UNCUT - The Nagus (DS9 S1E11) | Star Trek Journey 259

DS9 sex scoreboard catch up version Rules of acquisition # 669 The Nagus is a horn dog The sex score board: Chief 1 Keiko 1 Quark 1 guest: Nagus 5 +5 new Details: yes holodickin’ has been counting. 5 programs for scores. Impressive Grand Nagus Zekkin’ 85 years+ years old still got it. Rather wrinkled but still there

This episode has grown on me. I didn't care for it back when it came out, but it's great for establishing some important Ferengi lore and character relationships that continue to grow from this episode.

The Nagus is one of my favourite characters in the series.

It's easy to be a happy viewer in Paradise.

Michael Westmore is one of the best Makeup Artists out there. He was head of the department on several Star Trek series.

Oh, and Curzon Dax was NOT in Starfleet. Just have to remind of that.

Zek is annoying AF and most farengi episodes are dumb. I skim em.

Thought this was great, wallace shawn was good, even jake, it was a fun look at the ferengi..geez loosen up

Cross-post, I've seen a few people wonder why Ferengi would frown on school. I don't think they do they just don't ALIEN education that is against their greedy lack of morals. It is like human home schooling culture wars in our own Western society but where you WANT to teach greed rather than "family values". Second point- If you are rich enough you can BUY technology. Just watch how Google and Microsoft were modest "first movers" but then whenever a competitor springs up they buy the company and capture the products and patents. It would make sense that Ferengi would use game theory to decide whether to buy tech, steal tech, or spend the time and money to develop it themselves

I think some of the scenes are fun but it really should have been a B plot for something else. I do find the Ferengi lore pretty dumb tbh. We’re led to believe their kids don’t attend school and are thrown into business at a young age with no experience, their women are completely repressed to the point that they’re not even allowed clothes, and they constantly backstab each other. Somehow despite all of this, they have an advanced space-faring civilisation that often gain the upper hand with other races they in confrontations with. Let’s be honest, if the Star Trek universe were real every other race would have treated them like pirates at almost every encounter.

I had no idea that (based on these comments) DS9 Ferengi episodes were so controversial. I'm not sure whether the people who are members here are just by some coincidence a very specific subset of fans, but in 20+ years seeing people comment on them and seeing discussions among the fanbase, I've only ever seen near universal praise for them (as a whole; people haven't loved every individual Ferengi episode). Now here I see what looks like a small majority who apparently dislike not only this episode but the general idea of the Ferengi episodes.

In "Move Along Home," you talked about its tone, and that DS9 is the wrong show for that tone. Along comes "The Nagus" to say, no, actually, we'll drop a pseudo-sitcom on you out of nowhere, even though this is supposed to be the darker/grittier Trek.

I don't agree this is the litmus test for the Ferengi episodes. Yes the vibe I guess about some quirkiness they have, but IMO there are a lot better episodes featuring Ferengi ahead. Also there are several that weren't so good. But in time there will be more Ferengi lore and world building I think you would appreciate.

You know, I really didn't like the Ferengi episodes when I first watched Deep Space Nine in the 1990s. 30 years later, and I'm rewatching and have seen the first three seasons and.. I like them a lot better this time around. Somehow, the humor, and Star Trek has always done humor pretty badly, just works. This isn't S-tier or anything, but I enjoyed it.

I do not think this is a litmus test for Ferengi episodes. It is I suppose sort of the same style as some other Ferengi episodes but executed at a much lower level.

One of my favourites from Season 1. Great character stuff, great lore, great guest stars. I forgot how much I love this episode.

There are some great season 1 episodes, to be sure, but I think you'll appreciate it more in the long-run for the character building, which is what sets it apart from S1 of TNG imo. Over there, the episodes were not very good, but it also didn't grow any characters all that much. Think of this as slowly laying down stones for what is to be a grand epic cathedral down the road. Well worth it.

Where’s Jovet? Been too quiet lately.

Zek’s giggle gets me every time. I have to laugh right along with him.

