gave Vash more independence, and she enjoyed the new relationship between Vash and Quark, calling them "kindred spirits". She was also pleased to be working with de Lancie again. "I love the way they write for John, and I loved the stuff we got to do together in 'Q-Less'", she said. Hetrick underwent ten hours of make-up for the sequence where Q shows Vash what could have happened if he did not save her life following an insect bite in the Gamma Quadrant. The experience left her with a newfound appreciation for not having to wear prosthetics like other members of the cast. Hetrick thought that if she returned to DS9 as Vash, then something could be built around the Vash-Quark relationship: "That would be a really nice pairing, because you have these two different backgrounds but they're both after the same thing." Towards the end of the second season, the producers inquired about Hetrick's availability. The actress was ready to appear on another DS9 episode, but the writers changed direction and there were no further plans for the Vash character. "Q-Less" was the final Star Trek appearance for Hetrick, and the only appearance in DS9 for John de Lancie. Filming Director Paul Lynch compared the production on "Q-Less" to a typical TNG episode. On DS9, the shots were more complex and generally featured more special effects. Lynch said that the scene which showed Q seamlessly teleporting himself from one chair to another, changing his costume as he went, was particularly difficult. The producers, particularly Rick Berman, were determined for DS9 to be the best that it could be, notes Lynch. The comedic elements of the episode required precise timing, with Lynch comparing it to the television series Moonlighting. Reception "Q-Less" was first shown on February 8, 1993, in broadcast syndication. It received a Nielsen rating of 12.8 percent, placing fifth in its time slot. "Q-Less" was the fifth highest rated episode of the season, behind "Emissary", "Past Prologue", "A Man Alone" and "Captive Pursuit". Zack Handlen reviewed the episode for The A.V. Club in 2012, calling Q an "iconic figure". Handlen said Q allowed the writers to compare the different reaction of the characters to his presence in DS9 and TNG. However, Handlen felt that Q was not a good fit for DS9, as the character seemed like an afterthought. Also, the pairing of Vash and Q took up