Q is a special guest in this episode and once again, Captain Picard and his crew are rather oblivious to the help that this powerful entity is trying to help them. All they see is trickery and annoyance when Q indicates he'd like to join the crew and explore the galaxy with them. I could understand their apprehension, but in this episode, Q is annoyed by their rebuff and so he decides to show them a taste of what lies ahead...a VERY good thing, actually. In this case, he introduces the ship to the Borg--a race no one in the Federation had heard of and did not anticipate. Their who 'seek out new life' motto is tried to the max, as the Borg really don't want to be friends--they just want to take the Enterprise and turn it and the crew into their slaves.
In future episodes of this and other Star Trek series, the Borg would begin an all-out war with the Federation as well as practically everyone else (including the Romulans). I loved this storyline and it gave the shows a nice overarching enemy and theme. It also provided a wonderful Star Trek movie, where Picard has his ultimate showdown with the Borg. To me, this is a highlight of the series and one where Q shows he COULD be very helpful-- but yet STILL the crew (and especially Picard) seem to despise him. As for me, I'd LOVE to have him aboard--what laughs they could have! One of the better and most important episodes.
In future episodes of this and other Star Trek series, the Borg would begin an all-out war with the Federation as well as practically everyone else (including the Romulans). I loved this storyline and it gave the shows a nice overarching enemy and theme. It also provided a wonderful Star Trek movie, where Picard has his ultimate showdown with the Borg. To me, this is a highlight of the series and one where Q shows he COULD be very helpful-- but yet STILL the crew (and especially Picard) seem to despise him. As for me, I'd LOVE to have him aboard--what laughs they could have! One of the better and most important episodes.