Series: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 3, Episode 13
Original Air Date: February 5, 1990
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| via Memory Beta |
Bre'el IV's moon is falling from its orbit and is threatening to crash into the planet, certain to kill millions. The Enterprise is on hand to do whatever it can to prevent the disaster. But that's not the central story. Q turns up. He's been stripped of his powers by the continuum and has chosen to live his new, mortal life as a human. He picks the Enterprise as his landing spot as he considers Picard to be his only true friend. Aww....
"Déjà Q" tends to do well on best episodes lists. Obviously, other people feel differently about Q than I do. As previously discussed, I find him annoying. The fan boys (who generally have a more favorable attitude towards the character than I) praise the episode for its comedy. I guess it's not the sort of humor I appreciate, at least not that I'm eager for from Star Trek. Though I will admit, it's genuinely funny when he orders ten chocolate sundaes as comfort food.
To be clear, my issue is with the character, not the actor. Major props to John de Lancie for doing his own nude work in his entrance scene. Apparently, they tried it with a G-string and it didn't sell. So, de Lancie went full monty. He cannot be faulted for lack of commitment to craft!
Acting Notes
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| via Dubbing Wikia |
Richard Cansino plays the part of Dr. Garin, one of the scientists on Bre'el IV. Cansino was born August 10, 1953 in Los Angeles. He is mostly known as a voice actor, particularly for English adaptations of Japanese anime, including Rurouni Kenshin, Naruto and Trigun. Professionally, he has also used the name Richard Hayworth because he is the nephew of screen goddess Rita Hayworth (née Cansino). I mean, who wouldn't?
On screen roles have been few. Beyond Trek, he made guest appearances on Hannah Montana and Scrubs.
I like Star Trek ❤
ReplyDeleteI am one who loves Q because of John De Lancie. He plays that character so well, like a petulant child...maybe one reason why you dislike the character...because he is a brat. I didn't know he did the full Monty for this..hahaha.
ReplyDeleteTo me, Q is a cat who plays too long with his mouse before finally killing it. He's not so much childish as mean. A cat doesn't know better. A Q-entity should!
DeleteI will concede, de Lancie is a class act.
I do believe Rita Hayworth was called the love Goddess and top pinup for GI's during WW2
ReplyDeleteAnd, of course, that fact features prominently in Shawshank Redemption.
DeleteThe only problem I had with Q was how Picard was able to defeat him so easily. I mean Q was supposed to be omnipotent and a mere human sent him home with his tail between his legs.
ReplyDeleteI, and several others, have an idea that Q was just a super-advanced being trying to get the Federation ready for the Borg. That the early Q encounters were him laying the groundwork.
With the Federation riding high in the 24th century believing their shit didn't stink; the Borg would have assimilated the entire quadrant with Starfleet still trying to communicate.
It's an interesting perspective. I still think he's just playing with his food.
DeleteI have vague memories of this episode, mostly the concept of it. I don't remember if I liked it or not.
ReplyDeleteOkay.
DeleteIt is not that I don't like Star Trek just never had the chance to watch. I do know the Japanese Anime better.
ReplyDeleteI was a little busy with other things in the '90s so I missed a lot, Trek-wise. Making up for lost time now. Of course, this is now my third time through TNG...
DeleteI would love to explore anime more and really, considering my broader interests, I definitely should. Do you have a favorite?
I try to shy away from terms like “fanboy.” Be that as it may, of course I love Q. He was kind of Picard’s opposite number. Arrogantly sophisticated where Picard was (or had become) humble. This is arguably the first time Q really felt natural, where he could just be himself. Arguably his single best spotlight (though not necessarily his best episode).
ReplyDeleteWe can call it something else but there is definitely a collective understanding among a dominant segment of the Internet chatter crowd, no matter the fandom. They're like the priest of the temple and too many among the laity seem willing to discount their own opinions in the face of shame.
DeleteI'm not saying you do that. In fact, I readily concede that you don't and I appreciate that, even - especially - when I disagree with you. You have strong opinions and they are your own.
Glad I stand out from that pack.
DeleteOf course, you do!
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