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AI/LLM reviews of Star Trek The Next Generation - Déjà Q

Google Gemini

The USS Enterprise-D is orbiting Bre'el IV,
facing a catastrophic threat: a massive, ferrous
crystalline asteroidal moon is rapidly descending,
threatening to impact the planet and cause immense
destruction. As the Enterprise strains its engines
to push the moon back into orbit, a familiar face
suddenly appears on the bridge: Q, naked and then
quickly dressed, claiming he has been stripped of
his powers by the Q Continuum and made human as
punishment for his disruptive behavior.

Captain Picard, highly skeptical, has Worf throw
Q in the brig. While imprisoned, Q experiences
the uncomfortable realities of humanity, including
pain, hunger, and claustrophobia. The ship is also
probed by the Calamarain, an alien species Q had
previously tormented. Now terrified and weak,
Q convinces Picard to release him, arguing that
his former omnipotent knowledge could be useful
in averting the moon disaster. Data is assigned
to Q, and they go to Engineering, where Q, still
suffering from human ailments, suggests seemingly
impossible solutions like altering
the gravitational constant of the universe.

The situation escalates when the Calamarain
attack the Enterprise, specifically targeting Q.
Data is injured while protecting Q, a selfless
act that deeply affects the former omnipotent
being. Feeling like a failure as a human, Q
attempts suicide by flying a shuttle into the
Calamarain, believing his death will protect
the Enterprise. However, another Q appears,
revealing that he orchestrated Q's punishment
and stopped the Enterprise from rescuing him.
This second Q explains that Q's selfless act
of trying to sacrifice himself for the crew
has earned him his powers back. With his
powers restored, Q dispatches the Calamarain
and returns to the Enterprise, celebrating
his omnipotence. He then gives Data the ability
to laugh as a "going away present." The episode
concludes with the moon safely returned to its
normal orbit, implying Q used his restored powers
to fix the problem, though he denies
any lingering humanity.

Strengths:

Q's Vulnerability and Humanity: This episode is a
brilliant character study for Q. Seeing him
stripped of his powers and forced to experience
human limitations, fear, and even compassion, is
incredibly compelling and adds immense depth to
his character. John de Lancie's performance
is outstanding.

Data's Development: Data's interactions with Q
are a highlight. He observes Q's humanity,
learns about empathy, and even experiences a
moment of genuine laughter, a significant step
in his quest to become more human.

Humor: The episode is genuinely funny,
particularly in Q's reactions to his human
frailties and his exasperated interactions
with the crew.

Philosophical Themes: It explores profound
questions about what makes us human, whether
power corrupts, and if even an omnipotent
being can learn humility and empathy.

Picard's Compassion: Picard's cautious
but ultimately compassionate approach to Q,
even when he's at his most irritating,
reinforces his character's moral strength.

Weaknesses:

Calamarain as a Threat: While serving as a
catalyst for Q's redemption, the Calamarain
themselves are a somewhat abstract
and underdeveloped threat.

Convenient Resolution: Q's powers being restored
just as he performs a selfless act, while
thematic, is a convenient plot device to resolve
the crisis.

Dated Visuals: As an early TNG episode, some of
the visual effects, particularly for the asteroid
and the Calamarain, show their age.

Overall Impression:

"Déjà Q" is an outstanding and highly memorable
episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It's
a perfect blend of humor, character development,
and philosophical inquiry, offering a unique
and deeply satisfying look at the omnipotent Q.
Its exploration of humanity and the unexpected
path to redemption makes it a fan favorite
and a truly essential entry in the series.

Rating: 9/10

ChatGPT

Here’s a full review of **“Star Trek: The
Next Generation” — *Déjà Q***, based on
the script at [chakoteya.net]
(http://www.chakoteya.net/NextGen/161.htm):

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**Episode:** *Déjà Q*
**Season:** 3, Episode 13
**Original Air Date:** February 5, 1990
**Written by:** Richard Danus
**Directed by:** Les Landau

---

## 📋 **Summary**

As the Enterprise attempts to prevent a moon from
crashing into the planet **Brekka**, a surprise
visitor arrives — **Q**, the omnipotent
troublemaker, stripped of his powers by the Q
Continuum and cast out as a mortal. Naked,
helpless, and annoying as ever, Q demands
asylum aboard the ship.

Now mortal, Q must face the consequences of his
past deeds — not just from the crew, but from
alien races seeking revenge. He must learn to
live with fear, hunger, pain, and humility.
Meanwhile, the Enterprise struggles with
the planetary crisis and a band
of vengeful **Calamarain** who want Q dead.

Eventually, Q redeems himself by risking his life
to save the ship. At the last moment, another
member of the Q Continuum restores his powers.
True to form, Q throws a farewell party in a
flash of absurdity — c