Target Audience / FULL DISCUSSION - Star Trek TNG S3E13

Worf has the best line - "Die!" as he often does

jan

2024-06-15 05:20:19 +0000 UTC

I think Q Who raised your guy's bar exceptionally high for other Q episodes. While Q episodes are all good in their own way, they're also highly varied in terms of what type of episode they are. Some are serious like Q Who with high stakes and/or a message that Q is trying to teach, but others are more like this one where they are lighthearted and more comedy based with maybe some Q lore thrown in. Then others like Hide and Q are just kind of goofy. They definitely aren't all masterpieces, but John De Lancie makes them all enjoyable.

BN13

2024-06-11 11:19:30 +0000 UTC

I think once you know more about what Q ends up being used for, and what is in store for the character, this sort of look at Q becomes more beloved.

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2024-06-11 03:53:43 +0000 UTC

Dare I say it, I think your memory of previous Q episodes is skewed by the most recent, "Q Who", being so great. His other two episodes so far were the premier ("Encounter at Farpoint") - where, if I recall, you also found the ostensible plot somewhat lackluster - and "Hide and Q", which at least I personally don't think was terribly well written.

Steven Linden

2024-06-10 01:56:02 +0000 UTC

The great thing about Star Trek is it has a lot of variety. I see people try to argue about how "woke " Star Trek is, and that's what it is all about" Not really, Roddenberry just created a world where races and men and women were equal. Occassionally, they tell a story where the central plot is some social idea, but they have plenty of other ideas to explore as well.

Nathan Cline

2024-06-09 17:19:08 +0000 UTC

Agreed. The Neutral Zone is a good episode and Sonny is the man

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-06-09 05:50:28 +0000 UTC

I enjoy this one, but it's definitely not a "banger."

Joe Concepts

2024-06-09 04:35:05 +0000 UTC

I personally haven't seen any hint of the guys being "burned out" or suffering from "star trek fatigue". The reactions to what they like and what they don't like have been pretty consistent to me, and when things happen that they like - which, again, is consistent with what they've always said they liked - they respond like they always have. If you guys are feeling fatigue and wanted to take time away from watching Star Trek, that would be your choice of course ... but in case you're wondering if that is something that is showing in your videos, I don't think it is. I'm personally looking forward to seeing your reactions to a few of the episodes coming up between now and the end of this season and suspect that will end any speculation about you suffering from star trek fatigue ...

Joshua Taylor

2024-06-09 02:55:03 +0000 UTC

Or maybe just binge-watch a few episodes at a time, haha. There are still some great eps coming in TNG in later seasons, but I just wonder if they can really be prepared to spend the next 7-8 years watching Star Trek, because that's how long it will probably take. At 2 eps a week, it will take 3 years and change just to get through DS9 and Voyager alone.

Artribution

2024-06-09 02:20:48 +0000 UTC

Even people not believing the guest star, but data buying into them is similar..

Philbot

2024-06-08 17:07:34 +0000 UTC

I find it kind of ironic they loved the defector so much. I’d say that these two episodes are pretty similar thematically. The stakes were way higher with the Defector but I also feel they were like inflated stakes . They could’ve just stayed on their side of the neutral zone and waited to see what happened.. but it’s a Character study yet again.

Philbot

2024-06-08 17:01:18 +0000 UTC

Frankly, the latter half of season 3 is about as good as the show gets, and if you're no into it starting with "yesterday's enterprise" and leading to the season finale which many consider the best episode of trek period, you might just be a bit burned out on this particular show and maybe it would be better to take a significant break

paultardspambot .

2024-06-08 06:36:08 +0000 UTC

On the general topic- One thing that is possible is you guys are suffering from a bit of "star trek fatigue". You've watched a lot of star trek over a relatively short time. When people originally watched these it was over over the course of a year per season. It could be possible you've just been watching too much trek, and its non-serialized shows are the sort of thing where one could possibly get a bit bored (particularly with TNG as opposed to TOS) given that the fundamental rhythm of the show doesnt change that much past season 2. When people say "it's the real show now" the latter 5 seasons are pretty much like this. I.e, outside of epsiodes that feature specific continuity, you could pick an episode from the last five seasons and there isnt really anything to distinguish what season it's from, which when you've been watching it so much can perhaps get a little repetitive. I personally think DS9 is the best of Trek and much more heavily serialized but different in that the characters and plot progress more as the show go on.

paultardspambot .

