Why Nog Is Actually Pretty Awesome

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[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

My favorite Nog moment was when he earned the respect of Martok.

[@ettanasf]

Garret LeBuis similarly, when Sisko tells him he has to stand up to the Klingons, and Martok walks into the office, Nog stands up ready to make a stand and Sisko pushes him back into the chair “not now”. 🤣

[@freeman2399]

Same! You are I either very brave, or very stupid Ferengi!

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

Yes, that is a very good moment, but not my favorite. Its the moment of success, a triumph, of sorts. Loud, flashy. Dialogue version of big explosions and not looking at them. What was the most groundbreaking, shocking moment, was when Jake asked his old friend to go to promenade, as they always did, and Nog went full Marine mode. Its his DUTY to be physically fit, and he has to pump iron now, cant go. After that shocksplosion, standing up to ANYONE is no longer new. He got a spine of duranium and a dozen extra balls installed at the Academy, OF COURSE he will stand his ground, just like any other hero in the series. He cant win, of course, going against Martok is just stupid, Nog would barely manage against the chef of the Klingon restaurant, any klingon warrior would be impossible and Martok ten times more impossible. But he stood his ground and was ready to take a beating rather than step back. Most of us have been in that situation, and have taken a stand. But that is not the turning point, it just illustrates the turning point. The turning point was off-screen, in the Academy, or maybe actually with Sisko. It was built up to before it. But he came back different. He came back as a soldier.

[@ThoughTMusic]

@@freeman2399 "Probably a bit of both..."

[@stephenegan784]

My favourite moment was when he went into siskos office and pleaded his case for enlisting in Starfleet, it set the stage for what was going to happen until the finale, he had an incredible character arc

[@EleventhOcean]

"Are you okay?" "No... But I will be."

[@LioraBCT]

*instant tears*

[@ManateeGag]

As a Star Trek: Online player, I was happy that they got Aaron Eisenberg to voice the now Captain Nog for a bunch of story and stand alone missions.

[@KatKaleen]

That's cute.😊

[@WWZenaDo]

I'm glad Nog got his own ship, even if it was in a game. He deserved that.

[@ZagorTeNay80]

Star trek Online did right by him and he has some of the most fun missions with the Ferengi bunch :)

[@GrandTheftBalow]

@@WWZenaDo if my memory serves me im sure nog also has a ship in the episode the visitor too!

[@maxpayne930]

Same here RIP Erem A : )

[@ConorCarlisle]

One of my favorite moments in the episode where Nog applies to Starfleet Academy is when he's telling Rom and Quark about it and Rom stands up to Quark for the first time and encourages him to do it. It just tugs at the heartstrings for me.

[@chrismarshall7131]

Not to mention? Nog's attempt to avoid the fate of his father, inspired his father to do just the same. It was the start of a change to Rom that led to his relationship with Leeta, organizing Quark's employees, and eventually becoming an Engineer for the station.

[@ConorCarlisle]

@@chrismarshall7131 I'll be honest, I wasn't aware of that part as I am binging the series for the first time.

[@chrismarshall7131]

@@ConorCarlisle uh...whoops? My bad.

[@ConorCarlisle]

@@chrismarshall7131 It isn't a huge deal. I'm not upset about spoilers or anything. The show has been over for 20 years after all. Avoiding spoilers is kinda impossible at this point.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@ConorCarlisle 8 months later, what did you think of the series (if you finished it)?

[@Tia-Marie]

Nog was incredibly significant to me especially the episode "It's Only A Paper Moon" which I saw when I was a teenage and it didn't mean as much to me until after I got out of the military and deployments... then I saw a reflection of Nog and the physical and emotional pain from my deployments that I'd tried to escape in video games and music. It was such an amazing portrayal, even when he was a jerk to Jake's girlfriend and how he felt about his leg. It was always extra poignant and real to see how angry Nog reacted to being called a "war hero" cause he was scared as shit and hurt still and it resonated so much from every time I feel like a dirtbag for being "thanked for my service" and feel like Nog seems to react to Jake's date. Ever since I rewatched that episode, it's my goto the times I've lost service buddies to suicide and feeling like shit about my own stuff. Nog was written perfectly.

[@colinmontgomery5492]

I relate quite a bit. Thanks for sharing.

[@lordomacron3719]

thank you for this as one who has never been in the military. To hear someone like yourself say how well Nog portrayed such an experience, makes me appreciate the episode, even more. I do think DS9 portrayed the darker side of war and conflict better than most and that nothing is ever as simple as it first might appear there is no Black and White its all shades of Grey.

[@mayhemmacraider4737]

US army vet, Nog was an awesome arc. Also hate being thanked for service.

[@wolfeusmc2011]

I grown more in my life to be able to accept the thanks..but hesitantly and humbly for the guys we lost. I feel the same about as a teen I didn't understand or appreciate DS9 but since EAS'ing from the Corps I definitely love DS9 the most...I'm actually binging it currently again.

