Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series) Qpid (1991) User Reviews

Easter Egg

[russwig-195-664031 · 8/10 · 21 November 2021]

At the end of the episode, in Picard's Ready Room, the copy of Shakespeare on display is Volume I of A. L. Rowse's "The Annotated Shakespeare". It is turned to pages 354 and 355. On page 354 there is a picture of Patrick Stewart playing Touchstone in a production of "As You Like It" in 1968.

RussWig.

The two most capricious beings he knows

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 13 November 2018]

When you examine this particular TNG episode you realize at times how silly some of the stories can be. But a chance to see John DeLancie as Q and Jennifer Hetrick as Vash is never to be passed up.

No doubt about it Vash and Q are two of the most capricious beings that Captain Picard knows in the Universe. As Vash makes it a no bones fact that she's out for herself first and foremost she and Patrick Stewart can never really get together.

But Q decides to test that relationship by putting them into a Robin Hood fantasy from old earth legends along with the rest of the Enterprise regulars with Vash as Maid Marian. As she's not from the earth Hetrick is slow on the uptake. And chivalry really isn't something she values.

Nevertheless this is Q's attempt to test Picard's romantic inclinations and it doesn't quite go as expected.

Clive Revill is Sir Guy of Gisborne in this amusing story.

Movie References

[simonelojeck · 7/10 · 10 September 2006]

This is one of my favorite Q episodes! It contains at least two movie references that I could identify. 1) While the bridge crew is passing time in the forest, Geordi practices his instrument. In a pretty good Animal House imitation, Worf comes over takes the instrument from Geordi, smashes it against a tree, hands it back to Geordi, and apologizes. ;-} 2) During the great fight sequence, Captain Picard and the Sir Guy character are dueling with their swords along the stairs. Sir Guy proclaims proudly that he is the finest swordsmen in all of Nottingham. In Prince Bride fashion, Captain Picard confides in Sir Guy that there is something he doesn't know......"I am not from Nottingham!".

Very good episode!

A blast from the past!

[russem31 · 23 April 2006]

ST:TNG:94 - "Qpid" (Stardate: 44741.9) - this is the 20th episode of the 4th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

In this interesting if not always entertaining episode, while Picard is about to give a speech to the greatest archaeological minds of his time, the archaeologist Vash, a romantic interest that he met on Risa (during the 3rd season episode "Captain's Holiday"), suddenly comes onboard the Enterprise - waiting for Picard in his quarters!

However, when Vash realizes that Picard never mentioned her to his friends, Q suddenly appears to Picard to "repay a debt" from their last encounter - by trying to rekindle Picard and Vash's romance by taking he and his crewmates and Vash into a Robin Hood simulation (with Picard as Robin Hood, Vash as Maid Marian, and Q as the Sheriff of Nottingham!).

Trivia note: the statue from "Captain's Holiday" is on Picard's table when he enters his quarters.

Oh, it's funny to hear Worf say (in Robin Hood style costuming) - "Sir, I must protest! I am NOT a merry man!"

Picard meets an old flame before Q turns him into Robin Hood!

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 5 June 2015]

As Capt. Picard prepares to deliver a speech at an archaeologists' conference he is surprised when old flame Vash comes knocking on his door. For once Picard actually seems a little flustered; he clearly has feelings for Vash but he hasn't mentioned her to any of the crew; something that she is disappointed by. If the arrival wasn't enough another face from his past returns; this time somebody everybody on the Enterprise knows: Q! Q claims that he is there to repay a debt he owes to Picard… and he will repay it whether Picard wants him to or not. Q has a strange idea of repaying a debt; he transforms Picard and his senior staff into Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men before taking them to a recreation of Medieval England. Here he informs Picard that Vash is playing the role of Maid Marian and if he doesn't rescue her by noon the next day she will be executed.

This is a fun if somewhat silly episode… much like the character of Q; his omnipotence makes him too powerful. Thankfully John de Lancie's performance makes this potentially disastrous character quite fun. Jennifer Hetrick puts in a spirited performance as Vash… her turn as 'Maid Marian' was a delight as she clearly had her own ideas about how to stay alive. The whole Robin Hood thing was somewhat cheesy but again it provided a few decent laughs; Worf's 'I am not a Merry Man' comment was priceless as was the moment he destroyed Geordi's lute. Overall a more light-hearted episode than usual; not a classic but much better than I'd expected after reading the synopsis.

"I must protest. I am NOT a merry man!!"

[timbrown-43758 · 9/10 · 7 February 2021]

Definitely one of my favorite episodes and Worf's line in the title above is just perfect. While not your typical Star Trek episode, it is very charming, light hearted and fun. Q is always a nice addition and Vash is just as wonderful as ever. It's just a shame she wasn't around in more episodes. I also love the likely ode to Animal House when Worf grabs Geordi's mandolin, smashes it against a tree, and comments, 'sorry'. Right out of John Belushi.

