Deep Space Nine likes to push its luck every now and then by airing two slice of life episodes back to back. It works here, probably because quark is such an amusing character. The contrast with the human father/son and friend relationships in “Explorers” complements the Ferengi family dynamics in “Family Business.”Quark’s bar is shut down by the Ferengi Commerce Authority when it is discovered his mother has been earning profit on the sly. Ferengi law forbids women from conducting business, speaking to males, or even wearing clothing. As head of the household, quark is responsible for his feminist mother’s actions. Poor guy is about as much of an Archie Bunker traditionalist as he can get, so his mother’s liberation ideology has always irked him. Now it is going to cost him everything.
The situation brings up many old family ghosts. Quark always thought his mother ruined his father’s business ventures by being so stubborn. In reality, he just did not have the juice to be in business. Quark could never admit that to himself, but once he does, he realizes he is his mother’s son, not his father’s. After reconciliation, his mother agrees to confess to the FCA--and hand over her prfit--or a third of it, at any rate. Shhh! Do not tell anyone where the other two-thirds is.
In the -story, Sisko finally meets Kassidy Yates after Jake’s urging. They meet for coffee and bond over baseball. Baseball played with wooden bats and no designate hitter rule the way God intended. The game they listen to is being played o Castus III, the same planet the Gornn attacked in TOS’ “Arena.” At some point the Federation ad the Gorn Hegemony settled their territorial dispute, hopefully without the use of a makeshift, bamboo cannon.
As a individualist who nevertheless appreciates the separation of gender roles, I am an enthusiast of both Quark and his mother, contradictory though that may be. I can appreciate Quark upholding tradition, but I like the idea his mother hid most of her money after her confession ad will presumably keep earning profit on the sly. She gave up her feminist crusade in the name of family. You have to appreciate that.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
