“Star Trek: Deep House 9” is exclusive within the “Star Trek” canon for a lot of causes, not least of which was the dimensions of its ensemble. In 1966, solely three of the unique present’s actors have been credited as leads (William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley). In 1987, “Star Trek: The Subsequent Era” had a fairly wholesome seven-person troupe, all of them sharing prime billing. Whereas “Deep House 9” solely had eight of its actors listed above the road, the present was so formidable and expansive that it ended up with over two dozen lead characters.
Living proof was Nog (the late Aron Eisenberg). Nog, a Ferengi, was launched within the “Deep House 9” pilot because the irascible, trouble-making nephew of Quark (Armin Shimerman), a bar-owner and legit felony. Nog would finally turn out to be greatest associates with Jake (Cirroc Lofton), the son of the area station’s commanding officer, Ben Sisko (Avery Brooks). Over the course of the sequence, Nog would develop up, turn out to be the primary Ferengi to turn out to be a Starfleet officer, lose a limb in combat (!), and be taught essential classes about trauma from a holographic 1960s lounge singer.
In a 2018 oral historical past for Syfy, Eisenberg talked concerning the first time he auditioned to play Nog, and the way he was unexpectedly jumped in by Ron Surma, the present’s casting director. Eisenberg, you see, knew little or no about “Star Trek” when he was made conscious of the function, so he did not but know what a Ferengi was, how they behaved, or the function they performed within the bigger “Star Trek” universe. Eisenberg was given some homework earlier than the audition by Surma, and the actor revealed that he was glad he did it. However Surma sprung a trick query on him by asking him what species he was taking part in.
The Deep House 9 casting director quizzed Aron Eisenberg over what species he was going to play throughout his audition
To supply some context: Ferengi have been first launched in “Subsequent Era” as an antagonistic alien species, however finally morphed into semi-comedic imps. The Ferengi nonetheless operated in an outmoded capitalist society, with their politics and faith all centered totally on the acquisition of wealth. Another context for the under story: One other character on “Deep House 9,” Dax (Terry Farrell) was of a species called the Trill, a race of those who generally had long-lived, hyperintelligent wormlike beings surgically implanted of their abdomens. The character of the Trill host would merge with its symbiote.
When Eisenberg went in to audition for Nog, he knew it was going to be big. “Star Trek,” in spite of everything, was a serious media franchise, and “Subsequent Era” was a big hit for Paramount. Eisenberg was desirous to be a part of one thing so profitable, particularly as soon as he realized he was auditioning for a recurring function; this was no one-episode surprise. However, as talked about, Eisenberg knew nothing about “Star Trek” or its in-universe lore.
He remembered it like this:
“I went in and met Ron Surma. I used to be blessed he was in my nook. I am positive he most likely gave the identical to the opposite actors that auditioned as a result of he is a good human being, however he introduced me in and requested me, ‘Have you learnt what a Ferengi is?’ I mentioned, ‘I do not know.’ And he gave me a VHS tape to go residence and watch, and likewise gave me the script so I may put together and skim the pilot. I went residence and skim the script. To all the opposite actors on the market: In the event that they ever offer you a script, learn it!”
Clever phrases.
Eisenberg acquired the function as a result of he knew the distinction between a Ferengi and a Trill
Eisenberg was particularly given the “Subsequent Era” episode “The Final Outpost,” which featured the primary look of the Ferengi. In that look, the Ferengi have been much more troll-like, hunching over and hissing and lashing folks with high-tech whips. The episode gave Eisenberg an excellent primer. Extra importantly, although, Eisenberg was given a complete script to learn. Not simply his scenes, however your complete script. Eisenberg learn your complete factor, which he mentioned was a good move.
He sat down within the audition room throughout from producer David Luvingston, Surma, and several other others, intimidated by the state of affairs. However he was clever. As Eisenberg recalled:
“It was a brief scene, and this is why it’s best to learn the script: Once I sat down, David Livingston, one of many producers and administrators of the present, was sitting instantly throughout from me. He goes, ‘So you will have a worm in your physique?’ I mentioned, ‘Nope, I am not taking part in a Trill. I am taking part in Nog, the Ferengi.’ And he goes, ‘Good job.’ It was good that I learn it, as a result of I used to be capable of not seem like an fool within the audition. It was a examine in my field. Learn the script, since you by no means know if they will take a look at you.”
Eisenberg handed the take a look at. One wonders if different actors failed the identical take a look at. Regardless, Eisenberg acquired the half and performed Nog by means of your complete sequence, and it was as a result of he knew the distinction between a Ferengi and a Trill. Eisenberg handed away in 2019 on the age of fifty. He’s deeply mourned by Trekkies and associates all over the place.