A very solid and fun episode.

Enjoyable fun

[snoozejonc · 7/10 · 23 July 2021]

Captain Picard is sent on a Robin Hood style adventure by Q.

This is a fun episode that must have been blast for the actors to perform and it entertains as long you do not take it too seriously.

The story is not the slightest bit important, other than it sets up a future premise for the guest characters. It is all designed to see the characters acting out a Robin Hood fantasy in a light hearted piece of escapism.

Picard as a swashbuckling action hero has decent comedy value, but the standout moments for me all involve Lieutenant Worf who is a wonderfully angry straight man in the middle of all the tomfoolery.

Before all the Q shenanigans kick off there is a superbly awkward number of scenes with Picard and Vash aboard the Enterprise that are very enjoyable, particularly the ones with Dr Crusher.

All the visuals are fun with some great costumes, outdoor shoots and a castle set.

All performances are enjoyable especially John de Lancie, Patrick Stewart and Michael Dorn.

Just for Fun

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 28 August 2014]

Picard is in love with Vash. She is unpredictable, dangerous, and beautiful. She is also a threat to the relationship he has with Beverly (even though they never seem to get around to anything). Vash has shown up at a conference that is being hosted on the Enterprise and has thrown Picard into a tizzy. Not only that but who should show up as well? Q! He wants to reward Picard for getting him back in the continuum. Picard can't shake him and Q, in his inimitable way, launches one of his intergalactic practical jokes. He turns the regulars on the series into characters from the Robin Hood legend. Unlike a holodeck fantasy, the situation is deadly. He takes Vash and holes her up in a castle where she is to be executed. Picard as Robin Hood is given the task of rescuing her. When she realizes she is to be beheaded, she immediately agrees to marry Sir Guy, just out of expediency. She is a survivor and decides "Whatever." Meanwhile, Picard and his "merry men" go to the castle and all manner of fun ensues. I think that Q provides an opportunity for the actors to spread their wings a bit. This is quite a hoot and we know that things will eventually work out. Or will they?

Utterly ridiculous.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 20 November 2014]

"Qpid" is a silly episode--one which is inconsequential and harmless. I am not saying it's bad--it's just that it's one that is easy to skip and that you cannot take very seriously.

The episode begins with some sort of archaeological conference about to begin on the Enterprise. Picard's love interest (or as close as you'll find to one) Vash appears unexpectedly for the conference. Considering she's an amoral thief, it is very odd (and makes no sense) that Picard allows her unrestricted access to the ship. In the midst of this little reunion, Q appears and demands that Picard allow him to repay his debt from the last episode. Of course, the fun-hating Picard refuses strongly, so Q decides to do something for him anyways, transporting Picard and the series regulars into an adventure that looks like it's straight from the holodeck--involving Picard playing Robin Hood. On hand as Maid Marion is Vash and the whole thing is amazingly silly, though it seems Q set all this up in order to give Picard a chance to impress his girl.

There are some funny and wonderful moments--such as when Troi is trying out a bow and arrow as well as the way Vash and Q hit is off together. But, it's also a completely contrived and rather dumb show. So, it's fun and enjoyable but also pretty lame at the same time!.

A Light-Hearted Episode

[brian_m_hass · 9/10 · 29 August 2015]

In "Qpid," Captain Picard is preparing to give a speech on the forbidden ruins of Tegus 3 when he receives a visit from his romantic-interest, Vash. Matters are further complicated by a visit from Q, who intervenes and turns Picard and his senior staff into Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

First, I should say that I have always liked the relationship between Captain Picard and Vash. Jean-Luc Picard is so disciplined and reserved; and, Vash is Picard's exact opposite. It was great seeing Vash return to the show.

The appearance of Q in this episode was not surprising. Most of the "Star Trek: the Next Generation" episodes in which Q appeared included a reference to Q in the episodes' titles. Q was a great foil for the Enterprise crew; and by this point in the series, Q was a humorous character as well. The Q episodes were generally a lot of fun.

Much of the story of "Qpid" was light-hearted and humorous. There was one scene which borrowed a joke from the movie, "Animal House" (I won't say what the joke was; but, it worked well in this episode as both a reference to the scene in "Animal House" as well as a joke in its own right).

Overall, the episode was light-hearted fun and was very enjoyable to watch!

Fun but pointless

[tonycarr · 7/10 · 25 January 2020]

I don't like Q very much. Turning up unannounced and demanding to be centre stage all the time is irritating. That said, John de Lancie plays the character very well. In this episode Picard and crew are transformed into Robin Hood and his Merrrie Men (despite Worf's protestations). Picard must save Vash (another irritating character) from death. To show her gratitude she promptly runs off with Q. Why is a little unclear.

