‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘The Measure of a Man’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There are a great many reasons why Star Trek as a whole, remains in such high regard after all these years. One of which, is the sheer fact that it is always unafraid to tackle and address uncomfortable topics, such as issues that plague our modern world, or problems that we thought we’ve left behind as a society. Because sadly, despite our progress, and our ability to recognize our faults, complacency and time help for some of the ugly issues we addressed in the past to come to fruition once again. Which means we must be vigilant in keeping them at bay and be ready to fight them at every turn and this is relevant to today’s discussion, simply because the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation takes the time to examine some unfortunate notions that continue to come up for discussion, in an era when they shouldn’t.
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Something that makes ‘The Measure of a Man’ one of the finest episodes the series ever aired. Simply because it examines what can allow for a free nation and its people to give into horrible concepts such as slavery and servitude. An examination that is handled by way of a horrifying request from Starfleet in regard to Lieutenant Commander Data. For a Commander Bruce Maddox believes that he has found the secret to creating more androids like Data, and in order to complete his work, he needs Data’s help in the worst way imaginable. Because he has to deactivate and disassemble Data in order to get some proper answers in regard to the construction and flow of his positronic brain, and that was of course a procedure that Data was not inclined to take part in and well, that brought about the conflict in question.

For Maddox ordered Data to submit to the procedure, which in turn motivated his resignation, which in turn motivated a debate over whether or not Data was property instead of an individual, and that led to some powerful storytelling for certain. The kind that brought about a grand debate about the rights of an individual and what qualifies as sentient, and this was a chilling sequence for certain. Because unfortunately, these are debates that we’ve had in America in the 20th and 21st Centuries, wherein we’ve actually taken the time to discuss whether or not African Americans or women for that matter are individuals and subject to the same rights as Caucasian people or men and that haunting parallel definitely gives the audience pause. For everything that Captain Picard has to say in Data’s defense is relevant to now and leaves one to wonder… why we as a society, don’t think like Picard does. 

But truly, what makes this part of the episode so chilling, is the sheer fact that this debate is still happening in 2364 and fiction or no, one would think that mankind would finally step away from such thoughts that far in the future. And this is where the show explains how we easily submit to these notions. Because sadly, fear is something that drives a lot of the stupider decisions that we make, as do notions of progress and the betterment of mankind. For they help to fool people into thinking that perhaps the greater good and the future makes poor actions, okay. But thankfully, the series holds nothing back in pointing out that we have to be better than this, and we have to treat our fellow man equally, simply because we are all one. And in the case of Data, the children of mankind deserve that same respect as well since they were brought to life out of love over anything else. 

In the end, this is simply a brilliant story. One that challenges our history and our future and demands better of us and oddly enough, this is a story that is crucial to the future of Star Trek as well. For a great many issues and concepts introduced here came to life once again in Star Trek: Picard and that gives this episode even more weight when all is said and done. Plus, this particular tale also features some stellar performances from the cast. Since everyone here, guest star and regular; simply put on an acting clinic. With special attention of course to Patrick Stewart, who sells the gravity of the message as only he can and well, it’s quite incredible to watch this one again after all these years, and properly understand what it wanted to get across. For it just helps to reinforce the fact that this franchise is/was ahead of its time and once again, this only builds excitement for upcoming stories. Because TNG is truly starting to find its stride and that means some absolute storytelling wonders await us down the line. Until next time.

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