10 Best Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Episodes Not About The Main Characters

[@kawh8719]

I love the episode where Nog and Jake trade everything to get a gift for Sisko.

[@renaius]

In The Cards, great episode!

[@EnjoySackLunch]

Damn soulless minions of orthodoxy!!

[@jasonsterling2397]

So good. Jake learned so much from nog that episode instead of yhe other way around

[@mking9446I]

Who wouldn't want 5000 self sealing stem bolts

[@nagash303]

the great material continuum help you it will

[@jh96797]

“It’s Only A Paper Moon” is easily one of my top five favorite DS9 episodes. I spoke with Aron Eisenberg a few times online about how a number of combat veterans who were my customers suffered from PTSD after returning from Afghanistan and Iraq hated a bunch of war movies for their unrealistic portrayal, but loved this episode. Those who watched it mostly said despite Star Trek taking place in the future, the portrayal of Nog’s PTSD and his escaping from reality before eventually confronting it is so real to them it brought some of them to tears. I was set to fly to the Big Island in Hawaii to meet Aron Eisenberg at a convention when news broke of his hospitalization and passing. Even though I never got the chance to meet him in person, it’s good to know that my last memory of our conversation online was a funny one. Rest In Peace, Aron.

[@trinwheeler4639]

That's really amazing and I'm glad that we're all part of this community gathered around such an amazing show. The best depiction of depression I've ever seen in media was in Voyager when Be'lanna was doing dangerous things just to feel something because she was so numb.

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

Oh no, I missed that news! I've not been paying too much attention to it since 2016, because it was too damned depressing, but none of my online sources mentioned that he'd passed away. That's dreadful news! I thought he was a wonderful actor on DS9 (much as I love TNG, DS9 has the edge on it), and he was so believable in it. That episode had me in tears more than once throughout it, and now I'm in tears learning this sad news. He couldn't have been old, I'm sure he's younger than me! So glad you were able to talk to him and get to know him, and I'll bet that he was proud to know that he had helped out real heroes. I often think that actors underestimate the effect they can have on the audience, and when they play a well-written story with such genuine emotion, they can truly take their story beyond the realms of fiction and will register with a whole load of viewers for countless different reasons. It's great that they get told it, and I'm so glad you told him when you had the chance.

[@thebullet7874]

That’s awesome. Great reveal. Thanks for sharing.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Nog is a gem of a character I didnt know the guy But when i heard aron had passed away, its one of the few times i felt genuine grief for a stranger. Life is often unfair, i wish he was still around

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Yeah I love how the episode also tackles depression and trauma in general, about how he deals with that and isolates himself. The nice thing is that while it is based on the Dominion War episode, it also works really well to show PTSD in general. I got so enthusiastic about this episode I ended up writing a near-essay about my thoughts, its really phenomenal and still as great on rewatch.

[@williamalexander497]

When I met (and became friends with) Aron Eisenberg, I told him that he was robbed of an Emmy for his role in Its Only A Paper Moon. I told him that his portrayal of someone with PTSD was fantastic. It surprised me that he mentioned he did no research on it but only followed the script and did his best to put the right spin on what he read. As time passed, I was honored to help him get a kidney and even more saddened to know of his passing. To this day, his widow Malissa is still a friend of mine, and my next novel, Best Served Cold (yup, obvious Trek reference) is dedicated to him.

[@KH4444444444N]

RIP.

[@magor137]

He was great I wish I could met him. RIP

[@williamalexander497]

@@magor137 he was an amiable man and a good friend

[@phr3dmcc0y]

I'd drop an honorable mention (no pun intended) for "The Visitor". Tony Todd as older Jake was powerful.

[@GabePuratekuta]

I'm sure he was more than happy to not have any alien prostheses on his face as well.

[@ApforThat]

One of my favorites. im sad it wasnt on this list

[@ageofgreen99]

That was a very very excellent episode.

[@warrenreid6109]

This was a great episode but Jake was a main character even though you wouldn't know it by the way they handled "or didn't " his character.

[@EvilTheOne]

An episode that was complete with Andrew Robinson's real-life daughter, Rachel Robinson.

[@rosssmithies8331]

'One ship... Against ten? How is that possible?' 'He is Kor, da'har Master!'

[@JohanHerrenberg]

And then we sing!

[@daydreamer226]

@@JohanHerrenberg And drink

[@GrandmasterDevo]

D'Rok: *brings a bottle of bloodwine* Martok: On the bridge!? D'Rok: If they succeed, you can drink to their courage. And if they fail... you can *still* drink to their courage.

[@RichardKenyan]

@@GrandmasterDevo That is one of the best lines, IMO, in all of Trek. It is triumphant and heart breaking all at the same time. More so with either result, as they are of course, Klingons. Kudos to the writer and the actor for that one.

[@Eric-ch6gq]

Nearly everywhere else people would want explanations. Kor has enough lore to make that all the explanation needed.

