UNCUT - Prophet Motive (DS9 S3E16) | Star Trek Journey 350

............................Surrrrrpriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiise.

Nagus was in the episode that first named the Dominion. the tulaberry win deal with the female ferengi posing as male

DS9 sex scoreboard catch up version No scores that I saw (remember I am only catching up with the short versions) The sex score board Quark 5 Jadzia 3 Chief 1 Keiko 1 Odo 1 Kira 1 Bashir 1 Jake 1

This one's fine for me. It's not one of my favorites or anything, but it's ok. I don't watch any of the "comedy" episodes for the comedy, so it doesn't matter to me how funny it is, how great of a comedy episode it is, or how much or how little I'm laughing at it. I actually like that the prophets made Zek "better." But the Ferengi are so against it that their whole society would collapse. This is why we can't have nice things in real life. We too resist too much positive change too quickly. As for the prophets violating Zek's autonomy in order to do it, I don't have a problem with this because these are type 4 civilization, 4th dimensional god-like beings who have an entirely different perception than us. They don't think of it that way, or fully realize what that is. They see each person, and each civilization as it's entire timeline, not just as we see it. Since the Ferengi were already apparently like that in the past, they didn't see this as an intrusive change because it was already part of who they were/are. I guess for them they'd see it as the equivalent of pulling up someone's pants, or throwing a fish back into the water. From Quark's orb experience, I interpret that they clearly thought they were doing good, and were doing Zek, and the entire Ferengi society as a whole a great favor by reawakening them to the potential that they already had within themselves for an altruistic society. They view that as every society's natural evolutionary path, away from being "aggressive and adversarial" and perhaps they're right? Maybe societies like the Ferengi have just temporarily fallen off course? Maybe the prophets knew the Ferengi could "get back on track" because they already had? I kind of wish Ferengi society had gone through with the reformation. But of course we can't do that because it's a show. Maybe they would have adapted to it better than we think? How many Ferengi are actually getting along well in their current society? We already know all females, and people like Rom and Nog aren't. What happens when all of those people are suddenly running things through the Ferengi Benevolent Association? Assuming of course that they don't all get assassinated. I think the most selfish thing the prophets did was actually turning Quark and Zek back to their old selves just because they realized that "evolving" the Ferengi would mean continued interactions with them, and they didn't want to be bothered. But then again, that's the funniest part of the whole episode.

Oh hey, look, a Star Trek episode creating a looong, deep discussion on people, money's effect on society, individualism, etc. between friends. Nothing more Trek than that!

There are funny Ferengi episodes. This was not one.

Odd episode indeed. I think the humor lands a hair more for me than you guys but it's highly subjective and comedy episodes typically are not for me in Star Trek. When it comes to comedy shows, I always defer back to the two classics: Seinfeld & Friends. I know, basic, but they feel so warm and unlike any others. I think it's the chemistry of the cast flowing together. I did like the Bashir storyline even if it's murky, and I agree with Josh. I interpret it as Bashir wanting to win, wanting that grandiose honor, who wouldn't right? But being nominated put that idea into his mind more pronounced than it'd ordinarily be, which makes then losing bite much more because it kindled just a little seedling of hope. Otherwise, I'd figure he'd mostly ignore the award. Also, regarding motivation, I think it depends on the task. Without money and profit, I don't think anyone would do the bulk of work, because the bulk of work in society is extremely dull or extremely physically demanding blue collar jobs. Who's going to clean and maintain a sewer system for "self-improvement" or anything nebulous like that? I certainly wouldn't. For higher order intellectual or creative work, that I think would still be done even without a profit motive, but that's a tiny sliver of current society. Maybe with the advent of automation, AI and other advancements, we can close in on Star Trek's utopian society though, so we can indeed all be artists and whatnot, whatever fulfills you.

I think on average, the trajectory of this season has matched what I've seen on average of auality TV seasons. Strong start, (with maybe a few bumps) all the way to just past the mid-point, then the back-half slump, where the fatigue sets in after the writers worked their asses off to deliver. Theuy're tired, they need a break, so the quality dips, but then, the excitement of the approaching end of the season reinvigorates them and they get excited and passionate again, and might just deliver.

This middle section of Season 3 is really living up to my memory of it being dull. I think that ends with the next episode? Pretty sure it is the next one. I hope so, at least. Ferengi episodes are hit or miss. This one is a miss. It's just dull. I enjoy the performances of all the actors. Armin Shimmerman is giving 100% to this, and is genuinely trying to make it funny. But the story is just boring. It isn't as funny as the writers think it is. Alas. Also, if they wanted to write about the wormhole aliens having the ability to wipe people's memories and change their personalities... this is kind of a scary power and maybe shouldn't have been presented in a comedic way.

