As “Q” has become Star Trek: the last moral test of the next generation for humanity

The director Andrew Muir of The art of narration recently explored as Star Trek: The Next Generation co-creator Roddenberry Gene He designed the character of Q to act as a moral test ground for the human race. According to Muir, the very existence of Q was rooted in one of Roddenberry’s first intentions for the series.

“Gene Roddenberry co-scored the pilot and one of his intentions for this opening episode was to establish a mythical area for the series. The idea was that humanity would have been tried, that the entire series would have been a proof of the human condition.”

That test, both literal and metaphorical, became one of TNGHe is defining the books. The series began with captain Jean-Luc Picard on trial for the crimes of humanity, and ended in the same way, with Q who presided over the case.

At the beginning q was not even designed to be a recurring figure. The role was written simply to fill the part of the judge in that opening process, but Roddenberry has seen more in an actor John de LanciePerformance of a simple antagonist.

“A literal process was written in history and soon they realized that the trial needed a judge. Now, this character was not necessarily understood to be a great recurring character, but when John De Lancies was chosen in the role, the greater potential of the character became evident to Roddenberry.”

Muir stresses that q was not only there to cornerize Picard for conflict reasons. His chaotic interventions forced the crew to confront ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions, often pushing them to examine not only the galaxy, but themselves.

“Since the show is so well written, in reality there is a natural moral conclusion. And it is simple. The process never ends. Humanity never stops growing.

“But it is interesting to note, and I think this is also the main point of the character of Q, he says that the exploration is less on what is out there and more on the inner possibilities of conscious existence. … As for Q actually, obviously we are never really made to know. It is the great personified mystery, and that’s how it should remain.”

Making a constant reminder that the progress of humanity is in progress and self -reflective, The next generation The exploration framed not only as a journey through space, but as an infinite moral journey inwards. Perhaps this is why Q is one of the most lasting and enigmatic figures in Star Trek universe.