[@reverendaero]

Aron's performance in It's Only a Paper Moon was masterful, RIP Aron

[@shendaraalshedir1933]

I agree, he was wonderful, and yes may he rest well knowing the beautiful eternal legacy he left behind for us all to enjoy for future generations too!👍🇨🇦☘️⚜️

[@Heymrk]

Aaron had been promoted to main cast by that point. His name was in the intro and everything. It doesn't count for this list.

[@reverendaero]

@@Heymrk I just watched the intro to this episode, they don't even have him on the intro. They even refer to him as a recurring character on Memory Alpha. You're complete incorrect and just making shit up. He IS however the main character OF this episode, as many of the recurring characters such as Garak and Dukat had starring roles. It was one of the main features of the series that set it apart.

[@Privatecajun1]

DS9’s evolution of the Ferengi is one of the greatest accomplishments in sci-fi. All three of the main Ferengi characters developments were done so beautifully that it redeemed the entire race and enriched the lore immeasurably.

[@TheSoremoose]

"Would you buy a book titled The Suggestions of Acquisition?" 😅 Great stuff, some of the most lighthearted but true stuff came from these. And The Magnificent Ferengi with its cameo by Iggy Pop was awesome.

[@Knightshade08]

"Even the lies?" "Especially the lies!" That is so quotable and gets me every time! You're correct, Only a Paper Moon could only be number 1 on this list, and a few others. When Vic turns off his own program to help Nog, you really feel that! I'm not crying, you're crying! The feels...

[@danielhoffman4741]

I served with several people dealing with PTSD. One of the best shows about dealing with it

[@user-zh4vo1kw1z]

I'm not crying, it's just been raining on my face

[@keepinmeuppodcast76]

Great list! I remember knowing Terry Farrell was leaving the show the episode following "Sound of Her Voice" and the writers knew the fans knew... As a result, when O'Brien says in his speech that "someday, we're gonna wake up and we're gonna find that someone is missing from this cricle" with a cut to Dax... Still gets me.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I haven't noticed that before, I guess i'll have to do another DS9 rewatch...

[@gliberty42]

@@sarahkinsey5434 damn. I guess you gotta!!😉 (Any excuse is a good one)

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@gliberty42 my boyfriend and I are slowly watching TNG. He has seen most of TOS, so we are moving through the franchise. I talk about DS9 all the time because it’s my favorite and want him to see how deep that show is

[@davidhamilton6612]

@@sarahkinsey5434, all the series have their own individual magic to them, but DS9 is by far my favorite series of them all. The early seasons may not have been as action packed, but the later seasons made up for that 10 fold.

[@deheerschappij]

This list, which could easily have been twice as long, is one of the reasons that DS9 is the best Star Trek series there is!

[@gmajor1273]

Totally agree

[@funzjag]

I've to agree as well.

[@jamesdavis1201]

AGREED!!!!

[@ferrenberg]

Definitely. I started watching Star Ttek only in 2022 and DS9 quickly became my favorite

[@ryanrobitaille8720]

@@ferrenberg DS9 is one of the few shows I've watched start to finish multiple times. The characters are awesome (both main and supporting), the story/stories are well written, AND it has the USS Defiant! Totally flawed ship design but when the flaw is "this ship is so powerful it'll tear itself apart" you can't really complain.

[@quuaaarrrk8056]

Honestly, I call most of the supporting cast in DS9 (such as Rom, plain simple Garak, Martok, Nog, Dukat, Morn obviously, Weyoun etc.) main characters because they are almost as important with a large amount of character depth and development.

[@gliberty42]

Exactly! I've been thinking the same - I cannot see them as not main characters. They just are, to me.

[@GenreChowderStudios]

I read your username in Odo’s voice. 😛

[@quuaaarrrk8056]

@@GenreChowderStudios Hmmp That's how it's intended to be read.

[@grandmufftwerkin9037]

It's Only a Paper Moon is probably one of the best treatments of someone who is suffering post-combat PTSD ever put on television.

[@user-zh4vo1kw1z]

I can't think of any in other series that hold any mustard

[@Bearded_Nerd94]

@@user-zh4vo1kw1z "That hold my mustard" I have never heard this saying before but I am going to be using now

[@michaelramsey1299]

Aaron got many letters from war vets thanking him for portraying their struggle so perfectly.

[@user-zh4vo1kw1z]

@@Bearded_Nerd94 I have no idea where I heard the expression first. Probably picked it up from some panelshow, it sounds like something Stephen Fry could say

[@SciHeartJourney]

Nearly as good is the episode Siege of AR15 where Nog lost his leg. RIP Aaron Eisenberg.

[@TheGreatJohnPlays]

Guys, you missed... All the ferengi episodes. There's some gold in there. Little Green Men, the Magnificent Ferengi, Who Mourns for Mourn. They all deserved a place on this list.

[@TaliaIGhul]

Valiant is basically a cautionary tale of what would happen if you have nothing but Wesley Crushers as crew members.

[@tobbiganz4215]

Honestly, I cannot watch "It's Only A Paper Moon" without crying. Thanks Aron! Rest in peace!

