you win, you lose but at least You're in the Game.

7x10 It's Only A Paper Moon

[@johnfoltz8183]

Amazing from how Nog went from filling Odo’s bucket with oatmeal as a prank to suffering from PSTD and embracing his trauma

[@Shintigercurl]

before his death, aron use to say he would get calls and letters from actual vets who suffered from PSTD and they said seeing his performance in this ep helped them get through it because really captured who it means to suffer like this.

[@loreenec8045]

That's awesome.

[@sladefisk4339]

Shut up

[@TakaComics]

It was so real, so truthful, and not played for drama. It was just someone struggling, and I think that was the best choice Aron made. Viewers could see themselves in his position by the end, and those who had experienced trauma from war actually did, because he wasn't just a character, he was representation.

[@Deuteromis]

Didn't know that, that's awesome.

[@azraelknightquest5754]

3x Deployment Iraq War vet here. I never lost my leg or anything but I can confirm: Aron did a wonderful job and it really speaks to me even now. This is a feeling real vets deal with like Nog. It's very real.

[@janellebowen6450]

Rest in peace James Darren. We will miss you Vic

[@colinbeckles2811]

Dealing with PTSD in a dignified manner

[@warrenreid6109]

This must have been written by a war vet.

[@owenwatkins9490]

Sci Fi has a long history of attacking difficult topics that would otherwise be taken out of the script of more mainstream media.

[@max2grant]

I know, a genre show, dealing with an important topic, without making it a “message episode”… Do you remember when that used to be possible? Man, Nog was such a great character. RIP

[@tomsamper4345]

@@max2grant that’s the subtle difference that a lot of tv writers and executives don’t quite understand, there is a big difference between exploring an issue through your characters and using them as mouthpieces, the characters have to have their own identities and ideas, sometimes separate of their writers, and those characters have to lead the story, then you get a story worth telling.

[@shadowpoet4398]

@Owen Watkins - Gene Roddenberry said that science fiction is the only place in all of literature where the philosopher can play to his hearts content

[@ISBuckley8]

I love how the side characters are so good that they can carry an episode by themselves

[@max2grant]

Holy crap Isaac Buckley, I couldn’t have said it better myself… For years I’ve been trying to explain to the uninitiated why DS9 is such an amazing show. But in that one simple sentence, you crystallized it. “The side characters are so good they can carry an episode by themselves”. Enough said

[@davidbuckley2435]

@@max2grant That's the thing about DS9, I don't think there are side characters. Not really. Obviously there are characters that don't get as much screen time, but they all seem as fully fleshed-out as the main cast. Even someone as "minor" as Leeta gets a real chance to shine through the union episode, the Occupation arc, and Nog's recovery arc here. They all get their chance to shine, nobody is written as an archetype or cliche, not really. This is why (I think), DS9 holds up among 80s/90s Trek even to this day. TNG is great, but there are episodes which can feel stilted or dated today. The duff episodes of DS9 are few(er) and far(ther) between, and I think the greater focus on characterisation is the reason why.

[@michaelfinlay6341]

Morn carried an episode by himself and he was barely in it.

[@stevenhenry5267]

DS9 had the finest all around cast in tv history.

[@McRocket]

Well said. That might be the main reason DS9 is my fav Trek series. SO MANY interesting characters. ☮

[@scottythegreat1]

This was Aron Eisenbergs finest moment as Nog, he played the role perfectly.

[@piotrd.4850]

Respectfully - nothing beats scene with him being grilled by Sisko about why he wants to join the Acadamy. That was character defining moment.

[@jeffreyolin626]

@@piotrd.4850 Seconded. I have watched that scene multiple times. He walks in and is dissed by Sisko, basically, because of Ferengi culture. He convinces Sisko that he is an individual, not bound by his heritage, and that he wants to not only use Starfleet as an opportunity to grow, but also to contribute. He was excellent. I think Avery Brooks is such a method actor that he actually forced Eisenberg to CONVINCE him, and Eisenberg rose to the challenge. When I watch that scene, I am reminded that eventually Sisko's choice leads to the U.S.S. Nog, an Eisenberg Class Starship, on Disco.

[@GGGritzer]

@@jeffreyolin626, agreed. This is close, but that scene with Sisko is number one.

