And we're back with more Star Trekking, my blogging outlet for all things Star Trek.Today we continue out exploration of Star Trek: The Next Generation as we move up to season 4.
With the 4th season, TNG was a well-oiled machine with the backstage turmoil of the first season behind it.
TNG would surpass the original series' episode count with episode 80, the appropriately titled Legacy.
There was one significant change to the status quo: the departure of Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher.
The character of Wesley Crusher gets a lot of grief from fans who resented the whole "young kid saves the ship when the grown up Starfleet professionals can't". But to be fair, that really didn't happen as often as you might think.
Picard's field promotion of Wesley from Acting Ensign to full Ensign in season 3 was a welcome development for the character. But I will say that the concept of a youthful perspective to counter the "grumpy" grown ups was kind of squandered. The promotion actually served to erode Wesley's unique position in the cast, rendering him sort of redundant.
As Wil said on Big Bang Theory, being on Star Trek helped him buy a house. If he had stayed longer, he could've gotten a house with a pool.
After the heady rush of the season spanning Best of Both Worlds, TNG settled into a steady rythmn with some forays into experimenting with the form of the show.
The follow up to BoBW, Family, actually took time to address Picard's emotional trauma from his time with the Borg without resorting to an "alien threat of the week" plot. Apparently executive producer Rick Berman wasn't happy with that but by the time Ronald D. Moore produced his script, well, it was too late to do anything about it.
TNG introduced a recurring sub-plot, that the Romulans were fucking with the Klingons to undermine their alliance with the Federation.
For today's installment, I had several options for the spotlight episode.
- Remember Me, a rare focus on Dr. Crusher who has to free herself from a shrinking universe.
- The Wounded
- Clues
- First Contact It was the title for an episode before it was a movie. The episode's perspective is from an alien culture and the TNG crew are the aliens.
- The Nth Degree
- Qpid, a classic Q episode where the TNG crew are zapped into Sherwood Forest to experience the legend of Robin Hood. Worf: "I MUST protest: I am NOT a merry man!"
- The Drumhead
- Half a Life, a very strong entry for the usually dreaded Laxanna Troi apperance and a powerful performance by David Ogden Stiers.
- The Mind's Eye, a clever riff on The Manchurian Candidate.
But I decided today's spotlight would fall on Episode 85 from January 7, 1991, Data's Day. Written by Harold Apter and Ronald D. Moore and directed by Robert Wiemer, the episode does what it says on the tin: we follow a day in the life of Data.
You know what? I'll let Data explain it.
Let's go to the bridge.
DATA (OC) Second Officer's personal Log, Stardate 44390.1. Record entry for transmission to Commander Bruce Maddox, Cybernetics Division, Daystrom Institute. Dear Commander Maddox,
In reference to your most recent letter, I agree that your study lacks sufficient primary source information on my programming and operation. Therefore, in response to your request, this correspondence will include a complete record of my activities during a normal day, with particular emphasis on my perceptions of friendship.
Some backstory here. Bruce Maddox appeared in the 2nd season episode Measure of a Man as Data's foil, an alleged cybernetic expert who wanted to take Data apart to figure out what makes him tick.
Data objected to this course of action but was told he did not have a choice in the matter as he was the property of Starfleet.
There's a trial that establishes that Data is a sentient being who meets the definition of life. With that ruling, Data could've told Maddox to fuck off but he offers to help Maddox with any plans that do not involve him being disassembled.
So this episode is a nice call back to that promise.
Bruce Maddox and his work in cybernetics will factor into the first season of Star Trek: Picard.
So the day begins with the end of night watch which affords us a look into how the ship operates when the Enterprise isn't dealing with the alien threat of the week.
Since Data doesn't need to sleep, he's the ranking officer on duty during the night shift. (Night is simulated by lowering the bridge lights.) Riker arrives to relieve Data who delivers a report on various things going on around the ship. The science team is looking at a quasar, a crewman is in labor in sick bay, etc etc.
Looking ahead at what's to come for his day, Data has the role of "father of the bride" for the wedding of Miles O'Brien and Keiko Ishikawa.
Or maybe.... not?
KEIKO: No, I'm calling off the wedding.
DATA: May I ask why?
