‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Qpid’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

When we think of love stories, some sappy concepts come to mind and understandably so. After all, tales of romance are designed to bring us joy since they represent one of the most wondrous aspects of the human condition. But while it is always nice to partake in a movie or a book or a show where love springs eternal and nothing can divide two dedicated lovebirds, we all know deep down that these stories simply aren’t that realistic. Because in everyday relationships, there are mundane days where laundry and dinner plans are the biggest challenges a couple will face. Or there is simply peace and quiet and contentment because some couples don’t fight and work out their worries and concerns in a mature manner. 
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Plus, what romantic stories don’t cover enough, is the sheer fact that sometimes love affairs are quite toxic in nature. Because for some odd reason we find ourselves attracted to people that are our polar opposites or are bad for us, and the draw and the connection we share keeps us around them, regardless of their toxicity. To the point where the only way we can be free of them is to have a good friend point out the harsh truth about our beloved and really, this is worth discussing today, because all of these elements of romance made their way into the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. For ‘Qpid’ saw the return of Vash, since she came aboard the Enterprise for an archeological conference and while that allowed for Captain Picard to rekindle his romance with her, he also came to learn a lot about how unhealthy his relationship with her, actually is.

Because it turns out they are polar opposites, the kind that actually grate against one another. As evidenced by how Vash was eager to make her love affair with Jean-Luc as public as possible amongst the crew. An act that more or less embarrassed Picard since his views about duty and life aboard a starship completely conflict with Vash’s. And of course, one cannot forget that Vash is a thief, and came to this conference in the hopes of getting access to a restricted archeological site in order to rob it blind. Which is also the opposite of everything that Captain Jean-Luc Picard stands for. But despite learning these facts, Picard did his best to hold to this love, because he was blinded by her charms and the joy, she brought him on a consistent basis, and that’s where the good friend aspect of this tale comes into play.

For Q also returned in this story to try and pay his debt back to Picard for saving his life in ‘Deja Q’ and well, after seeing how Vash and Picard interact, he decides that Jean-Luc needs to see the unhealthy nature of this love and allows for that happen… by plunging the crew and Vash into a Robin Hood style fantasy where Picard must save his love. And doing so teaches him the lesson inherent, and it also allows for Picard to have an amicable split from Vash so she can go off with Q and find herself and a better path and well, all of these elements make this a satisfying story in the end. One that does a great job of exploring the nature of how toxic relationships stick around and how wonderful it is to have people in your life that are willing to tell you the truth and it is equally as incredible… that Q is the one to do that for Jean-Luc. Which makes this episode an important milestone in their relationship since Q goes from antagonizer to sympathizer and friend, and of course… his return also makes this story a true delight.

Because the entire segment in Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle is nothing short of hilarious, since we get to see a balding Friar Tuck Data, one that takes an arrow in the chest from Counselor Troi. Plus, we are treated to a lute playing LaForge and well, let’s be honest… Worf wins this entire segment by bashing said lute and by uttering the finest line in this particular tale: “I protest! I am NOT a ‘Merry Man’!” But all of that aside, this really is a lighthearted and intimate affair, one that tackles another unique aspect of the human condition and it grows Captain Picard as well since now he has a better idea of what to look for in love and of course, it has Q and that’s always a treat and this is one that honestly, might need a third viewing. To ensure that this reviewer didn’t miss any gags during that incredible Robin Hood sequence. Until next time.

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