[@themocaw]

@@jeffreyolin626 Eisenberg talked about that moment. Avery wasn't so intense in rehearsals, but on that one take, he got right up in his face, grabbed him by the shoulders, and Eisenberg just bounced back. Good actors perform well. Great actors help others perform better.

[@onedaxster]

God rest his soul

[@ThatOneRandomSteve]

Aw, Quark's even joining in on the hug. Underneath his gruff exterior, he still has a heart of latinum.

[@3Rayfire]

He does love his family.

[@filipinowhiteboy]

@@3Rayfire maybe, but he'd still trade them for 3 slips.

[@kayleighbrown459]

@@filipinowhiteboy But no one is offering 3 slips and hugs don't cost anything.

[@filipinowhiteboy]

@@kayleighbrown459 hmmmm....maybe instead of free hugs, Quark could charge people 2 slips of Latinum to hug Morn. And let's be real; who DOESN'T want to hug Morn? I smell PROPHET!

[@kayleighbrown459]

@@filipinowhiteboy I think that's soliciting technically speaking.

[@warrenreid6109]

The house of quark comforts its wounded warrior.

[@AndrewBray-zw8ps]

Nog certainly brought honor to his house, any klingon would be a fool to say otherwise

[@hpa2005]

Aron Eisenberg said in an interview that after this episode first aired he received many calls and letters from wounded veterans who told him that what Nog admitted to Vic in this scene was on par with how they had all felt after coming home. Along the same lines: the little hesitation from Nog before he says "I'm scared" after Vic asks him "Why not?" was a smart move. You can tell that Nog doesn't want to answer the question but at the same time he realizes that he can't keep avoiding how he's feeling and that he can't keep it bottled up anymore.

[@iancolthart6676]

my wife used to chat with him all the time in a star trek facebook group. He was SUCH a nice guy

[@azraelknightquest5754]

As a war vet, this hits. I was with 4-27 FA back when it was in Baumholder, Germany. Deployed to Iraq in 2005. For a time, it was routine. Some patrols, some ECP duty. I lost some friends and it was sad but I trudged on. Then I had to call in a Close Air Support for a platoon that got hit by IEDs and was taking fire from a concrete building (I'm a 13F). That woke me up and changed me. ...but what really changed me was when I was just doing a routine ECP security detail. A mortar round dropped close enough that it blasted my eardrums and put me in shock. We were okay but I was taken to the Aid Station. That night, I went back to the tent trembling. I was scared. What could I do against a mortar round? You don't SEE it coming. You're just there and then BOOM. You're dead or nearly died. I suddenly felt vulnerable. All my time in MMA and martial arts prior to the Army, all my time at the Call For Fire Trainer, at the training operations in Graphenvere (Probably spelled that wrong) and Hohensfel (Probably spelled that wrong too!), all my time at shoothouses...my confidence just dropped. This wasn't fighting. This wasn't war as I was mentally prepared for it. This was walking through a minefield with snipers and you never know when or where. You gotta walk or drive down it. I was scared. I wanted to rush home. I wanted to leave. I considered trying to p*ssy my way out and get mental health. ...I couldn't leave my guys behind. I just couldn't ditch out on them. And I couldn't face the shame of returning to my family a coward. But I was very scared. Vulnerable. I didn't want to go out on another patrol, all desire to prove my badassery, all my desire to be "in the serious sh*t" was gone. ...Took awhile before I found my calm again. I was edgy and shaky for a few times. But I found my way. Just wasn't easy. But I can promise you, for a time, i was just like Nog here. It really hits you.

[@erikcarlson2658]

There are so many powerful gems I'm rediscovering with this show. Holy crap man, you just revealed another one. Thank you for serving and for coming home again...and for writing this.

[@oolooo]

Seems to me you faced that uncertainty of lacking power over your own mortality better than many and maintained your dignity through your fear .That is admirable .

[@shep9231]

Thank you for your service!

[@Lights_Darks]

Whoa. You cared about your group and pulled it together. Very, very honorable. Thank you for your service.

[@chucksucks8640]

Thank you for your service

[@michaelswann8046]

Nog - becomes Captain Nog - HERO of Starfleet with a statue of him in HQ grounds. great character great writting sadly missed.

