Star Trek: Rivals

Episode: "Rivals"

Series: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Season 2, Episode 11

Original Air Date: January 2, 1994

via Memory Alpha

There's a new conman on the station - the handsome and charming Martus Mazur - and he's opened a bar to compete with Quark.  Obviously, our favorite Ferengi bartender is none too happy about it.  Meanwhile, a racquetball rivalry is born between Julian and Miles - a rivalry heavily slanted in the doctor's favor.  

The episode is a disappointing one.  Mazur is played by Chris Sarandon, an important actor in two of my family's favorite movies: The Princess Bride (as Prince Humperdink) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (Jack Skellington).  And the basic premise is good: the conman we know out-maneuvered by another (only to be conned in turn, himself).  Unfortunately, it all falls flat.  Mazur isn't quite charming enough to be believable.  And when all goes haywire on the station, the technobabble explanation is contrived even by Trek standards.  

The secondary plot is better.  The Miles-Julian friendship is a highly fruitful story line over the course of the series.

Acting Notes

via Fright Night Wiki

Chris Sarandon was born July 24, 1942 in Beckley, West Virginia.  He has a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University and a master's from Catholic University.  His career began on stage.  Broadway credits include The Rothschilds, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Nick & Nora.  

In addition to the two classics mentioned above, films include Child's Play, Fright Night and Dog Day Afternoon, for which he earned an Oscar nomination.  Television credits include ER, Charmed and Judging Amy.  

Sarandon has been married three times, including twice to actresses more accomplished than he is.  His first wife was Susan Sarandon, Oscar winner.  His third and current wife is Joanna Gleason, Tony winner.  In between, he was married to fashion model Lisa Ann Cooper.  Chris Sarandon has three children, all from his second marriage.