Oh God, Not a Ferengi Episode!
- Thread starter scottydog
- Start date
Don't worry scottydog - you're not the only one who thought the Ferengi episodes were (relative) crap. It was a damned chore most of the time to sit through most of them because of how annoying they were. When I was watching the series for the first time a few years back, my reaction truly was "For fuck's sake - why another Ferengi episode?" We get the idea that they were capitalists (and all the other characterizations the writers were trying for) in the first season.
The episodes WERE NOT funny and DID NOT make for comic relief. They diminished the serious tone of the series and essentially lessened my respect for the writers in that they compounded their initial mistake of already focusing too much on the Ferengi through Rom and Nog by not only introducing 'Moogie' and the host of other stupid Ferengi characters, but worst of all revisting this annoying culture year after fucking year: it was like a bad joke they thought was funny - not only was it NOT funny, but they didn't realize it and they kept trying to retell it.
The episodes WERE NOT funny and DID NOT make for comic relief. They diminished the serious tone of the series and essentially lessened my respect for the writers in that they compounded their initial mistake of already focusing too much on the Ferengi through Rom and Nog by not only introducing 'Moogie' and the host of other stupid Ferengi characters, but worst of all revisting this annoying culture year after fucking year: it was like a bad joke they thought was funny - not only was it NOT funny, but they didn't realize it and they kept trying to retell it.
Okay, so I'm not alone. Whew! I guess my problem with the Ferengi isn't the characters; I actually like Quark, Rom, and Nog. I didn't even mind seeing how Ferengi culture works and seeing Moogie and Brunt and Zek. Rather the problem for me was devoting entire episodes to the Ferengi. There is some humor to be found in the Ferengi, but not an entire episode's worth of humor. Yes, DS9 is a dark series and needed comic relief. But that relief could have been obtained by using the Ferengi in a background supporting role (i.e., the B-plot in any one episode).
Oh well. I've beaten this drum to death. I'm glad I started this thread because you pro-Ferengi folks have certainly surprised me by your numbers, and I've been forced to re-think my views by a few of your good arguments
I think the Ferengi episodes mostly fit well within the tapestry of the show. The only really bad episode is Profit and Lace. DS9 wasn't conceived to be only about the Starfleet characters like TNG. It was created in part to explore the other cultures that were mostly introduced on TNG. With Quark as a memeber of the ensemble, you're bound to have Ferengi episode just like on TNG you had Troi and Wesley episodes.
At times the Ferengi episodes went on a diversion from what was going on in the show (ie, the Dominion War) but mostly they were just comic relief. I like the Ferengi so I don't mind having entire episodes focussed on them. House of Quark, Little Green Men, and The Magnificient Ferengi are my favorite Ferengi episodes.
At times the Ferengi episodes went on a diversion from what was going on in the show (ie, the Dominion War) but mostly they were just comic relief. I like the Ferengi so I don't mind having entire episodes focussed on them. House of Quark, Little Green Men, and The Magnificient Ferengi are my favorite Ferengi episodes.
I don't understand why many posters are viewing Ferengi episodes as if their sole purpose is supposed to be comedy to make you laugh. Quark is a serious character, and the Ferengi episodes often put him in very serious, life or death situations and forces him to make tough decisions regarding them. This is fascinating stuff. Ie: House of Quark, Bar Association, Business as Usual etc. etc. All All great episodes because of the serious, life or death situations they involve Quark in, not because they are "funny".
If one watches Ferengi episodes expecting dumb pointless, funny comedy, then they certainly don't provide that. But that doesn't matter, there's a lot of meat on most of those episodes when viewed in a serious context and that's where their stength is.
If one watches Ferengi episodes expecting dumb pointless, funny comedy, then they certainly don't provide that. But that doesn't matter, there's a lot of meat on most of those episodes when viewed in a serious context and that's where their stength is.
Amen!
Lighter episodes were essential in DS9. They served as a break from the darker war-related episodes. Overall I felt they struck a nice balance. My favourite Ferengi episode is "The Magnificent Ferengi". I laugh everytime the Ferengi screams before they shoot Keevan by accident.
I LOVE the Ferengi episodes. The interaction between Quark, Moogie and Rom are hilarious... especially when Zek is involved. In fact, The Magnificent Ferengi is one of my favorite episodes. I think Iggy Pop gives a hilarious performance as Yelgrun and it was funny to see the psycho Ferengi, ex-Liquidator Brunt, Rom, Nog and Quark teaming up and screwing up at every possible turn 
I like the Ferengi episodes! They are hilarious! Even the one where (That's Right!) Quark looks like a lady... 
I don't watch these episodes for any other reason than the fact that they make me laugh hysterically.
