The Unforgettable Romance: Data and Tasha Yar's Surprising Love Story in Star Trek TNG Season 1

Summary

The relationship between Lt. Commander Data and Lt. Tasha Yar in Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1 was the most successful romance of the season.

In "The Naked Now" episode of Star Trek, Yar and Data engage in a romantic encounter that significantly influences Data's personal growth. Despite Yar's demise, Data continues to cherish her memory in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard, underscoring the profound impact their relationship had on Data's perception of humanity.

In the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, there were several romantic storylines, but the relationship between Lt. Commander Data (played by Brent Spiner) and Lt. Tasha Yar (played by Denise Crosby) stands out as one of the most successful. Data, the second officer of the USS Enterprise-D, reveals his longing to be human in the pilot episode and throughout the series, he explores different human characteristics and behaviors. While Data considers Lt. Geordi La Forge (played by LeVar Burton) as his closest friend, he also develops a special connection with Security Chief Tasha Yar.

In the second episode of season 1, titled "The Naked Now," the crew of the Enterprise becomes infected with polywater intoxication. This infection causes the crew members to behave recklessly and lose their inhibitions. Yar, affected by this intoxication, embraces her femininity and approaches Data for a romantic encounter. When she asks him if he is "fully functional," Data responds by saying that he is "programmed in multiple techniques and capable of providing a broad variety of pleasuring." This scene became iconic among fans and within the Star Trek franchise, and it also holds significant importance for Data personally.

Why Data and Tasha Yar Had TNG Season 1’s Most Successful Romance

Data and Tasha Yar weren't the only couple to have a romantic relationship in Star Trek: The Next Generation, but their bond progressed the most during the show's first season. In the pilot episode, "Encounter at Farpoint," it is revealed that Commander William Riker and Counselor Deanna Troi were previously involved romantically. Although they eventually marry and have children, their relationship remains mostly professional throughout the series. In "The Naked Now," it is also disclosed that Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher have feelings for each other, but their uncertain dynamic persists throughout the entirety of TNG.

Data and Yar become involved in "The Naked Now," and even though Yar claims at the end of the episode that "it never happened," the experience holds great significance for Data. Following Yar's untimely death in "Skin of Evil" during the first season of TNG, Data starts keeping a hologram of Yar as one of his few personal possessions. At Yar's funeral, Data expresses his thoughts on how empty life will be without her presence. Despite Data's insistence on lacking emotions, he undeniably cares deeply for Yar and is profoundly affected by her demise.

Tasha Yar Is Still Important To Data in Star Trek: Picard Season 3

After being rescued from Daystrom Station in Star Trek: Picard season 3, Data finds himself in a struggle for control between his two personas, Data and Lore. In episode 8, "Surrender," Data relives his memories and shares them with Lore. One memory that stands out is his relationship with Tasha Yar, which he remembers by projecting a hologram of her. Despite Lore's efforts to overpower Data's mind, Data realizes that his memories, including his connection to Yar, define his identity. By transferring these memories to Lore, Data effectively merges the two aspects of his personality into one.

In his battle against Lore, Data selectively recalls his most significant and transformative memories, including his experiences as Sherlock Holmes and his pet cat, Spot. Among these, his fond recollections of Tasha Yar hold a special place. Yar played a pivotal role in helping Data explore different facets of humanity, and he will always be grateful to her for that. Despite the unconventional nature of their romance, Data and Yar had the most successful romantic relationship in season 1 of Star Trek: The Next Generation.