The Best Q Episodes of 'Star Trek

If Jean-Luc Picard calls someone "devious and amoral and unreliable and irresponsible and...definitely not to be trusted" then it's probably true. In the case of Q, a godlike being that's all at once annoying, all-powerful, and strangely childish, just because Captain Picard doesn't like him doesn't mean he's not one of the best characters in the Star Trek Universe.

Initially a character that put Picard and the entire Enterprise crew on trial to prove that humanity should be destroyed, Q eventually became a recurring character that was known for his playful - but still antagonistic - relationship with the Captain. In the best Star Trek episodes with Q, the character, portrayed by John de Lancie, represents everything great about the writing of Star Trek. Q is both a foil for Picard and his crew, but also an asset. He's a teacher, thanks to his undending knowledge of the universe, but he's also a creature that enjoys creating havoc. Simply put, Q is complex as hell, and that's why we love him.

Since some of the most memorable episodes of Star Trek feature Q, we've decided to break down every one of Q's appearances so we can find out which is the best. So sit back, strap in, and get ready to enter the final frontier, because it's time to rank the best Star Trek Q episodes.