[@yama123numbercauseytdemand4]

I don't know how to phrase it better in English, so please forgive that it might sound weird. Would you be more comfortable with being thanked for surviving or something similar? As in ,,Thank you for surviving.'' Instead of ,,Thank you for your service.''

[@Timbulathespidermonk]

Not the best Nog moment, but one that I always liked was in “Rocks and Shoals” when he tells Garak the reason he’s walking behind him is he’ll never turn his back on him again. RIP Aron. Far too young.

[@Devonimp]

Made all the better by Garak positively praising him for it. "There's hope for you yet."

[@jonathanbrown7250]

"there may be hope for you yet, Ensign"

[@NormAppleton]

YEAH! Garak respected him for that.

[@AtlasBlizzard]

As the other replies have mentioned, what made that scene even better was how proud Garak was of Nog for that.

[@TaliaIGhul]

There was this episode where Nog was still a cadet was being overlooked by the Klingons on DS9 and they would not take him seriously. He stood up to Martok despite his fear and got their respect. That was a good episode for him. Second only to when he lost his leg in service of the Federation. RIP Aron

[@EvanCops]

And he got a lesson in leadership at the same time. Yeah i really loved that

[@bobpeters61]

"You are either very brave or very foolish." "Or maybe I'm just a little bit of each." Way to gain a Klingon's respect by making him laugh.

[@fistpunder]

You should read the comments by JG Hertzler about Aron Eisenberg.

[@shizackel]

"Courage comes in all sizes."

[@TaliaIGhul]

@@bobpeters61 That and also stand up to them like a man or a woman if you feel disrespected. Klingons honor courage in the face of fear.

[@danehutchins3845]

Nog is one of the best characters in Trek as a whole. Possibly the most developed through his run. Aron will be greatly missed.

[@49erfanaticfromnm30]

I was going to say the same thing. A side character even better developed than some of the regulars (Jake especially) IMHO.

[@otbaht]

he was wesley done right. he earned what he got without anything being handed to him.

[@patrickmccurry1563]

@@49erfanaticfromnm30 I agree. It felt like they never knew what to do with Jake other than not to walk in his father's footsteps with Starfleet.

[@patrickmccurry1563]

@@otbaht Westley was the worst combination of Mary Sue and irritating whiz kid cliches. The first has no place in any good fiction, IMO. And the second only works for certain genres and sparingly at that.

[@Jayteaseepiirturi]

@@49erfanaticfromnm30 Nog. I absolutely HATED the little shit. And then I respected the little shit. Nog was absolutely reliable as a Starfleet officer.

[@bigshow771]

Aron was a World of Warcraft player and his son arranged an in-game memorial for him. It was so crowded that many were kept out of phase in the area. It was really great to see so many people show up to honor him.

[@pdehoff1]

Favorite Nog moment (and Jake). A few episodes into Season One, Jake helping Nog to read. Simple kindnesses go a long way.

[@litchtheshinigami8936]

pdehoff1 yesssss

[@walterdayrit675]

Simple kindness goes a long way. I have to agree with that statement. Too many people unfortunately think the opposite.

[@jamesguthridge2801]

I was gonna mention that. There is a long history of teaching the illiterate in Naval Tradition. It’s been in many books set during the Age of Sail. It’s almost a trope, and I’m happy that it was added in Star Trek. It took me back to reading the Master and Commander series of books, of Maturin teaching Bonden to read, and then seeing Bonden bloom in the later books, reading shipmates their letters from home, becoming more than a favorite seaman of Aubrey, but expanding as the Captain’s Coxswain, and all from the kindness of being taught to read. Those early moments of Jake teaching Nog to read in the cargo bay brought all that back. Fair weather and fallowing seas Aaron.

[@Scott-J]

This was really nice Steve, thanks. My favorite Nog moment is when he and Garak are scouting a planet after a crash and Nog refuses to let Garak walk behind him. "You can either stay in front of me or walk beside me, but I won't turn my back on you again." The look on Andrew Robinson gave him is priceless. I think it shows a change in Nog from just following orders to taking responsibility for himself and his own safety.

[@jdeckape]

@@kirkjohnson9353 I heard that in Garak's voice

[@BartFlossom]

I think the funniest Nog moment was his dancing at Dax's bachelorette party.

[@sara_sah-raezzat5086]

One of my favourite Nog stories is In the Cards. Nog and Jake combine the best Human and Ferengi traits to make life just a little bit better for each of the staff. It's a great story about the power of small actions and service to one another.

[@andrewhawes3134]

That was one of the best episodes in the series. Along with Treachery, Faith, and the Great River (the one with Nog trying to help Chief O'Brien get a gravity stabilizer before Sisko gets back).