A comedy episode is comedic if funny. This is embarrassing. Star Trek is BAAAD at comedy. And I don't know why they ever felt they needed this sort of goofiness in the franchise to begin with. Remember when Troi asked Riker what his birthday wish was...and he looked at her like she was a piece of pizza? THAT was funny. This is not.

Saw some smiles, a few laughs and pure confusion from both of you in these, though wasn't expecting the afterthoughts..... idk, I forgot this episode, but had a good time with it and cheered up my day

The transition from money to goal orientation is not such a reach, but is system wide as Josh stated. The availability of cheap energy and a replicator. Food and basic needs taken care of, done. Would change the world overnight.

The argument that the Prophets violated Zek is absurd. He broke into their home in order to pressure them into giving him knowledge of the future for personal gain. Perhaps they went too far, but it wasn't unprovoked.

The sobering thought unfortunately is that all these goofy Ferengi moments feel more genuine and entertaining than listening to that space hedgehog, Neelix.

This episode is an A for me, LOVE IT. The writing of the Quark/Rom scenes and the acting/camera work is phenomenal. But I love satire and not everyone finds that style funny or recognizes it.

Zek is 1000 times more annoying than Neelix! I'm really not a fan of Ferengi episodes in general... I think they're all too weird for my preferences. That said, as far as Ferengi episodes go, this one is probably my favorite just because there are parts that make me laugh and it's not all just bizarre weird "what did I just watch" type of feeling.

Season 3 is a easily the best season of TNG c'mon now

You think, as a visiting head of state, The Nagus could at worst get a studio guest room

Don't forget, Quark also went before Gowron.

I think this is one of those episodes that suffers from the rewatch. I know the gag and it's not as funny second or third time around. It's alright but probably only a C.

"So far I think the Brunt of the good episodes were early on" -Alex regards season 3 after seeing S3E16. I love seeing how your impressions evolve over the course of a season! Both of you, keep up the great work!

If we didn't have the occasional 'meh' episode, the S tier wouldn't shine quite so bright.

The episode wasn’t off it was pretty good I think I’d give it a B. But these guys have not really cared for comedic episodes , I mean cmon they dislike Tribbles. It’s a ferengi episode and I think armin and Wallace Shawn nail it

Damn, guys. Not every episode has to be a crying episode. Have a drink and chill. This episode is a lot of fun.

I liked this episode where it's a full on comedy and it allows the show to poke fun at itself doing stuff that they had done previously, but this time it's done for laughs. Also Quark outsmarts yet another species.

I give this one a C if only because Armin, Max, and Wallace. If a script is campy, just go all in, and they did. To cite a film from the year you were born...it's the Showgirls effect...know the movie you're in and act like it.

No, you had one 2-parter you both disliked, which is your right of course. You both really liked 2 episodes which are considered among the worst of the season, which is your right of course. But calling Past Tense "horrific" is really gratuitous. I'm not saying that conformity of opinions is a good thing, but I consider Generations to be a misfire. Good and bad are clearly subjective.

This episode may be an example of early cringe comedy. You can make the court jester the hero of the episode but we still know they are meant to be the comic relief. it is hard for them to do both well at the same time.

People who say the episode is weird are missing the point. It's clearly a simulation of a bad beetle snuff trip.

For Alex: It's a kin to... Similarily... It's reminiscent of... It reminds me of... In comparison to... In contrast to...

I love the Ferengi episodes but this one is definitely a bit over the top. Still a few great moments though, like Rom standing up to Quark in his quarters or revealing he embezzled money from the Nagus

Wallace Shawn as The Nagus(!!!) is hilarious in small doses. This is an overdose. But Rom almost getting himself killed in the final scene is perfect. C.