[@jeffreyolin626]

And the U.S.S. Nog, an Eisenberg Class Starship

[@theblackwidower]

@@jeffreyolin626 You know what's funny about that? From what I understand, that kind of dedication is reserved exclusively for deceased flag officers... so Nog didn't just make captain...

[@hagamapama]

Oh crap, does that mean he became that most depraved and treacherous of individuals -- a Starfleet admiral? The only on screen character who became Admiral and didn't use the position to betray the Federation are Admiral Nechayev and Admiral McCoy. Even Kirk had the HMS Bounty caper which, while well intentioned, was ultimately an act of treason and piracy. There's a reason that Picard flat out refused to become one during TNG. He'd seen it end the same way too many times for colleagues of his.

[@kabobawsome]

@@theblackwidower I mean, the only ones we've explicitly seen both ends of are flag officers and Nog. That doesn't necessarily mean that it's reserved for flag officers, just those are the only one's we know of.

[@cjjonez]

you know he can be recast. the character didnt die the actor did.

[@professorsponge1554]

Something I noticed about this episode that's really lowkey: where Nog goes to recover, and what he's doing. He retreats to the holodeck, yes. but a holodeck of a casino. Its a version of Quark's bar where he has control. What does he do? he earns profit. holographic profit but its still profit. Its unsaid, but it shows that Nog loves and respects his uncle as much as his father.

[@MrUranium238]

"are you ok?...... no but I will be" 😯

[@eugenemulhern7946]

Having gone through a lot of physical trauma the last year or so, this is going to be my answer when anyone asks me if Im ok. Thank you Nog

[@KingOfMadCows]

I really like how quickly Leeta became a part of the family.

[@skynetprime82]

Vic/James Darren really out did himself with that speech, such a wise and gracious man 💯

[@mayhemmacraider4737]

James Darren is fantastic in this.

[@paulcarpenter999]

It's odd how the Vic character was met with mixed reactions during the show's first run, glad that he's gotten his dues in the years since.

[@max2grant]

His speech is so simple on the surface, it’s so profound underneath. I am not ashamed to admit, I have used those words of advice with others over the years. “You have to play the cards that life deals you… you win, you lose, but at least you’re in the game”

[@BleedingUranium]

@@max2grant You really would be hard pressed to find a better way to phrase it than that, it's perfect.

[@qdllc]

@@max2grant - Agreed. Fear serves a useful purpose, but if you let it control your life, you don't truly live. You might not die soon, but you will die slowly over time every time you avoid living life out of fear. I've had enough close calls to know that death can happen so fast you don't have time to be afraid. Make peace with your mortality now and you can stop letting the fear of the inevitable dictate your life choices.

[@TakaComics]

That last line breaks me every time: "No, but I will be." No matter what mental health issue you're going through, recovery is not linear, and it's certainly not instantaneous. Some days are good, some days are bad, but as Vic said, "at least you're in the game." This episode is specifically about PTSD, but it really does apply to so many other conditions. And the acknowledgement that you can't just "cure" the issue, even in the future, is the most progressive part of this episode.

[@abigails4088]

its okay, to not be okay... you might not be okay now, but you will be... lost count of how many times I've said that into the mirror. Vic convincing him that he has to stop hiding from the world and actually "LIVE" really hits a chord

[@jamesmallone]

This episode should be mandatory viewing to anyone who gets admitted into a hospital for mental health issues. You're gonna reach a lot more people when you put content like this into a show or franchise that features people fireing purple space bazookas because by the time they're doing an episode like this in the final season, people are invested.

[@jamesmallone]

@metalhead6526 "You win some, lose some, it's all the same to me"?

[@rjframe4410]

@@abigails4088 see, now for me, im not sure thats how its gonna play out..I dont know if ill be OK, as defined by society or others, but ill be able to live and cope with whats going on in my head. Recognizing that im not Ok, and that i may never be helps me cope though. Its my abyss, my black dog, my pain, its as much a part of me as my nose, embracing it and owning it is how ill live with it.

[@abigails4088]

@@rjframe4410 funny thing life can be... I was just randomly thinking about this episode earlier, and then I go to check my comments and see your response. :) hope things have been decent enough lately. better than for me, at least, I hope XD

[@josephsoltero7326]

The way his voice cracks when he says "I couldn't believe it!" just gets me every time. I can feel Nog's utter shock.

