Omnipotent Beings and Drama

[plynch]

Does it ever undermine the drama or premise of Trek -- humans striving and exploring -- that there are these omnipotent, essentially magical beings/races out there that can totally undo or change everything with the snap of a finger? What does it matter what Kirk or Kor decide if the Organians control everything. Or what Picard and Starfleet do if Q can change everything instantly?

Deus ex machina actually make for cheap endings and undermine things?

 

[plynch]

Ahoy, moderator -- I posted this in the wrong forum. Can you move it somewhere better? Sorry?

 

[Jono]

I don't mind the fact that these type of species exist. They offer some interesting story telling. It would be a bit boring if we saw that humans at that time were the peak of what could be reached.

 

[Marie1]

^ True- I like that there are a lot more powerful beings, stronger civilizations, and that some of then don't feel like bothering with the little human fairy land.

What gets me is how so many of these powerful beings are childish jerks.
*I'm all powerful... you're mean... I'm taking my toys and going home and tell on you!! Wahhhhh!!!*

 

[Navaros]

Omnipotent beings can be great in drama, but they are poorly-used in Star Trek.

Star Trek says it has omnipotent beings, yet the omnipotent beings usually never do anything, therefore their omnipotence is moot (Ie: Q).

Or in the case where they do do something, like in disappearing the Jemmy ships, it is not dramatically justified.

Point is, ominipotent beings in Trek could make for good drama if they were written properly, but do not because they weren't.

 

[kissthestar]

Did the deus ex machine hurt drama?

 

[Marie1]

I liked what the Prophets/Wormhole aliens did to the Jem'Hadar- after Bajor being conquered by Cardassians etc., I thought what they did was good.

I guess we expect omnipotent beings to be around us, doing things for us... but with the exception of goofy ones like Q and... whatisname- the one whose parents made him leave Kirk alone... I can't see why they would. I mean, if I had the power of Q... I mean, I'd want to help people to some extent. But people need to be free to live their lives, they shouldn't be protected from the consequences of their actions, etc.

Q was like a spoiled brat... it was great when he became a human... Hah!