Making Data laugh like that was probably one of the nicest things Q ever did. He actually gave someone the one thing they wanted but couldn't otherwise have.
When I first saw this I thought Q had given Data emotions in general, but apparently that wasn't the case it was just the gift of laughter for that period of time that he experienced it.
It's a small detail like that that really places weight on the gift. It wasn't some imitation of the action, but a genuine "feeling" as Data described it, as well as the ability to truly put that feeling into expression. Her smile may have intended as NOTHING of the sort of course, but its fun conjecture.
I liked after Riker refused the hot women and Q just gives to WORF , and he starts to look really pleased with them , but when Q takes the ladies away Worf is visibly saddened , , , , guess Worf was kidding to Guianan about not being interested in human women, , , Riker missed out ,those ladies would have granted him ANY fantasy , , , , poor Worf was looking forward to it, ,. 😋
@@perezidente1 yes I saw that vid , it's hilarious , , Dorn even spoke about that very video in one of the Autograph Signing event appearances on yet another UA-cam vid , , ,🤣😅🖖🖖
No one here mentions how Picard looks annoyed and frustrated when Q changes into his usual Starfleet uniform. It's that look of _"You don't deserve to wear that uniform!"._ Just watch as Picard eyeball's Q's outfit. Superb acting by Patrick.
I was expecting him to say it. It's also a nice touch that Q has four pips on his collar, giving him the same rank as Picard. So they are each others "mon capitain".
timeline: Q regains his powers Goes home to get a scolding by the continuum Visits 1970 earth to get trumpet lessons for a few years Quickly grabs a mariachi band “au contraire, mon capitan!”
Two opponents at once... this is a battle worthy of a Klingon warrior! If I die, tell my family I died with honor and a huge smile on my face. Ka' PLAH!!!!
Y'know when you think about this scene, beyond the sentimentality... Q delivered unto Data the ability to experience an emotion, in a machine, that otherwise could never do so. Data will be able to replay that moment in his mind, every nanosecond, every nuance, over and over and over, like it was the first time given his capabilities. He will be able to analyze it, study it, recontextualize it and extrapolate from it all kinds of potential - if he wishes. Or he can laugh himself silly every night, just replicating the effect. Considering he can never feel "down" or "pain" or "sadness" it really is a flex for Q, he managed to basically give Data an infinite source of happiness - or a valuable key to gaining full emotional states... which in it of itself is a challenging choice. "I would never curse you by making you human"... That's also a warning that Data, in believing his own dream would be to experience humanity... should be careful of this gift. He says he would never curse him to be human, and it's a warning that maybe he shouldn't be. So Q, to give a double-edged gift.
Q could have made Data completely human or given him human emotions but didn't because he probably knew that Picard and the Enterprise crew would later depend on Data's superhuman abilities to get them out of tight spots, something he wouldn't be able to do if he were completely human and couldn't turn off his emotions when they became a hindrance.
Captain Picard...so uptight...so impatient...and ready to try to jump down the throat (So to speak), of an Immortal that, if he really wanted to, could wipe Captain Picard out of existence, with a mere snap of his fingers! Captain Picard was lucky that Q allowed him to live. He should've been more gracious, patient, and understanding.
what i love most about this scene is how, when you add the 'a fraction of a second for an android is a lifetime' scene from first contact, you see that Q was way more generous than first lets on to data. because even though it was only about 30 seconds of time for us it was several android eternities worth of laughter for data.
I suppose if you diagram that sentence in a certain way, yes. I would read it as ”([a fraction of a second] [for an android]) is (a lifetime)“ But what you probably interpreted is ”(a fraction of a second) ([for an android] is a lifetime)“
That's actually a really thoughtful present from Q, more so than I would've expected. I also still adore that he showed up with a mariachi band, Q is the greatest of Trickster Gods.
Lol, what else can they do? If you think about it.. they should have been grateful that Q was cool. Losing your temper with him and he could obliterate starfleer if he wanted to
Agreed... unlike most of the rest of the Crew, and Captain Picard in particular. Captain Picard could be such a stick in the mud...and Commander Riker wasn't much better. I won't even bring up Lt. Worf! Yeeagghh!!! What a killjoy he could be!
