‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Déjà Q’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

At this point it is outright safe to say that we’ve been experiencing a bit of a dark patch, storytelling wise, during our journey through season three of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Because this particular segment of year three has not only taken the time to examine the notion of revenge, but it has also looked at how our governments sometime let us down and how terrorism and revolutions aren’t always a noble cause. And while there is nothing wrong with examining deeper and bleaker topics in a science fiction television series, TNG was always known for providing the audience with a wonderful look at the future, whilst having a little fun along the way. And thankfully, the next episode in this storied franchise stayed true to that latter mantra, by offering up quite the lighthearted story.

A feat that  ‘Déjà Q’  was able to accomplish by offering up quite the surprise in regard to the omnipotent being that shares the namesake of this tale. For when we catch up with Q in this tale, we come to learn that he has been stripped of his powers because he continues to cause great trouble in the galaxy and this led to a lot of fun and silly moments. The kind where the crew was able to get some quality digs in on the creature that has tormented them for years on end and that alone made for one fun tale, one that definitely helped to clear our mental palates of the darker stories that preceded this one. But while it was quite hilarious to see Guinan jam a fork into Q’s new flesh and see him struggle with sleep and hunger, what kind of episode of TNG would be this be without an exploration the human condition? And oddly enough, Q’s predicament allowed for that to easily sneak into this tale. 

Because Q has made a lot of enemies throughout eternity, the kind that were eager to harm him once word spread of his transformation into a corporeal being. And that meant that he was under physical harm often in this tale, leaving Captain Picard and the crew with quite the moral conundrum. In that, they could either leave Q to his own devices and his own unfortunate fate for sowing chaos throughout the universe, or… they could be the bigger species here and try and help him to understand the difference between right and wrong and the true consequences of his actions. All in the hope that he might learn something about being a better being for a change and perhaps engender a little good in the galaxy and believe it or not… going with the latter option, worked.  

For eventually, Q came to realize that his way was the wrong way and that it was okay to show kindness and gentleness to others and it was also a noble thing to put one’s self in harm’s way in order to keep those you care for safe, if the situation calls for it, and it most certainly did in this tale. And thanks to his attempt to sacrifice himself in order to keep the crew of the Enterprise safe, Q’s powers were eventually returned to him and he was quick to celebrate their return in an epic fashion. Because nothing says 'party' like a Mariachi Band and it was sweet of him to provide Lieutenant Commander Data with the experience of laughter. But what matters most, is that Q finally committed a genuinely selfless act in this tale and even used his powers for good for a change and really, in the end, what makes this episode so worth our while; are the grand lessons it sends our way.

Because this story is a fine reminder that we should always take the high road and always treat others with respect. Simply because you never know what kind of impact that might have upon someone who is experiencing hard times in life and it also serves to remind us that redemption is never that far off for someone who believes they are a lost cause. Because if a guy like Q can find salvation and goodness in his heart, anyone can find their way back and a little TLC goes a long way in making that happen. If anything, this was just a delightful episode through and through, one filled to the brim with wonderful comedic moments and some endearing ones as well and truly, this episode serves as a fine demonstration of how quickly the writers' room turned this show around in season three, and the best part of all, is that the best is yet to come. Until next time. 

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