Hide And Q

Next Generation Episode #10

Written by CJ Holland and Gene Roddenberry. Story by CJ Holland. Directed by Cliff Bole.

Stardate: 41590.5 First aired: 23 November 1987

The entire crew, except Picard, are transported to a planet by Q, who wants to see if Riker can 'resist temptation'. The crew are attacked by savage aliens in Napoleonic uniforms. Q grants Riker the powers of the Q Continuum, saying that it will increase mutual understanding between humans and the Q. Riker uses his powers to transport the crew back to the ship. Picard asks Riker not to use his powers - if he does, he must leave Starfleet and join the Q. Riker regrets agreeing when there's a disaster on a mining colony - he could have prevented great suffering. Riker grows arrogant, and decides to leave - first granting his friend's greatest wishes. When Data refuses, Riker realises that he must renounce Q's gift. This episode marked the first return of Q following his initial appearance in "Encounter at Farpoint".

Guest Cast

John de Lancie as "Q", Elaine Nalee as "Survivor", William A Wallace as "Wesley Crusher at 25".

Quotes

'I know Hamlet, and what he might say with irony, I say with conviction: "What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculty! In form, in moving, how express and admirable. In action how like an angel. In apprehension, how like a god." Surely you don't see your species like that, do you?'
'I see us one day becoming that, Q. Is it that which concerns you?' - Picard spells out Gene Roddenberry's humanism to Q.

Trivia

• The original story was set on the Q's home planet, which was also the location of the natural disaster. Maurice Hurly used his pseudonym (CJ Holland) because he didn't like the changes.

• Riker gives Geordi his sight, makes Wesley an adult (one who looks nothing like him.) and gives Worf a mate. Data declines the chance to become human.

• A scene where Wesley gets a spear through his chest was cut by the BBC on first showing, but not from the repeats.

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