3.13 Deja Q

Rating: 4.5

While Geordi and team attempt to deflect a rogue moon from colliding with Brayel 4, Q beams aboard the bridge naked. Stripped of his powers by the Continuum, he must adapt to being mortal.

Comments

This would probably be the best episode so far. Not only is it hilarious, but its examination of human nature is fascinating.

The Asian-esque quality of the Brayel 4 aliens reminded me of the obviously Asian-esque aliens from the movie Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

When Counselor Troi is unhappy, she usually eats something chocolate – at least that’s what Data tells Q.

Nits

When the Calamaraine attack the second time, everyone on the bridge lurches forward (at slightly different moments), except for Riker, who lurches backward.

Memorable Moments

•    When Guinan enters the room to confront Q, the ‘threatening’ background music is excellent.

•    When Riker says, "A life form," the background music is quite evocative.

•    There’s a nice overhead shot when the Enterprise enters Brayel 4’s atmosphere.

•    Q’s little speech to Data (when Data is incapacitated) is moving.

•    Data’s laughing fit is very funny and well-handled by Brent Spiner.

Quotable Quotes

"Red alert!"
- Q, upon crash-landing naked on the bridge

Troi: I am sensing an emotional presence, Captain. I would normally describe it as…terrified.
Q: How rude!

Q: What must I do to convince you people [that I am mortal]?
Worf: Die.
Q: Oh, very clever, Worf. Eat any good books lately?

Guinan: Just one of the boys, eh?
Q: One of the boys with an IQ of 2005.

Guinan: Frightening one race after the other, teasing them like frightened animals, and you enjoying every moment of your victim’s fears.
Q: From now on, I’ll do missionary work, okay?

Picard: What did you do to them, Q?
Q: Oh, nothing…bizarre. Nothing…grotesque.
Riker: You tormented them.
Q: A subjective term, Riker. One creature’s torment is another creature’s delight. They simply have no sense of humor, a character flaw with which you can personally identify.
Riker: I say we turn him over to them.
Q: I take it back. You do have a sense of humor, a dreadful one at that.
Riker: I’m serious.

Data: And of more immediate importance, is your ability to work within groups.
Q: I’m not good in groups. It’s difficult to work in a group when you’re omnipotent.
(I’ve had a few bosses like this)

"It is a joke. A joke on me, a joke of the universe. The King who would be Man."
- Q

"But if it means anything to you, you’re a better human than I."
- Q to Data

"It’s a perfectly good shuttlecraft."
- Picard explaining to Riker why he is saving Q

Q: I’m immortal again, omnipotent again!
Riker: Swell.
Q: Don’t fret, Riker, my good fortune is your good fortune.
Riker: I don’t need your fantasy women.
Q: Oh, you’re so stolid! You weren’t like that before the beard!