[@max2grant]

Me too. Total chills. My wife said when she saw it the first time: “I wonder if that was the first take. Because if so… damn”

[@KrytenMark]

Yeah, that line delivery really gets me as well. Poor Nog. 😢

[@hpa2005]

Agreed, Nog didn't want to answer Vic's question but at the same time he knew that he couldn't avoid it.

[@skatemetrix]

Probably one of the best moments of DS9.

[@Amar7605]

One of the best moments in all of television.

[@piotrd.4850]

And definitely best holodeck episode.

[@max2grant]

I want to know what genius in the DS9 writing room could possibly have thought n advance that put in these two characters in this somewhat silly plot would somehow lead to both of them doing the absolute best work of their careers. This scene is what chills are made of.

[@Redshirt434]

So many....SO MANY props, to James Darren, Max Grodenchik, Chase Masterson, Armin Shimerman, and especially the late Aron Eisenberg, for this incredible moment from this incredible episode.

[@Electrolux219]

I think Vic’s programmed backstory has him being a ww2 vet & that’s why he was able to understand what Nog was going through well enough to help him here. He’s speaking from personal experience. There where notable figures in Rat Pack scene who were also military vets (Cesar Romero and Tony Curtis for example) so it wouldn’t be implausible for Vic to be given a background like that. Really nice attention to detail on the writers part.

[@devo076]

VERY CLOSE to what a real vet would go through. Amazing scene.

[@gaoutlaw]

Aron Eisenberg, rest his soul, was great on the show anyway, but especially in this episode. He really delivered an excellent performance, I even read that he received numerous letters from military veterans commending him for being very true to life in portraying a wounded warrior.

[@Albert-x8g]

I thought this episode had an interesting dynamic. A real life soldier seeking comfort in a simulation, and a simulation experiencing the wonders of real life.

[@patmccoy8758]

Rest in Peace, Pallie.

[@jonathanhallberg3009]

To have two smaller parts of a show carry an entire episode like this really shows just how damn good Nog and Vic really are as characters. Brilliant performance by Aron Eisenberg and James Darren! 10/10

[@renerpho]

And not only carry it, but make it an outstanding episode, one of the best in the entire series. Yes, the show had 6 1/2 seasons to build up those characters, but still, what other show can do this?

[@RockstarRacc00n]

I like how Quark joins in on the hug at the end: we always forget that, despite all the goofiness and scheming, he's a family man at heart.

[@Tigerkaya]

Don't care what people say I loved Vic's character and this was the biggest highlight episode for me.

[@jacknagel9387]

Wait people didn't like Vic?

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

@@jacknagel9387 yeah lol?? I mean he’s the only decent human person in this whole episode and he’s not even alive? Everyone else is ignorant of his problems and how he’s coping with them, complaining about his behaviour, barely being supportive, thinking he’s being weird. I mean that is understandable for those that dont understand what hes going through but the fact Ezri and Bashir are such assholes about it is strange

[@yellowcard8100]

@@GuineaPigEveryday its pretty true to life honestly.

[@jamesmallone]

@@GuineaPigEveryday Go back and rewatch the middle chunk of the episode. The whole thing was Ezri's idea.

[@AtlasBlizzard]

This resonates so hard for me. I had a nervous breakdown and this is exactly how it feels to deal with trauma. How to live again when the illusion of being invincible has been shattered? Phenomenally written and acted scene.

[@ngobleus]

Me too. And I've been living with a chronic illness since age 5.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

yeah i love that this episode deals not only with war PTSD, but overall PTSD and Trauma and how we try to deal with it. I remember watching this a year or so ago and it hitting hard, but now it hits even harder becuz ik that for the past 5 years or so ive progressively isolated myself more where i just have not left my room and not talking to people despite the fact that i'm now almost finished with college. It doesn't compare with the war context in the episode, but the message of the episode is not limited to just war. Especially that part where he talks about how an event scared him so much he can't face being in the real world anymore out of fear. Its a phenomenal episode and Aron captures the emotions of someone in that position completely.

[@abigails4088]

It did suck to wake up in the ICU and realize I nearly died... but my "SHATTERED" moment was having to bury someone after we'd been lovers for 15 years. I'd seen people, known people who lost their spouses tragically... sucks... mom went early and it kinda broke dad... "BUT I NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME" ... I started bawling when I thought about it in that context.