[@patrickmccurry1563]

Now that is the episode most like the MASH episode someone referenced for another round robin DS9 episode. It's a great lesson in how trade is such a fundamental aspect to a successful society. Not to mention, I love how it's the only example of pseudoscience in Star Trek that I know of. lol

[@AttentiveDragon]

Aron Eisenberg actually showed up in a Facebook group I'm in, "Star Trek Shitposting." He definitely lived up to his reputation for being accessible and welcoming, and also demonstrated that he's got a pretty great sense of humor.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

I'll look up the group, but I'm slightly disappointed that it isn't called "Redshirt-Posting."

[@TornadoHound]

Man, that's a fun gronp.

[@shayneoneill1506]

Yeah, he was great. Pop in say hello, and answer even the dumbest questions. Aron was all class.

[@edenmeden]

Making him laugh in that group only like a week before his passing will always be a very special moment for me hey.

[@coolkiwiinoz]

When the Ferengi were first introduced in Next Gen I never imagined that a piece on the character arc of a Ferengi would bring a tear to my eye. This did. Aaron Eisenberg did an amazing job playing Nog. RIP Aaron.

[@mayhemmacraider4737]

Everyone of the actors of ferengi were excellent.

[@WesAllen]

My only critique is the word “actually” in the title. It should just be “Why Nog Is Pretty Awesome.” End of line.

[@Keleigh3000]

Lots of folks are covering the more serious parts of Nog's character arc, so I want to bring up something more fun.. It's often overlooked because of the episode's heavy A plot, but Nog and Jake's B story in 'Progress' is a wonderful bit of business, a comic romp of yamok sauce, self-sealing stem bolts, and the Noh-Jay Consortium.

[@estherbarba1409]

Yeeees! I wanted to bring up that episode, it was great!!! 💪🖖

[@madisonhasson8981]

At the end of the episode when he tells his Uncle he has a business opportunity for him...the look on Quarks face was well acted! I could see the realization and pride Quark had in Nog all at once.

[@friiq0]

I love how there are a few references to self-sealing stem bolts sprinkled into the rest of the series every so often

[@Jacqueline_Thijsen]

​@madisonhasson8981 That was my very favorite Nog episode. His first step to being taken seriously as a capable adult by others.

[@onefootflipper]

I am sure someone else already said this. But Nog's story arc really helped me when I myself lost a leg. I was not aware that Aron had passed away, I had always hoped to meet him and tell him how much he meant to me.

[@spooforbrains]

If it helps at all, others in similar situations have done that. I remember him talking about it at some point and how proud he was that he could help people who had gone through trauma like that

[@thegreatbaolmagician3032]

my favorite scene is one of the episode when DS9 is occupied by the Dominion. In one scene, after the Defiant successfully came back from a mission, the crew is celebrating. There are also Sisko and admiral Ross, and Sisko call Nog to bring some beverage (don't remember which) and admiral Ross ask "How did you find this beverage during the war?" and Nog answer "I may be a starfleet officer, but i am still a Ferengi". For me, this summarise Nog perfectly and it shows he was able to bring out the best of a Starfleet Officer and the best of a Ferengi

[@thecynicaloptimist1884]

Saurian brandy!

[@evilwarcow]

In Star Trek Online, Nog is a captain. Also, they have added his name to the memorial plaques. Aron did voice work for Nog in the game.

[@chrismarshall7131]

Had to leave a Romulan Mine Field the other day, 'cause I could see the screen after his mission briefing clipped in.

[@Ydobon2]

If you hit Quark's Place, you can see a certain Ferengi Captain by the bar...

[@bridgetcooney5085]

I liked being g able to play as a Ferengi. They're one of my all-time favorite races in Star Trek because of DS9.

[@kingbeauregard]

Man, Aron Eisenberg could act. That scene in "Heart of Stone" where Nog pleaded with Sisko to support his Starfleet application, and that scene in "It's Only a Paper Moon" when Nog opens up about how devastating it was to lose his leg ... if those weren't top-notch performances, I'm an uncle's monkey. About "Heart of Stone", that episode and the one before it (where Vedik Bareil dies (spoiler)) set a massive shift in direction from the show. Prior to that it was all about Bajor internal affairs and Cardassia always trying to undermine things like Barney trying to steal Fred's cereal. But that treaty that Bareil had negotiated put an end to the Cardassians' covert chicanery, and it also set up how Odo is in love with Kira. DS9 is almost two shows: pre "Heart of Stone" and post "Heart of Stone".

[@KoewlBag]

Nice comment, just can't believe you put a spoiler warning AFTER spoiling an important character's death

[@andrewhawes3134]

@@KoewlBag Bareil kind of sucked, though. Plus, he came back in that one mirror universe episode, where he turned out to be a complete douchebag who was just manipulating Kira (spoiler).

[@pbagosy]

For all of the amazing episodes in DS9=Best Trek, "It's Only a Paper Moon" is the one that lives with me. It's the typical TV trope of "let's deal with life-altering horror in 42 minutes!" but it handles it so so well. Nog's battle with PTSD feels *real*, and that's a huge credit to Eisenberg to be able to give the character the nuance and depth without feeling out-of-character. In a sea of greatness, he stood out.