The "potato chips" argument I think is a little off-base. Quark wasn't making a case for capitalism when he was talking about people being lazy and not working. He abandoned that talking point specifically about money and shifted to specifically "the need to better ourselves", which is actually correct. Even for humans in Star Trek's future the driving force in every person is still to better themselves, just without monetary gain as the prime motivating factor. Granted, Quark was just using that angle to get the Prophets to return Zek to normal, but being the amazing salesman he is, he was using any kernel of truth he could to get through to the "buyer" and convince them so he can make a sale. That's what he does. And that would possibly appeal to an "enlightened species". In the end none of that ended up convincing the aliens, and so he just stooped to the next available option he had which was "we'll keep annoying you until to fix Zek." By the way, I thought was pretty impressive. Quark is quite the businessman who can usually get what he wants. Even from the non-corporeal, outside-of-linear-time wormhole aliens. Lol

There's a difference between getting a vision from an orb on its own and speaking with the Prophets themselves inside the wormhole, which is what Quark did in the ship with Zek. Opening the orb box inside the ship was just getting the Prophets' attention, as Zek said. That wasn't a typical orb vision per se. That was the actual Prophets at that point. You can't speak to the Prophets only through the orbs. You have to be inside the wormhole. You also don't necessarily need the orbs in the wormhole to talk to the Prophets.

I need a drink after having to sit through another Nagus episode. I give this one a C because they tried something weird and different, but not for me overall.

This episode is fine for what it is. Better than the last DS9 episode. But we are clearly in a mid season lull in terms of quality. But if the lull is a C, that’s still pretty good over all.

I barely remember this episode. Definitely my least favorite Grand Nagus episode. C

Oh, you've (at least Josh) seen Community? Sweet! Although, there goes one more show I was kinda curious to see your reaction to some day.

If I were Quark I would hold it over every Bajorian that I won a face to face debate with the prophets

As to the Prophets, I think the episode wants us to understand that they DO have a sense of their own morality. They criticize the Ferengi as aggressive and whatnot, with the obvious implication being they think that's bad, and they appear to be internally motivated (by what I interpret as their sense of morality) to "fix the Ferengi" by mind violating Zek.

We are in a bit of a mid-season slump. That crazy streak just illuminates it more clearly. There are some quality nuggets, but I'm really looking forward to the episodes to come this season

Also, money is a medium of exchange so that people can do what they do best and trade that value in for what they want and need. It's not about threatening people with starvation. Again, nature is what it is. Either you provide for yourself, or someone else does it for you, or you starve. That's not a money thing, that's a nature thing.

Also, scarcity isn't a mindset, it's just nature. Unless technology changes the game.

On the concept of 'people who sit around eating potato chips', the question is: How does that work? Do they just work entry level jobs? Are they on government welfare? Are they trust fund babies? Which type do you have in mind?

To hell with darts, give us more Anbo-jyutsu with the crew!

One of weirdest Star Trek Episodes, and i'm all here for it. A Tier. The Comedy is pure Gold in this Episode. I don't like the Prophet Scenes in general, and here i also think they are the weakest Part. BUT the Scene with the Orb, was so weird that it was good. Minus mutliplited with Minus, is Plus i guess.

Well Alex... I think you're going to find that Star Trek decided to up its game and become better because you entered the world. ;) Thank you for your role in it.

I love this show but oomox always makes me uncomfortable.

Quark been sitting on those Stem Bolts since season one. LMAO good job JaNo consortium haha

Uh.. that's a joke about the nebula obviously?