2024-06-08 06:34:22 +0000 UTC

Personally, I'm still not sure he actually lost his powers

paultardspambot .

2024-06-08 06:20:47 +0000 UTC

I have a soft spot for The Neutral Zone. Sure, the three people from the 1980's take focus away from the Romulans, but I liked the guy who played the banjo and wanted Data to join his band.

Charlie's Illiteracy

2024-06-08 01:07:09 +0000 UTC

I would say they're great for season 1, but we all have our preferences and I respect that. Lucky for you guys, Deja Q isn't even in the Top 10 episodes of season three. There are bangers in your future, my friends! So many bangers.

Charlie's Illiteracy

2024-06-08 01:05:03 +0000 UTC

I do think that's funny every time. You would think that would come up from time to time, given how even now we have scientists trying to figure out how to deal with an asteroid coming this way.

Joe Concepts

2024-06-07 23:42:37 +0000 UTC

Well, their tastes can be their tastes. I like watching them to be surprised (and a lot of times disappointed) by their reactions. And maybe whatever's happening with Josh could have affected his enjoyment. Who knows. I still respect their opinions, even if they're wrong. LOL.

wildhunt1973

2024-06-07 23:15:58 +0000 UTC

This did make me realize for the first time ever that it’s kind of silly that Trek has disintegration tech but the ships use concussive weapons for the most part. I certainly hope someone was fired for that blunder.

John M.

2024-06-07 22:56:22 +0000 UTC

They don't seem to love the heavy sci-fi episodes either so it was weird to me that they didn't get a better 1st impression. This is a "never skip" episode which makes it at least an "A" grade for me.

Trouty McTroutTrout

2024-06-07 22:14:30 +0000 UTC

It takes time to get used to having hands after not having them for how-ever-many-millennia.

Jovet

2024-06-07 21:25:05 +0000 UTC

I'm kinda surprised how now one mentions Riker suggesting blasting the moon into pieces, and Data retorting with how that's a really, really terrible idea. (LOL!)

Jovet

2024-06-07 21:24:21 +0000 UTC

@Target Audience I really like Heart of Glory, but The Big Goodbye was not particularly interesting to me, and Conspiracy was decent but would have made a much better two-parter or even a film.

Jovet

2024-06-07 21:21:30 +0000 UTC

@Target Audience Welcome to post-COVID. 😏

Jovet

2024-06-07 21:17:59 +0000 UTC

Corbin Bernson wasn’t waving his hands around because it’s TV. He’s just not a very good actor, IMHO.

Roland_D

2024-06-07 17:42:19 +0000 UTC

Q: "Q the miserable, Q the desperate! What must I do to convince you people?" Lieutenant Worf: "Die." LOL One of my favourite quotes from this episode and Data's Laugh! Yeah the B-Plot not so good (we only see them on the view screen so no character development), but its a fun Q episode. Just fun! nothing more, nothing less.

Andrew Bassey

2024-06-07 14:56:51 +0000 UTC

I think maybe the great success of "Q Who" and the seriousness of that plot made feel let down by the fairly low-stakes character-based episode. I think I can consider this spoiler free that the show definitely uses Q in both fun lighter episodes as well as more serious material. I think for many of the fans this falls under "We think Q is fun! Let's have fun with this Q episode!" This development is one of those times where a show decides to let the actor's personality come through. Riker being more of a fun person as the show goes on was them letting Frakes come through a bit more.

Joe Concepts

2024-06-07 14:35:09 +0000 UTC

A nice attention to detail is that they try to move the moon when it's at it's perigee and in real space travel, when a rocket need to raise it's orbit the first step is to fire it's engine around the perigee. It's great to see such care for what is essentially a plot point to have the crew busy on a critical mission while Q is here.

