Qpid

What isn't fun about this episode? So much fun as though given a recess between episodes. I respect any show that takes the opportunity to be whimsical. Lighten up people. Jean Luc cannot help but smile as Robin Hood

As the heading says, a nice intermission from the typical next generation story line. Overall fun and enjoyable with Worf really doing a great job with some comedic lines.

"Qpid" is a silly episode--one which is inconsequential and harmless. I am not saying it's bad--it's just that it's one that is easy to skip and that you cannot take very seriously.

The episode begins with some sort of archaeological conference about to begin on the Enterprise. Picard's love interest (or as close as you'll find to one) Vash appears unexpectedly for the conference. Considering she's an amoral thief, it is very odd (and makes no sense) that Picard allows her unrestricted access to the ship. In the midst of this little reunion, Q appears and demands that Picard allow him to repay his debt from the last episode. Of course, the fun-hating Picard refuses strongly, so Q decides to do something for him anyways, transporting Picard and the series regulars into an adventure that looks like it's straight from the holodeck--involving Picard playing Robin Hood. On hand as Maid Marion is Vash and the whole thing is amazingly silly, though it seems Q set all this up in order to give Picard a chance to impress his girl.

There are some funny and wonderful moments--such as when Troi is trying out a bow and arrow as well as the way Vash and Q hit is off together. But, it's also a completely contrived and rather dumb show. So, it's fun and enjoyable but also pretty lame at the same time!.

Picard is in love with Vash. She is unpredictable, dangerous, and beautiful. She is also a threat to the relationship he has with Beverly (even though they never seem to get around to anything). Vash has shown up at a conference that is being hosted on the Enterprise and has thrown Picard into a tizzy. Not only that but who should show up as well? Q! He wants to reward Picard for getting him back in the continuum. Picard can't shake him and Q, in his inimitable way, launches one of his intergalactic practical jokes. He turns the regulars on the series into characters from the Robin Hood legend. Unlike a holodeck fantasy, the situation is deadly. He takes Vash and holes her up in a castle where she is to be executed. Picard as Robin Hood is given the task of rescuing her. When she realizes she is to be beheaded, she immediately agrees to marry Sir Guy, just out of expediency. She is a survivor and decides "Whatever." Meanwhile, Picard and his "merry men" go to the castle and all manner of fun ensues. I think that Q provides an opportunity for the actors to spread their wings a bit. This is quite a hoot and we know that things will eventually work out. Or will they?

I am shocked so many people regard this episode as lowly as they do. Forget the nonstop laughs, that we get to once again experience the dynamic between Jean Luc and Vash is reason enough to celebrate. Vash *kills it* in this episode. The way she effortlessly floats through her introduction to the rest of the senior crew is a riot! Her and Beverly's meeting and how it made Picard choke on his words was priceless.

It's moments like that that remind me of just how rewarding it is to go watch this series in its entirety. By this point we are so familiar with these characters and yet they still come up with new ways to surprise and delight us!

This episode is a treat and I am so glad it exists.