[@wolfeusmc2011]

Thank you Aron Eisenberg for going above and beyond the call of acting to deliver this speech...it was before the last 20 years of warfare for us Gen X and Millennials...but you still give us an inspiring rendition of managing PTSD and having the bravery to rejoin the world as best you can. If there's any other fellow Marines or soldiers out there rewatching this series now that our country is wanting to forget about the last 20 years....you are not alone brothers (and sisters). It's a long long road but we'll all be alright #semperfidelis.

[@michaelgarrett45]

This Soldier and an Officer wants you to know that, against a galaxy that despises you for no other reason that you have the audacity not to lay down and die, but to hold the line, I salute you.

[@Darqshadow]

I never served, tried to but medical circumstances, but I am kin to several soldiers. No matter what I'm here to listen. I may not know what the pain you went through is, or even how much it hurts now. But I will be there to listen if anyone needs it.

[@geoffwilliams4478]

I struggle with a learning disability and while I have never been able to join, even though I wanted to, I'm here to listen to whatever you're facing. Every road to healing begins with an open ear.

[@harryshriver6223]

Exactly 💯 correct 👏 👌 👍 we are all in this struggle together, brothers and sisters.

[@wolfeusmc2011]

Just remember...it's only a paper moon

[@epicsamurai5]

RIP Aron Eisenberg and RIP James Darren

[@RogerWaters95]

RIP James Darren, we'll all sing a tune for you pally

[@magnubeido832]

Pulled up this clip and was hoping someone would have commented on James Darren's passing. Thank you. RIP Mr. Darren..... We will always have a place for you at Vic's

[@Tubewings]

Vic's "smarter than the average bear" comment is a reference to Yogi Bear. It's also a bit of a shout-out, as James Darren had served as Yogi's singing voice in the film "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear!"

[@ryanperez5457]

Star Trek DS9 is truly being slept on. It is an absolute masterpiece.

[@blockmasterscott]

I never saw war, but I had a major nervous breakdown which resulted in me going to the hospital. I totally resonate with this scene. I was told that I was ok, but it took me weeks to recover.

[@blockmasterscott]

That happened to me too. Had a major nervous breakdown with a trip to the hospital, and took weeks to recover. I totally get it.

[@Bobsagetisshaft]

Rest in Peace Mr Darren you will always be the coolest cat in the gang.

[@WilliamBrothers]

I never forgot this scene. RIP James Darren

[@ghostrider-be9ek]

RIP both actors - amazing

[@davidlewis5312]

Top 10 best scenes in DS9, a fucking amazing piece of human drama in DS9 Ending with a beautiful line 'are you okay?' 'No, but I think I will be.' Bold Go Officer Nog, Boldly Go.

[@max2grant]

Definitely top 10 scenes in Trek, period. It’s up there with Spock death, and Garak and Sisko confrontation in “in the pale moonlight”

[@shadowpoet4398]

"No... But I will be" It does feel that way when we finally find out what's wrong with us. The relatability literally makes tears flow for me. The memories are always going to be there. They will never ever go away. But, we HAVE TO play the cards we're dealt. At least we're in the game. This was a good episode... PTSD sucks

[@abigails4088]

one of my personal mantras is "Life isn't about waiting for sunny days and clear skies... it's about learning to dance in the rain"

[@graceskerp]

Someone once said that you're on your way to recovery when you can remember without reliving.

[@ralalbatross]

@@abigails4088 Disagree. My personal mantra for this would be "Life isn't about waiting for clear skies. It's about learning to appreciate a bloody roof."

[@ezelkir]

Just saw this episode for the first time and ladies and gentlemen, holy shit

[@AlphaFramke42]

Holy shit is an understatement but yea. Just. Wow.

[@StryderK]

To get context, gotta watch Seige of AR466 first. Then immediately watch this episode, it’s only a Paper Moon. It hits much harder.

[@horseenthusiast9903]

Yeah :'(

[@CptCarlosRuiz]

Weren't expecting it, were you? Neither did we, watching it on broadcast TV the first time.

[@TakaComics]

One of my favorite, if not my favorite episode. So many people leave this one off of their "Top DS9 Episodes" lists and I always wonder why. Yeah, I know that "In the Pale Moonlight" is a masterful performance from Brooks and Robinson, but nothing hits you like Eisenberg's portrayal of Nog in this episode. You not only believe him, you feel it in your soul.

