‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Elementary, Dear Data’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There are a great many reasons as to why fans fell in love with Star Trek: The Next Generation back in the day. A list that quite frankly, would take an entire day to cover in this blog, so we’ll keep it simple, by focusing upon one giant reason why this show continues to be discussed, years after its end; its characters. For as the years rolled along, we came to know the crew of the 1701-D in a supremely intimate manner and that’s a feat that was accomplished by way of the show’s supremely long season/episode count. Because that allowed for character specific episodes to take place, the kind that are still celebrated after all these years, especially the ones that focused heavily on Lieutenant Commander Data.

Because stories that featured this iconic android often dealt with his lack of understanding of humanity and how he hoped a greater knowledge of it would help him inch closer toward it. Which meant that when Data took the center stage, the show often explored the best parts of what it means to be human and how being gentle and kind goes a long way in any century. Elements that not only allowed for Brent Spiner to shine as an actor, but taught the audience something along the way. And it just so happens that the next episode in season two of this storied franchise, started this proud tradition for Data by giving him the chance to indulge in something that he only flirted with in season one. Which was to ‘become’ the legendary Sherlock Holmes, and that decision makes ‘Elementary, Dear Data’ one delightful albeit slightly inconsistent tale.

But before we dive into that, let's talk about the delightful aspects of this story. Because it really is the first time that the series lets Spiner and LeVar Burton let loose as actors since they both clearly relish becoming Holmes and Watson respectively and watching them switch back and forth between their characters and their holodeck alter egos is just a sheer delight. As are the more finite discussions on how Data needs to temper his skill set in order to make the holodeck experience fun for others. Because it just speaks volumes to how Data doesn’t quite fit in, because of his incredible processing power, and it is quite powerful and endearing to see him work to set it aside and take on new challenges, so that his friends can indeed enjoy themselves. A decision that is clearly designed for Data to soak up the wonder and joy present upon their faces as they wait for mystery to present itself and it is also a subtle and wonderful way to develop the character.

But sadly, what makes this story inconsistent, is the sheer fact that it more or less pushes Data’s character development aside in order to focus upon Holo-Moriarty’s evolution. Which has its merits for certain. Because guest star Daniel Davis is simply electric as the legendary Holmes villain, and having a holodeck program evolve into sentience is kind of a big deal in its own right, and this plot thread did of course set the stage for a fascinating sequel involving this evolved Moriarty. But all of that aside, let’s be honest, what truly allows for this episode to shine is Data and his attempts at being an everyday person. Because there’s really no need for a sentient android to take part in holodeck simulations and fantasy storytelling. But because he wanted to fit in and be a part of humanity so desperately, he went all in on the notion and there is something quite beautiful about that.

If anything, this really is one special episode. Simply because this tale is groundbreaking for the series, since it lays the foundation for the character centric storytelling that we came to love. But while all of these elements are important for certain and critical to our love of the series, above all else, this episode is also a lot of fun. Because there really is something quite delightful about letting the normally serious Lieutenant Commander LaForge let loose and enjoy a little time as an inspector and really in the end, this episode just serves to remind us that we were on the precipice of greatness when it comes to this series. Because TNG was ready to let loose and explore some powerful ideas and truly, this reviewer cannot wait to get there and bask in the true wonder of this revolutionary show. Until next time.   

---