Crazy we’re halfway through the season. Time flies when you’re having fun (and when you do 3 eps a week)

Is it wrong that I chuckle every time Alex brings up his absentee father? He says it so comedically, matter-of-factly. Josh laughs too so I’m gonna say it’s ok. Anyway, I was also raised by a single parent.

Wallace Shawn makes everything he's in more fun.

IMO Ferengi episodes will get a lot better as the show goes on.

I knew the reaction wouldn’t be great when I saw the 55 minute video length. I hope you guys aren’t getting burnt out. No offense, it just didn’t seems like you were into it from the beginning, like maybe it was your third episode of the day. Also, I would NOT call this a litmus test of Ferengi episodes. I’d say you’re more accurate at the end when you say that it provides that reset going forward.

Ferenghi episodes (which are not the same as Quark episodes) are an acquired taste. On my first watch I didn't care for them at all at first, but by the end of the series, some of my favorite episodes were Ferenghi

My inner child is so happy to "see" Wallace Shawn as the Grand Nagus. He's played so many characters from my childhood.

I did not remember that first season was so weak. There are some very nice episodes but too many misses. I did like Nagus more than you but many season 1 episodes are awful. This is important for Ferengi lore. I did not care first for Ferengi but nowadays I love them. They are so funny and sympathetic.

this was the episode where they finally admitted, what everyone uses the hollow deck for

Did anyone notice that Catspaw Lifeform schematic behind O'Brian in the classroom?

I have this mole on my arm I've had since birth, it could be considered gross I guess, the hairs on it grow slightly bigger and darker than the rest of my arm hairs. But I actually for some reason like this mole its been with me all my life, its part of me. The Ferengi grow on you like this endearing mole, it may be a blemish but you accept it as part of you. You'll see.

B for me. I like lore exploration, so loved learning more about the Ferengi society. I also liked how the B plot showed Sisko seeing his son teaching Nog. Pacing was a bit off, but some humorous scenes. I don’t need the series to be serious all the time.

My biggest problem with the Nagus is his voice. But at least the Ferengi are getting some characterization. Armin Shimmerman who plays Quark played one of the original Ferengi on TNG, and he felt they were done a great disservice, which is why he decided to take the role of Quark; to give the Ferengi a fair shake. I'm not the biggest fan of Ferengi episodes either, but most of them range from decent to good in my book. (There's one VERY notable exception I'll point to when we get there.)

What I love most about this (and other) "Ferengi" episodes is just how much fun both the writers and cast have with it by subverting typical heroic tropes. Betrayal is rewarded, trust is a resource to spend, 'gauge mining', "go to your room AND NO STUDYING!" It's just so much fun trying to construct a believable culture so opposite ours that exudes charm rather than coming off as a threat.

I have to disagree strongly! I LOVE this episode!!!!! The Nagus is one of my favorite characters. I'm not trying to get in trouble with spoilers but he is a character that when I think about the show, he's the character that makes me laugh out loud to myself, just thinking about scenes with him in it. I love the comedic episodes usually, they have a very special place in my heart, no matter which series. I adore this episode:)

Not a favorite episode of mine, but I always found it fun to see so many Ferengi and learn more about them and their ways. The Jake/Nog B plot is plain but sweet. As to these types of episodes and their quality, well, there's a reason most of us feel that season 1 is the worst DS9 season. That having been said, it certainly could have been worse than it is.

Morn reminds me of someone else who is always at the bar…

The Ferengi Rules of Acquisition: write them down, learn them, live them!

Its an ok episode but episodes like this setup DS9 for fun stuff later on once they have figured out where they want to go with the series

“A good casting choice,” said while cringing, about covers this episode 🤣

🥱

I knew you guys wouldn't like this one but I love the Grand Nagus and everything Ferengi in this show

Incon-C-vable!!

I like most Ferengi episodes. They are fun. This one sets the greedy little bastards up (again) so it can't be that great. Or better - grand.

This is one of two ferengi episodes that I like. Jake’s storyline brings it up for me and the ferengi here is palatable. On my first watch of the show I straight up skipped a lot of Quark and ferengi episodes but there are a couple of good ones that I came back to watch later.

All I can say is patience on wanting character episodes. LOL you all have been watching TNG have you learned nothing everyone gets episodes some are front loaded some are back loaded but everyone gets their own full character episodes.

