https://archive.org/details/CharacterInsightEp261
https://archive.org/details/CharacterInsightEp261
Ishka, also referred to as Moogie in the show, is the mother of Quark and Rom. She was introduced in the episode Family Business, in which it is revealed that her business prowess was far superior to Quark and Rom's deceased father, so much so that she conducts many business transactions and accumulates more profit than Quark has in his entire lifetime, contrary to the social rules and norms of the Ferengi race. She also does not buy into the other seemingly backwards Ferengi norms, like women always being naked and mothers chewing food for their children.
This interesting counter-culture take on Ferengi women was so successful that the character came back in a recurring role in a big way. To this end, Ishka happens to fall in love with Grand Nagus of the Ferengi Zek, and she ends up assisting him with all business matters behind the scenes when he begins to lose his marbles. It's as close as she could reasonably come to her dream of a female Grand Nagus, an interesting allegory to the leadership politics that continue to play out in the U.S. and other modern countries.
QUOTE (from Profit and Lace)
Ishka: "I predict that one day, a female will enter the Tower of Commerce, climb the forty flights of stairs to the Chamber of Opportunity, and take her rightful place as Grand Nagus of the Ferengi Alliance."
Based on Zek's love for this different woman and her influence, many cultural reforms were enacted during the waning days of Zek's tenure. Thus, Ishka is a positive force for change in the Ferengi Alliance, and one of the most unique and interesting characters in a show with a lot of Ferengi stories. In the final season of this show, she makes sure her son Rom takes over for Zek as Grand Nagus to assure that her reforms remain intact for many years to come.
The character of Ishka provided some real narrative punch that became a prime storyline for the Ferengi in DS9, while also serving as a good allegory or role model for those in oppressive situations. That makes her one of the most influential characters of the series despite having only about 5 appearances.
Ishka's first appearance was played by actress Andrea Martin, and all further appearances were then played by Cecily Adams because Martin was no longer available. Both these actresses were in the same age range or much younger than Quark's actor Armin Shimmerman, so both had to wear very heavy and elaborate prosthetics to show their higher ages. Martin still acts and writes screenplays today, with recent appearances in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Difficult People. Adams was a successful acting coach until her untimely death at age 46 in 2004 of lung cancer, but her spirit may live on in her now 16-year old daughter Madeline Beaver, who is also pursuing acting.
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