All in all a fun episode but we don't really learn much.

And would every one please not it is pronounced Robin Hood. Two separate words with all vowels short. It is not pronounced Rarbinhood.

Silly as it is meant to be

[cabrera-montesino80 · 10/10 · 22 August 2020]

What isn't fun about this episode? So much fun as though given a recess between episodes. I respect any show that takes the opportunity to be whimsical. Lighten up people. Jean Luc cannot help but smile as Robin Hood

"There'll be no escape for you this time, Robin Hood!"

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 2 February 2024]

The great thing about episodes involving the holodeck or the universally impish Q (John de Lancie) is that the stories can go anywhere at all. Q's last adventure with the Enterprise occurred in Season Three when he got kicked out of the Continuum, restored later when he seemingly did a good deed by simply leaving. Season Three also saw the first appearance of the interplanetary, lovely thief Vash (Jennifer Hetrick), who Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) has a rather conflicted relationship with. Q takes advantage of that fact, while insisting that he do a good deed for the Captain for the events that transpired in 'Deja Q'. Transporting the entire bridge crew of the Enterprise to the planet Tagus III, Q turns them all into the Merry Men of Sherwood Forest with Captain Picard as their leader Robin Hood, tasked with the challenge of saving Maid Marian Vash from the evil clutches of Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Clive Revill). The episode is played about equally for laughs and adventure, with an unusual twist at the end when Vash, realizing she could never be Picard's permanent romantic interest, decides to take off with Q!! Probably a fitting duo as they set off for high adventure in the far reaches of space.

Somewhat fun, but contrived and unconvincing

[robert3750 · 4/10 · 4 August 2020]

This episode feels like the writers said "wouldn't it be fun if...". The paper thin plot gives no emotional or dramatic justification for the goings on (Q "obligated" to repay a debt? Please.). Look, I know it was established in the Jim Kirk days that a starship captain couldn't be romantically entangled, but Picard's "romance" is completely unconvincing. He barely indicates that he likes Vash, and her presence clearly embarrasses him. The cast looks like they're having fun with the Robin Hood stuff, but it's very obvious that they're all just play acting. The only really good line? Worf saying "I am NOT a merry man!"

Hand caught in the cookie jar

[amusinghandle · 7/10 · 24 February 2024]

The scene of Picard getting his hand caught in the cookie jar by Beverly Crusher in his quarters was absolutely the best part of this episode. Jean Luc --- You dirty dog!

I own a small business and I have to say that I am on Jean Luc's side when it comes to keeping business and personal life separated (or as separated as possible).

A relationship is like a job ---- You have to put that time in to get something out of it. Displays of affection go a long, long way. Basically the episode is teaching Jean Luc a valuable lesson about expressing the feelings of love.

I look forward to a continuation of the Vash love arc in future seasons ---- You would have to absolutely crazy to let a beauty like that go ---- wouldn't you, jean luc?

It's kinda silly but a guilty pleasure for me.

easily one of the best comedic episodes of the series!

[saltysgt · 10/10 · 16 September 2022]

I am shocked so many people regard this episode as lowly as they do. Forget the nonstop laughs, that we get to once again experience the dynamic between Jean Luc and Vash is reason enough to celebrate. Vash *kills it* in this episode. The way she effortlessly floats through her introduction to the rest of the senior crew is a riot! Her and Beverly's meeting and how it made Picard choke on his words was priceless.

It's moments like that that remind me of just how rewarding it is to go watch this series in its entirety. By this point we are so familiar with these characters and yet they still come up with new ways to surprise and delight us!

This episode is a treat and I am so glad it exists.

Comedic relief

[cww-27121 · 8/10 · 1 August 2020]

As the heading says, a nice intermission from the typical next generation story line. Overall fun and enjoyable with Worf really doing a great job with some comedic lines.

Stewart is no Kevin Costner but he's alright.

[thevacinstaller · 8/10 · 28 March 2021]

Even before this episode gets really rolling it had me in stitches with the tea scene when Beverly shows up to interrupt Picard and Vash. To watch Captain "love them and leave them" Picard being put in such an awkward position was absolutely delightful to watch.

It turns out that Data and Picard being Q's protector has nerfed Q's vicious streak and his new role is to bring out personal revelations in his friendamy Picard.

It's a lot of fun to see the trek crew taken off the bridge and do a tongue-in-cheek episode. Vash was an absolute smoke show in that skirt and business casual dress shirt and no one can blame Picard for fighting for her after that in my book.