Syl

2024-06-07 14:08:38 +0000 UTC

I think one of the reasons the fans love this one so much is how rewatchable it is. Every time I watch it there's another line that makes me laugh that I'd forgotten about. This time it was Picard looking to Riker and saying, "It's a perfectly good shuttlecraft." XD

Dan Halstead

2024-06-07 13:19:45 +0000 UTC

totally by the end of this video they are laughing and quoting every line. I think maybe it just has to sink in. I know with what is to come this ep will fall down a bit, but its a top 10 for the season for sure.

Lt Dan I scream

2024-06-07 12:49:09 +0000 UTC

I think like you this was good but not great ep. I think Q normally is so OP they have to be huge ep when he shows up. but when they take his powers away the ep seems smaller because of it. I think this ep was good for adding depth to him.

Lt Dan I scream

2024-06-07 12:29:31 +0000 UTC

That would be quite a giant bottle of hand sanitizer

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-06-07 11:58:09 +0000 UTC

The Big Goodbye, Heart of Glory, & Conspiracy are great episodes

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-06-07 11:56:54 +0000 UTC

I’m not moving the goalposts it’s just my favorite season, I’m not saying it’s the best season, I’m only saying it’s my favorite season.

Just another Red Shirt

2024-06-07 10:42:09 +0000 UTC

There are definitely season 2 episodes that are better than this, but season 1? No way! No season 1 episode is better than "meh", and the vast majority of them are below average. Deja Q is a fun Q episode. It isn't a classic, it's just a fun episode. And that's fine. The moon falling out of orbit was just the necessary scaffolding to allow the Q story to happen.

Charlie's Illiteracy

2024-06-07 08:32:22 +0000 UTC

Allemarin? 😂

Philbot

2024-06-07 07:26:50 +0000 UTC

I never heard fellow trekkies praising this episode mentioning the plot with the moon falling out of orbit, the weired-mouthed aliens and stuff. It's only about the great Q quotes and funny scenes. So yes, you are perfectly rigth. Don't apologize for "not getting it". You get it.

Sam Langanke

2024-06-07 07:16:53 +0000 UTC

Camp for camp’s sake, but…that’s Star Trek sometimes.

J-Ro

2024-06-07 06:07:35 +0000 UTC

Yeah, you need something to drive the great character scenes along and tie the threads at the end. There's A LOT of technobabble in this one (which I adore), but also totally understand that it's a speed bump for people.

J-Ro

2024-06-07 05:48:24 +0000 UTC

The composition of Guinan's last scene with Q in Ten Forward.... muah gesture that Q makes before he gives Data his gift and departs

Jovet

2024-06-07 05:47:42 +0000 UTC

“I hope to God that was alcohol.”

Jovet

2024-06-07 05:46:44 +0000 UTC

I think S7 has the only episodes I loathe, if not downright hate...

Jovet

2024-06-07 05:45:00 +0000 UTC

Some of the sub plots are essential to drive the story tension. Without the crisis on the planet the Enterprise would have no urgency to drop their shields and the Calamarain would be of no threat to Q or the Enterprise. Without those threats, Q wouldn't have any reason for his selfless act, which drives the conclusion. And of course the scene where Data saves Q wouldn't have happened, because they would have just kept the shields up, and that also leads to Q decision to sacrifice himself. I have always thought Corbin Bernsen's performance with the "hands bit" was an odd choice, especially, as you point out, two times too many. I believe that Q did not premeditate the selfless act, because he is surprised by Q2's interpretation of the events.

Stevtrek

2024-06-07 05:36:28 +0000 UTC

The thing about Q is that most “Q episodes” aren’t actually about Q, and he’s just there to facilitate the plot..which often works surprisingly well.

Glenn Johnson Barnes

2024-06-07 05:17:49 +0000 UTC

Season 3 seems like where the show solidified a few big story arcs moving forward. Whether planned or formed, the show really gelled in this period.

J-Ro

2024-06-07 05:17:25 +0000 UTC

I think they said second best and close to the third best but Q who was miles better (not exactly quote; sentiment to that effect).

Greg Quinn

2024-06-07 05:16:08 +0000 UTC

It's like halfway through 3 and mostly through 6. 7 is good too, just not as iconic.

J-Ro

2024-06-07 05:15:28 +0000 UTC

Even the "bad" episodes for me are mostly still pretty good.