KEIKO: It's just the right thing to do.
DATA: Have your feelings for Chief O'Brien changed?
KEIKO: I'm supposed to be getting married, Data. I should be happy, but I'm not. I just feel this weight pressing down on me.
DATA: Will cancelling the wedding make you happy?
KEIKO: Yes. He'll probably be just as relieved as I am. Data, you introduced us to each other. You mean a lot to both of us. I would really appreciate it if you would tell Miles for me.
DATA [OC]: My friend Chief O'Brien often says that above all else, he wants to make Keiko happy. Since cancelling the wedding will make her happy, I must conclude the Chief will be pleased at her decision.
Yeah, about that....
Data approaches Miles and Geordi in Ten-Forward.
DATA: I have good news.
O'BRIEN: Oh?
DATA: Keiko has made a decision designed to increase her happiness. She has cancelled the wedding.
O'BRIEN: She what? Cancelled the wedding? Today? Without even a word? Of all the childish, selfish, irresponsible things to do!
(O'Brien storms out)
LAFORGE: Next time, maybe I should break the good news.
DATA [OC]: Commander Maddox, it would appear that my programme designed to predict the emotional responses needs adjustment.
Well, now that's an understatement.
There's some stuff going with a visiting Vulcan ambassador named T'Pel who is brusque as you expect Vulcans to be. She and Picard seem to be conferring on some top secret shit.
Meanwhile, Data touches base with Geordi who assures Data that Keiko is just experiencing some cold feet. Data actually understands the reference and does not offer to replicate Keiko some warm socks. Assuming there is going to be a wedding, Data goes gift shopping with Worf. Which involves looking at holograms of shit then replicating it.
Worf picks a glass swan.
DATA: Have you ever been an actual participant in a human wedding?
WORF: No.
DATA: You would not consider it to be an honour?
WORF: An honour, perhaps. But human bonding rituals often involve a great deal of talking and (pause) dancing and (pause) crying.
DATA: Dancing?
Shit! Dancing!
What's an adroid to do to learn how to dance?
It's off to Sickbay!
Wait! Sickbay?!
DATA [OC]: I am rarely in need of Doctor Beverly Crusher's professional services as my bio-mechanical maintenance programme is self sufficient. But I often observe as she practices medicine on others and have learned a great deal about human interaction from her.
DATA: Doctor, may I ask a favour of you?
CRUSHER: Of course, Data.
DATA: Would you teach me how to dance?
I will translate the expression on Beverly's face: "Oh shit!"
Crusher hustles Data into her office.
CRUSHER: What?
DATA: I would like to learn how to dance.
CRUSHER: Why me?
DATA: It was in your service record. Awarded first prize tap and jazz competition, Saint Louis Academy.
CRUSHER: Okay, okay.
DATA: Have I said something to upset you?
CRUSHER: It's just that, that was a long time ago, and I don't want to be known as the dancing doctor. (pause) Again.
DATA: Then your answer is no.
CRUSHER: All right. But let's keep this between you and me.
DATA: Of course, Doctor.
Hey, we've got whatever shit T'Pel and Picard are up to so Data is off to the bridge.
PICARD: Data, I want a tactical projection of possible future Romulan deployments along the Neutral Zone. Access all Federation records on the subject and report to my Ready Room.
DATA: Captain, is there a specific area you wish me to study?
PICARD: No. Ambassador. Number One, set a course one three zero mark two four six, warp seven.
RIKER: That will take us very close to the Neutral Zone, Captain.
PICARD: I'm aware of that, Number One. Proceed.
(Picard and T'Pel go back into the Ready room)
RIKER: Lay in the course.
DATA [OC]: It is fortunate that I am able to perform my duties without emotional distractions. If that were not the case, a sudden course correction toward the Neutral Zone would make me very nervous.
Trust your "gut", Data.
We cut to Data's quarters where Data has a cat, an orange tabby cat.
DATA: Feline supplement seventy four.
(he puts the bowl down and a hairy ginger cat eats it)
DATA: Computer, run fluidic sensor diagnostic.