This is one of those "yeah....it's a ferengi episode" episodes. Sure, they can be a lot of fun, but other times they just don't work. I did find the bizarro rules of acquisition entertaining. Wish there was a full list. And as others have said, the Prophets really crossed a line here. Not the worst episode, but very forgettable. I saw the name and for the life of me couldn't remember what it was beyond a ferengi episode. Even knowing it's the one where the Nagus gets brainwashed, I couldn't recall any other details. And since I have nothing more to say on the episode, I'll jump into the more interesting discussion of economics. Obviously Quark's speech about the virtues of greed is exaggerated for comedic effect. I don't think the majority of people are overly greedy. They want to own a home, they want their basic needs provided for, and they want some things mostly because they just want them. I don't want a home as a status symbol or anything. I want it for security and so I don't have to deal with things like my building management wanting to enter my apartment like 5 times a year for some reason or another. Not to say there isn't greed, but getting rid of money wouldn't eliminate that. All money is really is a universal trade good. If you want a car, but all you have is lumber, blueberries, and copper wire, and the guy with the car doesn't need any of those things, you're out of luck. but if you can sell them to someone who does need them and get something that has value to anyone in return(money), you can buy the car. Getting rid of money would just make exchanging goods and services almost impossible. Star trek can get around it because they have replicators, but it wouldn't work today. Can't just make everything free either, because what stops people from just grabbing anything they like? Now they're rationing things out, and you just have to accept what they decide you deserve. And sure, you can say people would still work because doctors are in it to save lives, not get rich. OK, but what about garbage men, or oil rig workers, or factory workers? How many jobs have any of us worked where we WOULDN'T quit right away if we won the lottery? How many of our coworkers would stay if they didn't need the money. MOST people are working because they have to. A select few actually love their jobs. Alex is right on this. Even if there was a base requirement to work SOME job in order to access all the free food and housing, everyone is going to want some easy desk job or serve coffees or something. If the job involves risk, or it's backbreaking work, or it's high responsibility, nobody is going to want that just to get the same as everyone else. Now you might say harder, dirtier or higher risk jobs earn you more points you can use to requisition better stuff, but now you've circled back to money. The only other alternative is they decide the job has to be done and you're going to do it whether you like it or not. Not you have no choice but to work, and you take what they give you, and that's what we call slavery. Hard pass. Others suggest a universal basic income. That's a pipe dream. You can never "tax the rich" enough to make it work. In most populations around 75-80% of the people are adults. So let's look at it globally. Let's say there are 6 billion adults. to give each of them $2000 a month, which isn't a lot to live on in developed countries, you're need $12 trillion each month. You'd run up the equivalent of the US national debt 4 times a year. All the world's billionaires have $14-16 trillion, and all the millionaires have $200-226 trillion, so $214-242 trillion, or enough to run this program for 18-20 months, and that's only if you forcibly strip everyone with more than $1,000,000 of every last thing they own. After that if they're gonna give you $2000 a month, they gotta tax you $2000 a month, which is pointless. Moreover since the rich keep their wealth in assets like stocks or real estate, you'd never get all that wealth. If you start selling off those assets the prices will crash and you'll wind up with far less than they're worth on paper. There are certainly issues to address. Inflationary monetary policy chief among them. The more governments print money, the less valuable it becomes because of supply and demand, especially when there hasn't been a corresponding increase in goods and services to buy with that money. It becomes a hidden tax. If you've got $10000 if your bank account, and over 20 years the money supply doubles, well you'll still have your $10000, but it'll only buy what $5000 used to. The rich are not only unaffected by this but actually benefit because their assets become more valuable relatively speaking. Suffice it to say, until we have a post scarcity society like Trek, we're stuck with capitalism. If they can get fusion developed that'll help a lot since it'll make energy ridiculously cheap in the long run, which affects the cost of everything else.

We said it gets good in season 3. We didn't say it gets perfect in season 3!

Sorry, but the Nagus just isn't for me. Too goofy and over the top for me.

I don't disagree that this episode isn't anything to get excited about, or even worth a re-watch if you catch it again somewhere later, but it is kind of an example of one of DS9's strongest traits. Even an episode like this adds to the character development in the series in at least a minor way, especially once you've watched all seven seasons. I won't elaborate because I obviously don't want to spoil anything, but when I watch it now I can see it, and I feel 100% certain that my reaction was similar to TA's when this episode premiered.

I find Alex's reaction to Bashir's plot interesting. I think Alex would describe it as a tragedy, because he would find Bashir's attitude at the beginning of the episode very healthy (and same as his), and then his friends got in his head and gave him false hope, and he gave into it and was disappointed. Which is exactly the opposite of why I watch Star Trek -- for good stories and inspiration, not a reminder that life sucks and you're probably going to lose. And also, there's the fact that they're making a mockery of the prophets and suggesting they would do something pretty horrific, which is rewrite a person's brain to think differently just because they find it off-putting. I hate this episode more than I ever did before.

An episode I suspect Behr and Wolfe had a punny title sitting around for a couple years, and finally wrote an episode to support it.

Just for clarification, nebulas and pulsars have 2 things in common, space and gas.

I would watch Wallace Shaun read out of the phone book. I would even watch him eat dinner and I have (preferably with Andre). So for me, Zek is always welcome. He’s like Lwaxana situation, sometimes she’s mourning for Timison, sometime she’s being inappropriate with Klingon children; Either way you are greatful for the time. Episode quality becomes moot.

I like the episode. Always have. Was it amazingly hilarious? No. Was it fun and entertaining? Absolutely. So comedically no it wasn't hilarious like Dumb and Dumber or Old School or something but lighthearted, cute, fun and entertaining. So I got zero complaints. No it's not Top Notch Trek but it's cool world building and character development.

This was such a nothing episode. It's effectively a sit-com but without any situation. Where was the story?

Two meh B plots in the same episode

This episode is like a bad joke that gets funny when a group who knows it tells the joke to someone who doesn't - and everyone is just laughing about the puzzled reaction... so with this in mind... I was fully entertained by your reaction and the way you looked with the "what-the-hell-is-happening" expression ;)

I always found this one hilarious. Zek's humming was indeed very funny. Not exactly A-grade material, but passable nonetheless. The weakest of the season for me.

