Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Ranking Every Major Character Worst To Best

Vic Fontaine, played by James Darren, was something of a love him or hate him character. He appeared late into the show's sixth season, standing out straight away as a lounge singer who knows he's a hologram in a far off space station. His first task on the show is to set up Odo and Kira, something he manages where no one else had succeeded.

His sporadic appearances over the next season would allow for little mini-breaks in the action, offering just a few moments of lightness in the dark. His two greatest appearances both fall in season seven.

The first, pictured above, concerns his attempts to help Nog recover from the trauma of losing his leg. For a time, Vic falls into Nog's fantasy of expanding the lounge and living a fuller life, before realising he is just enabling Nog's own fears. He guides the young Ferengi through the pain of re-adjusting to real life.

His second triumph comes after his battle against Frankie-Eyes, the mobster-turned-hotel owner. Vic is tossed out on his backside, leading to one of the most fun episodes of the entire series. The main crew, dressed in black tie and ready to play, take on the casino and save the day.

While the character of Vic may not have worked for some viewers, Darren injects him with such life and vigour that it is hard not to hum along with him when he belts out a classic.