[@sethmaki1333]

The last time I was this early on a vid, the Prophets still took corporeal form and lived in linear time.

[@theonlymatthew.l]

👏👏

[@veronicapassee7927]

😆

[@Bearded_Nerd94]

You are the Seth

[@daydreamer226]

And I was living on Pangea

[@dtfrancis8888]

Oh wow you crushed this list. So many great episodes, and DS9's supporting cast could've been a starring cast of their own show. So damn good. As a military veteran who has seen the horrors of war, and suffered a bit of PTSD and survivor's guilt, It's Only A Paper Moon is truly a great example of what happens to combat veterans. Up there with The Wounded as great examples of this. Excellent list, and you nailed the top one. Phenomenal episode.

[@Dragon-Lady]

I absolutely agree with this assessment. And thank you for your service.

[@danielland3767]

As a veteran I 100% agree

[@Heymrk]

Aaron had been promoted to main cast by that point. His name was in the intro and everything. It doesn't count for this list.

[@jenniferbaldini3527]

James Darren was so great as Vic, and excellent in 'Paper Moon'. He played a human character better than most flesh and blood humans. He face was so expressive, you read every emotion he was feeling. Vic and Noggles 'hangin in'.

[@GeekWorldOrder]

I would have included "Bar Association" on this list as well. such a great episode for Rom.

[@sean.ferrick]

I love that episode!

[@JNArnold]

DS9 has so many really good episodes

[@gliberty42]

Absolutely true, but is ROM really not a main character...? Though, same could be said of Nog, Jake, Garak - I guess we limit main characters to just the top 5?

[@PmmGarak]

@@gliberty42 Jake is a main character via opening credits definition - everyone outside the Industry (including me) doesn't really understand, but the whole starring - co starring - (special) guest star - with - introducing... is a finely tuned hierarchy with it's very own rules - they have had so much ado about Salome Jens not credited in the beginning of "Heart of Stone" in the editors comments, it almost seems to physically pain them to break those rules to not break the episode...

[@Terri_MacKay]

Andrew Robinson's brilliant Garak is my all time favourite TV character. I loved every episode that featured Garak, but The Wire was definitely a standout!! "Even the lies?" "Especially the lies." Classic! Perfection!

[@Rsr-lj9vf]

Aron Eisenberg is greatly missed. I've been to enough cons to know that he loved Star Trek and everything about it. Good luck in the stars Captain Nog.

[@papajohn365]

DS9 was the pinnacle of Star Trek as they delved into so many themes of humanity. They addressed faith and conflicts of faith, the good and bad of war, race and oppression, guilt, shame, forgiveness, and so much more. Picard and Janeway could never have succeeded like Sisko, though Kirk and Archer would come close in being willing do to what needed to be done for peace and in war. Kirk knew how to bend and challenge the rules when necessary.

[@sarahscott5305]

I knew I shouldn't have watched this list. I need to binge watch DS9 again! Honestly, the praise I could heap on that show is incredible. Every time I watch it I find some new clever detail about a character or a setting that I hadn't noticed before. Peak Star Trek. Heck, peak TV *period*

[@hellhell5800]

Red squad's aarrogance was on starfleet's hands. They had been displaaying this sort of behaviour long before the Valiant (Nog even comenting about their snobbery in paradise lost) and Starfleet at best did nothing about it. At worst, were the ones responsible for cultivating said arrogance

[@toddcole1805]

Nog went from being my least favorite character at the start of the series to being my 2nd favorite on the entire show

[@lornepribbeno3760]

Who was first

[@toddcole1805]

@@lornepribbeno3760 Worf

[@daydreamer226]

I really like how they took a minor character that we laughed at and made his grow. But it wasn't done by smoke and mirrors, we saw tidbits of how he worked to get the respect he received. The long end game on Nog was a slow carefully crafted plot device.

[@toddcole1805]

@@daydreamer226 spot on

[@lornepribbeno3760]

@@toddcole1805 nice, mine is Garak

[@theonlymatthew.l]

Nog was an actual commissioned officer, he outranked every single person on the Valiant. Based on that alone I could never really get behind that episode.

[@thecanadianborderguard5215]

I think it can be read a little deeper that he may have the commission, Nog still has a lot of maturing and develping to do. He gets lost in hero worship. Which is not a criticism, that's a reality of young officers I'm sure, and adds a depth to him. Even if in this episode it is annoying!

[@jenniferbaldini3527]

Your exactly right. Nog should have taken command immediately, even though there were 'field comissions'.

[@danielduggan5405]

According to Memory Alpha, Moore based this on an old 18th and 19th century naval tradition rather than modern protocol.

[@develynseether4426]

I cant get over the fact Aron Eisenberg who was in more episodes than Nicole de Boer and in the show since the beginning didn't get his name in the intro credits for the last season at least. I'm hoping if they do a remaster they add him out of memoriam.

[@jenniferbaldini3527]

@@develynseether4426 I was really upset he wasnt included at Vic's for the big end shot with the crew. I mean, Cassidy was there, but NO *NOG* ?!? This young ensign (who lost a leg for the Federation) just piloted the Defiant in the huge end run against the Dominian, Breen, AND Cardassians. Geez, I would think that earned him a drink or two!

