The Ultimate Evolution of Data Unveiled in Star Trek TNG Season 1

Summary

Lt. Commander Data's introduction to Sherlock Holmes in TNG season 1 sparks an obsession that becomes a recurring theme throughout the show.

As an android, Data possesses the unique capability to swiftly absorb and comprehend the entire collection of Holmes stories, immersing himself fully in the intricate world. Evident through his deep affection for Holmes and his strong connection with the character, Data showcases his relentless pursuit to comprehend human nature and his longing to encounter genuine emotions.

Lt. Commander Data, portrayed by Brent Spiner, first taps into his alter ego on the holodeck in season 1 of Star Trek: The Next Generation. While the first season may be considered less strong, Data, the endearing android, delivers some memorable moments. Throughout the series, Data, the positronic android, embarks on a quest to comprehend human nature by immersing himself in human culture and exploring various human interests.

In episode 7 of TNG season 1, titled "Lonely Among Us," Captain Picard introduces Data to a significant literary figure who profoundly influences Data's pursuit of humanity: Sherlock Holmes. As the crew of the Enterprise endeavors to uncover the cause of recurring malfunctions on the ship, Picard suggests that "the immortal Sherlock Holmes would offer an intriguing perspective on our mystery, I believe." This seemingly casual remark piques Data's curiosity, prompting him to delve into everything pertaining to Sherlock Holmes and the captivating tales created by Arthur Conan Doyle. Data's admiration for the "greatest detective in history" becomes a recurring theme throughout TNG and even carries over to Star Trek: Picard.

TNG Season 1 Gives Data His Best Holodeck Alter Ego: Sherlock Holmes

In Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1, episode 7, as the Enterprise experiences malfunctions, the assistant chief engineer is found dead. Captain Picard initiates a thorough investigation, including examining the two groups of delegates currently onboard. Data takes on the role of Sherlock Holmes, emulating the famous detective by smoking a pipe, using a magnifying glass, and quoting from Holmes stories. Data's android nature allows him to quickly grasp the essence of Sherlock Holmes, akin to someone with autism immersing themselves in a special interest. Throughout the episode, Data's friends and crew members find his fascination amusing and even support his newfound interest. While Picard eventually asks Data to stop smoking the pipe, the crew's acceptance and encouragement demonstrate their fondness and respect for their android colleague.

What Sherlock Holmes Means For Data's Quest To Become Human

Data's fascination with Sherlock Holmes grows exponentially throughout TNG, culminating in a memorable holodeck escapade in "Elementary, Dear Data." Assumedly, Data's connection to Holmes stems from the latter's unwavering dedication to logic, reason, and uncovering the truth. In this particular adventure, accompanied by Lt. Geordi La Forge as a modern-day Dr. Watson, Data expertly solves a Holmesian mystery, prompting Geordi to challenge the computer for a more formidable adversary. To their surprise, the computer generates the sentient hologram of Professor James Moriarty, who later reappears alongside Data in Star Trek: Picard season 3.

Throughout TNG, Data immerses himself in humanity's literary classics to gain insight into what it truly means to be human. Whether performing Shakespearean plays with Captain Picard or engaging in holodeck adventures with Geordi, Data plays out the emotions he yearns to feel. His deep affection for Sherlock Holmes reflects just one aspect of Data's profound humanity, often going unrecognized by himself. By embodying the iconic detective on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Data taps into a humanized alter ego whose personality bears striking similarities to his own.