History Recap / StarTrekTheNextGenerationS4E20Qpid

* PutOnABus: Q following the events of this episode, as Season Five ultimately skipped the annual Q story. Instead, Q won't return to TNG until Season Six's [Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS6E6TrueQ "True Q"]].

** Vash likewise gets put on a bus to [[=DS9=]], as her storyline will get [[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS01E07QLess picked up and resolved]] over on the spinoff.

* InstantDeathStab: When Picard stabs Sir Guy in the abdomen. The sword appears to penetrate deep into Sir Guy's body, and Guy grunts and instantly falls down dead.

* IdiotBall: Picard is his own worst enemy in this episode. His refusal to tell the crew about Vash leads to her getting pissed off and his own embarrassment. Then, when he's feeling embarrassed and frustrated Picard mouths off to a RealityWarper who owes him a favor, even though Picard has firsthand experience [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS2E16QWho as to why that's a bad idea]]. And finally, having not learned his lesson, Picard tries to rescue Vash on his own, which just causes more problems and gets him captured.

* AmusingInjuries: Troi reaffirms her [[NonActionGuy Non-Action Girl]] status during archery practice, by nailing Data square in the chest. Fortunately he's not badly damaged. And apparently her aim is getting better.

'''Sir Guy:''' And what might that be? ''[fight]''\\

* RestrictedRescueOperation: Q sends the crew to Sherwood Forest to prove to Picard that he does Love Vash, by casting Vash as Maid Marian who has been taken hostage by the local Lord, and Picard as Robin Hood must save her. Unfortunately for both Q and Picard's plans Vash isn't interested in being rescued by Picard and turns Picard over to the Lord when he's discovered sneaking into her chambers to rescue her. This throws the whole scenario so off the rails even Q is powerless to get everyone back on track with his goals, though he is more amused by this turn than outright angered.

Later, feeling guilty, Picard heads to Vash's quarters and attempts to apologize and explain himself. Vash means a lot to him, and he's not unhappy that she's here and--hey, why does she have a map of the Taguan ruins? And some archaeological equipment hidden in a corner over there? Once again, Vash is about to something less-than-legal and dangerous, and she's doing it on Picard's ship. Well, that's the last straw for both of them. They both say [[IAmWhatIAm that are who they are]]--she's an AdventurerArchaeologist who plays fast and loose with the rules, and he's a proper, rule-respecting Starfleet officer--and they will not change for anyone. Picard leaves in a huff, just in time to miss Q poking his head into the scene and observing the fight.

Well, [[CoitusEnsues Picard's not about to let a lady down...]]

* IOweYouMyLife: Q wants to repay Picard for protecting him [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS3E13DejaQ the last time they met]]. Picard tells him that going away will suffice.

* SequelEpisode: To Season Three's [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS3E13DejaQ "Deja Q"]] and [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGeneration/S3E19CaptainsHoliday "Captain's Holiday"]], picking up Q and Vash's storylines.