2.09 The Measure of a Man

Rating: 4

In order to further his positronic brain experiments, Commander Bruce Maddox requests, then demands, that Data allow himself to be completely disassembled. Data does not believe that Maddox knows enough about the subject to ensure that he can be reassembled. Picard agrees with Data, and defends his right to choose in a court presided over by a former lover.

Comments

Kirk had a similar dilemma in the TOS episode Court Martial, where the prosecuting attorney was a former lover.

This is the first time we have seen the crew playing cards.

Data still keeps a little holographic image of Tasha Yar among his personal belongings.

Nits

In the first poker hand, the bet was to Pulaski, who opened with five (no one raised her). After the next card is dealt, Data pipes up, "I bet 10", but it is still Pulaski’s bet at this point.

Data’s ‘off’ switch has moved to his left side. In Datalore, it is located on his right side.

Riker does a poor job as an attorney. For example, Riker interrupts the computer-read list of Data’s accomplishments, but Picard insists they be read. However, when Picard interrupts the computer-read list of Maddox’s accomplishments, Riker does not insist they be read. (This isn’t really a nit; it could just be a very subtle way of showing that Riker was not really trying to win the case).

Memorable Moments

•    A wonderful episode from start to finish, with the highlight in the courtroom, especially when it’s Picard’s turn to speak. His cross-examination of Maddox is excellent.

Quotable Quotes

"Well, in the history of many worlds, there have always been disposable creatures. They do the dirty work. They do the work that no one else wants to do, because it’s too difficult or too dangerous. And an army of Datas, all disposable – you don’t have to think about their welfare, you don’t think about how they feel…whole generations of disposable people."
– Guinan giving Picard something to think about

Picard: And this. You have no other portraits of your fellow crewmembers. Why this person?
Data: I would prefer not to answer that question, sir. I gave my word.
Picard: Under the circumstances, I don’t think Tasha would mind.
Data: She was…special to me, sir. We were…intimate.

"Your honor, Starfleet was founded to seek out new life, well THERE IT SITS…waiting."
- Picard