Brent Spiner is clearly one of the best actors I've ever seen but I still don't think that his talent alone was enough to make Data such a popular character. I'm sure that his personal charm and striking good looks also had a lot to do with it as well.
This may sound weird to say, but if Q were the Commander of the Starship Enterprise, I would be the first one to sign up, in order to be under his command! I like this Immortal. He can be totally serious. That's a given. However, he can also be fun!
That laugh from Data made me laugh with him 🤣 I love this moment after Q regained his powers. The writing in this episode was terrific with many comedic moments including Q winding up Worf. He tested his patience to the maximum. Classic!
Roddenberry kept the writers on a short leash; leading the show to often feel stuffy and overly serious. Q's impish nature provided wonderful opportunities to cut through the 4th wall and poke fun at these characters. _"You weren't like that before the beard"_ is a line I remember clear as day from the first time it aired in 1990. Ultimately Roddenberry's directives are what made _TNG_ so endearing, and the contrast is what makes Q so likable.
I love this scene because its so perfect, Picard looking just "Damnit...", Riker being thoroughly unimpressed, Worf's genuine confusion and Data's laugh.
Dragon in a Tux Haha, yeah exactly. You were just having fun, enjoying a genuinely happy feeling by laughing. Georgie of course was jealous of you and had to stop you from laughing some more! :P
I was always so focused on Q when he returns to do his happy dance that I never noticed Worf look like he just died inside, as if every shred of hope had been snatched from his grasp.
I remember noticing that later in life. I wonder if that was a direction, or if Michael ad-libbed that, figuring that reaction would be well within Worf's character.
Making Data laugh like that was probably one of the nicest things Q ever did. He actually gave someone the one thing they wanted but couldn't otherwise have.
Q can be oddly benevolent when he is in a good mood
@@Cressx I always though he ment well, he just has a very, very odd way of showing it.
When I first saw this I thought Q had given Data emotions in general, but apparently that wasn't the case it was just the gift of laughter for that period of time that he experienced it.
What was the cherry on top was the actress playing counselor getting a little contagious laughter (that smile) before going back into character.
It shows how he’s actually changed for once
Q's present for Data was actually very sweet and personal
True and perfect for such a character
Only one who deserved it
@John Smith
Where the plug?
Like the smiles off of everyone,seeing Data's first laughing experience.must have been a joy in its self.
It shows Q took the time to get to know him. Q can care.
"I don't need your fantasy women" ...
* I got the holodeck for that *
Exactly. I feel sorry for that first year ensign that has to scrub the dried up cum off the walls of the holodeck.
@matrix49A imagine the guy that's got to clean up the Holodeck at quark's on DS9 it's probably ROM LOL
Geordi was in the background like "Ohhh man I wanted those women"
@matrix49A : Wesley: "I'll take one!"
Picard: "Shut up, Wesley!"
atrimus tru dat
I like Troi's small half smile, indicating she was the only one that felt and understood the sudden surge of emotion data was given.
It's a small detail like that that really places weight on the gift. It wasn't some imitation of the action, but a genuine "feeling" as Data described it, as well as the ability to truly put that feeling into expression. Her smile may have intended as NOTHING of the sort of course, but its fun conjecture.
Ricker too
@@francescapaladini5763 it couldve been a blooper she did look like she was holding it back
Well read Counselor
Francesca Paladini oh no!
Not Ricker!!!
Worf is not as stoic as Riker. Worf seems a little disappointed at the women going away.
stolid* was the word Q used, I believe.
And you should know that Worf can't go at it with human women, since, as he put it, they're too fragile.
@@Christopher-o_O And as Guinan said, "he'd be surprised."
Of course he's disappointed. I would be too
Wouldn't you be... Honestly, IDC if their a fantasy.
Instead of turning him human, he temporarily turned him into Brent Spiner.
...
Well I guess I'm also somehow a dragon...
