TNG S1E12 "Datalore" Review by AnswerMan

Horrible:Meh:Adequate:Good:Fantastic

Since they're in the neighborhood, the crew on the Enterprise decide to stop in and visit the now deserted planet where Data originated. Apparently, very little is known about how Data came to be, and no one has bothered to take even a single step towards figuring it out. Data was discovered almost 30 years prior, yet no one has returned to the planet where they found him to even take a curious look around? I guess here is what they know about Data so far:
1. They found him.
2. Even though he's a robot and it makes no sense, they let him join Star Fleet.

Ray Charles finds a secret passage.

That's it I guess. As soon as they beam down, and Data shows them where he was found, they spot a hidden door that is so poorly disguised that it's literally the blind guy that finds it. Oh, and it's not locked or anything. Just push the button, and you're in! Inside is an enormous, immaculate, and completely operational science lab and living quarters. Data mentions to Riker that this must be where his creator, Dr Noonien Soong, worked on his projects. When Data mentions the name, Riker is familiar with it, but apparently never knew that Soong created Data. In fact, we later learn that Soong is well known as that guy that creates alright robots but never could invent a positronic brain. Data, the walking robot with a functioning positronic brain, I guess was never considered as evidence to the contrary. For that matter it appears that Data himself never gave two shits about where he came from either, because it's only at this point that he decides to do some basic research on Soong. Really, Data? You never googled your dad's name until now, even though your entire unique existence is shrouded in mystery? Gah...

They did NOT break the mold after making Data.

I guess this is symptomatic of the larger problem with this episode. It appears that the writers are just having trouble finding a good way to relay the story they want to tell to the viewers, and so they make the characters say and do things that unfold the backstory, but seem awkward and out of place. Like Lore explaining his connection to the crystalline entity to a completely unconscious Data. And by the way, how do you poison an android anyway? But I'm getting way ahead of myself here.

Back to the story, they find what appears to be an exact copy of Data, but not assembled. They bring it back to the Enterprise, and put it together. It's hard work, even while using Data as a blueprint. For some reason Dr. Crusher is heavily involved, even though the patient is completely mechanical and not biological in any way. So they get him together, and he announces that he is Lore, Data's brother. He's a bit precocious and smarmy, but nothing he does seems too crazy right off the bat. In fact the crew seems to find themselves endeared to him. Even still, an extra cautious Data keeps a close eye on him. Security chief Yar asks the Captain out of the blue, "How much can you trust Data now?" The captain says that he trusts him completely, but in response to the stunned looks on the crew's faces he adds, "But everyone should also realize that that was a necessary and legitimate security question." Was it, Captain? Why exactly? A highly decorated and trustworthy officer with a long service history found a brother that seems mostly nice. Why in the world would we no longer trust that person? To me, it not only wasn't legitimate or necessary, but it was just a stupid question.

Of course it's Lore that can't be trusted, and he sets about swapping identities with Data, and sending for the crystalline entity to steal the life of everyone on board, just like he did to the people on the planet. Only Wesley realizes that the change has taken place, but of course no one believes him because he only whines about nobody listening, instead of stating facts. This results in both Picard and Crusher shouting "Shut up, Wesley!" which is pretty satisfying. But alas the boy is right and ends up being instrumental in stopping the plan by beaming Lore.....elsewhere? It really isn't explained. We're just told that he's taken care of for good, but it's left ambiguous enough that we all know that we will be seeing him again. As for the crystalline entity, it just goes away. I guess it is only genocidal when invited.

"You say potato, I say po-tah-to"

The fun parts of the show are watching an alternative Data smile, have emotions, and in general not be so Data-like. He sings, he fucks with people, and he delivers the best line of the show when he asks Wes, "Are you prepared for the kind of death you've earned, little man?" with a beaming bright smile on his face. It's also interesting to think that Soong first made an android that that didn't work out because he was too human-like in his demeanor and personality, including his character flaws. The more robotic and less human Data is actually the improved version. Another fun part of watching the show is that the crystalline entity is just such a unique and novel antagonist.

For a ton of plot holes and a hokey delivery, this episode is pretty Meh. Even though Data is my favorite character, this introduction to his "lore" just falls short in so many ways.

Published Mar 27, 2017