Q offers to help Picard's dull plodding pedantic speech.

S04E20

[@mabs9503]

"He wants to do something _nice_ for me." "I'll alert the crew." Probably my favorite exchange in the whole series.

[@michaelharris9993]

I've had a similar conversation psychopathic ex girlfriend. I don't mean psychopath to be cute either...as in diagnosable Anti Social Personality disorder. In a way its not surprising looking back both thought they were God among mortals.

[@cryptidproductions3160]

By this point Riker knows Q and his asshole genie ways well enough to instantly assume something bad is cooking if he's offering people gifts

[@Deathshuck]

@@cryptidproductions3160 "asshole genie ways" made me lol

[@muigokublack6487]

@@cryptidproductions3160 The trope is "Jackass Genie" but close enough haha

[@RyanHayes1984]

Q: Asshole genie ways? How rude! I was just simply trying to repay Mon Capitan. Seriously that made me laugh too 😂

[@Feyd01]

I always imagine Q is just patiently waiting until Picard is at his most cranky before making an appearance.

[@ronaldshank7589]

He loved catching Captain Picard at his grumpiest, didn't he? Q-You are irascible! (However... you're also...fun!

[@ianraguse6455]

He doesnt even have to wait he can just bounce from one situation to the other 😂

[@michaelharris8598]

How linear your thinking is 😂

[@JBSauce]

I love the fact that Picard resolutely denied Q at every turn until Q brought up archaeology, and with that, managed to intrigue the Captain for a moment.

[@atrociousconsequences4432]

Captain Picard loves him some archaeology.

[@Italian69Boi]

They really knew how to PARTY back in those days

[@oskarfunes2505]

@@Italian69Boi gonna party like it's 2billion years from now 🎶

[@Dac85]

Props to Stewart in that moment, conveying how DESPERATELY tempted he was.

[@johnturner3455]

His expression screams "Shit, that does sound pretty cool"

[@WeyounSix]

“I would have taken my own life had it not been for you” “We all make mistakes” The savagery

[@qmulus1]

That line deserves the Thug Life shades. lol

[@lillycarmichael8194]

Why did I think Picard was saying Q almost killing himself was the mistake 😂😂 It was so savage

[@FletcherFinance]

Savage in a very subtle way. Loved it!

[@victorconway444]

Their banter is the highlight of this show.

[@Veldazandtea]

Picard was meaning "You made a mistake" as much as implying sarcasm. He's honest in what he says too. THat's the best part. He keeps it honest.

[@Byrnzi360]

Riker alerts the crew that Pikard has gone senile and is complaining about his imaginary friend "Q" again. Everybody humors him for the remainder of the episode by pretending to see him.

[@duomaxwell2293]

Byron MacGreggor lmao, i couldn't stop laughing when i read this, i ended up falling off my chair from laughing so hard.

[@outsideredge]

Byron MacGreggor Picard's interactions with Q could've been the perfect way for Riker to get that promotion he was angling for. "Starfleet Command? This is Commander Riker of the Enterprise. Captain Picard is talking to his imaginary friend "Q" again. He says Q owes him a favor and is trying to set the Captain up on a date with Councillor Vash. Yeah I know it sounds crazy. I recommend confining Picard to his quarters and that I assume command of this ship. "

[@Rivenshield]

Byron MacGreggor HAHAHA.jpg

[@borgduck]

Byron MacGreggor I've seriously got to watch that episode again.

[@borgduck]

Byron MacGreggor I've seriously got to watch that episode again.

[@Violent2aShadow]

It would have been hilarious if Q gave him a head full of hair and left.

[@spaveevo]

exactly what I was thinking

[@KariSinkko]

like the episode where he gets into a bar fight.. and the one where he's the younger captain.. classics.

[@billmilano6246]

Bonus if it was hair like Starsky from Starsky And Hutch.

[@ralphyo6285]

Wahhaahhaaahah

[@GrijzePilion]

Or that half-arsed mullet-like thing he's sporting himself.

[@johnbertrand7185]

Love the way de Lancie played Q. Made him very layered, could be playful one minute, threatening the next. But he never overdid it, he always knew when to pull back and let others take the scene. A nice lesson in acting for anyone.

[@Aeroldoth3]

Acting should be like an orchestra, with different instruments all having their moments to shine. A song where one instrument dominates or even drowns out all others is a bad song.

[@klaxoncow]

@@Aeroldoth3 Or, in fairness, it's the guitar solo.

[@NuntiusLegis]

@@klaxoncow Or, overpowering even the electric guitar, the flute. (Long live Tull.)

[@ZZombyWooff]

this is something I felt with Weyon from Deep Space 9. A really nice guy.. then suddenly evil. perfect

[@normalguycap]

Uh, this is all in the script.

[@michaelm3691]

Picard's next report to star fleet: "I once again got contacted by that incomprehensibly powerful being which could destroy us in an instant if it so desired. It said it felt in my debt and would do almost anything to return the favor. Only our imagination sets the limit of how much this could benefit humanity. We could secure peace for millenia, achieve scientific breakthroughs, spread prosperity, develop as a species and so much more ...so my natural response was to insult him as I've always done. Oh, by the way, it has a history of tormenting species that pisses it off. Cheerio, lads!"

[@atrociousconsequences4432]

His character is logically contradictory and rather more humorous or annoying.