Q, the #NightCourt fan
@@Cjnw
"Bob and June Wheeler, you Yugoslavian recidivist knuckle-heads, you! What in the heck brings you by?"
The implication being that Brent Spiner isn't human.
@@Ironhandjohn "We ate the Necco wafers."
I love how Worf just leans on the tactical console and shakes his head when Q reappears. He's like "Oh for fuck sake..."
Like, this MF really is back.
I liked after Riker refused the hot women and Q just gives to WORF , and he starts to look really pleased with them , but when Q takes the ladies away Worf is visibly saddened , , , , guess Worf was kidding to Guianan about not being interested in human women, , , Riker missed out ,those ladies would have granted him ANY fantasy , , , , poor Worf was looking forward to it, ,. 😋
@@wyldelf2685 This. Worf got continuously denied the entire show. There's even a vid about it. XD
@@perezidente1 yes I saw that vid , it's hilarious , , Dorn even spoke about that very video in one of the Autograph Signing event appearances on yet another UA-cam vid , , ,🤣😅🖖🖖
Or Michael Dorn is holding back laughter.
"You weren't like that before the beard!"
Strangely he’s right
yes, riker accepted q powers
Ben Currington I love that look Riker gives him after he says that
So Q transfers the women to the only other bearded man on the bridge!
@@alexanderjones9572 : I think Geordie was like, "Aw, man! Why he took them away? I was gonna hit those!"
"I would never curse you by making you human."
Underrated line.
...A true kindness on Q's part, if I do say so myself...
.....and I do.
No one here mentions how Picard looks annoyed and frustrated when Q changes into his usual Starfleet uniform. It's that look of _"You don't deserve to wear that uniform!"._
Just watch as Picard eyeball's Q's outfit. Superb acting by Patrick.
I was expecting him to say it. It's also a nice touch that Q has four pips on his collar, giving him the same rank as Picard. So they are each others "mon capitain".
Picard was pretty stern back then
thats the best part
@@Dominian1 Look again. Q has five pips, as it is obvious no one can outrank Q (in his mind).
@@Absolutely_Nobody I looked. He has four.
The way Picard dumped his head in misery when Q appeared 😂
RaiderOfTheLostTwitch Shit, watch what Worf does in the background.
Worf: "Oh, for fucks sake!"
If he hadn't Q would have hit him with bell of the trumpet. He probably got hit before.
With the hands on the hip too... This show had way too many good actors, man.
Classic
The actor, who played Q, is amazing.
Which one?
(Yes, I know you meant this one... John de Lancie)
Until he caused that plane crash b
He also voice acts Discord from MLP and Alarak HighLord of the Tal'Darim. ;D
John de Lancie's real life son also plays Qjr on Voyager.
I love John's work
timeline:
Q regains his powers
Goes home to get a scolding by the continuum
Visits 1970 earth to get trumpet lessons for a few years
Quickly grabs a mariachi band
“au contraire, mon capitan!”
Mariachi band...ah si play in movie
Implying he even needs lessons
Q is and, not D. Bazillarion, not Jeff Geckos, and certainly not Drumpf be what a man actually wants to be.
@@sigmasquadleader leftie lol
@@sigmasquadleader Holy shit, just imagine not even being able to read the word "trumpet" without starting to babble about Trump. TDS is real.
Worf never refused the fantasy women
Two opponents at once... this is a battle worthy of a Klingon warrior! If I die, tell my family I died with honor and a huge smile on my face. Ka' PLAH!!!!
KA PLAH
@@Rodshark75 : Death by snu snu
Qapla' actually
i love how worf gives up when q shouts hes back
Worf: Oh if only I could kill him 🤬
The Captain looks like he just got pranked. Its legendary.
Lol I never noticed that. Just gives the whole scene even more richness.
Y'know when you think about this scene, beyond the sentimentality...
Q delivered unto Data the ability to experience an emotion, in a machine, that otherwise could never do so.
Data will be able to replay that moment in his mind, every nanosecond, every nuance, over and over and over, like it was the first time given his capabilities. He will be able to analyze it, study it, recontextualize it and extrapolate from it all kinds of potential - if he wishes.
