I have expressed bemusement at the addition of holographic lounge siner Vic Fontaine to the series. Episodes focusing on his character feel awkward amid the Dominion War story arc. That is with the exception of “It’s Only a Paper Moon.” In this case, Vic fits in very well as Nog’s unofficial therapist. Nog returns from months of rehab with an artificial leg after losing his real leg in “The Siege of AR558.” Sisko would like to welcome him back as a hero, but Nog declines. He is stumbling along with a cane, claims his leg hurts even though there is nothing physically wrong with his prosthesis, and prefers to sulk in his quarters. Sisko relieves him of duty so he can.
Nog sits in his quarters all day listening to Vic’s recording of “I’ll Be Seeing You,” a world War Ii era classic that Bashir played for him I the makeshift infirmary on AR558 right after his leg had been amputated. It drives Jake crazy, so Nog goes to Vic’s lounge I order to hear him sing the song I person. He asks Vic to sing twelve diferent arrangements.
Nog decides to stay in Vic’s holographic world. Ezri, Nog’s counselor, is wary, but goes along with it. Nog still is not adjusting well and after an altercation with Jake, Vic kicks him out. He apologizes later, and Vic gives him something constructive to do--examine his finances. As Nog starts feeling more useful, he relies less on his cane until Vic shuts his program off altogether in order to force him back into the real world. It works.
As one who has had to adjust to major life changes due to health issues, I can empathize with Nog. His grieving process is done accurately and well. This is what a bottle show is supposed to be. It is an emotionally engaging character study so involving, you do not notice the minimalist setting. Deep Space Nine rarely does that well, but here, it hits all the marks.
Fun noe: Vic describes himself as smarter than the average bear to Nog when he figures out how to keep the Ferengi from activating his program. That is Yogi bear’s signature line. James Darren voiced Yogi in the Hey There, it’s Yogi Bear.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
