Becca’s Take on Episode 6: “Q-Less’
So, I know I have a love-hate relationship with Dr. Bashir, but I actually missed him this episode.1 The opening for this episode starts with Dr. Bashir describing his medical school exams and that gave me brilliant inspiration for how I will refer to my law school final exams.2 At least O’Brien looks as over him as I feel, and that endeared him to me just a little bit more. Speaking of O’Brien, I had forgotten he was on the Enterprise! I get a little more background this episode about the Enterprise, Captain Picard, and the namesake of this episode.
I will admit I had heard of Q before – from Lower Decks – but I had no idea how much of an actual menace he is until this episode. They give a lot of great background on him which is perfect for a new fan like me who had never really heard of all the crazy antics he got up to. At first, I thought he was sort of fun, but as the episode continued my irritation with him grew.
Before I get to the Q of it all, I need to take a moment to appreciate Vash. Like Dr. Bashir, I too am enamored with her. On top of being stunning, she is also an archaeologist with slightly loose morals and fierce wit.3 She knows what she wants and how to get it, even if it means massaging Quark’s ears. I don’t know how she ended up with Q in the first place, she seems too smart for that!
Q spends the entire episode trying to convince Vash to take him back. He is persistent, I will give him that, but when simple persuasion doesn’t work, he tries more and more menacing methods and is the picture-perfect image of a manipulative, crazy, ex. He goes so far as to transform her physical appearance, and scare her into taking him back. Not to delve too far into my personal life, but I have dated people like this, who tried to coerce me into staying, and threatening themselves or others in the process. Not only does that behavior raise several red flags, but it also is terrifying for the victim (in this case Vash). I am quite glad that the episode doesn’t end with them getting back together, but I am a little disappointed that he manipulated her into changing her plans.4
Because I don’t want to end on a sad note, I have saved this last little bit of space to write about the auction run by Quark in this episode. It was really fun to see him in his element, and see him so excited by Vash and her artifacts. I look forward to using the insult “Quark you obsequious toad!” in the very near future.
Signing off – Ensign Becca
1 Aside from this brief (albeit VERY entertaining) opening, he is asleep for most of the episode.
2 They are coming up in a few weeks, but I will slay them with my keyboard and mouse like the dragons they are!
3 She reminds me a lot of another gorgeous archaeologist I know with beautiful curly hair and a fondness for men who own spaceships. (If you’ve not seen Doctor Who, watch it, and keep an eye out for Doctor River Song).
4 This was really hard for me because on one hand, I think she probably will be happier being in the field, but also she might have enjoyed a quiet life on Earth and she deserved to be able to make that choice without his interference.
Return to Episode 6 Guide
Ponderings from the Promenade: A Journey through Star Trek Deep Space Nine 
You must be logged in to post a comment.