"The Magnificent Ferengi" is one of my guilty pleasures. We have a Simpsons moment, we have Weekend at Bernie's and I think a little MASH thrown in...
I don't watch these episodes for any other reason than the fact that they make me laugh hysterically."The Magnificent Ferengi" is one of my guilty pleasures. We have a Simpsons moment, we have Weekend at Bernie's and I think a little MASH thrown in...
You ain't alone, scottydog.
I, too, think the Ferengi episodes are DS9's weakest link. 'Little Green Men', 'House of Quark' and 'The Magnificent Ferengi' being the exceptions. TMF is one of my favourite episodes.
But 'Family Business', 'Ferengi Love Songs' , etc, BLAH!
'Profit and Lace' is one of the worst ST episodes ever, and that includes 'Spock's Brain' and 'A Night In Sickbay'. The Ferengi episodes, with a couple of exceptions, really stop the momentum of DS9 and detract from the drama.
I, too, think the Ferengi episodes are DS9's weakest link. 'Little Green Men', 'House of Quark' and 'The Magnificent Ferengi' being the exceptions. TMF is one of my favourite episodes.
But 'Family Business', 'Ferengi Love Songs' , etc, BLAH!
'Profit and Lace' is one of the worst ST episodes ever, and that includes 'Spock's Brain' and 'A Night In Sickbay'. The Ferengi episodes, with a couple of exceptions, really stop the momentum of DS9 and detract from the drama.
Oh, and not only was 'Emperor's New Cloak' weak, but it completely contradicted previous MU episodes for the sake of cheap comedy (cloaking devices DID exist in the prior Mirror Universe episodes)
Kegek said:
Quite so. And just as it takes a thief to catch a theif, it takes Quark's knowledge of economics to prove D'Ghor has dabbled in this disreptuable, Ferengi-like business.
Which is ridiculous, if you think about it. It's like the idea that the Klingons have no scientists, doctors, engineers, mathematicians, garbage men, etc. We never (or rarely) see them, but for their society to maintain itself, those roles must exist in some form or another. Klingons may not put much stock in it, but imagine their world if there are no accountants (even off-worlders). Their economy would crumble in a week. Clearly it hasn't, so there must be Klingon accountants. Perhaps they consider the battle against bankrupsy to be an honorable one.
Why did it take Quark to save a noble house's bank account?
Ferengi episodes make me wince. Nog makes me wince more. Quark and Rom, I enjoy, but as supporting characters. Ishka, Zek, Brunt...I would have enjoyed them in one episode, then been content to never see them again.
Quite true. But the series has been quite consistent on this point - we saw a Klingon scientist in TNG's "Suspicions" and a doctor in ENT's "Affliction/Divergence" arc... and in both cases they were not respected members of society. Doubtless D'Ghor isn't the only economist, but not many would admit it. It's a bit like old aristocratic Europe in that respect, where it was very indecent for any nobleman to be caught involved in mercantile work. Likewise, if you're a respected Klingon warrior, you'd better not indulge in feeble activities like moneymaking.
And there's always the possibility of servile races to the Klingons filling in this capacity.
I've always enjoyed The Magnificent Ferengi, which was just a fun episode. Quark always worked as part of the cast and Nog and Rom were great recurring characters who added a lot to the show.
Kegek said:
DS9 isn't my favourite series - it's tied with its two predecessors for that honour - but I do love the Ferengi.
Quark, Rom, Nog, Brunt. Less so Zek and Ishka. Ferengi are hilarious.
God, the Ferengi episodes are - with one other exception ("Far Beyond The Stars") - the only DS9 episodes I really like. There were a couple of duds, yeah, but generally they were a pleasant departure.
I have always enjoyed the Ferengi episodes on DS9, and I actually looked forward to them during the course of the series. In fact I don't even remember hating "Profit and Lace" when I originally saw it air, but I have since then seen the light and realize now how horrible it was. Why I did not realize that when I viewed it the first time, I have no earthly clue, and can only claim temporary insanity.
I'm mostly with you. Any episode where Quark goes to Ferenginar and gets into some shennagins with Ishka/Zek, I always skip out if I'm going through the DVDs
There are some exceptions, The Magnificent Ferengi is hilarious, and The Dogs of War is great. Oh and Little Green Men too. But mostly I find episodes that essentially "The adventures of Quark" pretty boring
Thing is I really like Quark, Rom and Nog as supporting charatcers, they're a hoot, I just for some reason can't be doing with episodes centered on them
There are some exceptions, The Magnificent Ferengi is hilarious, and The Dogs of War is great. Oh and Little Green Men too. But mostly I find episodes that essentially "The adventures of Quark" pretty boring
Thing is I really like Quark, Rom and Nog as supporting charatcers, they're a hoot, I just for some reason can't be doing with episodes centered on them