Qpid

On the eve of delivering a speech to a Federation archaeology conference on board the Enterprise, Picard is dismayed to find Q once again complicating things - especially as an old flame of Picard comes back into his life.

Nothing but pure silliness in this episode as the TNG crew are thrown into a holodeck-style adventure with Q quipping from the sidelines. It's good to see Hetrick back in an interesting role but this episode will probably be mostly remembered for Dorn's excellent comedic performance as a very unhappy Worf, turning it into a meme for the ages. But apart from that, this is a fairly inconsequential episode that doesn't have much in the way of impact.

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?

When you examine this particular TNG episode you realize at times how silly some of the stories can be. But a chance to see John DeLancie as Q and Jennifer Hetrick as Vash is never to be passed up.

No doubt about it Vash and Q are two of the most capricious beings that Captain Picard knows in the Universe. As Vash makes it a no bones fact that she's out for herself first and foremost she and Patrick Stewart can never really get together.

But Q decides to test that relationship by putting them into a Robin Hood fantasy from old earth legends along with the rest of the Enterprise regulars with Vash as Maid Marian. As she's not from the earth Hetrick is slow on the uptake. And chivalry really isn't something she values.

Nevertheless this is Q's attempt to test Picard's romantic inclinations and it doesn't quite go as expected.

Clive Revill is Sir Guy of Gisborne in this amusing story.

Captain Picard is sent on a Robin Hood style adventure by Q.

This is a fun episode that must have been blast for the actors to perform and it entertains as long you do not take it too seriously.

The story is not the slightest bit important, other than it sets up a future premise for the guest characters. It is all designed to see the characters acting out a Robin Hood fantasy in a light hearted piece of escapism.

Picard as a swashbuckling action hero has decent comedy value, but the standout moments for me all involve Lieutenant Worf who is a wonderfully angry straight man in the middle of all the tomfoolery.

Before all the Q shenanigans kick off there is a superbly awkward number of scenes with Picard and Vash aboard the Enterprise that are very enjoyable, particularly the ones with Dr Crusher.

All the visuals are fun with some great costumes, outdoor shoots and a castle set.

All performances are enjoyable especially John de Lancie, Patrick Stewart and Michael Dorn.

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.