Back at The Boulders Of Rotten Egg Fumes, Quantum tells Blue Banshee that the hunters are gone. "For now," she says. "Did you give the others the masking agent?" Quantum asks. Apparently, she did. Quantum tells her it will keep the Wraiths safe. Blue Banshee thanks him and then morphs into a giant tarantula that bites off his head. Okay, well, you know, I was thinking it would have been a hell of a lot more interesting if Quantum had taken Moral Interstate 95 straight into Mortal Perilsville and been totally wrong about the Wraiths. I mean, it could have happened that these shape-shifters really were dangerous creatures who were just luring Quantum into their trap by reading his mind and appearing as something enticing, something he trusted from childhood. That's how I would have written it. It's way too predictable this way, and we're also subjected to Blue Banshee homilizing, "Never stop seeking what seems unattainable." Gawd! Like a badly digested potato, it reminds me of Quantum's father's "Don't be afraid of the wind, Jon!" Blue Banshee and Quantum hold hands while she tells him not to forget her. Then she morphs into a slug. No, I'm serious this time. She morphs into a giant slug and slurps away. "I won't," Cpt. Cheez-Whiz whispers. And then Quantum's face goes through a series of contortions that has sparked much debate on the boards. I think he looks disgusted, but is actually attempting to look amazed at the marvels of interstellar life. Mathra thinks he's crying. Yet another comment on Bakula's acting.

Next week, Jeffrey Combs has another guest-starring role, this time as a Ferengi. It actually looks kinda funny. Although, as much as the DS9-ers adore Combs, I don't really see what all the noise is about. I'd rather have Holtz or the Bacardi guy as recurring guest stars over Excedrin PM any day and twice on Sunday.