Top 20 Episodes of Star Trek Deep Space Nine #15: It's Only a Paper Moon

Today’s episode is about Nog, one of the most well developed minor characters in the series. Nog is Quark’s nephew who went from being a delinquent who worked as a busboy to a respected Starfleet officer hardened by war. However, in an earlier episode, Nog was injured in a brutal attack by the Dominion and had to have his leg amputated. While Nog was given a fully functional artificial leg, Nog’s psychological scars still run deep.

The episode picks up with Nog returning to DS9, but not exactly thrilled to be there, his mind having never truly left the battlefield. The only thing that seems to make Nog happy again is spending time with Vic Fontaine. Vic is a self-aware holographic lounge singer played by the incredible James Darren and his equally incredible pipes. While he clearly has a mind of his own with thoughts and desires, he has no desire to be more than what he is. He’s perfectly happy singing and offering the occasional advice and support to the DS9 crew. When Vic sees that Nog is clearly struggling, he offers to take the young Ferengi under his wing. Soon, Nog seems to forget all about his Trauma and the pain in his leg. While this is Nog’s episode, it’s just as much about Vic Fontaine. Even though he has memories of his fictional life, now, with Nog, he’s making real memories, and truly living for the first time. However, Vic knows that while life in the holosuite is very real to him, it’s no life for Nog, and shuts him out before things go too far. What follows is one of the most powerful speeches in the series, with Nog bearing his soul to Vic about how he’s afraid to face the world after what he’s been through. But, it is only through Vic’s intervention that Nog has the courage to face life again. This episode is a true classic, with great acting and powerful subject matter.

Next time, we jump back to the third season, for a two parter in which the Romulans and Cardassians take the dominion threat into their own hands.