[@seamusburke639]

Nuh uh, I'm with Picard on this one. Q is Chaotic Neutral incarnate. Less you deal with him, the better.

[@limemobber]

@@seamusburke639 Doesnt mean you should be rude to the entity that could literally destroy the Federation with a snap. I am sure the rest of the Q would step in if its members did anything too insane but there is a limit to their caring. They did not care when the Dowd destroyed an aggressive hostile interstellar civilization.

[@yaldabaoth2]

@FreymanArt Even if Q had the best intentions and it couldn't go wrong in any way, in this timeline the Federation and humans in particular want to better themselves and achieve things with their own efforts. They don't want to be given things.

[@Camelotsmoon]

@@limemobber Idk, the point at which they step in could be if one of them is about to destroy an entire universe or something... It's not gonna be if they mildly, to extremely torture just a single person; they don't see it worth the effort.

[@LuisManuelLealDias]

"He wants to do something nice for me" "I'll alert the crew" ahahah

[@picknroll8221]

I also chuckled at the fact that Riker knows the Q drill.

[@vguyver2]

Pick'n'Roll82 they wrote star fleet reports that even Sisco and janeway read. It's only fair that they'd have some drills. I can only imagine how they went. "And remember, most importantly of all; never anger a being that can de-evolve you."

[@i_booba]

Q was one of the best parts about TNG, and there were a lot of "best parts." Moments like this make me appreciate him even more, especially at the end when Riker and Picard get ready to prepare for the inevitable.

[@georgelionon9050]

P: "He wants to do something nice for me" R: "RED ALERT!"

[@Terrekain]

Q offers to do Picard's homework and get an A. Picard resolves to stand by his own work. This is the kind of character development and minor tension that this scene creates. Excellent writing.

[@Gazzar]

Q: "I would've taken my own life but for you" Picard: "We all make mistakes"

[@crystalidentity]

LOL!

[@addlemm44]

Thank you for saying this - I didn't get it haha

[@tvu86]

Wow.... It's like we watched the same video.

[@Krystalmyth]

@@tvu86 It''s almost like you read this somewhere and thought it was funny, and so thought we'd find it funny too.

[@alwinwinter1645]

I know this was from 5 years ago, but I think the "We all make mistakes" referred to Picard regretting that he helped him.

[@supremeoverlorde2109]

I love the look on Picard's face when he tells Riker, "He wants to do something 'nice' for me." And Riker immediately knows they have to brace themselves for disaster. XD

[@RCaIabraro]

Those two had such terrific chemistry. There is nothing quite so entertaining as Picard being annoyed by Q.

[@pawet.7415]

You forgot about Troi's mother xD

[@nerdineverythingnerdinnoth4984]

@@pawet.7415 Thank god for Data!

[@0biwan7]

fluttershy does a better job at managing Q than picard does

[@Avatarbee]

"Q has just visited me." "What did he want?" "He wants to do something NICE for me." "RED ALERT!"

[@EmperorZarikar]

ALL DECKS TO BATTLE STATIONS!

[@KungFuWombat]

EXCEPT DECK FIFTEEN. THOSE GUYS ARE JERKS.

[@ultimazillarex1076]

+KungFuWombat Wesley: What about me?

[@EmperorZarikar]

Ultima ZillaRex HAHAHAHA!!!

[@ultimazillarex1076]

+Zarikar gaming SHUT UP WESLEY!

[@user-zg9fs9kk9q]

"I'll alert the crew." See what happens when I try to be nice?

[@edwardm.500]

Yes, introducing us to the Borg. What are friends for?

[@xgentis]

Introduce? They were already on their way.

[@user-zg9fs9kk9q]

Give the man a cigar. He understands. They were on the way. Introducing the Enterprise to them prepared the Federation. You're welcome.

[@CountryMetal01]

Without Q they would never have been ready to defeat the Borg During First Contact

[@davecrupel2817]

without Q, it would have been centuries before they ever CAME NEAR the borg.

[@aperson22222]

I like the pauses on Picard’s side of the conversation when Q talks about taking him to see the ruins. He lets you know he’s determined to stick to his guns, but is not immune from temptation.

[@piotrd.4850]

ACTING!

[@jessicafrost7579]

Remember Vash? He has a real thing for archaeology. And archeologists. 😏

[@michaelharris9993]

Most everyone has a price not necessarily for money or power, but something.

[@tonyc.4392]

I think everyone in the audience wanted him to take Q up on that offer, right? Jean-Luc is a stronger man than I.

[@aperson22222]

@@tonyc.4392 I’m sure it would have been more interesting than the episode we got.

[@ButcherSevenActual]

"It's dull, plodding, pedantic, much like yourself" - Q dropping that sick burn

[@jmiester25]

Q is one of the best characters in all of fiction.

[@COMPOUNDCOLLECTIVE]

Indeed I agree. The character could have been and should of been used more often and could have been borrowed for network commercials. Opportunities squandered....

[@georgelionon9050]

I don't know, sometimes he literally is the deus ex machina...

[@tyson31415]

I hated him based on the "farpoint" episode but gradually came to really enjoy him. Worf say "I AM NOT A MERRY MAN!" will always be one of my favorite STNG scenes.

[@magonus195]

He's basically Loki. The mythological one, not the comic one.