Or he can laugh himself silly every night, just replicating the effect.
Considering he can never feel "down" or "pain" or "sadness" it really is a flex for Q, he managed to basically give Data an infinite source of happiness - or a valuable key to gaining full emotional states... which in it of itself is a challenging choice. "I would never curse you by making you human"...
That's also a warning that Data, in believing his own dream would be to experience humanity... should be careful of this gift. He says he would never curse him to be human, and it's a warning that maybe he shouldn't be.
So Q, to give a double-edged gift.
Thank you ⚘ I'm happy that I'm not alone with this thought 😊
When I first saw this I was so incredibly happy for Data 😀💖
Q could have made Data completely human or given him human emotions but didn't because he probably knew that Picard and the Enterprise crew would later depend on Data's superhuman abilities to get them out of tight spots, something he wouldn't be able to do if he were completely human and couldn't turn off his emotions when they became a hindrance.
“Q!”
“But I feel like celebrating!”
*”I DON’T!”* 😂😂😂😂😂😂
His irritated sternness was so funny 😂
He roared!
Captain Picard...so uptight...so impatient...and ready to try to jump down the throat (So to speak), of an Immortal that, if he really wanted to, could wipe Captain Picard out of existence, with a mere snap of his fingers!
Captain Picard was lucky that Q allowed him to live. He should've been more gracious, patient, and understanding.
what i love most about this scene is how, when you add the 'a fraction of a second for an android is a lifetime' scene from first contact, you see that Q was way more generous than first lets on to data. because even though it was only about 30 seconds of time for us it was several android eternities worth of laughter for data.
I suppose if you diagram that sentence in a certain way, yes.
I would read it as ”([a fraction of a second] [for an android]) is (a lifetime)“
But what you probably interpreted is ”(a fraction of a second) ([for an android] is a lifetime)“
That's actually a really thoughtful present from Q, more so than I would've expected. I also still adore that he showed up with a mariachi band, Q is the greatest of Trickster Gods.
Loki says hold my norse beer...
Loki: Why would you people compare me to Q? I am not a Q!
@@PrincessToyNerd Indeed but both Loki & Q are Chaos God's...suggesting Asgard may be a specific part of the Q Continuum..?
@@darania1 maybe, maybe not. Who knows what the creators were up to when they thought of Q?
@@PrincessToyNerd Indeed but who or what created the creators & so on ad infinitum as Q would doubtless smugly say...
The moment data turns and starts laughing again is pure gold hahaha
how the fuck they keep a straight face with Q dancing like that and saying "MON CAPITAANNNN" is beyond me
Well Picard and Riker weren't facing the camera and Word dropped his head, so maybe they didn't.
How the what?!
@@jimhults4916 That's most likely the reason why worf had his head down. Michael Dorn was notorious for breaking in scenes like these.😂
Q gifting laughter to Data is one of my favorite moments in all of Trek.
I always love how when Q starts playing Worf just leans over his console in clear frustration and disappointment
Lol, what else can they do? If you think about it.. they should have been grateful that Q was cool. Losing your temper with him and he could obliterate starfleer if he wanted to
That’s probably just Michale Dorm laughing
"You weren't like that before the beard" HHAAHHAHAHAHA I love Q
Worf's reaction when Q appears always gets me.
"FML. This guy again?"
One of the greatest scenes in Star Trek history! Q is da man!!!
Agreed... unlike most of the rest of the Crew, and Captain Picard in particular. Captain Picard could be such a stick in the mud...and Commander Riker wasn't much better. I won't even bring up Lt. Worf! Yeeagghh!!! What a killjoy he could be!
Notice how there were no complaints from Worf
Worf is like, "well if he insists" 😆
After being gifted with two fantasy women, Worf was probably thinking Q isn't so bad after all. 😂
Saab Rider his look says it all worf don't need to speak
He almost looks disappointed when they disappear
I doubt La Forge would complain either, he loves fantasy women - one for each mood
Data is the only known thing to have ever been told the funniest joke in the universe and live.