(the cat jumps on his lap, and he strokes it)
Working from memory, I am not entirely sure but I think this might be the first appearance of Data's cat, Spot. In later years looking back on the show, when cast members were asked who was the most difficult to work with on the TNG set, the universal answer was "Spot".
Data gets a visit from Miles O'Brien.
O'BRIEN: Am I intruding, Commander?
DATA: No. Would you care to sit down?
DATA [OC]: When one of my friends is distraught, I have learnt that the thoughtful thing to do is to attempt to make him feel more comfortable.
(But O'Brien can't settle)
DATA: May I offer you some refreshment, Chief?
Re-watching this episode recently, I was reminded of how Sheldon on Big Bang Theory had one go to move to address someone who was upset: "Can I offer you a hot beverage?"
O'BRIEN: No, thank you, sir. First of all I'd like to apologise for this morning in Ten Forward
DATA: There is no need to apologise. I was not offended. Would you like a pillow or a more comfortable chair to sit upon?
O'BRIEN: No, sir. Thank you, sir.
DATA: Perhaps you would like some music? Brahms? Aurelia?
O'BRIEN: No, really, sir I'm fine. I came to ask for your help. It's about Keiko. I'd like you to talk to her. Convince her to go through with the wedding.
DATA: Would Counsellor Troi not be a more appropriate choice to speak with Keiko?
O'BRIEN: She already has. It didn't help. You've known her longer than I have. I just thought she might listen to you. She won't even talk to me
DATA: I do not know what to say to her.
O'BRIEN: Just talk with her. Make her see reason. She's going off half-cocked, not thinking this through. You've worked with her for a long time. She respects your opinion.
DATA: Perhaps she has not fully analysed her decision. I will try.
O'BRIEN: Thank you, sir. I won't forget this.
DATA [OC]: Commander Maddox, I noted that Keiko was quite calm and rational when she informed me of her decision this morning. Therefore, I can predict that she will respond to an objective analysis of the situation based on the available facts. It is fortunate that she has not let emotional considerations cloud her judgement. It should make my task much simpler.
Well, I'm sure Data has got this all figured out and everything will be just....
Fine?
DATA: I believe you made an incorrect analysis of the facts at hand.
KEIKO: What do you mean?
DATA: You do not seem happy.
KEIKO: Well
DATA: Your decision was based on the assumption that cancelling the wedding would bring you happiness. This has proved to be incorrect.
KEIKO: Data, it's not that simple.
DATA: Since your action did not produce the desired results, the only advisable solution should be to re-examine your decision making process, and look for errors.
KEIKO: I knew what I was doing. It's my decision.
DATA: That fact is not in dispute. However, you may have acted with undue haste and in doing so, unintentionally hurt Chief O'Brien's feelings.
KEIKO: I did what I had to! Why are you doing this? I thought you were my friend.
DATA: I am your friend.
KEIKO: Then leave me alone.
DATA: If I have offended.
KEIKO: Just leave me alone.
Data is just not programmed to deal with this much drama.
So he sits down to chat with Deanna Troi.
TROI: I don't know. They're very much in love, but sometimes that isn't enough. Marriage is an agreement to share who you are with someone else. To spend your lives together. To grow old together.
DATA: To grow old together? That is an integral component of marriage?
TROI: Usually. Why do you ask?
DATA: Although I am an android, I have not excluded the possibility that I, too, may someday marry.
TROI: Data, I had no idea you'd thought about getting married.
DATA: I believe I have much to offer a potential mate. However, we cannot grow old together because I will not grow old.
TROI: Data, you do have a lot to offer.
Oh, does he have a lot to offer!
Let's flash back to season 1, The Naked Now.
TASHA: And what I want now is gentleness. And joy. And love. From you, Data. You are fully functional, aren't you?
DATA: In every way, of course. I am programmed in multiple techniques, a broad variety of pleasuring,
As we'll see in Star Trek: Picard season 3, Data can in fact grow old. There is only so much make-up magic that can be done for senior citizen Brent Spiner.
Data gets called to speak with T'Pel.
T'PEL: You have priority three clearance aboard the Enterprise?
DATA: That is correct, Ambassador.
T'PEL: I require information on this ship's defence and navigational systems. Access code kappa alpha four six zero one seven zero four.
DATA: The code is valid.