[@Grabthar191]

Wouldn't it be awesome if Q shows up in the new Picard series?

[@heidiwilks5316]

I love how Picard was tempted to accept Q's offer for a visit to the ruins, lol...great acting by Patrick Stewart! :D

[@DurkMcGerk]

Totally agree! As interested as Picard is in ancient civilizations and archaeology, he wanted nothing more at that moment than what Q was offering. And he knew Q could do it. But he realizes it's a deal with the devil.

[@michaeldesanta977]

@@DurkMcGerk Q is more of a Loki than the Devil.

[@Leto2ndAtreides]

It would actually have been a good choice that also made for an interesting episode. Who cares about Vash?

[@andrewlocke3389]

@@Leto2ndAtreides mmmm....Vash.

[@n0wheregrrl]

LOL yeah, you could see him hesitate and consider it for just a moment there.

[@benbauer3426]

The best part of Q and Picard's banter is that neither can yield now. Their relationship is established - Picard must remain resolute, and Q must always offer everything. Their battle is a verbal one, but more importantly it's a battle of attrition, wit, and promise.

[@Jedislayer19]

My favorite part of this scene is that, despite his best efforts, Picard can't help but be charmed by Q's radical freedom. There's a moment where he hesitates and seriously considers saying yes. Who wouldn't enjoy having a genie for a friend?

[@JB52520]

I ain't never had a friend like that.

[@arbitterm]

"I would have taken my own life, but for you" "We all make mistakes" That's still the line that gets me!

[@OpenMawProductions]

***** I think both are more than a little bit overboard. Picard of all people should understand who Q is by now.

[@Kingtad1136]

+arbitterm Sides = orbit

[@TheNervousnation]

Priceless

[@MeanGreenMotherFrom]

I liked it when Picard was like, "GET OUT OF MY CHAIR!"

[@SeansModelBuilds]

I loved it when Q asked Picard for a big hug.

[@georgexanthopoulos3003]

"Well don't just stand there, say something" "Get out of my chair!"

[@timesthree5757]

love it ha

[@hazardous1990]

😂😂

[@SeansModelBuilds]

When Picard first enters his Ready Room, Q asks, "How 'bout a big hug?" LOL

[@stephajn]

As a Friend of Desoto, that line "Get out of my chair!" has special meaning. #thegreatestdiscovery

[@mikeymcmikeface5599]

Hahaha. Classic Picard!

[@mattwo7]

Picard walks in, angrily. Riker: How was the reception? Picard (still walking, angrily): Splendid. (walks off, angrily)

[@SimplyChris]

Q: Teleports Picard from standing to sitting Picard: Have you been banished again? Me: Dude...he just teleported you...

[@jdgindustries2734]

There is a difference between banishment and being striped of powers.

[@mrbestohyeah]

LOL

[@Slowpoke3x]

@@jdgindustries2734 in Q's case there isn't a difference. You would have to strip their power and immorality in order to be banished other wise it's an open door back

[@jdgindustries2734]

@@Slowpoke3x What about Quinn? He still had his powers, he just couldn't get out of the comet?

[@milesregal4610]

@@jdgindustries2734 There is no difference I believe. For example, when Q regains his powers in "Deja Q" he associates his powers with his un-banishment, saying( kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ2Vn32Hp9WeqcU ): "I'm forgiven. My brothers and sisters in the continuum have taken me back. I'm immortal again! Omnipotent again!" As to Quinn, he may have been under different circumstances. However, I believe that under *Q's circumstances* of banishment - whether they were a result of a unique banishment, or just what the Continuum usually does and did in that instance - are that the banishment usually means being striped of status AND power. After all, there's no other equally powerful beings in Star Trek (to my knowledge), anything that resembles the power of a Q, someone that could've left the continuum and still had the powers.

[@Alamandorious]

Q would have shit himself if Picard said 'Ok' and hugged him.

[@spicenug]

Lol I would've loved to see a deleted scene where that happened, alas I've never seen it.

[@wormwoodbecomedelphinus4131]

Shit himself laughing

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Happened in Picard series season 2.

[@Archedgar]

I love how he says "I could help you with it". John DeLancie is awesome.

[@thesandwich5321]

Tell me about it.

[@mikicerise6250]

"If JJ Abrams ever takes over this series and a supernova that travels faster than the speed of light somehow wipes out the Romulan Empire and takes Spock to an alternate timeline where Millennials run Starfleet, you must appear and undo it."

[@Stilgarsan]

"No, nothing that I will do on my own accord."

[@chrisjoy1321]

Evi1M4chine wait what Disney does nothing to Star Trek

[@viktormatilcak25]

What? I actually like kelvin verse. Just like every other star trek show

[@thomasabramson100]

If libtards and sjw scum run Starfleet please drop the sun on it

[@snoopy_peanuts_77]

ok boomer

[@tomservo5347]

I really think Picard was grudgingly amused that Q took so much of an interest in him. He wants to act annoyed but deep down he really is a friend to Q. Q is pretty much omnipotent yet takes such a fascination with mere mortal Picard it's charming.

[@kumada84]

I never get tired of seeing Q flirt shamelessly with Picard.

[@cutestuffs971]

same ;)

[@LTDANMAN44]

+kumada84 its the best. those two play off each other perfectly

[@kumada84]

+Lt.Dan I *_bet_* they do. Oh. Wait. That's not what you meant. Never mind.