[@orvillemeadows3492]

RIP Aaron Eisenberg and James Darren

[@LeeKeels]

RIP James Darren

[@pxglee]

Another DS 9 treasure, who among us did not experience failure and the fear of engaging with reality? Love this Star trek

[@fgdj2000]

Nog was one of the most „human“ characters in Star Trek. And Aaron Eisenberg gave one hell of a performance, turning Nog from a sketchy side character to the awesome and truly inspiring creation he became (and also thanks to the amazing stories the writers gave him).

[@phillip_rogersjr]

Sleep in peace, James. You will be missed. Give Aron a hug for us ❤

[@crescentprincekronos2518]

This show had so many moments that put tears in my eyes. Bravo. There will never be another one like it.

[@arvurebantra7639]

"Are you ok?" "No, but I will be" That hits. That hits so hard and is so real.

[@theDouglar]

Rip, pally

[@alluringming]

Most consider original star trek or tng be best in series but i think ds9 was one of best ones. Nog acted more human than some of the characters and had good character development. He started out as a ferengie but grew over the series. Ds9 was one of the best star trek series i ever watched and tied with voyager on my list. Actor did good job with nog, god rest his soul.

[@departmentq]

His entire arc as a character was amazing; he went from essentially an illiterate street urchin, to a combat tested, experienced, and decorated Starfleet officer.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

I can’t get through Voyager. I know ppl enjoy it cuz they grew up with it but for one thing it’s never as human emotional and real like DS9. Ds9’s characters were so real all witj great arcs and realistic flaws

[@billyjackoff]

I liked that DS9 was able to go darker than TNG. TNG is like a warm cozy sweater, DS9 is an older, more worn version of that sweater that has a lot of character and a story to tell. TNG showed the more idyllic parts of the future, where DS9 showed that strife still exists in an ever expanding universe. DS9 requires a little more attention from the viewer because it's more serialized as opposed to TNGs episodic leanings. Love both, but when I finally got around to finishing DS9, it took TNG's spot for top Trek.

[@JettMann8]

The strongest people can be laid low by trauma. Aron deserved an Emmy for this performance alone. It isn't acting, this feels real as anything

[@Sm1ret]

Now, THIS is good writing. THIS is Stat Trek. I watched the first episode of ST:TOS when it aired, and DS9 is a great series in the vein of the original. Bravo. 😊

[@kerriwashington9896]

I loved this scene; not just because of Aron Eisenberg's performance, but it made sense that he vent his problems to Vic. If it was anyone else with the exception to Sisko, they would've stumbled trying to convince Nog to get on with his life. Being a program Vic told him what he needed to hear with little to no emotion. Nog needed that no-BS assessment.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Yes and it works becuz Vic was so open to him from the beginning, he gave him that breathing room to ignore his problems and just be able to have some sort of safe space. But he realised it went too far so he’s able to talk bluntly to him becuz he’s built up his trust and took the time to work with him that others weren’t. Its not mean, like it might come across if Ezri or Jake were demanding it, its instead really honest and heartfelt

[@DrewSavo]

This scene hits so hard after the news about Aron Eisenberg. Such a bittersweet moment. (For the love of mercy, PLEASE can NO-ONE comment with RIP or anything. Just like this comment if you agree.)

[@Bgh583]

Rot in hell.

[@Impulse154]

RIP

[@CasparSG]

Anything.

[@The0GamingHero]

RIP or anything

[@BlueBoy0]

RIP in peace

[@f1nalgambit381]

Even years later, this scene will bring out some sobbing in me. RIP Aron, you out there amongst the stars.

[@harryshriver6223]

A completely and totally emoving performance by the beloved Aron Eisenberg. The most powerful lines for me were Vick, you got to play the cards, life deals to you, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but at least you're in the game. When Nog answered Lena's question, "No, but I will be." It still brings me to tears every time as a veteran, exactly what I needed to hear, the truth, no bs or word salad. RIP Aron, vaya con Dios y en paz descansen, as Stephen King said, I know I'll miss him forever. 😢

[@LucifersAngel-mu4mw]

This has me in tears. I'm so crippled with anxiety that I can't sleep and this is making me feel brave enough to face the world again.

