Star Trek: Rules of Acquisition

Episode: "Rules of Acquisition"

Series: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Season 2, Episode 7

Original Air Date: November 6, 1993

via Memory Alpha

The Grand Nagus is back.  He's gotten wind of an economic opportunity in the Gamma Quadrant: the tulaberry wine industry.  He sends Quark to negotiate on behalf of the Ferengi.  Meanwhile, a new waiter, Pel, is emerging as a sound business advisor to our favorite bartender.  Pel first impresses Quark by  introducing him to sand peas, which make customers subconsciously reach for their drinks.  Pel, however, is not what he seems.

We learn a lot about the Ferengi attitude toward females in "Rules of Acquisition" and it ain't all pretty.  Pel, you see, turns out to be female - the first female Ferengi on Star Trek, in fact.  Ferengi women aren't even allowed to wear clothing, let alone engage in business, so Pel's masquerade is a rather big deal.  We also learn a lot about attitudes towards same-sex relationships on DS9.  When the prospect of the male Pel's attraction to Quark comes up, Dax isn't the least bit fazed.  She's a lot more shocked by Pel's secret gender, knowing Ferengi attitudes all too well.  Dax's indifference will be meaningful for the character in a story yet to come.  

Acting Notes

via Memory Alpha

Helene Udy (Pel) was born November 1, 1962 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Most of her early work came in Canada, including films such as My Bloody Valentine, The Dead Zone and Pin....  She had a principal role on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman as Myra Bing.  She wrote and directed 1997's Naked Under the Sun.