[@longlivelife3173]

+kumada84 very funny

[@Miimu5210]

Picard is so kawaii, he's the perfect tsundere.

[@WillRennar]

Centuries into the future, all the holodeck and replicator technology available, and what's Riker doing? Candy Crush.

[@Fireeater-rl4ep]

All men are mortal, and they will pass away and fade into dust, but Candy Crush knows not the paths of death.

[@BasicShapes]

Clearly not because Reggie Barclay used it to fantasize about half the damn ship before he got caught...

[@brothergrimace3859]

@doctorwho0077 Five words: The 'Vulcan Love Slave' series. Erotic holonovels are VERY popular throughout the Federation, and holosuites are very commonly used for this purpose. (Remember what Bashir told Garak in 'Our Man Bashir' - how breaking into someone's holosuite uninvited while they're running a program is a criminal offense?) I don't think that using the image of an actual person is severely criminal (a misdemeanor, maybe), but definitely improper and immoral - like masturbating in a public place. Security will come along to take you away for it, with punishment of a decent fine or community service. Just running an erotic holoprogram isn't an issue, I'd think. If it was, Riker would be doing hard time... so to speak, because that's what he's doing in the Holodeck in the first place!

[@wandaperi]

Candy Crush id dumb even now in the 21. Century

[@mistert800]

If you cum in the holodeck, does it like, just fall on the floor when the program ends? Do they have nanobot cum scrubbers? Important questions, that hopefully the new Picard Trek show will answer.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

I still think Q really felt like he owed Picard a lot more even after this episode. We can assume the REAL sign of gratitude was when Q helped Picard to find peace with himself in that season 6 episode "Tapestry". There's something i always loved about this whole character dynamics and character development of Q from resentment and mockery in the beginning which then started to ease up and became more curiosity, mixed with a little more respect and he even actually cared for Picard. And yet Q was still playful since he's a Q after all. It is absolutely fantastic what John de Lancie did with this character :)

[@KyleRayner12]

This is the sole TNG episode that I enjoy watching on network TV. The implied five minutes of shocked silence before he snaps at Q are comedy at its finest.

[@fffreddie]

Picard was tempted.

[@Tigerman1138]

ese hombre I would be too.

[@windhelmguard5295]

exchange should have gone like this: Q: "tell me what is it you wish and i'll be gone." Picard: "Tea Earl Gray hot!"

[@solomonreal1977]

@@Tigerman1138 WE'RE NOT FRIENDS

[@TheThewulasvegas]

5 lights.....no there are FOUR LIGHTS

[@yaosio]

"I can do anything." "Bring back the 17 people that were killed when you sent us to meet the Borg." Did the writer's forget about that? Yes.

[@trydowave]

Wasn't it 18

[@adolphmartinez3544]

You would rather the discovery writers?

[@poemsbypoetry]

@@adolphmartinez3544 Yeah Discovery writing is fine lol

[@TheSimmr001]

the bloody nose was technically a gift. a wound to his pride that evolved him as a person.

[@dacsus]

@@poemsbypoetry lol

[@akshin1556]

2:20 We see two of Captain Picard's strongest motivations coming into conflict with each other. His passion for archaeology and exploration was telling him to take Q up on his offer, while his moral principles were telling him to refuse to violate the planet's laws. I really liked how they showed Picard hesitating, weighing the possibilities, fighting the temptation to accept Q's offer. It showed that Picard was still human, and had his weaknesses just like everybody else. Although his respect for the planet's laws ultimately won out, it was still a struggle for Picard to set aside his desire to see the planet's ruins for himself.

[@tommcdermott3233]

I love how Picard showed temptation at the offer of visiting the ruins. It reinforces his passion for archaeology and shows his strength of character. I love the acting

[@porpus99]

I always thought Patrick Stewart and John de Lanice worked very well together, and wish they had done more work together beyond Star Trek.

[@NotQuiteFirst]

Actually they did a gay porno in 1979, you're right they work well together

[@xXKirkSoloXx]

lol

[@jayteegamble]

I bet that's a hot porno. Those guys have great chemistry.

[@NotQuiteFirst]

jayteegamble The best bit is at the end when Picard says 'COME'

[@308_Negra_Arroyo_Lane]

Patrick Stewart isn't actually very good at anything other than being Picard.

[@SeraphinaAizen1]

I just realized that Q episodes become even better than they already are if you pretend that Q is a figment of Picard's imagination, and the entire crew is just humoring him.

[@xlerosx]

I just realized that is NOT better.

[@TheGoblinToe]

That can sort of work, but what about the ship being flung into Borg territory, the ship logs and the damage they took don't lie.

[@Nexusgamer8472]

you also failed to take into Account Q's appearances on Deep Space 9 and Voyager

[@auturgicflosculator2183]

"No imagination allowed," the pedants crow~

[@Fireeater-rl4ep]

Interesting thought. It's funny how the show never explains what the Continuum is, or gives a scientific basis for their powers.

[@jeffmears2763]

Looks like Q finally got that HUG he wanted!

[@MacClay8]

Q: "I'll do anything for you, Jean-Luc! Just name it!" Picard: "No thanks." Q: "Really? Nothing at all?" P: "No." Q: "Not even, say... Genociding the Borg?" P: "No. We need them for spin-offs and movies. Just give me an obnoxious morality play for the next 40 minutes." Q: "Splendid!"