[@BodyMusicification]

This whole list is just a big reminder of what an amazing show DS9 was.

[@wearwolf2500]

I would add Duet to that list. You could argue it's a Kira episode but the character of Marritza is done so well. Plus the twists in that episode are great. You're not sure until the end if he is who he says he is or not.

[@snit22]

It is a Kira episode.

[@wearwolf2500]

@@snit22 Good argument.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Both characters were performed so well that I can't decide whose episode it is

[@felicityggreene7831]

@@snit22 it's called "Duet" for a reason :)

[@RichO1701e]

Deep Space Nine was the BEST Trek series. Best characters & character development, best scripts, best plots.

[@MikefromTexas1]

I just finished this show for the first time a few days ago. It is my FAVORITE Star Trek.

[@sebastianmelmoth9100]

I have to agree that DS9 has a superior mix of stars, recurring characters, and occasional characters than any other ST series. TOS had some cool figures like Harry Mudd and TNG did well with Q and Yar and Guinan and others, but DS9 really kept us engaged in the lives of its non-primary characters season after season. Too many to name but always welcome.

[@alexweigelhikes]

I want to love 'Valiant', but just can't get over the fact that Nog is the only commissioned officer on the ship. To paraphrase a bit from Steve Shives: "Forget Chief Engineer. I'm the only commissioned officer on board. I'm the $*#&ing captain and we're going home." I can almost see Nog forgetting that by being so enamored, but Jake should have called him on it.

[@robslack5468]

It wouldn’t have mattered to the deluded cult of the Red Squad, I fear.

[@pedrovargas2181]

@@robslack5468 You put Kira, Sisko or even Jadzia with Jake, the episode would have been the ship returning home. 🤣🤣

[@cadetstar]

Exactly. Two things to remember here, IMO. One, rank does not automatically equal position. Even in TNG, we see officers with lower ranks commanding starships (normally a Captain's billet). It would be easy to see that since Nog was never assigned to the Valiant, while the cadets were, he has no authority to take command. Also, and perhaps more importantly, you can only command when you will be followed. While Starfleet as a while is more deferential based on rank than the Klingons or Cardassians, in a situation such as the Valiant's with a crew that is high on adrenaline and success, there is only so much you can tack against that wind. And if you start trying to convince individual underlings, you would be advocating for a mutiny, however correct you may be.

[@dan1216]

Thomas Riker didn't 'take command' of the Defiant, he stole her.

[@GrinderCB]

Thomas Riker's fate has been mentioned in books and is considered canon, that he went to a Cardassian prison for some time but due to the war and the revolution the justice system on Cardassia came largely to a halt. So he languished there for years instead of being executed. Having that loose end cleaned up in "Picard" would be tremendous.

[@hellfish2309]

What is this, a Cardassian tribunal?

[@MzRtS12]

@@GrinderCB he also popped up in STO

[@Amatsukazeburst]

Get back to me when she runs away with him...

[@dogkungfu8510]

Oh, he took it... 😁

[@timgrisham9051]

There was an episode about the O'briens where their daughter gets caught in some portal and ages like 10 years on her own in some wilderness. They get her back as a teenager and she's feral. They try to get her to adjust and it doesn't take. Keiko O'brien had a few good episodes. This was one of them.

[@gliberty42]

Glad you like it, I hear a lot of people don't. It's nice to see different takes. I have a hot/cold relationship with The Sound of Her Voice. Nice to see so many people here like it.

[@lucashamilton4674]

Yes, Time’s Orphan is a very good episode.

[@ArronRatliff]

Hell these were some of the greatest Star Trek episodes of all time. All of the episodes on this list are in the top twenty greatest episodes ever.

[@TheOneTrueFingal]

I love Kor's final scene with Worf, chokes me up everytime I see it.

[@jameshall4385]

I don’t usually agree with these kind of ten best lists but this list is spot on. Only a paper moon is probably one of the all time best Star Trek episodes.

[@KalMarin003]

Who Mourns for Morn? should have been on this list. Any Morn centric episode is great.

[@gliberty42]

But isn't it really a Quark episode?

[@joshuaweston4489]

Yeah, but isn't Morn dead for most of that episode?

[@foegettergames252]

Morn has so much dialogue in that episode its just crazy

[@SciHeartJourney]

RIP Aaron Eisenberg (Nog). Nog was probably my VERY favorite character; the one I identified with. Siege of AR15 with Raymond Cruz (aka Tuco from Breaking Bad) is one of my favorite episodes. His character was SEVERELY screwed over by PTSD, and he was STILL in the middle of that trauma; the WHOLE lot of them were! My respects the Paper Moon episode, but I think the Siege of AR15 deserved a place on this list and I would have put it at #1.

[@grandmufftwerkin9037]

There is one common truth on all DS9: O'Brien must suffer!!