Greg Quinn

2024-06-07 05:14:22 +0000 UTC

I like that this episode makes some bold choices in character work. It's one of the few where we get to see the crew less guarded and casual. I applaud any time we get interpersonal with the crew of the Enterprise-D.

J-Ro

2024-06-07 05:11:56 +0000 UTC

It's refreshing that you guys don't always like the same episodes as the masses do. That's why i really like these discussion videos. It's nice getting the different perspectives whether or not I personally agree with them.

Ca$hWednesday

2024-06-07 05:00:30 +0000 UTC

OMG and I know just which episode that scene should be in! LOL!!!

Jovet

2024-06-07 04:56:08 +0000 UTC

During the episode reaction, I saw Josh drinking out of his bottle. I realize now that it's water, but at the time I'm like "is this dude drinking the hand sanitizer? Have we hit rock bottom"?

Ca$hWednesday

2024-06-07 04:53:16 +0000 UTC

There should be a deleted scene of Worf, in his quarters, eating an old hardcover of Moby Dick, slowly and thoughtfully. "This is surprisingly instructional."

Juan Tutrífor

2024-06-07 04:39:08 +0000 UTC

Ooh, I think I know which one you're talking about, hoo-mahn. Mine, too.

Juan Tutrífor

2024-06-07 04:34:22 +0000 UTC

One bad scene in season 4: "It's okay, guys, wait'll season 5!"

Juan Tutrífor

2024-06-07 04:32:51 +0000 UTC

Hmm...it almost sounded like you guys were trying to convince yourselves you only "liked" this episode because by the end you were praising it pretty well. 🤣 I like fun episodes, and this one was definitely that. I know you guys like more meat in your episodes, from what I've gathered, and Star Trek can give you tons of that. But it also has a lot of lighthearted episodes to keep it from being monotonous.

wildhunt1973

2024-06-07 04:27:56 +0000 UTC

TA then: "Uggh, here comes the plot! I just want more character moments!" TA now: "All the character moments were ok I guess but what's with the throwaway plot??" LOL ;)

Dan Halstead

2024-06-07 03:04:19 +0000 UTC

I’m with Josh and Alex on this one. If you look at it as a fun romp, then it delivers. Thanks for the discussion guys. I really enjoy them. ❤️ 🖖

T’Pynyn of Vulcan

2024-06-07 02:58:04 +0000 UTC

I get it, fans love gushing about their show. I could go on for hours about The Honeymooners and why Jackie Gleason is one of the most talented guys to ever live and love every minute doing so, or go on about how Adam West is the best Batman ever.

Ken R

2024-06-07 02:24:53 +0000 UTC

Yeah, I feel some of us over-hype the episodes before they get there. I'm not sure why. They're already watching the show! LOL

tyranusfan

2024-06-07 01:59:19 +0000 UTC

23:30. Well this will be an issue in a certain Season 4 episode…

Column Meanie

2024-06-07 01:47:22 +0000 UTC

Movin' the goal posts! 😉

Jovet

2024-06-07 01:12:20 +0000 UTC

I really like "Encounter at Farpoint."

Jovet

2024-06-07 01:10:20 +0000 UTC

Nice. Mine is in S6. I thought they'd dig this one a lot more, especially after their massive happy surprise at seeing buff-Q.

Jovet

2024-06-07 01:09:18 +0000 UTC

27:45 Nagilum! You're not as ugly now!! LOL!!! Seriously, I hope Josh is hanging in there, with whatever is going on.

Jovet

2024-06-07 01:06:04 +0000 UTC

Les Landau is one of the regular directors in rotation. He did 5 episodes before this. Deja Q is one of those episodes that it seems most people like more than me and this was one of the few I didn’t give a higher grade on rewatch with you guys.

Jonathan

2024-06-07 01:05:17 +0000 UTC

17:30 Yeah, I'm surprised you both don't like this one a lot more!

Jovet

2024-06-07 00:52:35 +0000 UTC

16:20 I'm not quite twice your age, and in my experience: the stupid don't know they're stupid. (That's part of the curse of being stupid.) All of us have weak "dumb" moments and strong "smart" moments. Ignorance can be cured, but stupidity cannot. Thinking is a learned behavior, like all human activities, and some just pick it up faster and others never ever do.