Clearly a human of culture here
@@willshelton8392 😎
"You're so stolid! You weren't like that before the beard!"
Will: Did you just insult my beard?!
AU CONTRAIRE MON CAPITAIN!!!
HEEEE'S BACK!!!
@@Pulsarnix
**Insert trumpet music**
"Mon capitaine." The two words JLP fears hearing more than anything.
Love how Worf put his head down as soon as Q returned.
Watching Next Generation for the first time and when this happened I laughed so hard. Q is such an imaginative character
Imaginative, intuitive, fun...and Immortal. I don't know how anybody could've been any better!
What a sublime and eminently magical character Q was.
“Now at the risk of being rude.”
Oh how he is biting his tongue there.
Quite touching of Q to give Data one of the most precious facets of human existence.
That honest little smile by Troy is just the cherry on top...
Of the chocolate Ice cream.
@@GODCONVOYPRIME Damn straight.
I'll never stop being amazed at how much nuance and personality Brent Spiner was able to give a literal emotionless automaton
Brent Spiner is clearly one of the best actors I've ever seen but I still don't think that his talent alone was enough to make Data such a popular character. I'm sure that his personal charm and striking good looks also had a lot to do with it as well.
240p....my old enemy.....we meet again....
Hello pixels, my old friend... I've come to squint at you again...
It really isn't that bad.
Have to watch in 144....get that true grainy vision!
Not even the borg can assimilate 240p. Resistance in this case is not futile, it's pixelated and possible.
Think of it like watching it in the early 90s on a CRT television with antenna reception.
That was a pretty nice gift.
Data laughing actually makes me cry of happiness for him.
Dont forget he also stabilize the moon that was going to hit the planet.
Yeah i think they realized that after this scene here :)
This entire scene is so magnificently well written, shot and acted. It cracks me up every time from start to finish.
This may sound weird to say, but if Q were the Commander of the Starship Enterprise, I would be the first one to sign up, in order to be under his command! I like this Immortal. He can be totally serious. That's a given. However, he can also be fun!
@@ronaldshank7589 He wouldn't. Q hates responsibility and scoffs at duty.
Roker, "I don't need your fantasy women!"
Q snaps his fingers, "How about my fantasy men then." :)
Q's little gesture there was perfect, and Brent Spiner knocked it out the park.
Wonderful.
Given how hard it is to pretend to laugh, that Spiner does it so convincingly is pretty impressive.
Data's laugh is so meaningful. Q gave him a small taste of emotion.
Also, that laughing scene gave me Joker vibes with that makeup
That laugh from Data made me laugh with him 🤣 I love this moment after Q regained his powers.
The writing in this episode was terrific with many comedic moments including Q winding up Worf. He tested his patience to the maximum. Classic!
Roddenberry kept the writers on a short leash; leading the show to often feel stuffy and overly serious.
Q's impish nature provided wonderful opportunities to cut through the 4th wall and poke fun at these characters.
_"You weren't like that before the beard"_ is a line I remember clear as day from the first time it aired in 1990.
Ultimately Roddenberry's directives are what made _TNG_ so endearing, and the contrast is what makes Q so likable.
I love John De Lancie XD
0:36 When he gives Picard & Riker cigars! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
my favorite scene out of all Trek series I have seen
I love this scene because its so perfect, Picard looking just "Damnit...", Riker being thoroughly unimpressed, Worf's genuine confusion and Data's laugh.
Please oh please give us Q with John Delancy just one more time. To say good bye to picard. His presence brought so much life and humor to the series.
Q will appear in the new Picard season 😍🎉
Wish granted
Love the look on Picard when he see Q in a captain uniform lol its hilarious
And this is why Q is my favorite character.
I adore his face when he goes completely normal to turn around and then immediately loses his shit laughing again
This really does show how far behind humans still are. They don't even take time to have a little fun when there's zero chance of it being a problem.
Love how he looked at them then burst out laughin
2:30 Geordi: "Data, why are you laughing?"
