With its beloved status as one of the greatest science fiction shows of all time, it should come as no surprise that Star Trek: The Next Generation has led to countless internet memes and gifs. One of the most famous of these features Captain Picard bringing his hand to his face in exasperation, in what has been dubbed the Picard facepalm. This image has transcended the Star Trek franchise, becoming recognizable even among the non-Trekkies of the internet. The most well-known version of the Picard facepalm comes from TNG season 3, episode 13, "Deja Q."
An Emotional Q Confessional Became One Of Star Trek: The Next Generation's Best Memes
Captain Picard Has Little Patience For Q's Antics
In Q's fourth Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, "Deja Q," the omnipotent being suddenly appears on the bridge of the Enterprise-D, having been stripped of his powers (and his clothes) by the Q Continuum. Now familiar with Q's antics, Picard and his crew are reluctant to believe that he has truly lost his powers. As Q goes on about how he has been "condemned to be a member of this lowest of species," Picard performs his iconic facepalm. Q confesses that he asked the Continuum to deposit him on the Enterprise, prompting Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) to ask why.
In answer to Troi's question, Q responds: "Because in all the universe you're the closest thing I have to a friend, Jean-Luc." This prompts Picard to look up in surprise, as Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) scans Q with a tricorder and pronounces him fully human. With her empathic abilities, Troi confirms that she can sense fear coming from Q, just before he requests sanctuary aboard the ship. Picard is still unsure whether to believe him, leading Q to question what he has to do to convince them. Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) provides the succinct (and hilarious) answer: "Die."
Picard's Reaction To Q's Claim Of Friendship Is Actually Surprise, Not Dismay
Picard Has Difficulty Believing That Q Is Being Sincere
In his first few appearances, Q took on an antagonistic role, putting humanity on trial and sending the Enterprise-D across the galaxy to meet the Borg. "Deja Q" marks Q's transition from villain to annoying ally, as he reveals his genuine fondness for humanity and Jean-Luc Picard. When Q remarks that Picard is the closest thing he has to a friend, Jean-Luc looks up from his facepalm in surprise, not exasperation. At this point, Picard still thinks Q has some nefarious scheme in mind, and the Enterprise captain certainly doesn't think of Q as a friend yet.
Picard is genuinely surprised that Q would call him a friend. While it's true that Q hopes Picard and his crew will protect him from his many enemies, being mortal truly does have an effect on the godlike being. In the end, Q departs the Enterprise in a shuttlecraft, willing to sacrifice himself to his enemies to protect the people aboard the Enterprise. This act of selflessness impresses the Q Continuum enough that they return Q's powers, so he can return to torment his friend Picard in future Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes.
