In TOS, the Enterprise encounters Trelaine, the self-titled Squire of Gothos. A seemingly omnipotent being that toys with the crew for his own amusement.
In TNG, the enterprise encounters Q, a seemingly omnipotent being that toys with the crew for his own amusement.
Trelaine was a child of his species and Q was an adult, but they had a similar “humans are toys” attitude. Q’s came with an added cynicism that you might expect from an adult of Trelaine’s species.
It has been pointed out that Trelaine seemed to rely on technology, which allowed Kirk to defeat him. But Q also always gave his playthings a chance one way or another and, again, Trelaine was a child.
So was Trelaine a Q? Was he from a different god-like species?
And here’s a real curveball for you- Was Trelaine a child Organian?
It isn’t canon, but it could easily be made canon. And even though I didn’t really like the idea at first, I now feel like it would be a good way to retroactively shore up Star Trek lore.
I find it hard to believe that there are MULTIPLE demigod-like species in the Milky Way alone. I feel like they would have stepped on each other’s toes until only one prevailed (actual gods like the Prophets wouldn’t care or be affected). Having Trelaine just be an errant baby “Q” who got scolded for consorting with mortals prevents that inevitability.
Although… a war between the Organians and the Q (or whatever other beings) might be an interesting thing to explore.