Final Speech and the death of Li Nalas

[Captrek]

The Final Speech trope is a pet peeve of mine. It is rarely used to good effect (Spock’s death in TWOK being one of those rare occasions). Yet the trope is used so consistently one would think it were the law. It is extremely rare to see a beloved character killed in the manner of Tasha or Wash. (Even Tasha cheated, getting her Final Speech by means of a hologram she had recently recorded in anticipation of her death.)

Why am I posting about this on a DS9 board? To gripe about what I consider a particularly egregious instance of the trope, the death of Li Nalas.

I liked that character. Though he felt he hadn’t lived the life of a hero, he certainly died the death of a hero.

If the shot that killed him had been a more realistic instant kill, it would have been a satisfying end to the character. Our last image of him would have been the image of him jumping on Day’s gun to save Sisko. Instead, our last image of the character has him lying on his back talking (perhaps with tongue in cheek) about how he had dodged responsibility. I don’t know how to defend the use of the trope in this instance unless Piller and Kolbe believed they were legally required to do so.

Does anyone here feel differently? Does the manner in which he died work more effectively than an instant kill would? Why?

 

[Distorted Humor]

I think DS9 proved that earlier with Duet, where is much more powerful that Marritza just gasps, falls on his back, looks around, and dies, and Kira, a living character, does the "final speech" over his dead body.

 

[defiantfan]

I thought it was well done b/c he had confided in Sisko about being free or off the hook. He wasn't comfortable in a heroes shoes. My regret with him dying is that I was very impressed with Treat Williams performance. His monologue about his mistaken efforts was fantastic.

 

[Ln X]

It was a good final speech, if you could call that. Yeah Treat Williams was amazing, and I was rather wrapt with quite few bits of his performance. Especially the bit where Nalas explains to Sisko how he became a hero ('I'd killed a Cardassian in his underware' it would be almost comic if it weren't so serious). Usually when someone starts explaining stuff about their personal life (in length) I tend to switch off, but for some reason Williams made it interesting (or perhaps the writers did or both).

 

[CorporalCaptain]

Treat Williams? Don't you all mean Richard Beymer?

@OP: The problem is the selection of last words. Those chosen here by Piller are awful.

Li: Off the hook, after all. (and dies)

IMO, better last words would have been

Li: I wish I could have lived. (and dies)

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Li: It was...fun. Oh my. (and dies)

 

[Ln X]

Li: At least I didn't die wearing only my underpants. (dies)

 

[Distorted Humor]

Li: At least I didn't die wearing only my underpants. (dies)

nerys has the best ridges ever....(dies)

 

[CorporalCaptain]

Now we're talking.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Li: Rosebud.... (dies)