[@chrismarshall7131]

To its credit? It doesn't FEEL like that trope. It has a much more organic feel to it than "hamfisted epiphany resolves everything at minute 28, cut to last commercial break, come back for group laugh react."

[@lennierofthethirdfaneofchu7286]

@@chrismarshall7131 Because at the end of the episode, when Nog emerges from the Holosuite and goes down the stairs to the main level of the bar and his stepmother asks him "Are you OK?" he says "no, but I will be."

[@swj719]

​@@chrismarshall7131 it takes excellent writing, and phenomenal acting, to make an obvious trope not FEEL like a trope. Sometimes DS9 failed in that (the early Ezri/Worf interactions for me come to mind), but it got it right way more often than it didn't. Lots of the Nog stuff was very tropey if you stop to think about it, but with an amazing actor it never really FELT tropey.

[@wellingtonsmith4998]

I kinda identify with Nog, when I was a teen I was a real handful; I flunked out of 3 schools, got arrested, stole stuff and some other (better keep that under my hat, kinda things). But with the help of family and community I got my degree and started a life in public service, which I'm still doing decades later. I love that Star Trek made this character for us to learn from and aspire to. Thank-you Steve for this remembrance 💔

[@Feralcactus]

The Ferengi episode where Quark, Rom, and Nog assemble a team of Ferengi to rescue their Moogie is one of the most fun episodes of the series.

[@holdenmesserschmitt160]

'Home is where the heart is, but the stars are made of latinum" RIP Aron; your performance showed your heart of gold.

[@MarialvaLima]

My favorite episode with Nog is "Treachery, Faith and the Great River"....😊You have to have faith, chief." "In a rumor?!" "No… in the Great Material Continuum!" (sighs) "Who are they?!" "It's not a 'they', it's the force that binds the universe together." "Oh, I must have missed that class at engineering school." ❤👏👏Great channel! Love ds9 forever!🖖

[@northeastwisconsinsocialis2466]

Nog was a role model to me of sorts when I was a kid, I was a latchkey youth, and it was cool seeing someone self actualize and take agency in their future.

[@chrismarshall7131]

One of Star Trek's starker flaws, is that even the characters with more troubled backgrounds have moved passed them by the time we meet them. Worf and Yar, two solid examples? Were both respected Senior Officers by the time of TNG's debut. With Nog? We got to see it take place. I was ages 8-15 during DS9's run, and I'd be a liar if I tried to say it wasn't noticeable, nor that it affected me.

[@curtinparloe]

I first watched DS9 in its entirety this year, and I wish I'd met Nog a long time ago. Nog proved that you aren't just your name. I like to think that the final song sent to Opportunity, "I'll Be Seeing You", was chosen because of its use in the Seige of AR-558. The last interaction I had with Aron was only a couple of weeks ago, on Twitter about someone not having the lobes to be a Ferengi. He was a good guy, a commodity all too rare in these times. His passing hit me hard, and I appreciate your tribute to my favourite Star Trek character, and the man who brought him to life. Thanks.

[@andrewleblanc9836]

I personally loved the relationship he developed with Chief O’Brien. It was a true mentor relationship and you could always tell he respected him and wanted to learn from him. At the same time he showed him on occasion how being a farengi could help get things done too... he was a wonderful actor and I wish his family peace in this tragic time

[@Jayteaseepiirturi]

I love that aspect to bits. O'Brien looked down on Nog... and then... Well. Then O'Brien would look down on Nog only because of the height difference. The two became quite solid.

[@arklestudios]

You know, I always thought that Sisko knew, or at least had an inkling, why Nog wanted to join Starfleet, he just wanted to hear him say it out loud. Or maybe that's just how I saw it.

[@andyenglish4303]

@@jaymillymills I mean wouldn't you if Quark was your primary point of interaction?

[@Walrus1701D]

A wonderful, fitting tribute to one of Star Trek’s most developed recurring characters. We’ll miss you, Aron!!

[@Rometiklan]

One of my favourite Nog moments was in "The Magnificent Ferengi" when he was trying to lead a hapless group of Ferengi to save Moogie. The holodeck rescue scenario had one guy killing Moogie to put her out of her misery.

[@PeachWookiee]

“You couldn’t shoot a Bolian if he was blindfolded and tied to a tree!!”😂😂😂

[@motmotyo-yoandt-shirts6009]

I‘m saddened to hear of Aron‘s passing. He brought a real maturity and gravitas to Nog, he turned what was initially a background character into the most fleshed out supporting character on the show. Rest In Peace, Aron.

[@sargoto]

I've been re-watching deep space nine recently and every time that I do the episode where Jake is helping Nog learn to read. The reminder that all may not be what it seems and not to make snap judgements always hits me.

