3.13 — “Déjà Q”
Plot: A moon threatens to fall out of orbit onto Bre’el IV, devastating the indigenous population. After discovering its tractor beams aren’t strong enough to move the moon, the Enterprise flails around trying to find a way to save the planet. Onto the scene appears Q, who requests sanctuary claiming he has been rendered mortal by the Continuum and stripped of his powers. Is Q responsible for the predicament of the planet? What new trouble will he cause for the ship?
Thoughts: What a clever teleplay–funny and full of sharp lines. The sharp script makes the episode work well, despite having a so-so story. The teleplay balances humor expertly with pathos, such as with Data’s line to Q, “You have achieved in disgrace what I have always aspired to be.” The quality of the script supports tour de force performances from John de Lancie and Brent Spiner, who have never been better. I’d like to have a GIF of Data laughing at the end.
Touching and thought-provoking may be a first for the Q character. I also love the Mariachi scene.
My favorite line might be this:
RIKER: I don’t need your fantasy women.
Q: Oh, you’re so stolid, Commander. You weren’t like that before the beard.
LOL! Burn! or, perhaps:
Q: I’m not good in groups. It’s difficult working in a group when you’re omnipotent.
My nitpicks: there is no powder room in the brig, which is pointed out by the theme of adjusting to human functions. The technobabble from Geordi seems unusually painful. Hm–wouldn’t the movement of the moon play havoc with the the planet’s tides?
Also, I would have preferred if Guinan had socked Q in the jaw, instead of stabbing him in the hand, which immediately raises the question of why Q does not immediately need to seek medical attention. That he would be able to quickly shrug off such an injury undercuts the realism bought in the more closely observed earlier scenes.
Still, I’ll be happy if the rest of the episodes this season are half as clever.
4 of 5 chocolate sundaes for dinner.
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