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Post by Technomage on Jan 24, 2002 23:59:29 GMT -5
What did you think of the character Q – did you like him or loathe him? Although the idea of a virtually omnipotent being having a recurring role in Star Trek, didn’t really appeal, I must say I enjoyed nearly all the episodes he was in – except ‘Encounter at Farpoint’, of course. Despite the rather comical aspects to the storylines involving Q, I always found them to be interesting observations on the human perspective. The way Q and Picard were played off against each other was another reason for theses episodes to be so entertaining, especially since Picard never gave poor old Q an inch of leeway. Then there was the Riker/Q aspect, the way these two bounced off each other seemed as though they were just a couple of old friends having a laugh, maybe even at the expense of an unsuspecting Picard. Of course, if it hadn’t been for Q, we wouldn’t have been introduced to the Borg and think how dull Star Trek would be without them around. Plus it was always fun to see Q deal to a nasty alien race, in that special way only he could. ;D One thing’s for sure, there was never a dull moment when Q was around. ;D
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Post by UltimateTrekker on Jan 25, 2002 9:49:04 GMT -5
Don't forget one of my fav Q lines (to worf)
Eat any good books lately?
Q? What is there NOT to love about him.
They tried him in DS9 (Q-less) and luckily they didn't try again. It just wasn't the same.
They put him in Voyager (Deathwish). Very good. But, the Q & the Grey was a bit forced, and while Q2 gave us a bit more 7of9 skin, but was generally just... I don't know. Too cute.
The worst Q (TNG) episode has to be Q-pid (where he puts them in Sherwood forest with Piccard as Robin.) Although it did bring out another great Worf line:
I do protest, I am not a MERRY MAN!
Encounter was weak but at least it had reasons for being weak. The best Q episode would be either Deja-Q or True-Q I don't hardly count All Good Things, becuase it was SO great that it's just not comparable.
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Post by Christina on Jan 26, 2002 3:52:53 GMT -5
He was okay, but just too powerful. Okay they gave the character flaws, but the concept of an entire race so long lived they'd become static was eventually yuk.
A comic foil when used properly but that's all.
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Post by Elric3960 on Jan 27, 2002 0:24:48 GMT -5
I disagree with your take on the Riker/Q aspect, Technomage. I thought the exchange between Riker and Picard in that ep reflected a learning experience for Riker on how limited even near-omnipotent beings can be. Especially when they deal with unpredictable humans:
Riker: How did you know, sir? I feel like such an idiot! Picard: Quite right. So you should.
I particularly liked "Tapestry." Picard got to be an anti-George Bailey and Q got to be an anti-Clarence in the "It's a Wonderful Life" sense. Instead of having a reason to live a safe life, Picard chose to risk death. Instead of giving Picard a pleasant alternative, Q gives him shattered dreams and a boring life without any hope for personal or profesional advancement as an alternative to that risk. Even Picard could appreciate the lesson he learned by this, despite his dislike for the "teacher."
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Post by Technomage on Jan 27, 2002 2:19:10 GMT -5
I wasn't actually referring to any particular episode with my Riker/Q observation, it was just a general impression I got whenever these two interacted. There always seemed to be something more going on between them than met the eye - then again I could be over-analyzing the whole thing!
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Post by Hermione on Jan 28, 2002 1:19:33 GMT -5
Up until "The Q and the Gray," he was one of my favorites. But I dislike "Q2" even more than "Q-Pid"--if I wanted to watch an Afterschool Special, I'd watch an Afterschool Special.
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Post by Elric3960 on Jan 28, 2002 3:32:31 GMT -5
I wasn't actually referring to any particular episode with my Riker/Q observation, it was just a general impression I got whenever these two interacted. There always seemed to be something more going on between them than met the eye - then again I could be over-analyzing the whole thing! I got that, Technomage. I was just saying that your take on their relationship differed from mine, that's all, and I was using the ep when Riker was offered the power of the Q as an example of my viewpoint. If you have an example that supports yours, I would be happy to read it and would by no means judge it as "over-analysis."
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Post by UltimateTrekker on Jan 28, 2002 8:56:15 GMT -5
Tech, did you see Hide and Q (Ep 111, season 1), (The ep Elric is referring to)
If not, THAT may be what was going on between Q and Riker that you didn't understand.
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Post by Elric3960 on Jan 28, 2002 11:51:51 GMT -5
^^^As usual, you're right on target, UT! That's exactly what my point was, they "shared a history" instead of an inside joke from which Picard was excluded.
Thanks for clarifying it. I have yet to remember all of the names of TNG episodes. Maybe after I've purchased VHS tapes or watched them for 20 years like TOS.....
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Post by UltimateTrekker on Jan 28, 2002 12:03:51 GMT -5
Or if you're a complete dork and make it a point memorize them (espcially the Q episodes).
But you probably DON'T want to be a complete dork, (Like Some people we know
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Post by Elric3960 on Jan 28, 2002 12:25:43 GMT -5
Please don't sell yourself short, UT.
Your knowledge of all things Trek is something to be proud of, not a source of shame or ridicule.
Youth is a quality old coots like me tend to forget about until we watch shows like the Treks. Money, time and laziness are the only things that prevent me from following them with the gusto and style that you use, UT. Don't ever lose it or forget the importance of it.
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Post by UltimateTrekker on Jan 28, 2002 12:54:31 GMT -5
I'm not sure if I was just complimented or insulted?? Maybe just a little of both
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Post by Mentat_Tir on Jan 28, 2002 13:11:05 GMT -5
They tried him in DS9 (Q-less) and luckily they didn't try again. It just wasn't the same. Did anyone see the Weakest Link with the Trek characters? I though it was interesting that John De Lancie said, "I played the character of Q on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Voyager." Did Deep Space 9 just slip his mind?
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Post by StolenThunder on Jan 28, 2002 13:39:48 GMT -5
Well, quite possibly... It wasn't a classic episode...
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Post by UltimateTrekker on Jan 28, 2002 13:59:12 GMT -5
Possible. (as Chairman Kaga would say) If memory serves me...
The DS9 episode (Q-Less) and TNG episode (Q-Pid) were aired just 1 or 2 weeks apart (likely first they showed Q-Pid and then went.. BTW TNGers, Q will be on DS9 NEXT week!)
That means they were filmed together and he may have just filed it in the back of his mind as 1 filming session since he never appeared again.
Also, maybe he didn't bother mentioning it, kinda like Picardo didn't mention he was also in First Contact since he wasn't as prominant.
Now to check sources... Oops I was off. Q-less was aired Feb 7th, 93 TAPESTRY was aired Feb 15th, 93
Q-Pid was the one where Vash LEFT with Q... I should have though about that. Q-Less is when she ran away from him.
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