantic relationship in Season 6, a partnership that defied expectations and demonstrated that love could triumph over adversity—a lasting narrative that resonated throughout the series.
Kira and Odo’s love story illuminated the intricacies of their characters while embodying the overarching message of hope and resilience that defines Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.