Jovet

2024-06-07 00:50:58 +0000 UTC

10:56 Worf's line "Die!" trumped Q's retort by a mile! LOL!

Jovet

2024-06-07 00:43:35 +0000 UTC

7:25 To me there was no ambiguity. That look that Q got on his face reeked highly of surprise. I don't think he realized before that there was a path to redemption for him. But THAT is the moment he realized there was!

Jovet

2024-06-07 00:39:37 +0000 UTC

I have it baked in at this point that you like the comedic episodes less than I do, so not surprised you don’t love this one. I do wonder if you might it enjoy it more on rewatch simply because if you add up all the scenes you said were great it’s almost the whole episode. (Which does happen. There’s one Star Trek movie we haven’t reached yet that I think is a bunch of great scenes in search of a movie.)

John M.

2024-06-07 00:37:55 +0000 UTC

I've always really enjoyed "Deja Q". Just a really fun episode with some low-key important character beats involving Data and Q. With TNG you are going to get a wide variety of story types and genres, so I think it will always be a case where some episodes hit harder for you guys than others, even though the overall quality of S3-S6 is notably higher than the first two. As far as the S3 bangers go, IMHO the "run" really begins next week with #15. Not to say EVERY episode for the rest of the season will be an unqualified banger, but there are just a lot of extremely strong to spectacular eps from #15 to the end of the season (continuing into early next season).

Lovok

2024-06-07 00:32:27 +0000 UTC

@Firekrys FWO Oh, there's a fund! We are all paying that fund...

Jovet

2024-06-07 00:32:09 +0000 UTC

I think it's wise to forget the "Season 3 is when it gets great" mantra that everyone is pushing, as it is a little misleading. If Seasons 1 and 2 are young childhood, then Season 3 is the teenage years, with many accomplishments and disappointments. For me, Seasons 4-6 are gold. However, Season 3 has some of the most iconic episodes in the entire series, which brings up the reputation of the entire season, even if overall, it's good but not amazing like future seasons are. But Season 3 is where the show makes a turn, and you can see where it's going from here. The main writers and producers are locked in for the rest of the way.

Justin B

2024-06-07 00:05:07 +0000 UTC

I'd have to disagree with that sentiment respectfully. I think seasons 4-6 of TNG have way more than a 50% hit rate on good to great episodes, with some reaching 80% for me. A few seasons in that range only have a handful of bad episodes. Maybe it averages out across the entire series, but the good years are great, and the bad years are watchable.

Justin B

2024-06-07 00:02:26 +0000 UTC

I think season four is the best one.

Just another Red Shirt

2024-06-06 23:52:26 +0000 UTC

It might help to remember the Futurama view of TOS "oh that show with 79 episodes, about 30 good ones." TNG has the same percentage, and each season you remember as being "peak TNG" is actually just over half crap per year.

Alan Thompson

2024-06-06 23:30:47 +0000 UTC

Arguably Q Who was needed in S2 to carry the season, whereas Season 3 has other elements, new and old, which pick up the slack. ;)

James Knight

2024-06-06 23:28:59 +0000 UTC

This is an episode that ages well. After you finish the series, episodes like this one are a fun re-watch.

Josh Eversole

2024-06-06 23:22:04 +0000 UTC

I think the only issue with this Q episode is that it was preceded by Q Who. It’s hard to go from an episode where Q introduces a new powerful threat to the crew vs an episode where Q throws his back out. This is one of those episodes where you come to appreciate the little moments, rather than the story as a whole.

Lwaxana’s Poolboy

2024-06-06 22:38:52 +0000 UTC

I think but a lot of people appreciate about season three is that it features lore building episodes. Hang on for the ride and make a call at the end as to whether you enjoyed season three or not.

Hidden Ruu

2024-06-06 22:29:56 +0000 UTC

Wait, you think that this was close to “Q Who” in quality but you still felt let down? Hm. Interesting.

Aramis Calcutt

2024-06-06 22:27:28 +0000 UTC

To me, the planet-moon plot WAS minimized. I don’t think it really took up all that much time except to establish the stakes.