[@judeisurufernando674]

TL;DR:- DS9 is character over plot while Disco and Picard are about plot. This is the thing that STD and STP is missing. The war is the plot but really DS9 is about what the personal cost of it. From a boots on ground soldier like Nog to Ben Sisko, the tip of the spear. It's not interested in the next action scene or the next effects scene. It's not interested in the characters as a means for the plot. The characters are the plot. After 2 seasons, I still don't give two shits about Michael Burnham. But in this 1 hour episode that focused on Nog sincerely, I know him. Who he really is. I'd have loved to have seen the Voq/Ash Tyler story be more in this vein. Really focusing on what it cost him on a personal level. Maybe the baby could have been born and we had to see him sacrifice any chance of being involved in his son's future for the cause. The toll it takes on not just him but his wife too. To see the man she loves now saying he doesn't even remember anything about their relationship much less a son. And he's now the enemy. She has to kill the love of her life. Instead, we got vague characterization with the focus being the next twist and the next plot element. Take notes from this Kurtzman & co.

[@GetterRay]

Both shows are dark, which is why I hate it when people simplify the problems with STP and STD by just saying that they're bad because they're dark, grim or edgy. DS9 did it in a smart way that explored characters beyond the stoic facade of the TNG cast. Dark Star Trek is good Star Trek, even during TOS.

[@devo076]

The characters are why I believe DS9 is the best Trek.

[@Mr_Bunk]

Oh, fuck off. How dare you use the finest DS9 has to offer just to mindlessly slag off other shows that are trendy to hate on. Shame on you.

[@jeffreyolin626]

@@Mr_Bunk Huzzah. He sounds like those in 1986 who bitched about the bald British guy sitting in Kirk's chair. Disco (only petaQ's call it "STD") has had some fine moments and I really like La Sirena and most of her crew.

[@jeffreyolin626]

@@meowpurrrrr There are many who don't like DS9. They are stupid, but they exist. If you watched Disco (not "STD", petaQ) and Picard, you would not be such a Denebian Slime Devil about them. They aren't perfect, but when was the last time you watched a Pre-Beard episode of TNG? That was some rough Targ manure. A Double Dumbass On You.

[@wristdisabledwriter2893]

Rip Aaron. I always loved you as nog

[@gillisleathwood1223]

Vic was a fun side character to me at first, but this episode really showed sold me on him being on the same level as the regular cast. I don’t think anyone could have done this role better than James Darren. Rest in peace, pally.

[@Costelad]

Acting excellence from people who started as side characters. This is what makes ensemble shows so damn great.

[@ThePhychoHero]

“It always seems a bit abstract, doesn’t it? Other people dying.” - Tyrion Lannister

[@itsOasus]

First Nog was gone... Now Vic too... RIP James Darren.

[@Degamer422]

Fun fact Nog is actually one of a couple of people including Kirk to beat the Kobe Oshie Marue . From a certain point of view.

[@s.31.l50]

Well he broke the program by bargaining, so I’d definitely call it a win.

[@TakaComics]

@@s.31.l50 They didn't really expect a Ferengi to join Starfleet when they made the scenario XD

[@JamesDunn-sk2sj]

This episode has helped me out with my struggles with PTSD. It is okay to not be okay. Because one day I will be okay.

[@warrenreid6109]

This had to been written by a war vet.

[@Redshirt434]

It was directed by one.

[@CrystalKingdomGeneral4942]

"Are you ok?" "No. But I will be." So prominent. These days, people who tell you "I'm ok" are more than likely lying. The sheer guts it takes to say "no" to that question but still have hope that you'll be better sooner or later is absurd. I keep hearing that "I'm fine" is the most repeated lie. And from what I've been seeing, that seems to be very true. Aron and James, rest well.

[@stevemyopinion423]

that speech could be said by solder of ww1 or 2, or well any war, that the speech of a solder.

[@3Rayfire]

This was the second time they touched on it too, Jake had to confront those same terrors in "Nor Battle to the Strong" as a civilian on the battlefield.

[@blackbird4046]

It takes great courage to admit that you're afraid.

[@cthulhluftagn3812]

Nog would later go on to be the first ferengi admiral of starfleet.

