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AI/LLM reviews of Star TRek NG - Hide and Q

Google Gemini

"Star Trek: The Next Generation - Hide and Q"
brings back the omnipotent and mischievous Q,
this time focusing his existential test on
Commander Riker and exploring the temptations
of ultimate power versus the value of humanity.

Plot Overview:The USS Enterprise-D is en route
to rescue colonists when their mission is
dramatically interrupted by the return of Q.
Having put all of humanity on trial
in "Encounter at Farpoint," Q now expresses
a particular interest in Commander
William T. Riker. He transports Riker
and the bridge crew to an alien planet,
where they face a gauntlet of dangerous,
seemingly anachronistic soldiers wielding
energy weapons disguised as muskets.
Q's true test for Riker is revealed:
he offers Riker the chance to become
one of the Q, endowing him with god-like powers.
Riker, initially hesitant, uses his newfound
abilities to save his imperiled crewmates,
showcasing both the allure and the potential
corruption of such immense power. Captain Picard,
ever the advocate for humanity, wagers with Q
that Riker will ultimately reject the offer.
The heart of the episode lies in Riker's
internal struggle and his eventual decision
to embrace his humanity and his bonds with
his crew over the limitless power of the Q
Continuum. Q, losing the wager, vanishes,
allowing the Enterprise to finally resume
its rescue mission.

Strengths:
Q's Return and Dynamic: John de Lancie's Q
remains a captivating and formidable
antagonist. His dynamic with Picard,
full of witty banter and philosophical
sparring, is a highlight.

Exploration of Power: The episode effectively
delves into the corrupting influence of absolute
power and the ethical dilemmas it presents.
Riker's struggle with this temptation is
central and well-portrayed.

Riker's Choice: Riker's ultimate decision
to reject Q's offer reinforces the show's
core message about the value of humanity,
connection, and self-limitation, even
when faced with infinite possibilities.

Picard's Advocacy: Picard's unwavering
faith in humanity and his willingness
to stand up to Q, even in the face
of overwhelming power, solidifies
his role as the moral compass of the series.

Weaknesses:Pacing and Setup: The initial
setup on the alien planet, with the seemingly
random soldiers, can feel a bit drawn out
before Q's true intentions become clear.

Visuals: Some of the visual effects for Q's
powers and the alien environment are rudimentary
and show their age,
typical of early TNG.

Subtle Messaging: While the core message
is strong, the episode's delivery can
sometimes feel a bit preachy or heavy-handed,
especially in Riker's internal monologue.

Convenient Resolution: Q's quick disappearance
after losing the wager, while necessary
for the plot, feels a bit too abrupt given
his omnipotence.

Overall Impression:"Hide and Q" is a
significant early episode
for Star Trek: The Next Generation primarily
due to Q's return and his direct challenge
to a main character. It effectively explores
the seductive nature of power and reinforces
the show's optimistic view of humanity's
inherent worth. While it has some of the
production and pacing issues common to early TNG,
its philosophical core and strong performances
from Patrick Stewart and Jonathan Frakes
make it a memorable and important entry in the series.

Rating: 7/10

ChatGPt

**Review: *Star Trek: The Next Generation – “Hide and Q”*** **Episode:** Season 1, Episode 10
**Transcript Source:** [chakoteya.net](http://www.chakoteya.net/NextGen/111.htm)
**Rating:** ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ (5/10)

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### **Overview & Context**

“Hide and Q” brings back the enigmatic Q (John de Lancie)
to test Commander Riker, marking the strongest of the early
Q-centric episodes. Unlike its predecessor,
“Encounter at Farpoint,” this installment splits
between theatrical set-pieces and a moral dilemma,
testing humanity’s growth through an all-powerful gift.
Q grants Riker god-like abilities,
forcing the Enterprise crew to confront
temptation and integrity ([them0vieblog.com][1]).

---

### **Highlights & Strengths**

#### **1. John de Lancie’s Q**

Q remains the episode's standout.
De Lancie brings charm and mischief,
embodying a trickster god with cosmic
swagger. Whether indulging in costumes
or provoking intellectual jousts
with Picard, Q dominates the episode
and provides genuine entertainment
([douxreviews.com][2]).

#### **2. Moral Core**

The central quandary—whether Riker
can resist ultimate power—speaks
to classic *Star Trek* morality tales.
The scene in which