This episode gets things back on track. First of all, we are introduced to a new race, the ear-dominant businessmen of the universe, the Ferengi. As the crew of the Enterprise must deal with something on the surface of a strange planet that is drawing their energy, they encounter these anything-for-a-buck adversaries that will make their lives a problem for many episodes to come. These guys won't listen to reason, suspicious of anyone who gets in the way of their commerce. Unfortunately, they are experiencing the same drain of power as Picard and the crew but can't fess up about it. It requires an alliance but that is hard to negotiate. The true danger is on the planet and someone better do something. Of course, it's no secret for anyone that this marriage is not made in heaven but cooler heads prevail. For a while. Suffice it to say, the Ferengi are refreshing, unique characters with qualities unlike any others out there. They have cool speech patterns and an aggressive, self-centered being about them. Once again, they offer new challenges. This episode takes a critical situation and adds some humor. I remember that this began to revive my faith that this series was back on track.
Review of The Last Outpost