[@GrandmasterDevo]

He was really put through the wringer. He and Voyager's Harry Kim. All the worst shit happened to them.

[@bonghunezhou5051]

@@GrandmasterDevo Both 'original' characters met an early end (MEO: Visionary; Harry Kim: Deadlock).

[@funzjag]

Anyone who is married to a shrew like Keiko, will suffer on a daily basis.

[@DiabloDBS]

I said it before and i say it again. Had they made a spin-off from Vic Fontaines POV that regularily featured known Star Trek characters and explroring them from Vics perspective. I would've watched the show and had very likely regarded it very highly.

[@BigJeremyBeyer]

Funny thing about the Valiant episode - The type of Field Commission the "Captain" received is actually invalidated when a properly commissioned officer (even an Ensign) enters the ship. Since Nog has a permanent commission, that meant he was actually the Commanding Officer. He was supposed to relieve the Acting Captain, take the position himself, and order the ship to the nearest Federation (or allied) starbase at best speed, informing Star Fleet of the situation as soon as it was safe to do so. I am not sure if they would have mutinied had he tried it, and I am surprised he did not know this, but that is what was supposed to happen. By simply saying "You're relieved, thank you for your service. Set course for..." He would have saved both the warship and the crew.

[@shendaraalshedir1933]

My DS9/ST freak son is the HUGEST fan & sent me this. I watched the entire DS9 series, marathon style, start to finish, almost 2 yrs ago. Watching together with my son as a now grown man was a wonderful experience!!👍 Much more so when you are watching such high caliber acting & writing!! I cried over more than a few episodes that's for sure!! Love your accent Sean, it's gorgeous! 🇨🇦☘️⚜️ P.S. The Paper Moon episode was directed by Potsie!!- Anson Williams was a cast regular for the duration of "Happy Days", which l watched from age 13 to 24!

[@tortysoft]

I am rewatching DS9 from the start. I'm half way though now. It is the best of all the Star Treks to my mind, politically and dramatically transcendent. Star Trek has always taken on major subjects that other shows won't or can't touch, Seeing DS9 again for the first time since transmission I remember every ( almost ) episode - and see more the second time decades later. It has not aged.

[@Shinyspddmn]

DS9 is one of the best examples of "to boldly go where no one has gone before" in the franchise because it's crossed so many barriers that no other series has dared to cross

[@RazorChrist]

Into the Paper Moon broke my damn heart. It was a masterful episode and Aron Eisenberg was brilliant!

[@RaftelX]

I'm currently watching through ds9 for the first time I'm in half way through season 7, really agree about how good the side cast is, I actually just watched number 1 last night and it was incredible I love Vic as a character

[@mrrobotreads]

Welcome to the Cult. Robes are on your left, Kool-Ade on the right

[@RaftelX]

@@mrrobotreads I finished ds9 last night I'm now onto voyager

[@mrrobotreads]

@@RaftelX Voyager gets a little science fantasy and silly, but the stories and character development are worth it. It's not my favorite, but I wouldn't change anything about it

[@RaftelX]

@@mrrobotreads yeah because the pa wraith storyline seemed super realistic lol

[@mrrobotreads]

@@RaftelX [smiles in suitcase-sized viruses]

[@captainobvious9233]

What I loved about 'Valiant' is how the Cadets were 100% completely by the book and still in cadet mode. Despite being behind the lines together for so long, they only had what they learned from the Academy along with the strict rules and regimes they had to fallow. I even recall one of the cadets having some personal issues and the Captain and XO wanted nothing to do with it.

[@PurpleRobe8]

Before Paper Moon, I had not thought of a holodeck/suite as a therapy device. It was an amazing story, so well done!

[@morrisgautreau6704]

Seán, I can really feel the love you all have for Star Trek and it warms my heart! Star Trek was such an important part of my life. Live long and prosper 🖖🏻👨🏻‍🦲

[@sean.ferrick]

Thank you Morris!!

[@gregoryepp9414]

The episode where O’Brien is convicted of spying and sentenced to years in prison but it only being actually a day or two and he killed someone he was locked away with but wasn’t actually real. Even though it was all in his head it was real to him. Best episode by far. Makes you think about it on several levels. What prison can do to you and how real your own thoughts are

[@jpwphoenix1701]

DS9 did such an amazing job in developing the supporting characters to the point they're just as important as the main characters. I've always loved "It's Only A Paper Moon", not just because Nog was my favourite character but also for personal reasons. Nog's PTSD and reluctance to leave the Holosuite was really relatable after a lot of bad experiences in my own life. But also, I lost an old school friend who'd become a soldier and was killed in action in Iraq. I was very glad I was able to share my gratitude for Aron Eisenberg's powerful performance with him before he too died.

[@miamijules2149]

A dozen hours of some of the best television every filmed....

[@tarquinnff3]

Next up: 10 Best O'Brien Must Suffer episodes.

[@arcraventree]

Nostalgia makes TNG and VOY make favorite Treks. I never finished DS9 until I was an adult, but I think that let me truly appreciate it as the BEST Trek series hands down.

