Discover the Mind-Blowing Transformations Star Trek Unleashed on the Ferengi After DS9

WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 6, "Parth Ferengi's Heart Place."

Summary

The Ferengi have shifted away from arms dealing and are now focusing on leisure and hospitality as means to maximize their profits. These changes in Ferengi society have led to noticeable advancements in gender equality, which is particularly evident on Ferenginar.

Ferenginar is brimming with gambling establishments, scandalous TV shows, and peculiar traditions, such as chocolate sculptures and severe penalties for discount falsification.

In Star Trek: Lower Decks, Ferenginar is revisited for the first time since the conclusion of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and undergoes significant societal changes during the crew's stay. Following an attack on a Ferengi vessel by an unknown starship targeting various species across the galaxy, Grand Nagus Rom (Max Grodénchik) seeks assistance from Starfleet. Rom, accompanied by his spouse, First Clerk Leeta (Chase Masterson), boards the USS Toronto to engage in negotiations with Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) and Admiral Vassery (Fred Tatasciore), as they pursue Federation membership. Underestimating the remarkable progressiveness of the new Ferengi leadership, Vassery finds himself entangled in a web of Rom and Leeta's astute negotiation skills.

10 The Ferengi Are No Longer Arms Dealers

As Captain Freeman partakes in a momentous occasion for both the Ferengi and the Federation, the Lower Deckers are handed the responsibility of guidebook duty. This entails a journey to Ferenginar for Lieutenant Junior Grade Brad Boimler (portrayed by Jack Quaid), Beckett Mariner (portrayed by Tawny Newsome), D'Vana Tendi (portrayed by Noël Wells), and Samanthan Rutherford (portrayed by Eugene Cordero). During their visit, the Lower Deckers have the opportunity to witness firsthand the progressive changes made to Ferengi society by Rom and Leeta. It becomes evident that Rom, a beloved figure from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Ferengi culture, has significantly improved Ferenginar.

In the cold open of Season 4, Episode 6 of Star Trek: Lower Decks, a surprising revelation occurs. The Ferengi, known for their involvement in arms dealing, have now chosen to shift their focus onto leisure and hospitality for greater long-term profits. As a result, illegal activities such as gun running have been banned. However, not everyone on Ferenginar is pleased with this decision. A disgruntled Ferengi decides to strike a deal with the mysterious antagonist from Lower Decks, intending to sell them a state-of-the-art Genesis Device. Their regret is soon realized when their ship becomes the latest target of the sweeping galactic attacks.

9 Lower Decks Honors Quark's Mother's Star Trek Legacy

The traditionally misogynistic Ferengi species regarded women as second-class citizens and objectified them. Previously, Ferengi women were not allowed to wear clothes or earn profit. However, towards the end of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, significant changes occurred due to the romance between Grand Nagus Zek (Wallace Shawn) and Quark and Rom's mother Ishka (Cecily Adams). This transformation can be witnessed in scenes on Ferenginar, where clothed Ferengi females actively participate in commerce within Lower Decks. Their presence serves as evidence that Rom has successfully upheld his mother Ishka's progressive equality laws.

8 Gambling Dens Are Everywhere On Ferenginar

Boimler, in his preparations for his trip to Ferenginar, has an interest in visiting both the Museums of Gambling and Haggling, as they serve as significant representations of Ferengi society's guiding principles. While Boimler's attention gets diverted by Ferengi television, Mariner has the opportunity to explore the distinctive approach that the Ferengi have towards educational establishments. She reunites with an old Ferengi acquaintance, Quimp, and together they venture into a publicly accessible library that resembles a colossal casino. Surprisingly, it seems that reading books has ceased to be a common practice on Ferenginar for countless years, resulting in the transformation of the library into yet another gambling facility to cater to the public's desire. Even Deep Space Nine's Quark (Armin Shimerman) has established a casino dedicated to instructing young individuals in the art of gambling from a very young age.

7 Ferengi Television Is Sleazier Than Their Holonovels

6 Ferengi Honeymoon Traditions Explained

Boimler's attention is diverted by Ferengi TV in his hotel room, immersing himself in the captivating allure of their scandalous programming. Initially disregarding the egregiously deceptive commercials, Boimler quickly falls victim to their cunning tactics. Among the most amusing offerings is "Landlord Cops," a comical portrayal of slumlords resorting to extreme measures to confront unruly tenants. However, it is the enticing workplace sitcom, "Will They, Won't They," where hidden desires permeate the cast, that truly captivates Boimler's imagination. Succumbing to its mesmerizing grip, he becomes engrossed in the addictive show for the next eight hours, only to be forcibly torn away from the TV by Commander Jack Ransom (Jerry O'Connell).