T'PEL: What is the field strength of the ship's deflector shields at maximum output?
DATA: May I ask the purpose of your request?
T'PEL: I require the information.
DATA: I have the same safeguards as the ship's computer. Therefore, I must report any inquiry regarding restricted information to the Captain. Your reaction suggests you do not wish the Captain to be informed of your inquiry.
T'PEL: I was not interested in the information. I was curious as to your security safeguards. They appear to be adequate. Cancel the request. You may leave.
Yep, she's up to shit.
Meanwhile, Data has a dance lesson.
What get here is a major tour de force from Gates McFadden and Bent Spiner tap dancing. I'm assuming it's them and not stunt doubles. Gate is a trained dancer and dance choreographer. But... tap dancing lessons? For a wedding?
Those are good questions!
CRUSHER: I'd say you've picked up the basics.
DATA: Thank you, Doctor. I am now prepared to dance at the wedding.
CRUSHER: Wedding?
DATA: Keiko's wedding.
CRUSHER: Data, you never told me this was for the wedding.
DATA: Is that important?
CRUSHER: Well yes. They don't do a lot of tap dancing at weddings.
DATA: Why?
CRUSHER: Well, Data, because, I don't really know why.
Dr. Crusher looks genuinely hurt that there isn't tap dancing at weddings.
CRUSHER: Look, why don't I just teach you a style of dancing that they will do at the wedding? Computer, run 'Isn't It Romantic'.
Data finds navigating all the variables of holding a female woman of the opposite sex while also moving your feet around at the same time a far trickier exercise than tap dancing.
Meanwhile, our T'Pel plotline is coming to a boil.
The Enterprise is nose to nose with a decloaked Romulan ship and one Admiral Mendak addresses Picard and T'Pel.
It seems all these shenanigans have been part of an unprecedented plan to engage in some diplomacy between the Federation and the Romulans.
T'Pel will beam over to the Romulan ship.
Except....
O'BRIEN [OC]: I'm losing the pattern. Trying to re establish. I'm sorry, sir. I wasn't able to retrieve the signal. The Ambassador's dead.
Man, this is just NOT O'Brien's day so far, huh?
Meanwhile, Mendak accuses Picard and the Federation of fuckery. Picard orders the Enterprise to beat a hasty retreat.
But...
PICARD: Mister Data, I want you to take charge of this investigation. Study computer logs, sensor information everything. I refuse to believe that this was a simple malfunction.
DATA: Aye, sir.
DATA [OC]: Captain Picard was the person who first interested me in the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I have subsequently become a great admirer of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and his ability to solve mysteries by careful examination of the available evidence.
So Data pokes around and man, this shit ain't adding up right.
So he goes to Dr. Crusher for help to bring this in for a landing.
DATA: I could be chasing an untamed ornithoid without a cause.
CRUSHER: A wild-goose chase?
I love that after 4 seasons, Data still will go to a more complicated version of a common human euphemism.
CRUSHER: All right. Computer, access the transporter ID trace for Ambassador T'Pel. All right, there's the genetic record of the Ambassador when she beamed aboard the Enterprise. Now, the breakdown of the organic material found on the transporter pad should be identical. Mitochondrial structure fits the general parameters, no change in the nucleotide bases. There's a slight discrepancy in the base pair sequence. Chemically, these are identical. However, the organic sample from the transporter is showing numerous single-bit errors, like replicated material.
Jesus! That's a LOT of technobabble! Gates McFadden has gone on record to admit she didn't understand a word of it.
DATA: Can you postulate an explanation for the discrepancy?
CRUSHER: I'd say the DNA was either mutated by the transporter during the rematerialisation process
DATA: A supposition not supported by the transporter records.
CRUSHER: Or these aren't the remains of the Ambassador.
Time to confab with the Captain!
It seems that the Romulans beamed T'Pel off the transporter pad and left some replicated genetic material to make it look like she's unalive.
Well, we can't let that shit stand, can we?
DATA [OC]: The safest and most logical decision in this situation is to contact Starfleet and await further instructions. However, based on past experience, I project only a seventeen percent chance Captain Picard will choose that alternative.
PICARD: Red Alert. All hands stand to battle stations.