[@dinomonzon7493]

Deep Space Nine was more like a serial, or anime, with overarching storyarcs and more than a dozen recurring characters. Definitely the Best Star Trek spinoff ever. James T. Kirk and Benjamin L. Sisko can truly be called the Greatest Captains in Star Trek. Ever.

[@probochronicles3991]

Paper Moon blew me away the first time I saw it. I hadn't seen the episode where Nog actually lost his leg, so I didn't understand certain parts until years later when I rewatched the whole series. That storyline and those episodes hit me a certain way because of the brutality and trauma they portrayed to a character that truly evolved from the first episode.

[@josephconner4756]

J G Hazier is from Savannah Georgia. I love when played a klingon warrior.

[@veronicapassee7927]

Decent list... loved episodes with Garek and Gul Ducat

[@BrianD0313]

I'm amazed "Nor the Battle to the Strong" isn't on the list as it features what soldiers and civilians go through in war.

[@lornepribbeno3760]

Sure, but its specifically about non-main cast members. And I mean, you could argue that Jake is not really a main cast member since he was so underused, but his name is in every opening sequence

[@AshPrimeDCFC]

Fantastic list. My wife is watching DS9 for the first time right now. Near the end of season 1 and she's starting to like it after a slow start, but I'm so excited at the absolute gold she's going to watch for the first time.

[@toval76]

Great List. Paper Moon deserved the top spot. I would've loved to get a follow up for Thomas Riker. And the "Sound of her Voice" suprised me a lot, when I saw it first back in the day.

[@Jealod24]

I got to know Aron briefly before he died and he was a truly great person. He had struggled with disabilities throughout his life and when I told him about my nephew who has Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy, he was very supportive. Amazing actor and I’m glad to see this channel giving him the recognition he deserves

[@valetboy21]

I would argue the Far beyond the stars belongs on this list as while the cast is present the characters are not.

[@sean.ferrick]

I can certainly see that point, and also its so good it deserves a place on most lists!

[@snit22]

It is a Sisko episode

[@timryan4265]

@@snit22 Is it a Sisko or Benny Russell episode?

[@andrewbullock4665]

@@timryan4265 both...

[@andrewtaylor940]

The one other episode that might belong here, depending on how you define “supporting cast” is The Visitor. With Tony Todd as Old Jake Sisco. Also the two episodes featuring Bashir’s fellow Augments. Jack, Patrick and company. Which are a fascinating exploration of autism and life on the spectrum.

[@snit22]

Jake is a main character

[@desertsabertooth]

“Another Jonathan Frakes walking around out there.” Recently watched the Animated Series episode The Infinite Vulcan. Hijinx ensue but at the end they amicably leave a 40 foot tall Spock clone on this planet as an emissary and to help the residents. No one is talking about this!!!!!

[@jessetaggart5573]

Right! I've been wondering if they were connected somehow to the Orchids & all the botany in Picard.

[@gliberty42]

@@jessetaggart5573 isn't it Tuvok who cultivates orchids, not Spock?

[@jessetaggart5573]

@@gliberty42 I was thinking of the Space Orchids & if it was Phylosian tech from TAS.

[@gliberty42]

@@jessetaggart5573 ah, haha!

[@durchhalter]

"Once more into the breach" still brings me to tears when the Klingons realize what Kor did, follow him succeed at stopping the overwhelming forces of the Jem Hadar, and then break out into song about the glorious passing of a true Klingon Dahar Master.

[@lornepribbeno3760]

Awesome video, my man. I have literally done marathons of DS9 characters. Best ones so far Garak, Martok, and Nog

[@lordsleepyhead]

Completely agree with "It's Only A Paper Moon" as #1. Aron Eisenberg gave Nog and by extension the entire Ferengi race an emotional depth and complexity that nobody would have ever expected when the Ferengi were first introduced in TNG.

[@leoismylastname]

I'm confused on how The Visitor didn't make it on this list...

[@sean.ferrick]

The Visitor is my favourite episode of Deep Space Nine. The logic here is that, although it's Tony Todd playing Jake, it's still a Jake Sisko episode overall. But my god I love it

[@RichO1701e]

I'm confused that you're confused that it's a list *NOT* about the main characters... Last I checked, Jake & Ben Sisko are *MAIN* characters. The episode, The Visitor, is literally all about JAKE's life after his dad "died" and how JAKE committed suicide to undo everything in the episode.

[@leoismylastname]

@@RichO1701e here is why I am confused. Jake to me was not a man character. If he is, then Nog should be a main character, but he was counted on this list. Don't think Nog is, then what about Garak? I definitely believe that GARAK is a main character!

[@gliberty42]

@@leoismylastname I've been thinking the same but I get the sense it's based on who is in opening credits.... (Tho I had not noticed that Nog wasn't in them, I don't pay attention to that stuff)

[@traverserred]

having the nog episode at 1 is awesome, i love that episode because most of the time, wounds are brushed off as nothing in shows but this shows a realistic portrayal of what someone might go through off screen.