[@seanpazdera6407]

@Ututwhynot But both those shows are good though

[@Obese_Pterodactyl]

@@agachill5000 Big yikes.

[@yzfool6639]

@@seanpazdera6407 Discovery was brilliant, yes.

[@JnEricsonx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2WpeKmDmc16bpI

[@yanivproselkov4555]

The issue with Genociding the Borg is that it's made up of living, unwilling slaves who we have seen CAN be saved. Imagine having that on your conscience.

[@malcolmt7883]

I've heard that the Universe could be a simulation. I imagine gods like Q to be players, logging on, from time to time, to join the game.

[@Ugh-Fudge_Bwana]

He's basically a server admin who abuses his privileges for fun.

[@thecianinator]

The Universe is a little bit like the human hand.

[@christopherbriggs9526]

What about that movie Tron

[@Dante20321]

@@Ugh-Fudge_Bwana you read my mind lmfao

[@klaxoncow]

Does that mean that Picard is just an NPC?

[@supercyberfunk]

Next Generation will always be my favorite Star Trek series.

[@ParisHoney1998]

supercyberfunk the only trek that matters

[@LoyaFrostwind]

My favorite series overall!

[@Dominian1]

The only Star Trek which does it for me. I'd never go back and rewatch TOS and I certainly am not going to watch Voyager or DS9. TNG 100x times over, is my thing.

[@jexxxvox]

2:34 "They really knew how to party back in those days" I have so many questions. Goes to show how one well-written line can build worlds.

[@IrishCarney]

Well-written, and well-delivered.

[@Italian69Boi]

Yeah what they partyin with lol

[@dextergrif1052]

Q always destroys every scene he’s in. Love him.

[@aethertech]

Whenever John De Lancie and Patrick Stewart share a stage, an angel gets its wings. And a dog gets a good home. And a student finds a $5'er in the their pocket.

[@pflaffik]

And still they could not gay you down a little.

[@MahsaKaerra]

Looking back at these episodes I can understand why Q is the way he is. You're talking about an immortal being who, as he says here, knows what people were doing 2 billion years ago and is witness to their fading into obscurity with any individual names and personalities and merited achievements turning into nothing. Just imagine what he is saying to some starship captain billions of years from now writing a speech on the ruins of Earth. Behaving like this is probably an escape mechanism for Q so he doesn't have to face up to the reality of his condition.

[@davecrupel2817]

its reasons like that why i wouldnt want to live forever. Super powers like a q, or just plain flesh and bone. Sooner or later, time would make me a miserable man. 1000 years is too long....but 70-100 years is too damn short...... Id be happy with a 300-400 year life. (:

[@Kaefer1973]

Yup 300 always seemed perfect, of course without any nasty aging even in the last 20 years.

[@maximesaindon3552]

If I were a Q I would want to make sure the people are remembered somehow. Then I would feel like I'm honoring the people that died. Also I would feel a sense of duty to saving lives and keeping the universe's largest history book. I would also be a prankster too and create mariachi bands out of thin air

[@Moviefan2k4]

That's quite the dilemma, tackled by many different writers since before film and TV were even invented. The question basically remains the same, though: "Would you want to live forever, if you were the only one?"

[@RvEijndhoven]

Thing is... Q isn't bound by linear time. To his perception, those people 2 billion years ago would be just as alive as Picard, because he exists in their time simultaneously to Picard's time and the time of that hypothetical captain billions of years later and his conversations with Picard are both fleeting moments and endless eternities at the same time.

[@edmondho1214]

I love how at 2:14 Picard actually hesitates and he is tempted by Q's offer for a second. :) very human of him

[@Andrews__YT]

Funny how many years later, and also many years before, Picard would end up giving Q the big hug he asked for.

[@PMW3]

I have say that Q is my favorite character.

[@falaicha]

If I was Picard, I would have made Q my best friend and make him grant some favors... Imagine what Q could give away as favor, He could make whole space time upside down, change the past, present and future.. update the ship system to anything one likes, take one to the tour of the universe from birth to it's death, etc, etc.. He could fulfill all the dreams one can think of in the snap of the finger.. Q could be my very best friend.. amazing.... :0)

[@lexsmith8689]

num lock well Picard´s girlfriend Vash spent a very long time with Q and then she found out how he really was a when she told him to let her be, Q was outwardly cruel and caused her pain till Sisko intervened, while Vash was on DS9.. not to mention the notoriously known annoying visits on USS Voyager.. I liked Janeway´s way of handling Q... in The Q and the Grey she told Q that they´re gonna get home but they´ll do it through hard workl and determination and that they don´t look for some quick fix... that´s what gives a human life a meaning... and that´s what you lose if you´re gonna try exploit any offer, advance or advice given by Q... you´ll become worthless.. the way of thinking will change and you may become relying and dependable what is not an value nor ability that Q continuum and human themselves see as valuable in humans...

[@falaicha]

Lex Smith Now you passed starfleet's captain's test!!

[@iArsalan]

Lex Smith Q was by far the most philosophically developed aspect of the series and by far my favorite character. He was the embodiment of an old African spiritual concept known as Exu. The "man at the cross-roads" testing people with life choices and reveling in human strife, as it is in strife that humans truly learn. His epithets include "He who throws to stone tomorrow to strike the bird yesterday", "The knower of all roads" and "The one small enough to fit millions of times on the head of a needle and large enough to encompass the universe". Even the colors of the robe he wore when he sat in judgement on the first episode "Red and Black" are the symbolic colors of Exu.