[@K_i_t_t_y84]

Thank you for making this, Steve. DS9 is one of my favorite shows of all time and I was really sad when I found out Aron died.

[@Spike-Prime]

There's one scene I'm disappointed got left off. Season 1: Jake is late to dinner with Cmdr Sisko. Sisko decides to finally confront him and give a piece of his mind, finding him with Nog in a cargo bay. He stops because he realises what's actually happening: Jake's teaching Nog to read. He's supportive and patient, a true friend. Sisko realises, in that moment, what that friendship really means to the both of them, and can't just tear it apart. It's in that moment Sisko realises Jake's doing exactly what the Federation claims to do; being truly inclusive, bettering themselves and those around them. Sisko doesn't have to come out and say anything about how proud he is, or what a good kid Jake is. It's all over Avery Brooks' face as he looks so proudly upon his son. It's that moment, not when Nog wishes to join Starfleet, that Sisko truly begins to understand how wrong he's been about Nog, and his assumptions. Great scene, so simple, wonderfully written and directed. Kinda sad it wasn't on this video.

[@winslowjoy2629]

Not taking away from Aaron's Nog arc, but Jake's arc and Ben's arc just cemented the foundation for Ben to finally see past his over protectiveness of Jake. When Ben invited Jake's Dabo Girl girlfriend for dinner and learned Jake was writing poetry provided a foundation to see past his misconceptions. Character growth was a hallmark of DS9, my favorite Trek.

[@pauldiamond1583]

Very well done. Nog became one of my favorite characters because of his involvement in the Dominion War. His growth throughout the show was surprising to say the least. Also, I loved seeing him grow up alongside Jake. And Jake NOT going into Starfleet (except that tear-inducing season 4 episode "The Visitor") Both characters went against what was expected of them.

[@andresmunoz2378]

Uff, now I got a The Visitor in my eye

[@Traehnoel]

My favourite Nog memory by far is in " Treachery, Faith and the Great River". He stole that episode even when he wasnt on screen. I loved the relationship Nog ended up having with all the other characters. RIP Aron.

[@AlexFariaOliveira]

Yes! That episode was always beautiful to me! Shows that Nog is still a Ferengi and can manage deals and trades with perfection! Kept me thinking that outside of that greedy profit thing they could be amazing diplomats.

[@catherineelmore2004]

That episode is great- steals the Captain’s desk and General Martok’s bloodwine supply that was a present from his wife and manages to get away with all of it with only Miles and Kira finding out. Didn’t have the lobes for business my foot!

[@hannahbrown2728]

Nog was hands down one of the best characters on that show. He really was his fathers son in a lot of ways. My favorite thing about Nog is how much he inspired Rom to stand up for himself, and you can always just seem Rom positively beaming with pride! Nog as a character never let anything stop him for long

[@xileets]

Lol, "Want me to torture him?! I can torture-" "NO! "

[@darinfoat8410]

I love the scene in The Nagus when Sisko is spying on Jake and Nog because he’s worried they’re up to no good. Instead he sees that Jake is teaching Nog to read. It’s a nice father/son moment for Sisko and Jake. But it’s also one of the first hints at how much Nog is going to grow and change.

[@BradleyJCude]

I've always loved that scene, too.

[@Marorsharpe]

I was absolutely heart broken to hear of Aron passing. I had spoken to him several times and he was an incredibly welcoming and warm person. Nog has the best growth by far of any character in Star Trek. His arc is amazing, and was a real joy to watch over the 7 years. He will be missed 😢

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

My favourite Nog scene was when he compared the history of Earth with the history of the Ferengi.

[@jeffersonwright4286]

That’s one of my favorite scenes, too! I think it was Quark though if we’re thinking of the same thing.

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

@@jeffersonwright4286 you're probably thinking of the time Quark got mad at sisko and said that humans did terribly things like slavery and concentration camps and Ferengi didn't.

[@RonJomero]

I always enjoyed moments where Nog would gain the respect of other characters on the show that would otherwise be a bit dismissive of him. Like the moment where he stood up to Martok and two other Klingons and didn't back down, cementing the General's respect towards him. But my favorite moment is where we see Nog earn the respect of Chief O'Brien in Treachery, Faith, and the Great River. A great episode all around with both A and B plots. But I like this not only for Chief O'Brien eventually learning to respect Nog and also trust him, but also that we get to see that Nog isn't 100% converted away from being a Ferengi after joining Starfleet. He can still wheel, deal, and scheme. He just does so (mostly) within the parameters that Starfleet has set.

[@fangorn23]

Favorite Nog Moment: Him telling Garak he refuses to turn his back on him ever again. Garak replies "There may be hope for you yet, cadet" before being caught by Jem'Hadar Also, all this time I had been hoping for a cameo from a "Captain Nog" in later series. my heart weeps for the closing of this chance

[@Mallory-Malkovich]

Nog was one of the best parts of DS9, and Trek in general. It's heartbreaking to lose Aron Eisenberg so young, especially in this era or streaming tv and multiple timelines. I was holding out hope we'd see Captain Nog in a new series somewhere.