[@martinwestykristiansen7576]

Great list. "Waltz" still stands as one of my favorite episodes of trek. And Dukat as THE best villain of them all.

[@bigneon_glitter]

"It's Only A Paper Moon" is a Top 10 _Star Trek_ franchise best episode & it's creation comes out of a long, real life history of personal experience. It's director Anson "Potsie" Williams recently spoke about his experience growing up in an abusive household with his father - a WWII veteran who suffered from PTSD himself. Williams would reveal in 2014, "When I was younger, he had issues with his own upbringing and had lingering effects from his service in World War II. He spent his 21st birthday in a trench getting shot at - the man saw hell. His transition into the real-life after the army was really difficult for him, and I came along when he was in his mid-twenties. I don’t blame him for being frustrated. It came out of his own desperate needs.”

[@seaconfused]

Thank you for The sound of her voice! Is an *amazing* episode. Episodes like this made DS9 the *best ST ever* !

[@williamcox955]

Deep Space Nine is my favorite Trek series. It’s storytelling and character arcs were very ambitious.

[@ThorstenWieking]

Totally agree… except…. i liked Eddington. I liked how he kicked Starfleet in the behind, how he aggravated Sisko. After 25 years being a small cogwheel in a big cooperation, I do not look at those proud and convinced Starfleet officers the way I looked at them as a Teenager. I question why they are atill so loyal to an organization, that more often then not uses them as cannon fodder. I question Siskos blind duty to a uniform, something that made me shake my head when watching him chase his friend Cdr. Hutchinson. As a teen, I was on Siskos side, as an adult, I was on the side of Hutchinson with a big middle finger in his face.

[@daydreamer226]

I loved Eddington and I think they could have done so much more with him. Too bad there wasn't any true interaction between him and Garek. I popped for him when first he sabotages the ship, then tell Sisko he'll help them escape. That's a self serving man with a plan

[@gliberty42]

I think Sisko was terrible, war criminal, in poisoning the planet -- he did not even ensure everyone evacuated & he did it for personal reasons. He acted out of anger. But Eddington was no angel either. Cmr Hutchinson on the other hand - he and other Maquis are mostly good people fighting for what they care about, their families and homes, villages, land.

[@Your-Death]

"Of all the stories you told me, which ones were true and which ones weren't?" "My dear Doctor, they're all true." "Even the lies?" "Especially the lies." - Garak and Bashir

[@letty4558]

This is by far my favorite Star Trek series. The characters are well written and flushed out. Its great.

[@Error_404-F.cks_Not_Found]

So I was 8 when DS9 premiered. I was more into Voyager when it came out. But after rewatching DS9 last year I was so amazed by the story building and the all the supporting characters. It really is the best Trek we have ever had.

[@BallsOfCode]

DS9 is the worst, cisco was crap and the stories were boring, it might have been OK if it wasnt for all the old resistance stuff. I didnt mind the emisary bits, but I didnt even think it was as good as Enterprise.

[@lonerkyle02]

The Wire - my favorite episode ever

[@Christophsys]

Sean killing it as always.

[@UrVileWedge]

I have to admit, I always thought The Sound of Her Voice had a serious flaw in the surprise twist ending that Lisa Cusak is dead all along. You'd have thought with the extensive record keeping that are on all starfleet ships would have them know when Cusak's mission went out and that this was all years ago. But even aside from the verisimilitude reasons, I think that the episode could have been stronger if you had it issued out by Captain's order to the mission being to recover her body and keep her morale up, where everyone on the ship knows she's already dead and determined not to let it show in their conversations. My second thought is that I'm surprised The Vi sitor isn't on this list. It's am AMAZING episode focusing on Jake and Ben Sisko's relationship, and I'd probably have put it #1 on this list, or maybe #2 after It's Only a Paper Moon. Does Jake count as a main character and thus is disqualified from this list? Only reason I can think of it's not here at all.

[@timr8582]

Jake Sisko is a main character. Although Todd was a guest star, he was playing the older version of a main character. Plus, this was only for some of the episode as there were several 'flash back' scenes starring Lofton as Jake. Visitor is easily one of the top 5 episodes of any Star Trek of all time though.

[@SImrobert2001]

I thought of that as well, but There is also the idea that There is no real reason for them to have records that old on a warship like that. With that being said, that would have been much better.

[@Gilhelmi]

"It's Only a Paper Moon" is the best episode to show the effects of PTSD. Of any television show...... I am including M.A.S.H. even. They handled it extremely well and realistically. Almost all of the emotions were spot on.

[@sjc1169]

This why DS9 is my favourite Trek. These episodes weren't just filler episodes, I can't imagine DS9 without them.