Embrace the love I guess is the message of the episode? Well, at least embrace the love while you are still dating but after that ... ... ...

This is a good time.

Fun little episode

[anthonylesley · 8/10 · 10 April 2020]

This episode is mainly filler episode doesn't mean you shouldn't watch it it has the return of Vash and Q

Unbelievable stupid

[shuny · 1/10 · 11 February 2023]

I hate Q, but he is not the only thing wrong with this episode. It is embarrassing to watch them dressed up in Robin Hood characters. It started on the wrong foot when Vash first appeared and the officers behaved like fifth graders talking about a classmate's love interest. The captain is a grown man, he is a private man, and yet they smirk about his knowing a woman whom he has kept a secret. One would think that officers on the Enterprise would behave like adults. It is not fun to watch. I am embarrassed for them. However, Worf delivered a humorous line totally in character, "I am not a merry man." He smashed the lute, again in character, with a terse apology.

Fortunately the presence of Q negates the presence of Vash

[zombiemockingbird · 8/10 · 6 April 2023]

Ugh. I really can't stand the Vash character, and her relationship with Picard is embarrassing, improbable, and unbelievable. She is nothing but a con artist; she doesn't give a rat's patootie about Picard. I don't believe someone of his level of intelligence and class would ever be interested in her. Honestly, Picard acts like he's uncomfortable with the relationship as well. On the other hand, I love Q. I don't know if it's just John de Lancie's portrayal of him, but his dialog is wittier and more intelligent than anyone else. Even dullards like Dr Crusher and Troi seem better when he's around.

So much potential in the Robin Hood gag

[Mr-Fusion · 5/10 · 21 April 2017]

One of the few TNG episodes that just didn't do anything for me, 'Qpid' really felt like going through the motions. They bring back Vash, yet smother the sparks between Patrick Stewart and Jennifer Hetrick; Q repurposes the crew for a Nottingham reenactment, but they spend the entire episode standing around. Usually, the instant mentioning of Q suggests a silly or at lest fanciful episode. But this just hangs their like wet laundry. It had no spring, no verve; and more than that, it felt like a waste of both Q's charm and the continuation of a Picard romance that has no future. There are a couple of good movie references while the crew's waiting in the wings (and the image of Data as Friar Tuck), but this was a huge shrug for me.

5/10

Debatable

[Laila3 · 4/10 · 27 July 2021]

Well, to make it short, I just really don't like Vash. And I also generally don't like the Q-episodes that much.

For the positive part, I can say I definitely laughed so hard from the banter between the crew members in Sherwood Forest! ;D That was really funny and their costumes were marvellous! I wish there was much more storyline specifically in Sherwood Forest where everybody gets to know his or her character better. This could be a lot of fun to write a fanfiction for.

The way the episode presents otherwise is just not my thing. Vash is a character I don't like for many reasons and I find her romantic entanglement with Captain Picard genuinely out of character for him. She seems like the person he would date the least. It also seems weird how the writers included this love interest as if Dr. Beverly Crusher was not even there at all and as if their previous relationship was redundant. They didn't even bother exploring what it does to their connection when he suddenly shows up with his lady friend from a shore leave that no one had ever heard about. I don't buy that Vash would be the one person he exposes his inner most feelings to and not to any of his long term friends on the Enterprise, which are suddenly only "the crew".

Otherwise I liked the storyline, it was refreshing and somewhat entertaining the idea of alternate universes is a very good one for Star Trek in general. I just wish it was better executed in terms of consistency and character development. The way they tried to tie this up with the recent events of Q was not quite convincing either, his character also deserves his own comprehensible development even though he's not my favourite character.

So all in all, not a bad idea for an episode and some fans might like it more than others. For me, important cornerstones of why I love TNG so much are just not in the picture.

Star Trek not Sherwood

[hubbardamanda · 3/10 · 16 March 2020]

This is a pointless and stupid episode. I was sad it was made..

Woof!

[Samuel-Shovel · 2/10 · 24 January 2020]

In "Qpid", a pair of figures from Picard's past visits him while he prepares to chair an anthropology summit. Vash shows up to attend the summit and also to possibly sneak down to the planet's surface and explore some forbidden ruins. Q pops in wanting to thank Picard for saving his life in their previous encounter. In an odd turn, Q places the main cast and Vash in an Robin Hood story, complete with Picard as the titular character. Picard must save Vash from the king and a forced marriage.

What is this? Why are we in Nottingham Forest? What does Robin Hood have to do with anything? I don't have the answers to these questions. All I know is this episode is bizarre. I would guess a writer just really enjoyed Robin Hood and wanted a few sword fighting scenes?

Also Vash and Q exploring the universe? Q will end up ditching her in a few days up a creek without a paddle if I were to guess...