Aramis Calcutt

2024-06-06 22:26:20 +0000 UTC

I have no higher expectations for a Q episode than any other episode. While DeLancie is one of the best guest actors on the show, I don’t think in general they have any better track record than other episodes.

Aramis Calcutt

2024-06-06 22:25:12 +0000 UTC

I don’t think I would need any more Q out of water stuff. I think there was just enough of that. As far as comparing to other Q episodes, “Encounter at Farpoint”’is like a C-minus or a D in my book, “Hide and Q” is a B-minus or C, and “Q Who” is an A-minus for introduction of the Borg, but Q’s stuff in that episode is a flat B.

Aramis Calcutt

2024-06-06 22:19:07 +0000 UTC

Everyone’s taste is different. Personally I don’t think there’s really a “best” season of TNG. 4 is probably most consistent. 5 and 6 have some of my favorite episodes, but also some of my absolute “how did they think this was a good idea???” Episodes. To each their own makes a good show..

Glenn Johnson Barnes

2024-06-06 22:16:02 +0000 UTC

Well, if you're hungry for more Data episodes, each season tends to have at least 3 that focus pretty heavily on him. Probably about the same for Picard, Worf, Riker, etc.. They certainly spread the screen time around more evenly than on TOS

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-06-06 22:05:22 +0000 UTC

This is my No. 1 Q episode

Aramis Calcutt

2024-06-06 22:01:46 +0000 UTC

I feel you are the victims of unrealistic hyping. As soon as I tell you i have the funniest sitcom of all time to check out, it inevitably has to fall short. Season 3 has a few really good episodes that coincidentally are in the back half of the season, and then for me there is the dead mother episode from a little while back, but 5 or 6 episodes does not a season make. That said, still to come this season is from my limited viewing of the show two of the best ones of the series.

Ken R

2024-06-06 21:52:54 +0000 UTC

I'm just here to see Guinan stab Q with a fork.

StealthMomo

2024-06-06 21:49:43 +0000 UTC

Yes, exactly. And this is the first proper Q episode, instead of being a story about someone or something else which is just instigated by Q.

Numinous2019

2024-06-06 21:42:43 +0000 UTC

There needs to be a Fireball Supply Fund. Maintain proper supply at all times

Firekrys FWO

2024-06-06 21:36:27 +0000 UTC

For me they are three weepers in a row.

KatWithAttitude

2024-06-06 21:33:30 +0000 UTC

Any of your dislike of this episode can be attributed to the lack of Fireball.

EnigmaticPenguin

2024-06-06 21:17:54 +0000 UTC

Nice ending 🤣

JGoss

2024-06-06 21:17:05 +0000 UTC

That final image was rather...disturbing.

KatWithAttitude

2024-06-06 21:15:34 +0000 UTC

Well, you see, what you guys aren't getting is, Q was blind from radiation.

Steven Johnson

2024-06-06 21:12:18 +0000 UTC

Nice little trifecta starting next week. Looking forward to the discussions.

Stephen Wright

2024-06-06 21:08:07 +0000 UTC

Can't wait for the video compilation of Alex just talking about all the things he forgot and remembered later.

Trouty McTroutTrout

2024-06-06 21:04:03 +0000 UTC

Actually enjoyed this one more this time around. The humor was written well, the interaction with data felt genuine. Some heavier episodes coming up so the bit of levity was needed and in hindsight I see why this episode was placed here.

Stephen Wright

2024-06-06 20:54:44 +0000 UTC

WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY ...... oh ok, standing down. Phew

JGoss

2024-06-06 20:45:33 +0000 UTC

FULL DISCUSSION - Star Trek TNG S3E13 - Deja Q

Comments

Worf has the best line - "Die!" as he often does

I think once you know more about what Q ends up being used for, and what is in store for the character, this sort of look at Q becomes more beloved.

Agreed. The Neutral Zone is a good episode and Sonny is the man

I enjoy this one, but it's definitely not a "banger."

Even people not believing the guest star, but data buying into them is similar..

Personally, I'm still not sure he actually lost his powers

I have a soft spot for The Neutral Zone. Sure, the three people from the 1980's take focus away from the Romulans, but I liked the guy who played the banjo and wanted Data to join his band.

