What I think Q Who does exceptionally well is utilize the Q character to not only establish one of the Federation's (and Picard's & Enterprise's) most fearsome threats in the Borg but further establish how this obnoxious, annoying, obtrusive entity can often provoke the Enterprise crew (and, in particular, Picard) to address their weaknesses and human/humanoid frailties, and how not every situation can perhaps be intellectually/philosophically/cleverly handled (including the use of dialogue to thwart death and destruction by "talking it out"). Q wants to join the Enterprise crew as an officer, even telling Picard he would give up his powers and become mortal. Picard doesn't trust him and says he doesn't want Q's help in regards to what lies ahead in the far reaches of space. Q wants to teach Picard and his crew a lesson in humility regarding how prepared they are against unknown lifeforms who could pose a serious danger to them if unready. Q is right in that Picard and the Enterprise are not ready for the Borg. Q Who introduces the Borg as a force to be reckoned with as they have better technology and their function as a collective affords them to work as a singular unit of humanoids with artificial intelligence that operates only to take what is of interest to them to continually build their power and strength. Q just waves a hand and sends the Enterprise forwarding away of their current position and right into the trajectory of the Borg Cube's tractor beam. Dissecting a piece of the Enterprise saucer section hull, damaging their shields, and even boarding the ship, studying defense capabilities in the Engineering section, the Borg are not only intimidating in appearance but have the advantage in advanced technology and are only concerned with what they can take and use. This was an early precursor to what lies ahead: The Best of Both Worlds Part 1 & 2, considered by Trek faithful to be the greatest double-header of Star Trek period (not just Next Gen). I think it is fascinating how it is often forgotten that Q was responsible for introducing Picard and the Enterprise to the Borg. Q was just miffed that Picard didn't want him and his powers, hurling them into a section of space they had not ventured. Another intriguing development is that Guinan and Q know each other and are definite enemies. Guinan's race was nearly wiped out by the Borg and the part of space the Enterprise finds itself she warns they must escape or else. Q refers to Guinan as a creature that isn't as she appears and only bad things follow her. She never is what Q insists and often is a voice of reason and comfort, of wisdom and insight, to the Enterprise crew. Q does seem admirable of Picard when the Captain pleads for him to help them; it shows that Picard isn't above putting aside his pride and recognizing the greater welfare of his ship and officers (and their families). In hindsight, Picard does tell Guinan that Q, even if for the wrong reasons, may have benefited the Enterprise in their first meeting with the Borg; foreshadowing the inevitable, The Enterprise now know that the Borg is coming and preparing for them should be a major priority. Seeing the Enterprise crew assured and convinced they could face whatever beings they encountered on their own, with Q actually proving them wrong (Q had been the one set straight prior to this episode), is quite interesting. Sometimes Picard and company are wrong; while Q aggravates and antagonizes, he was in the right in this situation. His help was needed and Picard's life would be changed forever by meeting the Borg.
Review of Q Who
