6.08 A Fistful of Datas

Rating: 3.5

Geordi runs a test program designed to allow Data to provide backup to key Enterprise systems in case of an emergency. However, a power surge causes Data’s programming to become jumbled with normal ship’s programming. The replicators produce Data’s special cat food concoction rather than human food; the script for Beverly’s play is replaced with Data’s poetry, and – worst of all – Worf and Alexander’s innocent ‘ancient West’ holodeck scenario turns lethal when copies of Data invade and the safeties are turned off.

Comments

This episode was directed by Patrick Stewart. It’s a fun episode, although perhaps not as much fun as some earlier holodeck adventures.

Troi is good and looks like she is having fun as ‘Durango’, the mysterious stranger.

In a nice gesture toward continuity, Picard has continued and improved his flute playing, a skill he first acquired while in the grip of an alien probe in the episode The Inner Light. Another small piece of continuity: Data’s clever poem about Spot, which he read in the episode Schisms, turns up here again as the replacement script for Beverly’s play.

Nits

In a scene meant to generate a small bit of humor, Picard is in his quarters, apparently off-duty, trying to practice his flute playing. He is interrupted quickly and numerously by various members of the crew. My question is: wouldn’t this be considered a very strong invasion of privacy? None of the issues were emergencies or required immediate action. Can’t someone take some time off from their work without the fear of being constantly interrupted whenever anyone has a question?

Of course, many nitpickers will not be amused by yet another episode where the holodeck malfunctions and endangers the life of one or more people. However, I have stopped to reconsider this point. Currently, many people enjoy leisure activities that are extraordinarily dangerous (rock-climbing, sky-diving, base-jumping, speedboating, etc.). It isn’t completely illogical to believe that a place like the holodeck could exist in the future. Some people probably use it quite innocently to play chess against a holo-master or debate philosophy with holo-Sophocles, but others will take risks. So I’m okay with any episode where the holodeck endangers the lives of a couple of people…but I’m still not okay when a holodeck malfunction could cause the entire ship to be destroyed. Then we need to reevaluate whether we need this basically non-essential system.

Memorable Moments

•    The Ennio Morricone-style harmonica music during the shootout scene

•    The Enterprise riding off into the sunset

Quotable Quotes

"…Anyway, I’m not much of an actor."
- Picard, turning down a role in Beverly’s play

Worf: What is our function here?
Alexander: You are the sheriff. I am the deputy.
Worf: So…we are in law enforcement.

"Y’all must be mistaken."
- Data, slipping into a drawl