[@Hoeech]

There is a rumor floating about that Captain Nog will be commemorated with a statue at Starfleet Headquarters in the new "Picard" series. I sincerely hope it's true

[@fightingfalcon777]

You gave Aron a beautiful tribute, Steve. Like you, DS9 is my favorite series and Nog was one of my favorite characters. I loved the way he moved far beyond the simple stereotype of his species and became something far better and Aron brought the character to life amazingly. He will definitely be missed 😢

[@seanhillman1016]

Nog's B-Plot in Heart of Stone is what makes that episode in my mind. The rest of it is fine, but not as compelling as Nog's desire, his interaction with Sisko, Jake, and Dax, and ultimately the soul-bearing moment in Sisko's office. I like that they played it straight, with no gotcha moments and no secret agenda for Nog.

[@varianschirmer9375]

I don't know why Nog's attempt to get Sisko's approval in that episode is something we call a B-plot. If anything, the Odo-Kira "plotline" in that episode is is the B-storyline. Because Nog giving us the scene that hits emotionally... especially after Aron's passing... That WAS the episode. Really... Aron should have been made "series regular" in season 6 & 7... along with Martok. Could have moved Jake Sisko down to "also starring" or Special Guest Star as Jake Sisko in episodes he appeared... basically when Worf joined the show in season 4. I'm not dinging the character... I'm just a believer in billing being a correct reflection of screen time. (Jake Sisko only appeared in just over a third of season 5's episodes) Martok, after his re-introduction in the mid-season 5 2-parter that sent Worf & Garak into the Gamma Quadrant... I think he appeared in all but maybe 3 episodes after that. Nog basically appeared in all of the last two season episodes in some capacity... Not promoting him looks as ridiculous as the "Ensign Harry Kim" running gag... .

[@Starolfr]

;')

[@thecastawaydc]

I loved the character of Nog. He was often the comic relief in the episode, but he was in many ways the heart of DS9, especially in the latter seasons. One of my favourite episodes is when Nog returns from the academy & moves in with Jake. It's an experience lots of us have gone through of learning that you don't know everything about your friends & that maybe they are not always the best people to live with. It also demonstrates how people can change when they go away to study. Nog was a great character, but by all accounts Aron was an even better person. Thanks for the video.

[@litchtheshinigami8936]

The CastAway DC true however in my opinion one of the few times they did a comic relief character good without them being absolutely annoying.. like how they did neelix where most people just dislike him because they overdone the comic relief

[@mabs-O_o]

I always wanted a friend like him as a high school kid; and on reflection years later, I think I was that type of friend to others...

[@scruffylookingNerfherder5742]

One of the things I loved about nog the most was the fact that he started out as your typical little scoundrel always seeming to get into trouble but by the end of the show he had become 1 of the most dependable and beloved characters in the series. Don't get me wrong here but even when he was acting like a bit of a scoundrel I still actually loved the character but seeing him grow so very much over the series was wonderful to see. Live long and prosper.

[@benjaminhedrick]

Thank you for this. I'm just so damn glad I got to share the planet with Aron for a while. He was the only actor on DS9 that truly moved me with his portrayal of Nog, inspiring me to be more than my supposed lot. I've only been into Trek for five years, but it's talent like his that endear lifelong fandom. Again, thank you, Steve.

[@davidbarnes5742]

One of my all time favorite characters ever the scream when he gets shot will be in my memory forever

[@yafes_han]

Nostalgic tears. No I have to rewatch the scene between Sisko and Nog. Yea, that one

[@jeffh8094]

Wonderful character played by a truly wonderful human being. Thanks for the memories, Aaron. RIP

[@jungsbodyguard]

One thing I always found odd about Valiant was why Nog didn’t automatically assume command. He outranks everybody on the ship.

[@insilencea4599]

He looked up to them but they didn't look up to him, possibly (probably) in part because he was a Ferengi. Another reason cadets shouldn't command starships.

[@ZoeMalDoran]

I think it's because Nog knew he wasn't a leader at that stage; he was, like his father and Chief O'Brien, an engineer. He knew that he could do the most good in the engine room rather than the captain's chair.

[@JAGADEY]

He outranked but was still out of his element. He hadn’t yet taken to the idea of responsibility or leadership. Especially taking over a ship on a supposed secret mission run by an elite group with no one to back him.

