A con artist claims to be the devil to claim a planet.
The Enterprise visits the planet Ventax II, where a legend says that a thousand years ago the devil, Ardra, made a pact with the people for peace and prosperity. Ardra arrives, claiming that the time has come to take her due. The Ventaxians are terrified, and Ardra demonstrates impressive powers.
Picard is skeptical and puts the claim on trial, with Data acting as the neutral arbiter. The story is a courtroom comedy, with a clever bit of misdirection and a twist about the nature of Ardra's powers. It is a lighter entry in the fourth season, reminiscent of the earlier Q episodes, and offers a satirical look at superstition and gullibility.