Recently, I took a look at Sir Patrick Stewart's performance as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, analyzing his mastery of line delivery, diction, and body language to create a fully realized person full of intelligence, strong morals, and deep-rooted passion, yet always kept in check with precise control, and unshakable confidence. A result seems effortless, but it is, in fact, the work of a hardworking actor at the height of his craft. Deep Space Nine, the companion series to The Next Generation, features another acting masterclass in the form of Avery Brooks as Benjamin Sisko.
I should start by admitting that Avery Brooks's line delivery is unconventional. People often make fun of William Shatner's line delivery, but honestly, I think Avery Brooks surpasses Shatner regarding odd intonations and rhythm. Some even view Brooks as an overactor at best and a bad actor at worst. Yet, paradoxically, this uniqueness highlights Brooks's brilliant technique. While sometimes leading to odd results, his style produces some of the most emotionally impactful scenes within Star Trek.
Much like Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks is theater-trained, early acclaimed performances on and off-Broadway evident in his work as Sisko, shown by perfect diction and precise breath control. What sets Brooks apart is his music-like delivery, often compared to jazz. His dialogue is not strictly improvised but rather his delivery. This ability to adjust pacing, rhythm, and tone on the fly creates emotional scenes as in 'Heart of Stone,' where he surprises co-stars with spontaneous, intense moments.
Patrick Stewart's Captain Picard is defined by control, while Brooks’s Sisko is defined by intensity, an open and clear display of emotion. Their differing approaches are showcased distinctly in their interactions, from controlling gestures to unyielding eye contact. Brooks fills Sisko with simmering anger, maintaining attention magnetically, much like a seasoned jazz musician using words as his instrument.
Brooks brings intensity in a way that stands out, like in the climactic 'Far Beyond the Stars,' using varied expressive techniques—a vocal range from shouting to whispering, making each word impactful. His distinct physical acting choices also enhance the performance, whether it’s holding a glass in uncertainty or strong, straightforward monologues like those in 'In the Pale Moonlight.'
Following a titan like Patrick Stewart is challenging, yet Brooks not only holds his own but also shines, using unique skills, creating a performance of intense magnetism that showcases the hard work that catapulted him into popularity, leaving an indelible mark on Star Trek and acting fans worldwide.