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Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 1:56 pm
by BridgeConsoleMasher
In terms of allegory or theme, what is the purpose of Q. American imperialism? Think about it. His personality is the personification of the typical annoying American tourist in another country. He is all about the force of arrogant will and manifestation.

Re: Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 2:40 pm
by Captain Crimson
BridgeConsoleMasher wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2020 1:56 pm In terms of allegory or theme, what is the purpose of Q. American imperialism? Think about it. His personality is the personification of the typical annoying American tourist in another country. He is all about the force of arrogant will and manifestation.
This:

Image

Re: Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 3:08 pm
by BridgeConsoleMasher
Captain Crimson wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2020 2:40 pm
BridgeConsoleMasher wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2020 1:56 pm In terms of allegory or theme, what is the purpose of Q. American imperialism? Think about it. His personality is the personification of the typical annoying American tourist in another country. He is all about the force of arrogant will and manifestation.
This:

Image
https://youtu.be/iLUOZOVpJLA?list=TLPQMDkwNDIwMjDB5sUH5x-Waw&t=33

Re: Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 3:49 pm
by King Green
Or humanity's narcissism quite literally empowering their actions.

Re: Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:12 pm
by Zargon
I don't think Q represented anything, other then exactly what he is: a fantasy wizard to break up the set reality of the show in-universe.

When Q shows up....anything can happen and you will NOT have a normal episode. That is the whole point of the character. It's a common enough writing trope...and it was used on Star Trek TOS a lot too.

Re: Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:26 pm
by TGLS
Q represents the an aspect of the show scrapped early in production. Originally the producers thought the target audience for the show was children (based on who was watching reruns). So they created Q to emulate Sesame Street. "This episode of Star Trek is brought to you by the letter Q"

Re: Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 10:36 pm
by BridgeConsoleMasher
TGLS wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:26 pm Q represents the an aspect of the show scrapped early in production. Originally the producers thought the target audience for the show was children (based on who was watching reruns). So they created Q to emulate Sesame Street. "This episode of Star Trek is brought to you by the letter Q"
So maybe more like European colonialism than American? He is putting a frenchman from England on trial.

Re: Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:45 am
by Rocketboy1313
He is a stand in for the random an capricious whims of fate that completely dash any and all meaningless attempts by writers... humans to present a coherent and grounded narrative.

Re: Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 1:15 am
by ChiggyvonRichthofen
In terms of theme, Q is a tool allowing the characters to advocate Roddenberry's particular brand of humanistic utopia. A godlike alien puts humanity on trial, and they pass with flying colors.

As far as allegory, I don't really think so. He fits pretty neatly into the long line of superpowered aliens going back to early TOS.

After season one, he was just a normal character who was popular enough to bring back once a year.

Re: Does Q represent anything?

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 2:06 am
by Captain Crimson
Q is God. He said so. :mrgreen: