It always felt like Odo had the slight upperhand (or narrative sympathy?) in every scenario which was a tad annoying when a major theme of his character arch is his possible propensity for outright authoritarianism (a character arch I thought was brilliant to give him and, sadly, not explored nearly enough).
I still love both of them but that aspect of the dynamic will always bother me.
Odo might have a propensity for authoritarianism, but I would say it’s “benevolent authoritarianism”. (Like dictatorship is bad, but there are benevolent dictators who actually do more good than harm).
That’s why the Bajorans were cool with him despite being a “henchman” for Gul Dukat. He didn’t use authoritarianism for his own gain, he tried to apply the rules to everyone equally and fairly.
It always felt like Odo had the slight upperhand (or narrative sympathy?) in every scenario which was a tad annoying when a major theme of his character arch is his possible propensity for outright authoritarianism (a character arch I thought was brilliant to give him and, sadly, not explored nearly enough).
I still love both of them but that aspect of the dynamic will always bother me.
Odo might have a propensity for authoritarianism, but I would say it’s “benevolent authoritarianism”. (Like dictatorship is bad, but there are benevolent dictators who actually do more good than harm).
That’s why the Bajorans were cool with him despite being a “henchman” for Gul Dukat. He didn’t use authoritarianism for his own gain, he tried to apply the rules to everyone equally and fairly.
Mall Cop Paul Odo.
Such a good show… I also wish they had explored it more.