Ferengi bring humor by the shipload

Jim’s Take on Episode 10: “The Nagus”

Ferengi Rule of Acquisition #1: “Once you have their money, you never give it back.” Cards, or maybe Dabo pieces, on the table here, I unreservedly love the Ferengi episodes of Deep Space Nine. I know there are corners of fandom who can’t stand them and think that these episodes are too silly, but those people are simply incorrect. Star Trek is always at its best when there is plenty of humor mixed in with the high drama, and the Ferengi bring that humor by the shipload. “The Nagus” is a masterpiece in every way, with a great story, awesome performances, heaps of Ferengi, and even a sweet B-plot. We also get the first of many Ferengi Rules of Acquisition, which I’m sure will be helpful to any budding entrepreneurs who are watching this show. 

Wallace Shawn’s Grand Nagus Zek arrives on the station for the very first time and he is immediately a joy. His wrinkled, hairy-eared, visage, his ridiculous high-pitched laugh, and his complete glee at messing with Quark, and everyone else around him, are all so much fun to watch. From the moment that he arrives on the station and immediately insists on trying out ALL of Quark’s most “alluring” holosuite programs, to his horror at hearing Nog is being allowed to attend school, run by a “hu-mon female” no less, every second he has on screen is brilliant. His sad admission that “I’m just not as greedy as I used to be” almost makes you feel bad for the loss of this old Ferengi’s greed, until we realize that it’s all a ruse. 

Of course, Quark himself is the true star of this episode, and it never ceases to amaze what a great performance Armin Shimerman always produces, despite all the prosthetics it takes to turn him into Quark. Every bit of terror, greed, and suspicion is clear as the lobes on his head. He has so many great scenes in this story. Joking around with Morn, rubbing his own ears with appreciation when Zek praises him, and his “Godfather” homage, complete with a weird little pet to stroke as he shows off his lobes for business making deals for the exploitation of the Gamma Quadrant, all perfect. As an English teacher, I can’t resist pointing out that several scenes also bring Julius Caesar to mind. Striding through the promenade in his purple cloak, arrogantly observing his new minions…until he realizes that they are probably all out to kill him! Rom even makes a pretty good Brutus, except that Quark is ultimately quite proud of his brother’s treachery in pursuit of profit!

A couple of other scenes really stand out from a teacher’s perspective. How on Bajor does Chief O’Brien, who is constantly just barely keeping ahead of the station completely falling apart, have time to be a substitute teacher while his wife is away? Surely Kira could rustle up a Bajoran civilian or two who could take over while Keiko’s gone? I know he’s just been thrown into this job with no training or preparation, but O’Brien is clearly not a very good teacher.  He doesn’t even realize that Nog can’t read English, yet he’s assigned him to write an essay on ethics. That said, “The Vulcans stole my homework” may be the best excuse ever for not getting an assignment done on time. I’d have to accept that excuse, just because it’s so good. He also offers up some pretty biased assessments of Nog and his relationship with Jake. Not cool, Chief!

Despite O’Brien’s failure as a teacher, how sweet is it that Jake and Nog, despite prejudice from both of their dads, overcome their differences and hold onto their friendship? Jake secretly sneaking off to teach Nog to read without telling his father is adorable and brings a tear to the eye every time. The scene where Jadzia, clearly somehow knowing what the boys are up to, sends Sisko off to find out for himself, while also managing to help herself to a heaping portion of his home cooking, is such a great character moment for all of them. That is some Starfleet level learning to come together and understand each other despite our differences. We need all of that we can get in our world right now! If Jake and Nog can do it, surely all us “hu-mons” can too!

Kirk or Picard? Ben Sisko is Starfleet’s finest!

It’s great that we see Sisko struggling with figuring out how to be a single dad, while taking on all the responsibility of running the station. He, like all the rest of us, doesn’t always know the best way to handle things and he’s willing to learn, not only from Dax’s wisdom, but his own son, and even Nog. His ability to appreciate and understand that he doesn’t always know the answers makes Sisko the kind of leader I would proudly follow. Kirk or Picard? Ben Sisko is Starfleet’s finest!

What would happen if you tried to run a business actually following the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition? I’m not much of a capitalist, so I have no real idea whether they would work or send you crashing down in a mass of lawsuits and angry customers. I guess it would all depend on whether or not you have the lobes to deploy them correctly. It would be an interesting experiment to test out, if you have some investment cash to spare. 

“The Nagus” is an outstanding episode in every way. It will make you laugh, make you cry, and teach you to be a little more understanding. It even offers some great tips for parents! Just remember Rule of Acquisition #6: “Never allow family to stand in the way of opportunity.”

Return to Episode 10 Guide

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

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

Skip to Matt’s Take: A Favorite Episode: Ferengi featuring Wallace Shawn!

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