Déjà Q is an incredibly entertaining episode that is sure to be a fan favorite. The brilliance of the episode comes from its humor and the fact that Q, while a constant nuisance, is also exceptionally likable. You can credit Q’s acting performance for successfully managing to walk that fine line.

As a premise, this episode is fairly simple: what would happen if Q were suddenly human? The ensuing events explore this with natural, well-written humor. When Q implores a doubtful Picard to explain what he must do to prove that he really is human, Worf immediately answers with a simple, one-word statement: “Die.” Clearly Q doesn’t have very many friends on board the Enterprise. His encounter with Guinan is particularly memorable.

Q does find one character sympathetic to his plight in Data. Having been assigned to Q, Data takes up the task of teaching Q about what it means to be human. It may sound counterintuitive, but it’s a smart decision for the episode. Lacking an understand of humanity, the two characters are kindred spirits. Though, as Data makes clear, Q has “achieved in disgrace, what [Data] has always aspired to be.”

In the end, Q demonstrates that there is a tiny bit of nobility to his character. Faced with his own frustration and failures and the danger posed by vengeful aliens, he decides to sacrifice himself to save the Enterprise and, maybe, some of the population on the planet below. It’s an interesting twist for a character that is at once likable and detestable. His final gift to Data, the gift of laughter, demonstrates that, perhaps, he learned a bit of compassion from being human.

Déjà Q is pure entertainment from start to finish. The only possible critique is that its themes aren’t quite as deep and profound as, say, Hide and Q. But aside from that, this is an episode you will want to watch.

Topics: Q
Filed under: TNG Reviews