[@jungsbodyguard]

SC But he was literally the only officer on the ship. They were a bunch of kids role playing in (what was supposed to be ) a training exercise, observed by qualified instructors

[@YukonWilleh]

Only a paper moon will make me ugly cry every time to this very day

[@saintwildfirerecords]

This is truly an absolutely beautiful tribute. You teared me up. Reminded me how much the character and actor influenced me as a young man, wanting to be a better man then my own father. Such courage and drive is a beautiful hero for young people. Nog owned himself. Similar to Dax in my opinion. He shall be deeply missed

[@causilvestrini7000]

When he loses his leg and says that if that can happen to him, anything could happen to him... Man. So powerful. At some point in our lives don't we all feel exactly that, only not so neatly expressed? I loved Nog. RIP Aron, you'll always be alive for us through this fantastic character.

[@ShaelynneDFuller]

Just a year older than me, I'll be 50 at the end of this next February.

[@diogenesesenna9323]

I know the feeling. I'll be hitting 54 this coming April (2020). He was FAR to young.

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

A full life. In many countries, and in times before ours, 50 is what you could hope for, if you were lucky. Anything after that, is a blessing. Today, we expect more than that, yes. But if you get 50 years, and get to do cool things in it, like being in Star Trek, its already a lifetime. Maybe in a few decades we can expect to see 100. But its all just extra. Its a good day to die; live so that you do not live to regret, but so that if you live to be a hundred and all you have left is memories, those are ones you can be proud of.

[@Ydobon2]

@@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681 I cannot think of wiser words

[@jamesboucher5964]

My favorite Nog moment was when Sisko finds Jake teaching Nog to read, kinda foreshadowed how Nog wanted work to become more then he seemed to be.

[@coffeefiend9492]

Aron Eisenberg was amazing and Nog was a great character. I loved seeing Aron in what we left behind. Thanks for this video, Steve. Really made my day 😊

[@theman2017inc]

A great heartfelt tribute to Aron Eisenberg as well review of the character Nog!

[@donedennison9237]

Rock the Niners Tshirt. Thanks for giving an homage to an awesome actor with a defining part. I coulda done without the singing but I really loved the Vic Fontain arc and Nog's part within that. Would that we could all find holorecovery plans.

[@WILEONJAMES]

The character Nog actually makes Captain in the Star Trek universe as well as having a ship named after him.

[@portendinghonor496]

RIP little buddy. How is half the TOS cast still alive? The Chimera just lost it's captain.

[@andyenglish4303]

Huh... Shatner, Nichols, Koenig, and Takei. While Doohan, Kelly, Nimov, Whitney, and Barret are gone. (I mean Chapel and Rand weren't really 'main cast' but)

[@letthewolveslead]

He was THE most accessible Star Trek alum I have ever had the pleasure to speak with. I never met him in person but he was just so DAMNED NICE on Twitter it was hard to NOT start up a conversation with him. He will be sorely missed. A LOUD voice in a very crowded space.

[@JeffHowell]

I’m not crying you’re crying

[@drunkendevil]

I didn’t care for Nog at first but by the end he was one of absolute favorite characters in the series. Love Nog, Aron will be missed.

[@aaronabramson9297]

RIP Aron Eisenberg May his soul live on forever in the hallowed halls of Stovokor.

[@tadhgmcelligott3693]

@@VuotoPneumaNN he was respected by martok and other Klingons, it would make sense that they would praise his soul in sto'vo'kor

[@therizinosaurus214]

I had been trying to write something very close to this. Thank you for the wonderful tribute. One my favorite scenes is after Vic talks to Nog a final time and Nog walks out to Rom and Leeta and they ask if he is okay. He replies with No but he will be

[@sholem_bond]

"Nog was actually pretty awesome" um...yes? Was there debate?

[@DeathBYDesign666]

Well its kinda his thing to say "actually" in the title. The series is called " trek actually". Though he could have made it more of a bold statement saying "Nog actually was pretty awesome! ".

[@williamseyfried6574]

shulamithbond exactly

[@MariaMartinez-researcher]

There is. I recently watched a good video about the treatment of women in Star Trek and the author dismissed the Ferengi as a whole, specially Quark, and didn't even mention Nog. There are Trek fans out there who really despise the Ferengi and all what they are, not even recognising the actors' great performances.

[@MrAndyBearJr]

If you want to see a Star Trek storyline with an outstanding depiction of PTSD, watch William Windoms portrayal of a starship captain going to pieces in the TOS episode, The Doomsday Machine. His acting, and the background music of this particular episode are ST storytelling at its best.

[@ettanasf]

“It could be years before I’m promoted to Captain!” IM DYING! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lexxstrum]

Aaron reprized his role of Nog in Star Trek: Online. he's the Captain of a Destroyer called the Chimera, he comes to your rescue several times, and you join him on a mission or two as well. They even make callbacks to him and Martok's friendship.

[@MaxYAVIN]

Thx, I didn‘t know this. I just wish they could mention „Captain Nog“ a last time on tv.

[@printezstroman]

Favorite Nog Moment: Convincing the woman in the military to give him Oo-mox when he, Rom and Quark went back in time to Earth.