I would say they're great *for season 1*, but we all have our preferences and I respect that. Lucky for you guys, Deja Q isn't even in the Top 10 episodes of season three. There are bangers in your future, my friends! So many bangers.

I do think that's funny every time. You would think that would come up from time to time, given how even now we have scientists trying to figure out how to deal with an asteroid coming this way.

Well, their tastes can be their tastes. I like watching them to be surprised (and a lot of times disappointed) by their reactions. And maybe whatever's happening with Josh could have affected his enjoyment. Who knows. I still respect their opinions, even if they're wrong. LOL.

This did make me realize for the first time ever that it’s kind of silly that Trek has disintegration tech but the ships use concussive weapons for the most part. I certainly hope someone was fired for that blunder.

They don't seem to love the heavy sci-fi episodes either so it was weird to me that they didn't get a better 1st impression. This is a "never skip" episode which makes it at least an "A" grade for me.

It takes time to get used to having hands after not having them for how-ever-many-millennia.

I'm kinda surprised how now one mentions Riker suggesting blasting the moon into pieces, and Data retorting with how that's a really, really terrible idea. (LOL!)

@Target Audience I really like Heart of Glory, but The Big Goodbye was not particularly interesting to me, and Conspiracy was decent but would have made a much better two-parter or even a film.

@Target Audience Welcome to post-COVID. 😏

Corbin Bernson wasn’t waving his hands around because it’s TV. He’s just not a very good actor, IMHO.

I think one of the reasons the fans love this one so much is how rewatchable it is. Every time I watch it there's another line that makes me laugh that I'd forgotten about. This time it was Picard looking to Riker and saying, "It's a perfectly good shuttlecraft." XD

totally by the end of this video they are laughing and quoting every line. I think maybe it just has to sink in. I know with what is to come this ep will fall down a bit, but its a top 10 for the season for sure.

I think like you this was good but not great ep. I think Q normally is so OP they have to be huge ep when he shows up. but when they take his powers away the ep seems smaller because of it. I think this ep was good for adding depth to him.

That would be quite a giant bottle of hand sanitizer

The Big Goodbye, Heart of Glory, & Conspiracy are great episodes

I’m not moving the goalposts it’s just my favorite season, I’m not saying it’s the best season, I’m only saying it’s my favorite season.

Allemarin? 😂

I never heard fellow trekkies praising this episode mentioning the plot with the moon falling out of orbit, the weired-mouthed aliens and stuff. It's only about the great Q quotes and funny scenes. So yes, you are perfectly rigth. Don't apologize for "not getting it". You get it.

Camp for camp’s sake, but…that’s Star Trek sometimes.

Yeah, you need something to drive the great character scenes along and tie the threads at the end. There's A LOT of technobabble in this one (which I adore), but also totally understand that it's a speed bump for people.

The composition of Guinan's last scene with Q in Ten Forward.... *muah gesture that Q makes before he gives Data his gift and departs*

“I hope to God that was alcohol.”

I think S7 has the only episodes I loathe, if not downright hate...

The thing about Q is that most “Q episodes” aren’t actually about Q, and he’s just there to facilitate the plot..which often works surprisingly well.

Season 3 seems like where the show solidified a few big story arcs moving forward. Whether planned or formed, the show really gelled in this period.

I think they said second best and close to the third best but Q who was miles better (not exactly quote; sentiment to that effect).

It's like halfway through 3 and mostly through 6. 7 is good too, just not as iconic.

Even the "bad" episodes for me are mostly still pretty good.

I like that this episode makes some bold choices in character work. It's one of the few where we get to see the crew less guarded and casual. I applaud any time we get interpersonal with the crew of the Enterprise-D.

It's refreshing that you guys don't always like the same episodes as the masses do. That's why i really like these discussion videos. It's nice getting the different perspectives whether or not I personally agree with them.

OMG and I know just which episode that scene should be in! LOL!!!

During the episode reaction, I saw Josh drinking out of his bottle. I realize now that it's water, but at the time I'm like "is this dude drinking the hand sanitizer? Have we hit rock bottom"?

