1.7 — “Q-Less”
Plot: A trip to the Gamma Quadrant turns up Vash, missing for two years, collecting artifacts in lands beyond the reaches of human ingenuity. Quark is anxious to become her business partner in the sale of these items. Meanwhile, Q appears on DS9 and begs Vash to reunite with him.
Thoughts: Here’s an example of an episode that isn’t that good, but still has some nice touches.
I love the beginning scene with Bashir where he talks about how good his grades were in medical school in order to seduce women, revealing himself to be a self-absorbed jerk. Yet he manages to be charming when he meets Vash, somehow making you root for him. I like how much he loves cous-cous. The gag at the end where he wakes up is clever and funny.
Kira only has a few seconds to play in this episode, and I love her in every one of them. Nana Visitor really knows how to steal a scene!
There are other good moments, like Sisko’s KO in the boxing match. “Picard never hit me.” “I’m not Picard.”
But… the Quark storyline is dull. There’s no particular meaning to the sums of money being thrown around, and Odo is right–there’s no reason for Quark, or Vash, to desire them.
Q is unconvincing as a lovesick puppy, and he has no other reason than lovesickness to be present. The business with him not letting Vash unpack is clever, but ultimately this scene, and this episode, fails to meaningfully involve any of the regular cast members or advance any interesting ideas.
Still a good enough show–but I think DS9 was in need of a Q guest appearance less than they thought.
3 of 5 necklaces from the Gamma Quadrant.
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