A Favorite Episode: Ferengi featuring Wallace Shawn!

Matt’s Take on Episode 10: “The Nagus”

This is, without a doubt, my favorite episode so far. I am a huge fan of the Ferengi episodes, and the Nagus is a huge reason for that. I actually had the honor of meeting Wallace Shawn at a convention just before the pandemic started, and he was so gracious and friendly. I treasure his autograph just as much as the main cast Star Trek actors that I have met. 

And so the Andorian says …

Quark telling his bawdy joke to Morn is probably my favorite moment of the episode. It’s so quick, but Morn’s delayed and appreciative laugh is such a wonderful touch. Morn has to be one of the best characters in the series. We also get our first glimpse of the Nagus in the scene, so it’s important for a number of reasons! I also love that we once again see that holosuites are being used for the adult reasons that we all know that they would be in real life. Deep Space Nine knows how to treat us like adults!

School Daze

I must admit that O’Brien as a substitute teacher is a pretty funny concept, as I can’t imagine that he has the temperament for it. I’m not overly interested in the Jake/Nog storyline here, but I have to say that they win the award for the best “children” in a Star Trek series, as I never find them to be annoying. It is heart-warming to see that Jake is really helping Nog learn how to read and that all of the father/son drama is diffused by the end of the episode.

Grand Nagus Quark

I enjoy how Quark goes from being shocked at being named Nagus, to immediately becoming conceited over it and then, just as quickly, losing that confidence and fearing/begging for his life. I had forgotten that Rom actually conspires against him and nearly kills him! But at least Quark is a good sport about the whole thing! We also get to see Odo in action and that, despite Quark constantly pushing him away through the episode, Odo is willing to go the extra mile to save Quark from his own ignorance. The big reveal at the end by the Nagus further reinforces how out of his depth Quark really was!

Return to Episode 10 Guide

Return to Jim’s Take: “Ferengi bring humor by the shipload”

Return to Rhonda’s Take: “This one’s about fathers and sons”

Return to Ray’s Take: “If you’re ever trapped in an airlock, NEVER say ‘Open up!'”

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