Is Writer Benny Russell in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?

The character of Benny Russell is a complex and intriguing figure in the Star Trek canon, particularly within the series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9). Benny Russell, or Revision 9 as he is also known, lies at the heart of many discussions and theories among fans. The question of whether Benny is "real" or simply a creation of Captain Benjamin Sisko's imagination has been a topic of much debate. Let's delve into the various perspectives surrounding Benny Russell and explore the legitimacy of his existence within the DS9 universe.

My Personal Canon: Benny from Another Universe

One fan theory posits that Benny Russell is from another universe, and he and Captain Sisko are linked in some way, though not as an ancestor. This hypothesis brings a unique dimension to the narrative, suggesting the possibility of parallel universes and interconnected timelines in the Star Trek universe. This theory is appealing for its exclusivity and the idea of a deeper connection between Benny and Sisko.

Non-Existence Theory

However, it is argued that Benny Russell does not exist. According to this view, all the characters and events involving Benny Russell are figments of Captain Sisko's imagination when he is going crazy. In this scenario, Benny Russell is a manifestation of Sisko's mental state, possibly as a coping mechanism or a form of hallucination. This theory leans into the psychological aspects of the story, making Benny Russell a product of Sisko's internal struggles and delusions.

Benny as a Vision Sent by the Prophets

A more plausible and canonical explanation is that Benny Russell was a vision given by the prophets of the celestial temple (the wormhole aliens) to Captain Sisko. In the DS9 episode "/grpc" (Deep Space Nine episode "Return to Grace"), Sisko encounters a vision of Benny Russell, who offers him a glimpse into a future where he leads a victorious Federation. This vision is intended to challenge Sisko's decisions and provide guidance.

The vision of Benny Russell is significant, as it is constructed to be seen as a real, actionable scenario for Sisko. However, it is important to note that Benny Russell in this narrative is not real in the physical sense. The episode's title "Return to Grace" hints at the moral and spiritual journey Sisko must undertake rather than a concrete existence in an alternate reality.

Fun Fact: Ira Steven Behr's Vision for the Finale

A fun, albeit hypothetical, tidbit is the director's idea for the final scene of Deep Space Nine. Writing the final episode, Ira Steven Behr almost wrote a scene where Benny Russell, who had written the entire Star Trek franchise as a script, sat on a Paramount soundstage holding a script titled Deep Space Nine by Benny Russell. According to this theory, the entire Star Trek franchise, including Deep Space Nine, would have been a dream or dissociative episode.

While this concept was ultimately rejected by the executive producer, Rick Berman, it adds an interesting layer of meta-narrative to the already complex DS9 universe. It explores the idea that all of Star Trek could be a dream or a form of storytelling, creating a self-referential loop within the canon.

One Fictional, One Not

Another perspective posits that one of Benny Russell's personas is fictional, and the other is not. The original intent behind the Return to Grace episode was to make viewers question which Benny Russell was real before revealing that Benny Russell was real. The other Benny, which represents a more idealistic vision of Sisko, would be his dream or a product of his mental state. However, the executives, particularly Rick Berman, were not on board with this concept, leading to the choice to make the vision a highly allegorical one.

By choosing to make Benny Russell a real, physical presence rather than a dream, the showrunners aimed to deliver a more straightforward narrative, one that emphasized the challenging moral and spiritual journey Sisko must confront rather than delving into complex metaphysical ambiguity.

Conclusion

The existence of Benny Russell in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine universe remains a subject of much speculation and debate. Whether he is real, a fictional creation, or a vision sent by prophets, Benny Russell adds a layer of complexity to Captain Sisko's story, challenging the audience to question the nature of reality within the DS9 universe. The discussion around Benny Russell enriches the Star Trek canon, offering fans a platform to explore deeper questions of reality, identity, and the nature of storytelling.