I felt the exact same way about Q after the first episode both as a character and as a concept for the show. They basically introduced God in the first episode of a science fiction show and he is annoying and arrogant.

But he is actually one of the best characters by the time the show is over and his all-powerful nature is toned down a little bit.

Season 1 is pretty goofy and inconsistent overall. Give it a chance and accept it for what it is and by season 4 the writing is some of the best in science fiction TV.

If you hated him on Next Gen, you'll really hate him on Deep Space Nine. Fortunately, he only appeared there once.

Keep going. It get's much much better. Each season is better than the last, but Season 2 is where the feel of the show stablises and softens; it'll always be jarring when you go back to season 1 after you pass it. Season 3 is definitely where it starts to hit it's stride.

It's largely an episodic show; you could skip to season 3 and go back to the season 1 & 2 later without missing much. A few recurring characters and themese like do Q make more sense if you watch from the start though.

If you're really wavering definitely skip to season 3.

You're supposed to kinda hate Q. He plays a recurring role here and there throughout the series, but not a central one.

The first season of TNG is a bit rough; it definitely improves.

Since others have fully covered the Q portion of your comment I came to say that that cool saucer separation that’s so bad ass happens like 3 times max!

I get that maybe it’s “expensive” or awkward to write or something from the production standpoint that makes it underused, but seriously, is it “expensive” in-universe?! Because they spread that shit out more sparingly than me buying pine nuts!

Other show reference alert: it’s a lot like on Deep Space 9 how rarely Odo changes. If I had that fucking power I wouldn’t hold back! Let’s see, can I squeeze any more complaints in? I never understood the premise on Bewitched that Darren & Sam wouldn’t want to use her powers to make things better constantly! Ok I’m done. For now.

Honestly, if you started from scratch nothing you see in season one applies.

Just... assume everything reboots after but they keep the lore. It'll be fine.

I’m jealous that you’re getting your first go through, that was a pretty magical experience.

I usually watch the whole series every couple of years, and I’m due for a watch now, but I can’t. Star Trek was something I shared with my dad, who died two years ago, and I just can’t seem to make myself watch it anymore.