[@elainechubb971]

Thank you for such an excellent compilation and commentary. It's been a while since I've been able to binge-watch DS9, and your list reminded me of some episodes that weren't so clear in my memory. One of the strengths of DS9 is its varied cast--not just the stars, but the recurring second-tier characters who are as well rounded as one could wish despite less air time. And another is the ability to have a more-or-less permanent antagonist in the Cardassians. Yes,TNG has the Borgs, but not all the time,and in any event there is something a little antiseptic about a hive-mentality enemy locked in a metal cube. Voyager does have the Maquis, but ditches them too soon. DS9 has the perfect enemy in the Cardassians (the Dominion doesn't come close), with the glorious Gol Dukat as the most important representative. There is the constant dramatic tension of the series taking place during a fragile truce--like a cold war. It lends weight to the decisions of Sisko and his crew. I love TOS, but sometimes it's rather a Peril-of-the-Week serial. Kind of like "Perry Mason," with the murder of the week, and of course Perry Mason himself will always win his courtroom battle. I found TNG too bland, including some of the characters; never really got into it. But DS9 has main characters who have their flaws, their mental and emotional battles, and they don't always see eye to eye. And the secondary characters (this isn't meant as a put-down, it simply reflects their comparative lack of playing time) are also complex and help build this complex world. How many TV series bear many rewatchings (except for comfort food)?This is one that does.

[@thebullet7874]

I really enjoyed the Ferengi episodes. My favorite is when Quark and Rom assembles Ferengi to rescue the Grand Nagus and their Mom

[@RoseRed77]

The Magnificent Ferengi. I love that episode, it was a nice comedic break from the Dominion war. You could tell that the actors had a blast filming it as well, they were all hamming it up for the camera.

[@chrisruston3920]

Just got done watching For the Uniform like last week. On my 10th watch thru of the series. My favorite btw. Love all these episodes!

[@brentbarr498]

Wow.. you nailed it Seán.. as a veteran of 25 years active duty I appreciated IMMENSELY the episode "It's only a paper moon" and I was SO pleased you made it number 1 in your list. When in times of strife or war we leave a piece of ourselves behind and we don't really come home the same. Aron Eisenberg was fabulous in his portrayal of this role. On a side note I love the ring on your right hand... where did you have it crafted?

[@GrandmasterDevo]

Dukat's descent into madness was such a joy to behold. *"YES! I knew it! I've always known it! I should've killed every last one of them! I should have turned that planet into a graveyard the likes of which the galaxy has never seen!* I should have killed them ALL."

[@prinzyth7395]

It’s Only a Paper Moon is my favorite episode of all of Star Trek. Thanks for giving it the respect and recognition it deserves!

[@e.b.1728]

DS9 is my favorite installment of Star Trek. There are so many terrific episodes it's nearly impossible to name any one episode as the best. As far as supporting characters I have to name Garak at the top of the list.

[@phelimridley6727]

@5:52 the best treatment of the Tom Riker storyline is in the non-canon novel "The Poisoned Chalice" by James Swallow (2013). The readers learn that Tom Riker was recruited by Section 31 whilst he served on the USS Gandhi. He was encouraged to infiltrate the Maquis playing the role of a sympathetic, highly-skilled misfit. In the ep 'Defiant' Riker leads the stolen cloaked ship on his superiors' orders to covert Cardasian operations. In some back story in that novel we learn that the joint Tal Shiar - Obsidian Order fleet building project had to be uncovered. The invasion of the Dominion still went ahead, of course, and failed, as we know.

[@lananiella]

Very well done. Excellent choices, very insightful thoughtful analysis of each factor and episode. GREAT selection for #1. I do agree. DS9 is criminally underrated. Even I did not know how much until I rewatched the series last year. Now it is one of my favorites. Not just of Trek series, but overall. One episode came to mind not on this list. The one that shows Jake as an old man & famous author reflecting back on his life to a reporter. I would suppose that depends on the definition of "main character", but I would have included that. It was outstanding.

[@kathleenkillen7820]

DS9 is my favorite of all the Star Treks. You made the perfect list of the best DS9 episodes.

[@jamesmc1038]

Another great vid. Please don't ever stop.

[@alecsandyr]

Brilliantly done, TrekCulture!

[@nottonyhawk123]

I loved Nogs PTSD arc after the seige of ar558. I think it's the absolute best depiction of PTSD in media, its handled so well

[@auric180]

The Wire, IMO is what Dukat lacked in becoming a better person. The forgiveness of someone for their actions. Dukat tries to get forgiveness from the Bajorans, Nerys, Sisko, anyone... but fails all the time until he gave up all hope after the death of he’s daughter. The only one who may still forgive him. Severing any last remaining strand to he’s sanity. Garak got an unconditional forgiveness from Bashir. He don’t need to know what Garak has done, whatever it may be, he has forgiven him. Even though he was not directly effected by any of Garak’s past actions. Bashir: “I forgive you... for whatever it is you did.” I had to rewatch it on Netflix for the quote. No one wrote it on any famous quotes on the internet 🙁

[@MichaelBPerkins84]

With all the great content that Seán and TrekCulture produce, he should get to voice a computer or play a red-shirt or something :)

[@sean.ferrick]

You are very very kind!

[@pedrovargas2181]

Nyet

[@kratos2k425]

I remember watching certain scenes were garack has an emotional speech are talk or conversation. I always thought, damn this man is a good actor.