"A Fistful of Datas" is about... multiple Datas. Definitely a plurality of Datas. There's more than just a couple of Datas too. But less than a dozen. I'm not sure of the exact number, but I would say about as many Datas as one could hold objects in one's hand. But a closed hand. Like a fist. A fistful of Datas. Ok, kidding aside I actually had to google the word "fistful" to see if it was even a real word, and it turns out that the title of this Trek episode is a callback to a Clint Eastwood western film. I had no idea. At least it makes sense, but somehow at the same time this makes it even worse. Man.When people talk about the played-out cheesy holodeck episode, this episode is exactly what they are talking about. To be honest, I don't think that's exactly fair. Holodeck episodes are just more memorable, so when they're bad, they really stand out. Hey, remember that episode of TNG where they ran diagnostics and then solved a problem with technobabble? Of course you don't, because that's every episode. But do you remember the one with Worf in the Wild West? I know you do, and yes it sucks. But it's not that bad, it's just very memorable. Frankly, it's memorable because it's fun. It's good fun and a break from the norm, but it's not good science fiction.
Nevertheless there is one science fiction element that is worth exploring. LaForge is working on setting up Data as a backup computer to run essential ship systems in the case of a catastrophic computer failure. He is plugged directly into the ship via some glowing wires stuck in his head. It works for awhile, but then something goes wrong because this is a holodeck-gone-awry episode. Part of Data gets stuck in the holodeck program, and part of the ol' west gets stuck in Data. While it's important to see Data in costume and hear him say something other than "cannot," I wish we would have explored him running ship systems a little more. To my knowledge, the interface is never tried again, which is a shame. Even though Picard did not want to hear anymore about the idea, I personally wouldn't mind it.
So meanwhile Worf, Alexander, and Troi are stuck fighting multiple Datas in Deadwood. Safety protocols are of, because of course they are. Obviously everything turns out fine, because of course it does. I found Brent Spiner's over-played accent annoying. I especially found Troi's accent annoying when she was using it to warn Worf that he was about to get offed. Really, Troi? You're that into character? To me the only fun part of it was watching Worf so quickly defeat the villain on easy mode. Worf is too much of a badass for standard bad guys.The more I watched the episode, the more I actually enjoyed it. But let's face it, it is Horrible. A fun break from the standard plot lines could also have had decent science fiction in it or thought provoking characters. For instance, instead of the the characters being spaghetti western stereotypes, there could have been maybe one or two of them that were in any way interesting. But no.
Published August 5, 2019
FIX THE EPISODE, BABY!
ReplyDeleteA-plot just needs some sharpening up. I like that Worf begins to see the fun in kicking the bad guy's asses, but let's get him emotionally involved as well. What if the girl that Reg created was actually attractive to Worf, and he develops feelings for her? Also we'll make the bad guy's son not so much a dimwit and actually sympathetic. Like, he knows he has to go back with his father, but doesn't want to be a gunslinger, he rather....rather...SING!
B-plot needs expanded. Why have Data only inserted into non-vital ship systems? It's like they intentionally tried to keep us from being invested in the plot. I would have Data in all systems, and crossing lines. Like, Crusher gets in the sonic shower and asks the computer to turn it on to level 8 or whatever, and it's Data's voice that responds and she screeches and covers herself. Then Data has to make a life or death decision, but is hedging towards saving the ship over saving the life forms on the ship. Geordi has to work behind his back to sever the connection.