In the great ocean of the Trek universe, the Ferengi are so much flotsam, their culture so different from the obviously-honorable Klingons, the ever-conflicted Bajorans and the stalwart Federation. Sometimes, the franchise doesn’t know what to do with them. It’s a rare writer that treats them as anything other than a caricature of capitalism; a kind of uber-libertarian endgame so many believe would result if market regulations were relaxed. There are many fans that find the Ferengi just as horrible as the Cardassians. Then there’s the second camp, which I belong to, that adore the hidden depth they’re capable of when someone comes along and uses them the right way in an episode.

As I’ve said before, the Ferengi are so much more interesting when they’re not treated like clowns, or relentlessly-greedy thugs. I like it when the show gives their unique culture greater respect.
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