I’ll start.
For Guinan: I loved that her character was that classic trope of the “bartender / therapist” who was always around, but never got too involved in the main plot. She would give casual advice, but wasn’t officially an “advisor”, so it served the show well for the main characters to share what they were thinking.
For Quark: He was unquestionably the better developed character, with his own wants and desires that frequently intertwined with the main plot. He also served as a sort of foil to the values of the federation, which let the viewers see how greed was incompatible with the best interests of the people.
I love both. Which was your favorite? Which approach did you like better for the “bartender” character?
It’s apples to oranges. They served two totally different roles. If you’ve seen Picard you understand she played a much move pivotal role in time and events than Quark. He was a great character, but didn’t hold the power to change life altering events like Guinan. Personally, I like Quark’s character better though.
Apples to oranges was my first thought. Guinan is good at listening, helping to sort out someone’s thoughts, and if needed saying that there is a path for someone to follow. Quark is about that profit, and when he gives advice it is direct, not subtle. Sometimes accompanied by an insult. I think both are good characters, but Quark is definitely more well-rounded and developed. Over time, little is learned about the El-Aurians from Guinan. A lot is learned about the Ferengi from Quark.
I still need to see Picard. I honestly have only watched TOS, TNG, and DS9 a billion times for some reason, and I have a lot of catching up to do.
Do yourself a favor and skip the entire first two seasons of Picard.
I’d heard it had mixed reviews… I’m someone who will power through the stinkers if I have to though.
Definitely worth the stink when you get to season 3 and the final scene with Q. Good luck!
I’m the same, but. holy. fuck.
Season 1 is bearable, and has some neat things like The Borg 2.0 and go a little deeper into Data’s story. But season 2 is absolute fucking garbage. I tired for months to get through it and finally quit on the last 2 episodes. Holy fuck it’s honestly one of the worst seasons of any TV show ever not just Trek. I’m not gonna lie it kinda ruined the ironic character I grew up watching a little for several months.
So yeah if you don’t want that, skip to 3. Finally went back to see it, they must have fired the whole writing staff because it’s so much better. Still not amazing but they basically salvaged the best characters in the franchise.
That’s so disappointing, but at least I know going into it now.
I feel like a key interview question for a writer/director/etc should be “are you a fan of star trek?” Like, there are a ton of hardcore trek fans out there. Sure some of them are writers and can do the characters justice.
The ego of some showeruners thinking they know best and no one gets them can be staggering. Combine that with negligent execs who only see an IP’s $$$ and you get a hellbrew of no one questioning anyone.
I watched the first episode and noped out of it, but I was tempted to skip first season. Do you think starting with season three would work? I’m not particuarly completionist, and I’m sure I can fill in the blanks…
Yes
@Acamon @BaroqueInMind
No problem starting with s03. There’s very little continuity between seasons, and the parts that call back to earlier seasons are fleeting and non crucial. Each season can be watched out of order, but within seasons, they need to be watched serially.
FTR, I liked the whole series, but I’d have trouble recommending s01-02 generally.
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