VOY was Monday’s? DS9 aired Saturdays TNG was Saturdays luckily my local channel 8 aired TNG Reruns everyday at 6pm.

Ferengi episodes are either a hit or a miss for me. This one's largely a miss. Have to admit though that Zek humming while in that sack always makes me smile.

59:30 - ouch bro. You may not have found content that lands on it's own but you are an integral part of TA. If it was just Josh I probably wouldn't be here. I love the way you two interact and your perspective is great. I like how excitable you are. The TA brand wouldn't be what it is without you. Thats an accomplishment and you deserve it. You earned it.

"Lobe Job" would be a sick band name. Just sayin'.

I like the philosophical discussion you guys get into sometimes. As to the capitalistic-money discussion, I tend to side with Josh on this one. People are going to do and be what they are going to do and be - for some, they need money for motivation, but not all. And some people will never be motivated, money or not.

Awww. I really enjoyed it! A harmless slice of light entertainment, and as with most DS9 content, the characters maketh the episode.

I watched this episode/reaction on my bedroom tv, while eating a bag of Salt & Vinegar... catching strays over here. 🖖

If I remember correctly, this episode was basically a palate-cleanser between the previous and next episodes. All Star Trek series used to have these going all the way back to TOS. Gives a sense of how much variety there was in the kinds of stories they could tell.

Yeah. The Ferengi episodes are kind of infamous in being particularly hit or miss. They almost exist in their own little world when it comes to DS9. Some of them I'll stand by and praise all day. House of Quark earlier of the season? Solid episode. Showcased Quark being 'brave' in a way that was particularly calculated and appropriate to his character. This one...meh. I like some of the bits here. I chuckled at the meeting with the Prophets. Doing a bit of a parody of the first episode and Sisco's meeting with. It was bemusing seeing the Prophets being less than thrilled by their second meeting with a corporeal life form. But yeah. A lot of the episode drags and is a little too obviously trying to be amusing rather than actually being amusing. I think the Doctor bits are better but they don't do much with Bashir here. I do appreciate the small bits they establish here that become more prominent later- like the darts game. Otherwise a subpar outing for the series. Happens in the best of seasons, I suppose.

I fell asleep watching this but woke up to at least be entertained by Grand Nagus Zek just humming along while being kidnapped. That always makes me chuckle.

A Nebula is a cloud of gas and dust. That is all, unless you are talking about the daughter of Thanos, who perhaps he treated too harshly...

Yeah, you should igore all comments of the form, "This is where the show really starts!" or "From here on out, it's all good!" There are bad episodes in every single season. We haven't even hit my two least favorite episodes of the series yet.

I think Dr. Bashir suffers a bit of Quarterlife Crisis. It's a real thing and I had it myself. It hits typically between 25 and 30 and is caused by the uncertity after finishing education - in Julian's case Starfleet Academy and Med School - and before founding a family and going on a certain career path. Bashir is not sure what his purpose exactly is and his life will bring. Yes, he is a doctor and wants to help people but he is also ambitious and wants to do exceptional things. But he does not know yet if he is capeable of that.

"You're wrinkling my suit!" That line kills me every time. I've seen this episode many times and crack up every time. Love the Nagus.

God I hate Ferengi. I always have and always will. From the beginning. Yes I hate Rhom, I hate Nog, and (I know I will be excommunicated from the church of Trek for this) I also hate Quark. There I said it

If they love or hate this one, they are probably right. DS9 seems to have a midseason slump trend.

NEVER give the patrons what they want!! Now they will feel they deserve it.

This episode could've redeemed itself with a surprise Crusher cameo as the winner of the whatever award.

I think doing comedy is a muscle that you have to hone and maintain. And it’s such a tall ask for a dramatic show to think it can just drop in a comedic episode a couple times a season when no one on the production (writers, actors, directors) is doing that for the other 24 episodes a year. The fact that any Trek show is ever able to pull off even a mostly successful comedic episode (it does happen) is kind of a miracle.

The heck was that? I cant make head or tails of this episode. Was it written by chatgpt. What was even the point of the B plot? Everyone in both plots are acting all weird. I was beginning to think this was all a nightmare of Dr Bashir

Both A and B plots were a bit too sitcom-y for me. From what I've seen of mediocre cringe 90's sitcoms (Friends, Family Matters, Home Improvement, Everybody Love Raymond, etc), this seems similar to that. In fact I bet this episode can easily be edited with a laugh track. C-

There is a bunch of not really great episodes in the middle of the season. You are just there. But you will get out of it.

