It's Only a Paper Moon

Nog returns to DS9 and struggles to deal with life after combat.

This is a very strong episode that makes great use of characters that the writers traditionally use in supporting roles. It is also a powerful way to follow up the events on 'The Siege of AR-558' with some consequence to the events depicted. (I think it actually makes that episode seem even better on reflection)

The plot effectively portrays Nog's mental health in a bad place and how he seeks solace in the holodeck. This is a strong idea developed well by the writers and filmmakers.

Aaron Eisenberg gives one of his best performances and is supported very well by James Darren.

As a leg amputee it is refreshing to see a sci-fi show actually show what it is like dealing with phantom pain & adjusting after an amputation surgery. From the phantom pain, adjusting to how people look at your prosthetic & relearning how to walk. Plus it has Vic Fontaine in it. Love that Rat pack sound.

"It's Only a Paper Moon" is an episode that surprised me for two reasons. First, while I never understood why the show used the Vic Fontaine (James Darren) character, here he works fine. Second, I was shocked how good Aron Eisenberg was in this episode as he showed a much greater sense of depth to Nog than we'd ever seen before in the show.

When the show begins, Nog has finally returned to the station after losing his leg in battle. While the crew is prepared to celebrate his return, Nog has no interest in this and he quickly departs for the holosuite. He is on medical leave and he plans on spending all of it hanging out with Vic in 1962 Las Vegas. However, over time, it becomes very obvious that Nog is avoiding dealing with his emotional scars and he cannot hide from everyone forever.

I was seriously shocked that "Star Trek: Deep Space 9" could deliver a really good show about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder--especially with a Ferengi going through the trauma. After all, through the course of the show, the Ferengi were mostly there as comic relief and the diminutive Nog isn't most folks' idea of a soldier. Still, due to excellent writing and Eisenberg's performance, it turns out to be one of the best shows of the final season. Well worth seeing.

Ferengi episodes are notorious for being cringy. But not this one. Seeing Nog at his worst portrays some of the characters best moments. The character development with see with Nog is relatable and all too real to so many of us who have had traumatic experiences. It's a nod to our soldiers recovering from PTSD and any other folks that are going through hard times. Not many Trek episodes hit close to home and work as therapy for viewers in its own way. This one pulls on some heartstrings and remind us what's important about being human (or Ferengi), the struggles life can bring and how we overcome them.

This episode was quite the high point in not just the season, or even the series, but in the Star Trek universe - as well as television itself. As others have pointed out, it is excellent writing dealing with PTSD with a very unique sci-fi enhanced twist. I imagine many counselors today could make good use of a holosuite for patient therapy.

I particularly liked the song choices of this episode. The title song, "It's Only a Paper Moon" speaks of a make-believe world - just like a holosuite. Then, after Nog informs Vic that his program will run continuously, a program that Vic has complete control over (as Chief O'Brien points out), he sings "I've Got the World on a String," which mirrors the control he has over his own holographic world.

I'm on the fence about Vic's use of one particular slang word - "crazy." I mean, we are talking about a man's mental health here! It works ok here, so well that he said it twice, but I still winced a bit both times. There's another word Vic uses, however, that I just can't get enough of - his new nickname for Nog: Noggles!

A quick comment on something in the "goofs" section. A martini is usually served in a martini glass with a stem. However, a martini on the rocks is not. Nog did not say "on the rocks" when he gave his drink choice to Jake, but perhaps that's how he usually orders them. A good bartender would know that, and suggest it that way if he knew Jake was ordering the drink for Nog.

I thought Nog asked Vic an excellent question, "When you sleep, do you dream?" I'm curious to know the answer. Just how detailed is his programming? Sadly, Vic offers no insight since he didn't answer the question.

Overall, this is one of the most memorable episodes of the series for me. I thought the writing deserved an Emmy award, though IMDb mentions no awards for this episode. James Darren gives his best performance as Vic - which is really saying something. I'm a big fan, even though I don't usually listen to this type of music. And then there's Aron Eisenberg. He is always amazing as Nog (in my opinion), but I think this time he deserved an Emmy. Too bad the Emmys rarely notice acting in a sci-fi series, especially since this one was from syndication (often overlooked completely).

And how cool was it that this episode was carried by two recurring characters? The main cast took the supporting roles, leaving center stage to Vic Fontaine and Noggles.