So Data has been spending this whole episode estimating how Keiko or Miles will react and he keeps getting it wrong.
But he's dead on with figuring out Picard.
'Cause Picard ain't got time for drama.
The Enterprise catches up with the Romulan ship and Picard confronts Mendak.
MENDAK [on viewscreen]: Captain, you're not going to start an incident which might-
PICARD: Admiral Mendak, I will take whatever action is necessary to obtain the return of the Ambassador.
DATA [OC]: In the game of poker, there is a moment when a player must decide if an opponent is being deceptive or actually holds a winning hand. This decision is based not only on the odds, but also on an appraisal of the man. Is he bluffing or does he have the cards?
MENDAK [on viewscreen]: Fortunately, Captain, I am not ready to start a war today.
(a female Romulan officer steps into view)
RIKER: T'Pel.
T'PEL [on viewscreen]: Sub-Commander Selok, actually.
PICARD: A spy.
MENDAK [on viewscreen]: A patriot, Captain. She has performed her service to the Empire with distinction.
T'PEL [on viewscreen]: Thank you for your help, Captain.
MENDAK [on viewscreen]: You see now that we are not holding one of your citizens, and we thank you for returning our sister to us. But my patience has limits. The game is over. I expect you to leave peacefully. Now.
WORF: Captain, long range sensors detect three Romulan warbirds entering this sector.
RIKER: Some days you get the bear, and some days the bear gets you.
PICARD: Reverse course. Take us back to Federation territory, warp six. Engage.
If you're putting together a book called The Quotable Will Riker, "Some days you get the bear, and some days the bear gets you" will be on page one.
Meanwhile, what of Keiko Ishikawa and Miles Edward O'Brien? Will those crazy heterosexuals make this work or not?
Keiko tells Data to stop goofing around, he's got to get dressed for the wedding.
Man, it's enough to short circuit your positronic shit!
Damn it! Let's all go to the wedding.
(Japanese music plays, Keiko is in traditional dress, everyone else in dress uniform. The happy couple both drink from a cup, then)
PICARD: Since the days of the first wooden sailing ships, all captains have enjoyed the happy privilege of joining together two people in the bonds of matrimony. And so it is my honour to unite you, Keiko Ishikawa, and you, Miles Edward O'Brien, together in matrimony
DATA [OC]: There are still many human emotions I do not fully comprehend. Anger, hatred, revenge. But I am not mystified by the desire to be loved or the need for friendship. These are things I do understand.
(the ceremony is over)
PICARD: Congratulations.
(and later, Data dances very nicely with Keiko)
The episode ends with Data returning to the bridge to relieve Worf and take over command of the night shift. Worf brings Data up to speed on what the science lab is doing, whose in sick bay, etc etc .
Another day on the good ship Enterprise.
And Data concludes his correspondence to Maddox.
DATA [OC]: If being human is not simply a matter of being born flesh and blood, if it is instead a way of thinking, acting and feeling, then I am hopeful that one day I will discover my own humanity. Until then Commander Maddox, I will continue learning, changing, growing, and trying to become more than what I am.
FUN FACT: Rosalind Chao who played Keiko also portrayed Soon-Lee who married Maxwell Klinger in the series finale of M*A*S*H.
ALSO: Chao is Chinese-American. Soon-Lee was Korean. Keiko was Japanese. Talk about Asian Fusion.
NERD ALERT: The opening remarks Picard makes at the wedding is the same thing Capt, Kirk said at the wedding in the original series episode Balance of Terror. Which also involved fuckery from the Romulans.
Data's Day is a favorite of mine as I'm a big fan of Data and this provides a very effective platform to show him coping with starship business and human relationships.
The episode adds a level of versimilitude to life aboard the Enterprise. Even beyond the big plot of the day, it's cool to see there's always something going on with someone somewjhere.
As for this episode's big plot of the day, I can take it or leave it, preferring the human drama of Data coping with Keiko and Miles' shit. Still, the T'Pel storyline is not some throwaway plot but helps to lay the foundation of the Romulan's continued fuckery through the rest of the season.
And that my friends is that with this week's Star Trekking. We'v got 3 more seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation to cover.
Live long and prosper, y'all!
