Deep Space Nine and Voyager: Turot and Nunk

This Ferengi costume was used several times in two different star trek series. The first was in the Deep Space Nine episode 'The Nagus' as the Ferengi businessman Turot. His role in the episode is minimal to be sure, but his amazing costume, along with the other Ferengi in the episode, helps to establish the direction of Ferengi fashion for the rest of the Star Trek franchise.

In the episode, he is noted for being unwilling to sit next to a rival Ferengi named Hoex, due to Hoex buying out Turot's controlling interest in the cargo ports on Volchek Prime.

It's next appearance is in season 2's 'The Alternate'. This unnamed Ferengi is seen browsing the remains of the Ferengi 'Plegg'. When he hears Quark's price, he just moves along.

This costume is seen again in the season 6 Deep Space Nine episode

'Change Of Heart' among a number of Ferengi playing Tongo with Quark.

In the season seven Star Trek Voyager episode 'Inside Man', this ferengi costume makes it's return as the character DaiMon 'Nunk'. In the episode, Nunk hatches a plan to kidnap Seven of Nine with the intent to steal her nanoprobes and sell them for a profit. When Barclay figures out that the crew of USS Voyager will be killed in the process, he tricks Nunk and is able to foil the deadly plan.

Turot was played by an unknown actor, and even though there are tags in the costume's components, none indicate the actor that portrayed him. However, we do know that Michael Rivkin portrayed Nunk and there are tags in all of the pieces verifying this.

This costume seemed deceptively plain some years ago before I owned it, but I tell you now I was mistaken. Hoex may not have wanted to sit next to this ferengi, but now it is one of the more elaborate Ferengi costumes sitting in my collection.

Deep Space Nine: Grand Nagus Zek

Meet Grand Nagus 'Zek' of Ferenginar. He is the head of all things financial for the Ferengi, and this is his Ferengi costume. We first meet him in the Deep Space Nine episode 'The Nagus'. Here we learn his role in Ferengi society and how he is both admired and feared. In the episode, Zek is about to retire and is about to choose his replacement. Zek's own son Krax accompanies him to Deep Space Nine where Zek is to announce his choice at a conference among other important Ferengi. Unexpectedly, Zek picks Quark to be his successor in an attempt to uncover a plot against him, and see if Krax is ready to take over as the true successor.

Zek appears in a total of seven episodes of Deep Space Nine, such as 'Prophet Motive' and 'The Emperor's New Cloak'. His mix of capitalism and chauvinism made him a fantastic character and fan favorite.

Wallace Shawn portrayed Zek in all seven appearances and this is his first Grand Nagus costume used in the show. This particular Ferengi costume makes three more appearances in the Deep Space Nine episodes 'Rules Of Acquisition' 'Prophet Motive' and 'Ferengi Love Songs'

Deep Space Nine: Civilian Waiter

This Ferengi costume was worn by an unnamed character in the Deep Space Nine episode 'Bar Association'. He is among other Ferengi employed by Quark. To improve their working conditions, they form The Guild of Restaurant and Casino Employees, and strike against him when he cut their pay. Add in Brunt and a couple of Naussicans, and trouble ensues. Ultimately, Quark relents, but still manages to save face. Veteran Ferengi actor Ken Ziff wore this costume in the only episode it was seen in. It is complete with all 5 pieces and looks equally as good in person.

Two Fantastic Ferengi...And Great Guys.

Oh, the benefits of owning such great Star Trek costumes.

This post isn't entirely related to Ferengi costumes, but I had to post this picture of Max Grodenchik, Myself, and Armin Shimmerman. I have chatted with each of them at various conventions and asked them if they would wear their Ferengi costume coat in a pic with me. Each had no problem at all with it, so when I caught up to them at a recent convention, I came prepared...and they honored my request.

I have met these two many times over the years and they have got to be the nicest, kindest, and most generous people you could meet. If you see them at a convention, be sure to thank them for what they did for Star Trek and by extention, for us.

Deep Space Nine: Pel

Pel was the first of only two Ferengi females to be seen in the entire Star Trek universe. Introduced in the Deep Space Nine episode 'Rules Of Acquisition', she left a lasting impression among fans.

In the episode, she disguised herself as a Ferengi male, complete with larger ears, to prove that Ferengi women had the intelligence and ability to earn profit. When her insightful counsel drives a wedge between Rom and his brother Quark, Rom does some snooping and discovers her secret. When her true gender is exposed, trouble ensues and old stereotypes are questioned.
Pel was portrayed by Helene Udy, and I am lucky to have her Ferengi shirt. Since her coat fit so poorly, it seems to me that wardrobe gave her whatever Ferengi waiter costume fit her best. However, being female, her costume top was unique in several ways. The most obvious is that the shirt snaps closed from the front, while all other Ferengi Waiters(and most Ferengi costumes) zip up the back. Also in a rare break from the norm, her costume top does not have her name on the inside tag. This is particularly odd as the shirt was custom made for her, and screencaps clearly confirm this is her shirt.
Interesting footnote: Two different shirts were made for Pel and both were seen in the episode, sometimes in the very same scene!


My luck has paid off more times than I can count, and here is a great example. During the 2011 Las Vegas Star Trek Convention, I was very fortunate to meet Helene Udy at her first ever Star Trek Convention. You likely remember her from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman as the lovely Myra, but her role as Pel was no less remarkable. She is such a treat, and I have to tell you, she was as kind and sweet as she is beautiful. Thanks Helene...as I know you will see this.

Deep Space Nine: Rom

Ya know, for being in only 31 episodes, Rom had a nice wardrobe. This costume was first seen in the DS9 episode 'Family Business' where Rom's mother Ishka makes trouble for the family by earning profit, wearing clothes, and not admitting these were mistakes. This Ferengi costume was also seen in 'Take Me Out To The Holosuite' where Rom manages to come through in the clutch.

This fine piece of Ferengi wardrobe was used by Rom in only 4 episodes like 'Bar Association' and 'Little Green Men' as shown above.

This particular Rom costume is great as it is complete with shoes and headwrap. All of the internal tags have 'Max' or 'Max G'. There are no other tags indicating any reuse of components. There was a stunt version of this costume made, but I can't see why as every time Rom is seen in this outfit, there are no action sequences requiring a double. Stranger things have been done...!

During the Las Vegas Star Trek Convention in 2009, I was given an opportunity to have a few pictures taken with Max Grodenchik. He came out from behind his autograph table and posed for pictures with me. He is obviously a professional as he was concerned about lighting and poses for the best picture. I am told that his this way with all his fans. What a cool guy!