As part of their guidebook duties, Tendi and Rutherford find themselves playing the role of a married couple to fully immerse themselves in the Ferengi couple's holiday experience. Parth, their Ferengi hug-cierge, takes it upon himself to provide the "newlyweds" with an unforgettable adventure. A highlight of their deluxe romance package is a delightfully awkward couple's photoshoot, complete with extravagant costumes and props. Following this, they are treated to the pinnacle of romance – edible chocolate statues of each other. According to tradition, every time Tendi or Rutherford takes a bite from their statue, they must express something attractive about the other person. However, for Tendi and Rutherford, who are strictly platonic best friends, this ritual becomes an incredibly uncomfortable ordeal, ultimately leaving them relieved to return to the familiar atmosphere of the Cerritos.

5 Falsely Claimed Discounts Are One Of Ferenginar's Worst Crimes

While Tendi and Rutherford enjoy their rather awkward romantic dinner, another couple finds themselves in trouble for fabricating their relationship status. The act of deceit in order to obtain a discount is considered one of the gravest offenses on Ferenginar, resulting in the couple being sentenced to a lifetime of labor in the sulfur mines located beneath the aquatic depths. This comedic incident may seem far-fetched, but it does strike a chord in a society that prioritizes profit and firmly punishes those who fraudulently claim discounts they do not rightfully deserve.

4 Quark's Starfleet Bar And Grill

Tendi and Rutherford enjoy a meal at Quark's Federation Experience, an immersive restaurant that transports guests into the thrilling exploits of renowned Starfleet officers. The waitstaff don an assortment of authentic Starfleet uniforms, spanning both the iconic Star Trek: The Original Series and Next Generation eras. Adding to the atmosphere, the diligent security personnel don the distinctive yellow uniforms from the TNG era, while customers are warmly greeted by a Ferengi impersonating Lieutenant Commander Spock (portrayed by the legendary Leonard Nimoy). Marvelous replicas of the USS Voyager, USS Enterprise-D, the Guardian of Forever, and a Mugato complete the captivating ambiance. This fascinating establishment serves as an exquisitely kitschy homage to the socialist ideals of Star Trek's esteemed Federation.

3 How Star Trek's Ferengi Honor Their Dead

2 Rom Has Become Obsessed With Baseball - Thanks To DS9's Sisko

Mariner and Quimp engage in an intimate conversation at the Dominion War Memorial, a unique Ferengi approach to honoring the deceased. Plaques displaying the names of Ferengi casualties from the Dominion War encircle a colossal bar of valuable latinum. Rather than focusing on personal loss, this memorial cleverly commemorates the fallen Ferengi by symbolizing the profits they will never be able to earn. Though darkly humorous, the use of a war memorial as a farewell to lost economic gains perfectly embodies the enduring capitalist nature of the Ferengi species.

During negotiations with Freeman and Vassery, Rom discloses an intense passion for baseball, stemming from his involvement in the Niners, a baseball team led by Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks). Despite lacking any real talent for the game, a fortuitous swing resulted in Rom hitting a home run, instantly transforming him into the hero of the baseball match against the Vulcan Logicians. Star Trek: Lower Decks unveils that this experience left an indelible mark on Rom, leading him to amass a vast collection of baseballs in his temple on Ferenginar.

1 The Ferengi Will Join Star Trek's Federation

In Star Trek: Lower Decks, the Ferengi's biggest update is their successful application to join the United Federation of Planets. Rom and Leeta's negotiations were meant to test the Federation's understanding of Ferengi culture. Admiral Vassery worked hard to meet their increasingly elaborate demands, but Captain Freeman saved the diplomatic mission from failure. Leveraging Rom's Ferengi heritage, she included a clause in the agreement that would grant Ferenginar one billion bars of gold pressed latinum if the Federation recruited Qo'noS, the Klingon home world.

By quoting the eighth rule of acquisition, "Small print leads to large risk," Freeman gains Rom's respect by outwitting like a true Ferengi. This convinces the Grand Nagus to sign the original contract with the Federation, completing the Ferengi's rehabilitation that began in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. After visiting Orion earlier in the season, Star Trek: Lower Decks' new Ferengi episode continues to expand the Trek universe with its irreverent humor.

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.