I'm glad you noticed the baseball.

I laughed quite a bit at this when I originally watched it, and it still amuses me. Rom gets some good lines :-)

However not all Ferengi episodes are meant to be funny, at least not totally. Not sure about this one. But in the future not all Ferengi episodes are comedy.

Okay so I wanted to wait to make sure this was not in the discussion, 2 things about this episode and without future spoilers. 1. Rene directing. Most first time actor-directors were given a bottle type episode (existing sets, guest stars, make up, but no big costly set pieces or visual effects). Frankes talked about how Paramount had a "director's school" for members of the cast who asked to direct. They would usually be slotted into a mid to late season show after shadowing the process from start to finish with another director. Not all cast members that asked to direct were given this opportunity. And the episode was (again, usually) one they were "light" in (a paycheck scene, I think you coined before). I think Rene did the best with what he had. 2. SO... the Bashir storyline was written because of the 1994 Emmys. S7 of TNG was nominated for BEST DRAMATIC SERIES along with Picket Fences, Law & Order, NYPD Blue, and Nothern Exposure. When it was annouced EVERYONE agreed that Star Trek was not going to win. It was decided "it was just an honor to be nominated..." blah blah blah. Because Neilsen ratings never rated syndicated shows like network shows, it never reported that Star Trek was easily in the top 10 of shows when it aired (by adding all the stations that aired it and adding the audiences together). The show was liked by major stars and very popular... but it wasn't going to win. This was why Bashir's story was written as a "I won't win... but maybe... I deserve to win... but no one would actually say it... but maybeeeee..." Picket Fences won. But yeah, that's why this episode felt... kinda of off. But hey, bad pizza is still pizza.

S tier isn't enough for this, a new category S+ tier should be created just for this episode. It transcends not only Star Trek but the art of cinema itself. I predict you both will rate this higher than The Bonding. The direction, drama and story are second to none.

Nebula knowledge nebulous.

Ferengi episodes are the ultimate wild cards. They can sometimes really work, and sometimes they really don't (looking forward to THAT reaction). But that's what I love about them. They are a huge curveball that helps break up the monotony of a 26-episode season. It doesn't hurt that I just generally love all of the characters in them. I literally smile every time I see Wallace Shawn as the Grand Nagus. And he's kind of...adorable here? That humming when he's in that sack after they kidnap him is hilarious to me. Way better than the little disgusting sex pest he was in his first several appearances. That said, this episode really needed to be placed somewhere else in the season. I think it works a lot better as a palate cleanser to a big eventful episode, which "Destiny" was anything but. Not to mention it involved the Prophets twice in a row, which is strange considering they were so rarely the subject of episodes up to this point. We saw that kind of odd placement with Nog's stories as well in "Life Support" and "Heart of Stone." Now, would that make the episode better? No. But I think the humor would have hit a little better if it was coming off the back of an intense episode.

Thank God its over....this is one of those which I always skip. I watched it while playing Candy Crush on my phone.

Welcome to the socialist revolution, Josh! All seriousness, I totally agree with you and think it’s absurd when I hear people contend that society will collapse if we provide people with the basics of living. There’s actually plenty of evidence that populations are much happier and successful when its people can focus on becoming truly self-actualized instead of working themselves to exhaustion to just barely survive.

I had mercifully forgotten this one. This feels like they had about 10 minutes of plot to turn into a full episode. Ferengi episodes can really hit (as we've seen), but this felt way too broad and shticky to be effective. Now, Chief and Bashir playing darts? Give me that all day.

Regarding Ira & capitalism; Robert Hewitt Wolfe’s original pitch for “Past Tense” was about Sisko being stranded in 1990s LA and being dismissed as a crazy homeless man. Ira liked the idea of Sisko trapped in the past but thought Wolfe’s pitch was too preachy & on the nose so he created the Sanctuary Districts & come up with the idea of the hostage situation to try to make it less literal & more exciting.

Ah, yes, a “Ferengi Episode.” Sometimes, they work. Other times, like here, IMO, it’s more: “Ah, I recognize that you are attempting comedy here.” Just not enough meat on the bones in this one to ground the mostly flat attempts at humor.

Am I losing it, or was there no video link on the Discord for this prior to being posted here? Wait.... don't answer. I don't care. I've got an episode and a reaction to watch! 🍿