[@tenkenroo]

It’s brilliant that ds9 took the time to show the smaller players and how the war effected them. Aaron eisenberg was an amazing actor it’s s shame we lost him. He played this character well

[@CptCarlosRuiz]

That hug at the end ... I get teary every time.

[@andrewblanchard2398]

WAR IS HELL

[@geoffwilliams4478]

They had this discussion in M*A*S*H. "Who goes to hell, Father?" Mulchahy-"Sinners, I suppose." "Thats the difference. War is war and Hell is Hell. In Hell, there are no innocent bystanders."

[@dars5229]

Life is scary. Nobody grows up thinking "Hey, I hope I end up needing a cane to get around in my thirties." None of my grandparents used a cane. Neither of my parents do. But I had bad luck. You don't get to choose what happens to you in life. You only get to decide how you deal with it.

[@LordyT34]

Aron Eisenberg did a phenomenal job, but let's not forget how great Vic Fontains actor was

[@MichaelWhiteGaming]

Aron Eisenberg's finest hour.

[@hpa2005]

Agreed, he knocked it out of the park in this episode.

[@txbluesguy]

Nog is one of the best character arcs in DS9.

[@stephenbyrne2170]

I may very-well never know what kind of horrors Nog and Mariner have seen, or what they've really lost. But that, is exactly why people like them, are so important.

[@1AstralKing]

That family embrace was so wholesome.

[@iancolthart6676]

Reminded a bit of Rambo's monologue from the end of "First Blood"

[@billybegood466]

I love how Quark was the first one to move in to receive the hug.

[@cmbaz1140]

This is the moment when the boy became a man...

[@johnfoltz8183]

Nog looks snazzy in that tux

[@thomasbarca9297]

Nog showing his PTSD is amazing

[@E-Brightvoid]

Gotta roll the dice

[@greencello599]

I'm not an expert of PTSD. I never had, to my knowledge. There are places and activities that I avoid due to bad memories or experiences, but nothing traumatic. I can't imagine what PTSD is like. What I do know is that it doesn't go away over night, if at all. There is no special treatment that makes it better. When Vic shut down the program, he was reluctant but he knew that Nog needed to face reality. War is horrible. It should be avoided until it can't be avoided. Nog began his Starfleet career as an over eager Ensign who thought he was invincible. Every soldier, pilot, marine, and sailor has that mindset until it is either beaten out of them in bootcamp or something happens to them proving them wrong. I'm sure I'm going to butcher this, but there was a scene from Band of Brothers where Captain Spiers confronts a scared soldier and tells him that his biggest mistake in the war was believing that he was still alive. Spiers says further that once this soldier accepted that he was already dead, then he would be effective in combat. The soldier was of course still alive, but his mindset kept him from being a better soldier. Nog began his true recovery once he stepped out of the holosuite. With the support of his father, stepmother, and uncle, Nog was able to become a better version of himself. He owed the start of that, though, to Vic.

[@greenseaships]

Of all the Star Trek 'homes' I think I would want to live on DS9 surrounded by these people. Everywhere you look there's a favorite character to talk to.

[@Degamer422]

That’s why he’s one of my favorite artificial intelligence is

[@Slopmaster]

I love that they had an hologram who didn’t go crazy. In fact, Quark’s holosuites were rarely trouble for the station.

[@lumalilies]

"are you okay" "no. but i will be"

[@RedIcebergz]

Amazing moment to an amazing episode.

[@MarkGuerrero-cz9bh]

this episode solidified DS9 as the best star trek series for me

[@mooniejohnson]

I'm not crying, *you're* crying! 😭

[@jeremymacdonald6687]

bravery is doning something when your scared out of your mind and you still go and do it.

[@Jameson-h8e]

Leeta loves Nog like a son

[@DoremiFasolatido1979]

Nog and Garak are the best characters on the show. The two of them each had the most long and significant development arcs of any other.

[@OhManTFE]

RIP Aron. This episode was the most memorable of DS9 for me. Incredible scene here with a great life lesson to takeaway.

[@MrBadBoy2105]

Nog was my favorite character

[@YukonWilleh]

I dont get through this episode witout crying at least twice. I honestly think its the best episode of anything from the 90s

[@IsiahTomas]

I've been looking for this scene specifically forever.

[@eliunger16]

This is the best example of ptsd I have ever on a tv show.

[@IronDino]

3:10 "Are you okay?" "No, but I will be."