Amac Productions

We meet the Ferengi.

A name I don’t know just by existing out in the world. Like Klingon and Borg. Those are names I know from Star Trek without ever having to watch a thing.

The Ferengi?

Nope.

Though I do recall them being mentioned in the pilot episode. Apparently, they’ve eaten some past business partners.

However, in this episode I learn that Starfleet know nothing about the Ferengi beyond rumors and such. No one has ever seen one before. Well, guess what? You’re all coming face to face in this episode.

And I think each species agrees the other is ugly.

This whole episode is wild.

I think my decision to go with the flow and stop expecting things has really helped get into the series a bit more. I understand that diplomacy is always going to be the option that Picard votes for. And I really do enjoy that about him.

Even in the face of being attacked, he stops his crew from returning fire. Insisting that the Ferengi were just startled by their pursuit of them. Little more.

He wants to work together with them.

The only thing I found odd was when he decided not to tell them he was not the one holding them hostage.

It – however – was hilarious that each side was blaming the other and we’ve just got Deanna there, like hey, we’ve overlooked the entire planet below us. What if that’s the cause? Perhaps we should look down there? Since you know, our enemy is as confused as we are?

I liked that Picard did bluff part of it, but I thought it strange he continued. It’s hard to build trust when you lie to someone. Aside from that, it was quite good.

Since I have little background in the way of Star Trek. I really enjoyed the introduction of a species they know little to nothing about. How they collect whatever information they can to decide how they will move forward while also being true to themselves.

Such as Riker.

On the planet’s surface, he did not pretend to be something he was not. Nor did he hide that he is from an imperfect race. One that has made grave mistakes and will probably make many more but is trying their best. They’re not out to hurt anyone.

Proving that further by requesting the release of the Ferengi as well.

Riker’s conversation with the portal is unique and wonderful.

He wishes the Ferengi be freed. So they may learn and grow as humans once did. I love the idea behind Starfleet – to a certain degree – that they allow each species the right to choose for themselves. The Ferengi may never learn or evolve. But that is their right. It is not up to us or anyone else to decide for them.

It’s an interesting idea that I’m certain will be challenged time and time again.

After all, it’s a fun idea to play with. Not to mention, human ego is nothing if not persistent in the idea that we know best. Our way, is the right way.

There’s bound to be conflict there.

However, here it introduces the idea to a new audience who may not be familiar with the material to the idea Starfleet represents. They are explorers. Not fighters.

They brought families out into the galaxy, not to conquer but to show them the universe in which they live. That’s not an act of aggression or military stance. It’s more like a group of people out for a drive together. Spending time, exploring, and adventuring. Only on a much grander scale.

Aboard the ship as the away team attempts to sort out the problem below, Crusher and Picard are handling the people there as life support slowly slips away. Their viewpoint over what to do with Wesley is interesting because I can easily see both sides.

As a mother, and to an extent a doctor, she does not wish for her son to suffer.

However, Picard points out, as Riker does below, that Wesley should have the dignity of choice.

Honestly, asking him if he’d like a sedative might be the best solution. Let him decide what is right for him.

One more thing, I’d like to note – Picard claims to be awful with children without the help of Riker. Yet he’s in the room with them, handing out blankets, and trying his best to keep the peace and hope alive for as long as possible. He’s with his crew. The children. With Dr. Crusher, assisting as much as he can.

He might not be able to relate to children easily, but he does understand people.

In a time of need or panic or great strife, they needed him to be there for them. To be the calm in the storm.

I loved the Portal as well. He was a very chill dude. I thought he would be more difficult to deal with than he was. About halfway through the Ferengi’s speech, I realized that the Portal had realized they were full of crap. Especially, when Riker basically shrugged and said he was not hiding his past as a human or making excuses for it.

I think that right there is a life lesson we all need to be reminded of.

Past mistakes do not define us now as long as we continue to grow and evolve our understanding. We’re all young and dumb. That’s what youth is for.

It’s the learning from it and others’ past mistakes that matter.

Or history will repeat itself.

I really love Riker. He’s a good young leading male character. While Picard is the older more experienced captain. Together they make a fine team. Riker is not inexperienced, but not as experienced as Picard. Has a great understanding there’s more he can learn from the captain.

The greatest lesson of all – perhaps – that you never stop learning.

That might be one of the things I love most about Picard. He’s never afraid to ask for help or advice. Explain why he believes that might not be the correct course or debate the choices with his officers. He calls them to a room and asks them to speak. Offer advice. Thoughts on the situation.

He never dismisses or belittles anyone. He respects them and the positions they have earned. They – like him – have earned these ranks for a reason. He respects that. But he also offers guidance when they need it about the bigger picture.

I really enjoy him as a leader. Picard and the jovial Riker are a refreshing change of pace from brooding leaders or people who think they know everything. In fact, I think both of them would freely admit they have much more to learn. Even freaking Data the android, probably would not believe he knows everything.

For example, a Chinese finger cuff stumped him.

We are always learning. To try and stop or believe you know everything is the ultimate pitfall.

Also, the Chinese finger cuff going on in the background was a wonderful addition. I think more shows need to take a page from this episodes book and remember not to be so serious all the time. Sometimes, we can have fun.

Sometimes, we can offer revenge on the Ferengi for their supposed help by sending them a box of finger cuffs to say thank you to them. Because that is far better than outright giving them shit for turning on them at the first possible moment.

I loved that. Riker is such an ass. But in the best way.

He’s not harming the Ferengi. Merely teasing them. I really love it.

I also loved that everyone on the freaking bridge had them at the end of the episode and was playing with them. While Picard just sighed heavily. Like I’m dealing with children. But they’re not harming anyone and there’s no need for me to ruin their fun unless I just want to be an ass.

So he doesn’t.

I love it.

While the show may have its pitfalls, I think it gets more right than wrong.

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