Space, the final frontier. One of the problems with new Trek is that it doesn’t seem all that interested in exploring the alien cultures post Voyager. Take the profit-hungry Ferengi; at the end of Deep Space Nine, they have a new Grand Nagus who seems more interested in reforming his culture than sticking to the status quo, but we’ve never got a chance to see those reforms UNTIL NOW! So earn your profit, be sure to read the fine print, and join us as we give you five thoughts on season 4, episode 6, “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place.”
1. A reformed Ferenginar still has a love for profits
If there’s one thing that Deep Space Nine made clear, the Ferengi’s love for profit might make them outliers of the Federation, but there isn’t anything necessarily wrong in being profit-driven. While Rom doesn’t “have the lobes,” as his son once said, he still understands his culture, and being named Grand Nagus shows that we might see a different Ferenginar at some point. “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” allows us to see the reformed homeworld, which is still glitzy and gaudy but doesn’t seem as malicious as we’ve seen before.
Of course, this is a comedy show, so there are some shortcuts for comedy’s sake, but “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” does show that the culture has changed in some ways. There’s just something about the episode that feels off and a big reason for that is that perhaps, for the first time, the show has too many plots going on, some stronger than others. The thing is, though, that the visual gags for Ferenginar do keep you having fun in a crowded episode.
2. Bradward discovers the enemy of productivity, TV
While the Captain deals with high-level negotiations, the gang gets one of the best jobs on the ship: travel guide duties. (Basically, an all-expense paid trip vacation to review the culture of a planet.) While the other three are excited about some R&R, Bradward is ready to be the overachiever we know and love. There’s just one problem, “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” establishes Bradward’s biggest weakness: trash TV.
While this is the lightest of the subplots, it’s undoubtedly the most fun. It’s delightful watching Boimler attempt to leave the room, only to be sidelined by bad soap operas about landlord cops, “will they won’t they” sitcoms, and, of course, advertisements. In true Lower Decks fashion, “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” explores an aspect of growing up in a post-scarcity economic civilization that I had never thought of before, your first exposure to TV created solely to sell things in the commercial breaks would be intoxicating. Also, who amongst us has never wasted a whole day vegging out when there are things to do? Welcome to the club, Bradward.
3. The dangers of labeling it
According to Ransom, the crew of the Cerritos is incredibly horny, meaning that while Mariner and Boimler’s traveler guide duties are solo, Tendi and Rutherford need to act like a married couple. While the show’s favorite platonic duo is initially excited to play married, “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” shows that even putting a fake label on something can create a weird dynamic. The problem with this, however, is that it seemingly is treading old ground. This isn’t the first time the show has explored the incredibly close bond between the pair of friends, which sometimes is played for laughs. There’s just something about this episode that feels wrong.
Granted, it is funny that the pair has inadvertently broken Ferengi law by pretending to be married to get a discount, but “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” feels lazy with the Tendi and Rutherford dynamic. It’s certainly possible that the show is building to something more significant with this. Still, it just doesn’t feel true to the character, even as the episode ends with a gag of them feeling uncomfortable being fake married but squeezing into the same tight crawlspace. Again, this isn’t new grounds for the characters, but it feels like diminishing returns here.
4. What does a rebel do when she has nothing to rebel against?
Of the three subplots, Mariner’s is probably the strongest. Things have been going remarkably well for the Lt. Jr. Grade. She hasn’t been demoted, Ransom has been incredibly supportive, and she’s excelling at her work, which is pissing Mariner off. “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” explores what happens when a character with a personality contingent on “being a rebel” finally gets some respect. It turns out that the rebellious streak needs to be tampered down.
Continued below“Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” features the return of Mariner’s season one Ferengi friend Quimp. Quimp is nothing but supportive of Mariner’s newfound success and grows concerned and downright frustrated with his friend’s self-sabotage streak as the episode progresses. The show is a comedy, a genre that thrives on the status quo, but it’s interesting to see a character call out another’s immaturity and tell them to grow up. It’s earned and seemingly hits home when Mariner has to deal with the consequences (and hangover) of the last strains of a rebellious youth.
5. The only way to win a con’s respect is to con the con
“Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” features the talent of Max Grodenchik as Rom and Chase Masterson as Leeta, reprising their roles from Deep Space Nine , and initially, there was some concern. While Rom was never the best businessman and could occasionally be oblivious, the episode played him up as more idiotic and childlike than the show they originated on. In a way, Leeta felt more like Lady MacBeth, and Rom felt like a fool. It felt untrue to the character as the admiral kept getting conned by Leeta, and Rom played with a baseball.
It turns out, however, that this was all part of Rom’s master plan, seeing if Starfleet would rise to the challenge of the Rules of Acquisition, a sign of respect for his culture. “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place” conned us all, showing that Rom was, in fact, the right choice and creating a very Trek ending. The best negotiations need mutual respect; by respecting another culture, Freeman has earned a big win for the Federation.
What did you think of the episode? Sound off below, and see you among the stars!