[@lexsmith8689]

Brahima Arsalan this comment is far too religious-like... Q ain´t the only one of his kind !! If there was someone who truly "moves the rock" then it was Quinn. The first Q who commited suicide.. and let´s not forget that it was captain Kathryn Janeway who made it possible.. (and of course Tuvok, cuz how Q (de Lancie ) himself stated - "VULCANS!!!" ) When Quinn, still as Q at a time, was stripped of his powers right after the judgement which allowed him to commit suicide, Q gave him deadly poison to allow him to commit suicide. So you see it was Quinn who moved and changed Q and the Q continuum itself. Q stated himself that Quinn was the one who changed him and made him see the change is needed and that he always admired his rebelliousness. Q was even thrown out from Q continuum due to the fact that others considered his actions and doings unacceptable and wrong !! And only because he showed one of many human qualities (there´s that lil´ thing of a selfless act.. remember?!! ) he was reinstated by Q2 (not Q junior) back as Q with his powers. He wasn´t the most philosophically developed aspect, he was only the most volatile and powerful element in Star trek universe (multiverse). The most philosophically developed aspect was the captain trio composed of Picard, Janeway and Sisko !! they had to deal with people, directives, morals and actual doings (meaning the orders they had to give or carry out).

[@VenomStryker]

"We could go back in time and see what Tagus was like 2 billion years ago. They really knew how to party" lmao! Q is hilarious!

[@oldtwinsna8347]

I would've taken up the offer if Q guaranteed no changes to timeline

[@joimumu]

I would party with Q anytime

[@IrishCarney]

Well written, but de Lancie's delivery of that line was first rate.

[@Italian69Boi]

Love it!

[@rinzler9171]

@@oldtwinsna8347 I don't see how there would have been if they were all wiped out suddenly.

[@user-ed8ce8bg4e]

God the acting in this show is spectacular. Just the little hesitation from Picard when Q offers to take him to the ruins, a slight pause where you can see him consider it and imagine himself being there, before shaking it off and saying 'No'. What a fantastic show.

[@HarriJokinen]

It was such a good offer that it was almost an insult why he didn't accept the offer.

[@near--zero]

"Attention all hands. The entity known as 'Q' wants to to something nice for the captain. Be on guard. That is all."

[@davecrupel2817]

"i could take you back to Taguis 2 billion years ago. they REALLY knew how to party in those days..." One of the less significant reasons why i love Q. such a great sense of humor xD

[@azraelangelofred]

2:19 For a moment, Picard was "....tempting."

[@mrspidey80]

+azraelangelofred Yeah, i really liked that. He actually thought about it for a second.

[@ct92404]

+mrspidey80 Yeah I think that was the only time I had ever seen Picard genuinely tempted by one of Q's "offers." Usually Q just blackmails and threatens him, but that time he was actually about to willingly accept something from Q. I thought that was pretty funny. The "We all make mistakes" line was hilarious :)

[@adood2669]

+ct92404 kc . zSsj

[@Principessa1046]

So glad I'm not the only one who noticed Picard's hesitation. He's undeniably fascinated by Q. xD

[@marcw6875]

He was tempted for 0.68 seconds.

[@darthglobe4285]

Picard: "He wants to do something nice for me." Riker: "I will alert the crew." 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@atallguynh]

@0:13 "How about a big hug?" He got it, eventually.

[@floridaboz1]

I wonder if they thought about this scene when the wrote the hug into the script

[@OAleathaO]

2:45 - "You are simply the most impossible person to buy a gift for." Much like my father :)

[@rafmo87]

Aleatha Vogel by it for me

[@404killer]

It's a tempting offer, Aleatha ^

[@WhiteMousse1980]

"He wants to do something nice for me." "I'll alert the crew." 40 keks

[@NakanoHitori]

White Mousse the best part is that they play it straight instead of sarcastic.

[@ThePathStrider]

I think I prefer Janeways reaction to a person called Q being teleported aboard. *_RED ALERT!!!_*

[@Zeriel00]

Picard: "He wants to do something nice for me" Riker: "Red alert, Maximum Warp any heading"

[@michaeldaniels642]

Picard: It's Q, number 1. What exactly do you think that will accomplish?

[@CeramicQuill]

I'd have just asked for something simple in idea, but specific enough to entertain Q. Like William Shakespeare's second favorite writing quill.

[@celebrim1]

Riker to Crew: "Picard forgot to take his pills again."

[@mrbestohyeah]

LOL LOL LOL

[@thelockenbubi7117]

„How about a big hug“ - that hits differently now

[@captainbroady]

Q: "Jean Luc it's wonderful to see you again. How about a big hug?" Young Jean Luc Picard: NO, WE ARE NOT FRIENDS Star Trek Picard: Your wish is granted.

[@Rex_Gear]

"How was the reception" "Splendid" Lol! What a great way to set up this scene. You already know Picard is having none of it.

