The Nagus

The first season of "Star Trek: Deep Space 9" was generally a deadly serious and tremendously under-emotive. So, "The Nagus" clearly stands out because it is so different in style.

The show begins with the Grand Nagus (Wallace Shawn) arriving on the station. This sends Quark into a dither because he assumes this Ferengi leader is out to steal his club. However, the venerable Grand Nagus actually has a more sinister plan--one that comes as a huge surprise to everyone. The first part of his plan is a total surprise, as he appoints Quark his successor! What's the second part? See the show to find out for yourself.

This is a light-hearted and rather silly episode but also one that is rather enjoyable--especially since it allows Quark, his brother and nephew an opportunity for character development.

Wallace Shawn the head Ferrengi of them all, puts in an appearance as the ruler of the Ferrengi Empire, his first on Deep Space 9. As they are an empire built on commerce they have a unique set of ethics.

It's a good thing that Shawn is coming as he has designated Quark as his successor. That arouses a few ires but when the Grand Nagus is done in and Quark is next it's every Ferrengi for himself.

I love Wallace Shawn's appearances as the Nagus on DS9. One Ferrengi you have to get up pretty early in the morning to outfox.

While I think the Ferengi are an interesting part of the Star Trek canon, too much of them wears a bit thin. Here, Quark is given tremendous power, when the Nagus passes his position on to him. Of course, now his head is on the line from his own people who thought they should get the title, including the son. It is a comic episode for the most part and Quark is his usual detestable (but cute) self. Wally Shawn plays the gnarled up old guy who is the Nagus and does it quite well. There is a sort of maudlin subplot having to do with Sisko and his son.

Characters developed: Nog (Quarks nephew), Quark, Jake Sisko and the friendship of Nog and Jake.

The Grand Nagus is the epitome of a dirty old man (I mean the hair growing inside those disgusting ears is revolting) and he is on a mission to pass the torch of Ferengi leadership to a surprised individual.

Confusion: What, exactly, is the Grand Nagus in Ferengi society? This is never really explained.

Watching this episode made me dislike Ferengi's even more than I already did.

Watch this episode with the idea of learning more about Ferengi. You will probably want to take a shower when you are done watching.

As an aside: Jake Sisko is a pretty good kid. You will like him more after watching.

The Ferengi's entrance as a war-like race in the early The Next Generation episodes was pretty cool. Because that's what you spill when you're a people of skilled negotiators: Fear us. Deep Space Nine's Quark didn't work, at all. Now it's GREED that drives the wealthy people's decisions, underneath it all. Ferengi are, in this new interpretation, driven by codified Rules of Acquisition. That's absolutely NOT what Ferengi should have been. Make Quark a frequent visitor, but not the owner of that bar. No one knows that he is the real owner of it. Because you would not spill that fact. A better take on Quark therefore: He shows up at the bar's gambling table a lot, never wins anything, and nothing he ever does adds up. That type of Ferengi would match the skilled negotiator, that enters as a brute in The Next Generation. That plot would run smoothly. Deep Space Nine screwed up the Ferengi.