Data: "Humor! I love it! WHEEEE!!
Riker: "I don't need your fantasy women"
*Teleports them to Worf"
Worf: "I'll take your fantasy women"
Picard: "Denied, Mr. Worf."
Typical Georgie, having to ruin Data laughing for the only time in a long time. :/
Yeah, I was having fun laughing
Dragon in a Tux
Haha, yeah exactly. You were just having fun, enjoying a genuinely happy feeling by laughing. Georgie of course was jealous of you and had to stop you from laughing some more! :P
In a book, Geordi said Q probably only did that to try and make Data look silly, which Geordi would NOT tolerate!
@@alexanderjones9572 Wait what are these Geordi killjoy jokes lol.
What a laughblocker.
1:04 poor worf looking around like what the heck is going on?
0:15 Worf's reaction is priceless.
"what"
"Can anyone else see this"
*soul-crushing despair*
For the first time Troi sensed an emotion from Data.
I LOVE every time q appears it is so much fun
I love how Stewart barks "I DON'T!".
2:17 oh no, what? one of my commanders are broken now, will he be like this from now on? laughing all the time?
One of the best scenes...
Even after a third of a century, this'll STILL have you ROFLing repeatedly!
Geordi's in the background looking like, "I could have used some fantasy women..."
One of the all-time best scenes. Not only hilarious, but as a teenager had me all excited over the girl with the exposed "underboob" top.
Watch Worf's reaction when Q shows up. Its easy to miss but by far the best.
Like, GD this MF really came back.
I was always so focused on Q when he returns to do his happy dance that I never noticed Worf look like he just died inside, as if every shred of hope had been snatched from his grasp.
Just for a moment, just a singular fleeting moment, Data felt.
That is one of my favorite command bridges of all Trek series.
1:14 Worf is like "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!"
Mon Capitain plants his hands at his hipline:
" Not well best pleased at this turn of events ."
Geordi is such a kill-joy....Data is in the middle of laughing and he interrupts him - "whats so funny?" Dude! Weren't you watching the show!!!???
Q and data literally the best characters in the whole startrek series
Nope they are tied with Quark and Garak from DS9... those guys are hillarious... Q, Quark and Garak are the best characters in star trek.
Dammit LaForge you couldn't let him even enjoy a laugh!
Worf's reaction at 0:20 is just priceless XD
One of the best characters ever
why couldnt la forge leave it be.
He is a loser
He was jealous.
Picard is such a killjoy.
He's not happy.
"Quuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!"
"But mon capitan, I feel like celebrating."
"I dooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn't!!!"
Remembers me of Link in the Zelda cartoon: "Princess, I dooooo my best"
0:18 Worf looks back at Geordi. “Fucking seriously?”. Worf leans over tactical station and drops his head. “Kahlessdamnit.”
I remember noticing that later in life. I wonder if that was a direction, or if Michael ad-libbed that, figuring that reaction would be well within Worf's character.
They must have had so much fun with this scene.
0:22 poor Worf he looks sooo dissapointed
"Oh..you're so stolid, you weren't like that before the beard"
Brent Spiner does a wonderful Stan Laurel!
On Contrare mon capitian! LOL...... Don't you just love it when Q is entertaining?
i cant imagine how skilled you have to be to execute this kind of scene as Data. Just on, off, on, off. like the man himself acting were the android.
I bet that band was surprised when they saw what show hired them for a brief guest spot.
I love the slumped shoulders Picard has when Q shows up
"I don't need your fantasy women!"
Suuuure, Riker.
I don't think I've ever been able to watch Data laughing in that scene without laughing myself.
Best Startrek series Scene Ever The Song is Called La Paloma The Dove...
Picard: “I suppose that is the end of Q”
Q, literally 3 seconds later: “BUENOS DIAS FUCKBOIS”
Lol
Let Data laugh!!!!😃😃😃😀😀😀😄😄😭😭😭😄😄😃😃😊😊😊😊😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋!!!!!!!!!!!
LaForge interrupts him!!!!!!!!!
I'd be Q's friend, he's fun