[@frogisis]

One of the things I like about Q is that for all his power he recognizes Picard as a much better, braver, wiser, more compassionate person than he is and craves his approval, but at the same time resents that he's so outclassed by such a tiny creature, and feels even guiltier and more self-conscious for it, which he covers up with omnipotent bluster. People throughout all of time and space rightly recognize Q as a huge asshole, since he's basically the intergalactic version of a kid frying ants with a magnifying glass (though he seems more interested in taunting and humiliating people than hurting them), but similarly that means he doesn't care what they think of him, except for Picard, who is the one being in the universe who can make him feel guilty, and whose respect and friendship is the one thing he wants but can't have at a whim.

[@heatherscompletelackofchil6127]

"dull, plodding, pedantic, much like yourself..." his delivery is just- I just die laughing every time

[@Eidlones]

I loved watching this on tv back in the day, and suddenly seeing Q and knowing right then, it was going to be a good episode

[@BlizzardandBlaze]

"Have you been banished by the continuum once again?" I cracked up at that line. XD

[@Jdaw78]

Q? 'He wants to do something nice for me.' 'Red Alert!'

[@aluisious]

Just kind of realized how rediculous this is. These guys are in a starship exploring the galaxy, and a god pops in once in a while and they find him irritating and tell him to take a hike. Uhh...yeah probably not. They ought to be a loooot more interested in Q.

[@ekramer1030]

Yes...God.

[@ekramer1030]

Ivan Katzer So are most Gods.

[@ekramer1030]

Ivan Katzer I was taking the cross-religious approach.

[@simoncarlile5190]

Q may be omnipotent, but he is untrustworthy. His "favors" may not be terribly helpful or desirable, or they might have catastrophic side effects.

[@ekramer1030]

Simon Carlile The joy of Q! :D

[@actioncom2748]

2:29 - Q would have gotten me right there. When he says a people know how to party, you know it would have been a doozy.

[@carlhopkinson]

Q should have had his own spin-off show.

[@cygnustsp]

"How you force confession from me" love it

[@HemIock]

I'd have gone back in time with Q. I could talk to him for ages, all the things he's done and seen. God

[@stevenfries7032]

"we are not friends!"......and their final moments together.......they are indeed FRIENDS.

[@calvingmail]

Amazing performance by both...what a superb combination Picard and Q

[@piotrd.4850]

Picard series could have use it as break episode..

[@twotailedavenger]

I swear, the only thing that changes about John's roles is the name of the character. He's always the same loveable psycho, be it on a Federation starship, or in a world full of magical talking horses.

[@TheCatMurgatroyd]

Q and Discord are the same character though... they are meant to be the exact same person I imagine that Q is able to visit different universes and one of those universes happens to be the my little pony one xD (he gets turned into stone and just acts as though it has an effect... leaves them alone for some time until getting interested again when Twilight does her thing)

[@hangman4011]

Don't forget Alarak in Starcraft 2. Same-ish type of character.

[@TheCatMurgatroyd]

also the game "Quandrum conundrum" is with him... he doesn't play Q, but there are a few hints on that it might be Q or something? They have "Q" written all over the game :P

[@jaffarebellion292]

He also plays Col. Simmons in Stargate SG-1. Not so lovable, but a psycho nonetheless.

[@davecrupel2817]

Its his voice ffs! His is the voice of chaos!

[@sliceserve234]

The writing for this entire scene is just remarkably good, the acting brings the script to life, the music scoring is a great addition, the camera placement and movements are pleasing, the edits are professional. Really just one of the most impressively produced TV series in history.

[@Leewise1]

I will never understand why John De Lancie wasn't used for so much more, his acting and mannerisms are superb, every second he's on screen is a joy

[@Leewise1]

@Evi1M4chine ha I dont disagree with you on the star trek side of things, I actually meant just in general. The only other thing I think I've seen him in is a small role in Multiplicity

[@shugaroony]

@@Leewise1 He had a small but memorable role in Breaking Bad too. Fantastic performance in a completely different way.

[@Ertwin123]

@@Leewise1 He showed up briefly in Stargate as well as a bad guy.

[@Leewise1]

@@Ertwin123 Weird I'm watching SG1 at the moment, I'm on season 3, looking forward to his role!

[@spicenug]

I love the conversation between Riker and Picard after Q leaves.

[@Paul-A01]

Picard and Q on ancient Tagus would have been an amazing episode.

[@antifusion]

Q seems ruled by the ego, thus making him still utterly relatable.

[@nicolasg7601]

antifusion At the end of TNG it’s presented that all of Q’s interactions with Picard and crew have been part of researching/testing humans. Then that’s basically thrown out in Voyager.

[@marcokite]

and Picard is ruled by being so very very boring

[@StarboyXL9]

Man the party scene in 2 Billion BC must have been LIT AF for Q to talk about it fondly!

[@eonbree8593]

Q, discord. John de lancie. Best actor ever.

[@Rensune]

Trias the Betrayer. One of the best Videogame characters.

[@DTSephiroth]

+eon aura And here I thought I was the only one who noticed. They keep giving him these whimsical roles don't they.

[@greenyawgmoth]

He also played a judge on an episode of Law & Order. You could really tell he was trying to dial back the "Q at Farpoint Station" but he only managed to bring it down about half way, which was of course fantastic. I think they should have just let him go full Q, robes and throne and everything.