There should be a deleted scene of Worf, in his quarters, eating an old hardcover of Moby Dick, slowly and thoughtfully. "This is surprisingly instructional."

Ooh, I think I know which one you're talking about, hoo-mahn. Mine, too.

One bad scene in season 4: "It's okay, guys, wait'll season 5!"

TA then: "Uggh, here comes the plot! I just want more character moments!" TA now: "All the character moments were ok I guess but what's with the throwaway plot??" LOL ;)

I’m with Josh and Alex on this one. If you look at it as a fun romp, then it delivers. Thanks for the discussion guys. I really enjoy them. ❤️ 🖖

I get it, fans love gushing about their show. I could go on for hours about The Honeymooners and why Jackie Gleason is one of the most talented guys to ever live and love every minute doing so, or go on about how Adam West is the best Batman ever.

Yeah, I feel some of us over-hype the episodes before they get there. I'm not sure why. They're already watching the show! LOL

23:30. Well this will be an issue in a certain Season 4 episode…

Movin' the goal posts! 😉

I really like "Encounter at Farpoint."

Nice. Mine is in S6. I thought they'd dig this one a lot more, especially after their massive happy surprise at seeing buff-Q.

27:45 Nagilum! You're not as ugly now!! LOL!!! Seriously, I hope Josh is hanging in there, with whatever is going on.

Les Landau is one of the regular directors in rotation. He did 5 episodes before this. Deja Q is one of those episodes that it seems most people like more than me and this was one of the few I didn’t give a higher grade on rewatch with you guys.

17:30 Yeah, I'm surprised you both don't like this one a lot more!

10:56 Worf's line "Die!" trumped Q's retort by a mile! LOL!

7:25 To me there was no ambiguity. That look that Q got on his face reeked highly of surprise. I don't think he realized before that there was a path to redemption for him. But THAT is the moment he realized there was!

@Firekrys FWO Oh, there's a fund! We are all paying that fund...

I think season four is the best one.

It might help to remember the Futurama view of TOS "oh that show with 79 episodes, about 30 good ones." TNG has the same percentage, and each season you remember as being "peak TNG" is actually just over half crap per year.

Arguably Q Who was needed in S2 to carry the season, whereas Season 3 has other elements, new and old, which pick up the slack. ;)

This is an episode that ages well. After you finish the series, episodes like this one are a fun re-watch.

I think but a lot of people appreciate about season three is that it features lore building episodes. Hang on for the ride and make a call at the end as to whether you enjoyed season three or not.

Wait, you think that this was close to “Q Who” in quality but you still felt let down? Hm. Interesting.

To me, the planet-moon plot WAS minimized. I don’t think it really took up all that much time except to establish the stakes.

I have no higher expectations for a Q episode than any other episode. While DeLancie is one of the best guest actors on the show, I don’t think in general they have any better track record than other episodes.

Well, if you're hungry for more Data episodes, each season tends to have at least 3 that focus pretty heavily on him. Probably about the same for Picard, Worf, Riker, etc.. They certainly spread the screen time around more evenly than on TOS

This is my No. 1 Q episode

I'm just here to see Guinan stab Q with a fork.

Yes, exactly. And this is the first proper Q episode, instead of being a story about someone or something else which is just instigated by Q.

There needs to be a Fireball Supply Fund. Maintain proper supply at all times

For me they are three weepers in a row.

Any of your dislike of this episode can be attributed to the lack of Fireball.

Nice ending 🤣

That final image was rather...disturbing.

Well, you see, what you guys aren't getting is, Q was blind from radiation.

Nice little trifecta starting next week. Looking forward to the discussions.

Can't wait for the video compilation of Alex just talking about all the things he forgot and remembered later.

Actually enjoyed this one more this time around. The humor was written well, the interaction with data felt genuine. Some heavier episodes coming up so the bit of levity was needed and in hindsight I see why this episode was placed here.

WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY ...... oh ok, standing down. Phew

I would say they're great for season 1, but we all have our preferences and I respect that. Lucky for you guys, Deja Q isn't even in the Top 10 episodes of season three. There are bangers in your future, my friends! So many bangers.

The composition of Guinan's last scene with Q in Ten Forward.... muah gesture that Q makes before he gives Data his gift and departs