Ahhh. DS9 Season 1. Not over yet.

It feels like the story doesn't *quite* come into focus in this one. It's close, but misses and meanders a bit.

INCONCEIVABLE!

Cross Post: I agree this is more of a mid-B episode. Its strength is to REDEFINE the Ferengi. They aren't "space pirates" like in TNG but rather unbridled capitalists- businesses without regulations where the only goal is to make money and screw people. In fact they are a bit like the MOB- I don't see much difference between the Grand Nagus and Tony Soprano. You get the OK to go into an area and rip people off and as long as you give a "cut" to the Boss everyone is OK with it. The scene in Quark's Bar is very much like the scene in Godfather Part 2 where the heads of the phone, oil, and Agra companies along with Don Corleone and Hyman Roth meeti with the Cuban dictator to bribe him so they can loot the place. Even MORE homage to the Godfather is the scene with Quark petting that anteater like creature just like Don Vito pets the cat in the opening pan out scene of Godfather 1

Second time in one season the dead guest character turns out not to be dead.

Curzon wasn't in Starfleet, he was a Federation ambassador. Presumably given the 7 lifetimes, that would have to predate Trill's entry into the federation, and perhaps the formation of the federation itself.

On the Trill question, we learned that only a small elite of the humanoid trill are joined with the symbionts, so the children of a joined trill are just regular trill. As far as what happens to those relationships, we haven't learned yet, but I don't think it's a spolier to say we learn more about the Trill as the series goes on.

It's fun watching you gentlemen suffer through these episodes like we once did. I don't know if that makes me a sadist but I'm having FUN! Thank you for your service and sacrifice. 🖖

I know a C is isn't considered a bad episode, but I can't remember you guys ever talking this positively about so many lines and scenes from a C episode. I personally like this episode a lot. The ferengi stuff is ridiculous but played in a fun way to me by the actors. And like you guys said, it feels like a much needed soft reboot for the Ferengi after TNG.

One thing Star Trek failed at: Jake with all those PADDs holding his homework, each with a different subject. On an iPad, he could keep all that stuff in different apps and tabs!

I pretty much agree with your assessment. This one is fun, but not spectacular. Somewhere in the C to B range for me. Regarding your disappointment with the last few as compared to the earlier episodes, I kind of wonder if part of that is the excitement over a new show making the first few episodes sparkle a little brighter in your eyes. I find this happens a bit with me when I jump into a new show sometimes.

Yeah for this one it’s not the characters that drag it down, it’s the story.

I had a feeling this one wasn't going to be a hit. Zek is fun in his own way, but he's the most exaggerated example of the Ferengi. Quark is probably so likeable since while he certainly holds typical Ferengi values, he doesn't generally demonstrate those over the top ferengi mannerisms. He acts fairly normal for the most part. There are a fair number of Ferengi eps throughout DS9, some are painful, some are quite enjoyable. I don't think just being Ferengi focused damns it or elevates it. Just depends on the story. I do prefer the Jake and Nog story in this one though. Sisko going from being pissed and thinking Jake is being a delinquent and letting Nog drag him into all sorts of trouble, to being incredibly proud that his son was taking time to tutor his friend so he doesn't grow up without an education. It's a great moment. Still, it's like a C+ for me. Still not great, but not too painful. It's a step up from the last one.

Very much find this a marmite episode. It’s silly but fun

Not great, but it's a fun dumb episode

Guess I'm on the outs on this one. Really enjoyed this episode and getting more depth into the Ferengi.

I think this will be fun! Woot!

I don't get it. This episode was heaps of fun and had several neat twists. Why the hate (in other comments and patron takes)?

Rule of Acquisition #1: I fucking HATE Ferengi episodes!

The episode itself is, as Josh said, "serviceable" but it's got LORE and world-building, which is important. Both on the Ferengi side and the Jake/Nog friendship side.

Liked the casting for Zek.

The title should be: Turd 2, another deuce.

I actually like the last one more than this but I agree these few season 1 episodes are the worst of the series.

YES! Sisko Log is back! 😂