[@Ihavetohave1ofthese]

I really enjoyed the discord episodes. Now you've got me thinking Discord was just what Q was doing off-screen when he decided to bother other beings in another universe. The dragonipus was just the form he took to appear to the ponies. :D

[@andmicbro1]

Don't forget Alarak on StarCraft II. He's got the best lines in Heroes of the Storm as well.

[@OganySupreme]

Picard: I've just been paid a visit from Q. Riker: Q? Any idea what he's up to? Picard: He wants to do something nice for me. Riker: I'll alert the crew. I don't know why but this killed me.

[@catsinskates]

Q was such an iconic character that they named a letter of the alphabet after him.

[@Alex-xh9kv]

Q: "Tell me, what is it that you wish & I'll be gone." ME: "Vanquish the Borg from existence."

[@Sabrecho]

Ok, I get that Picard doesn't want to break Taguan Law, that's fine. ... So let Q take him to the ruins ~before~ they made it illegal. I'm just sayin'... PS: Make sure to promise not to strand you in the past.

[@roji556]

Breaks the Temporal Prime Directive.

[@Sabrecho]

TheClassiestFox Picard's not a time agent, and besides if not for a little bit of time travel, earth would have been wiped out by Star Trek 4's alien probe. Q got frustrated once and introduced the Federation to the Borg. Frustrating Q is not a healthy activity.

[@roji556]

Sabrecho The Temporal Prime Directive still applies, you don't need to be a time traveler. "The first mention of a Temporal Prime Directive was by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in 2368." (TNG: "A Matter of Time") That is far before the Temporal Ships and Agents came into play in the shows. Furthermore Picard challenges the Temporal Prime Directive in the same episode. However as with the standard Prime Directive, Captain Picard (And Janeway, Kirk, and Sisko) has broken both Directives when it's been the right thing to do.

[@Sabrecho]

I'm just gonna say that the very episode you mention, Picard is merely guessing at the existence of "Some kind of Temporal equivalent of that Directive". And, though he doesn't realize it at the time, he's arguing with a charlatan who, if there was anything remotely like some sort of Temporal police, would have been busted before showing up. I'm just sayin' ~if~ there really are time cops, wouldn't they bust a time travelling criminal before even potentially damaging the time line?

[@beowulf500ad]

Sabrecho There was a Star Trek Voyager episode called "Relativity" based on that.

[@ezg8448]

Just a great scene with great acting! Love how Picard is constantly tempted by Q and deep down really wanted to say yes but it wouldn't be right. It's the small subtleties that takes this to the next level.

[@JackgarPrime]

One of my favorite cold opens in the whole series.

[@Ghost-ql3hl]

I swear that the enterprise had to have an alert for when q was on the loose. “Picard to all hands, code Q. That is all”

[@natman2939]

I’ve never understood how Picard was so dismissive and calm around Q. When he came across the being that lost his wife and could’ve destroyed them with a thought he showed a lot of respect but for Q he’s like “oh you again” but Q could erase all humanity

[@christopherpackham732]

Because Picard understands Q's psychology. Q likes the challenge and banter, and the possibility that Picard might sometimes admit Q is superior. Q understands that Picard won't change who he is for powerful beings, and can provide entertainment. As Data once said "Q's relationship with you is not unlike a master with a beloved pet." Picard is a snappy little terrier for Q. You might find yourself put out by your pet doing what it wants, but you enjoy it and don't snap it out of existence.

[@tsm688]

This is actually how Picard shows fear.

[@natman2939]

@@tsm688 oh I like that one

[@natman2939]

@@christopherpackham732 this made me laugh. Good points

[@nathangamble125]

Because Q likes Picard for who he is, and doesn't respect sycophants. Q also likes jokes, so would inevitably turn anything Picard asked for into a disaster. Picard being dismissive and calm is safer than being submissive or going along with Q's plan.

[@Italian69Boi]

Well he did give him a BIG HUG in the final scene with Q in ST Picard

[@Warriorking.1963]

P: "He wants to do something nice for me" R: "I'll alert the crew" 😁

[@Bethos1247-Arne]

Many years later, Q did get his big hug.

[@theoku]

Q get out of my office and give me back my iPad!

[@DmanInJapan]

Star Trek: The 2000's Generation

[@Principessa1046]

The 2000's Generation could have taken Picard and Q's relationship to the next step. :)

[@pwnmeisterage]

iTrek and the Samsung Galaxy-D Enterprise 😨

[@ztslovebird]

Star Trek invented iPads?

[@kxmode]

Yup. Ironically an iPad is more advanced than the Star Trek pads.

[@builder396]

+ztslovebird They also invented Google Glass and the Android Phone.

[@kuribo1]

+kxmode Well in all honesty there is far more than one design of lCARS padd. Some like these depicted ones I am pretty sure are basic run of the mill command function pads while these io9.gizmodo.com/5928143/10-things-we-want-from-a-new-star-trek-tv-show check out all of the different types of padd, even the amber clear style.

[@allways28]

+ztslovebird mobile phones as well ?

[@builder396]

allways28 Like the old TOS flip-open communicator? pretty much yes.

[@whiteknightcat]

Later in the episode ... Worf: I protest! I AM NOT A MERRY MAN!

[@bgcvetan]

"i would have taken my life if not for you." "We've all made mistakes."

[@QANGOR]

20 yrs later = PICARD to Q: "Q, Is it possible for you to bring DATA back just before exploding into pieces in Romulan space?"