[@puirYorick]

It's amazing how many talented actors leave us relatively underappreciated in the industry while hundreds of faux-celebrity types from reality T.V. are continually lauded in the media for silly "non-milestone" accomplishments like making a Twitter post about nothing. Rest in peace, Nog. I never knew you by your human face until you'd died. That was my loss.

[@PoindexterTactical]

This is one of the things that I really like the most about Nog. When he joined Starfleet he didn’t just become another Starfleet officer. He found the admirable traits from the Ferengi, hard work, negotiating, and he brought those into Starfleet with him. He didn’t lose who he was by joining Starfleet, but he took the good aspects of Starfleet and merged it with his own good aspects, and made a much better person.

[@carolinelabbott2451]

Exactly. The merging of two different viewpoints into something new. ❤️

[@kevinedie4119]

Its a tradition of mine that when an actor I liked dies I watch one of their movies or Tv series. When Aron passed I had to watch only a paper moon. Classic episode

[@imonthesideofthetruth3768]

Shout out to Nog's father Rom. Who became an engineer, and earning his brother's respect. To creating self replicating mines, in the Dominion War.

[@Spekor]

"if you have the time go play a ferengi!!! they're fun" aron eisenberg sto is fun. and i actually used real money to give myself a character slot to do as he commanded :( he'll be missed

[@chrismarshall7131]

Good customers are as rare as Latinum. Treasure them.

[@brandonhill8283]

Thanks Aron for the great performance that should out in a show full of great performers. You will be missed. And thank you Steve for putting this video out and giving voice to what all of us hardcore DS9 fans were thinking.

[@langleymneely]

#CaptainNog! I so wanted to see him Captaining the Defiant in the “proposed” impromptu DS9 revival the Producers put together as an exercise in the DS9 doc What We Left Behind! THAT was my favorite Nog moment in the making! He will be so sorely missed! RIP Aron Eisenberg!

[@eme.261]

Beautiful video, Steve. Thank you. I was finally able to grieve for the loss of a wonderful actor and great character. It would have been great to see Nog pop up, as a higher rank member off Starfleet, in new Sta Trek shows. I'm saddened that this will now never be possible.

[@Troubleshooter125]

Nog could have been just another avaricious Ferengi, as presented in "Emissary," and DS9 would have been the less for it. As you observe, Nog does a great number of changes through those seven years, and his growth and maturing as a character is one of the true high points of the series. Thanks, Aron. Thanks, Steve

[@r-platt]

Oh, Steve! You have me in tears. A powerful legacy presented beautifully. Aron will be remembered.

[@premiergeneralmiller]

Nog has the most character development of any character in Star Trek to date despite not being a main character.

[@worldgonemad5866]

One of the best examples of a journey into manhood of any television character ever. He started as a sniveling little ferengi brat, and finished as a respected war hero that had to work through ptsd. Timeless.

[@michaelhawthorne8696]

What a cracking eulogy....thanks for that....... I think he has sold his last Stem Bolt.......😔

[@stephenstott9690]

Steve a definitely worthy tribute! I met Aron for the first time when our local Star Trek club, the USS Ronald E. McNair hosted a convention in Columbia, SC. After that I saw him at conventions a couple of more times and was a friend of his on FB. A great human being and I loved his portrayal of Nog on DS9. He will be missed.

[@SentinelBayReviews]

Your most focused Trek Actually to date. Good job, Sir! Also, I tip my hat to you that you didn't went through the whole Patreon stuff at the end as usual but took a moment to plug the GoFundMe instead. Classy move! The moment they actually made Nog lose his leg was a true shocker to me, and the holosuite episode that rose out of it one of my favorites. R.I.P. Aron Eisenberg!

[@Shadx27]

In Star Trek Online, Captain Nog really does help out. Even got Aron to voice it.

[@Kairi091]

Nog was a good character. I liked that he was in Starfleet. It was cool to see a Ferengi join up.

[@redfishtex738]

We don't agree on everything but we can certainly agree on this. He was gone far too early and the world is a little less bright without him. May we all be as fortunate at the end to be so remembered. Excellent tribute video Sir.

[@megaraphoenix]

Aron was also so sweet to the Fans and truly seemed to love his character, he even reprises his role on Star Trek Online where he voices Nog.

[@megaraphoenix]

Also he laughed when I suggested for Q's Winter Wonderland in STO that there should be an Egg Nog accolade for his character.

[@jessewilley531]

My favorite Nog moment has to be that very O'Henryeque episode of Season One with the NoJake Consortium.

[@Korashime]

Wacthing Nog learn the lesson on the dangers of obsession and blind adoration aboard the cadet ship Valiant, has stuck with me (and even helped me a time or two).

[@garethmckee5927]

Steve, your delivery is amazing. I nearly cry every time I watch this.

[@BritishAdam]

I'm saddened i never get to meet him at a convention, from everyone elses tales, Aron seemed like one of the most likeable characters you could ever come across. Warp speed to the Divine Treasury friend, warp speed.