Unveiling the Unparalleled Romance: Data's Epic Love Stories in Star Trek

Summary

Data, an emotionless android, expresses the desire to be human and experience human emotions, leading him to explore romantic relationships and marriage.

Data's connection with Lt. Tasha Yar emerges as a significant element in his trial, demonstrating his ability to form deep bonds and affection for her, which persists even after several years.

Data's endeavor to pursue a romantic involvement with Lt. Jenna D'Sora showcases his methodical approach to dating, yet ultimately results in a separation devoid of any emotional response.

Lt. Commander Data, played by Brent Spiner, defies his label as an emotionless android by engaging in several romances throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation. Despite serving as the second officer under Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) on the USS Enterprise-D, Data yearns to be human and experience human emotions. Throughout the series, he actively explores various human hobbies, humor, and relationships to fulfill this desire.

While Data's closest bond is with his best friend, Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), he also engages in a few romantic relationships during the show's seven seasons and two films. In the highly regarded episode "Data's Day" from season 4, Data even contemplates the idea of marriage, despite his inability to age in the conventional sense. Although Data may not experience the intense emotions typically associated with romance, he remains open to the possibility of relationships and marriage.

4 Lieutenant Tasha Yar In TNG's "The Naked Now"

Data's first romantic encounter occurs in the immediate follow-up episode to the pilot of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The crew of the USS Enterprise falls victim to polywater intoxication, causing them to behave strangely. Amidst this, Lt. Tasha Yar, the Enterprise Security Chief, responds to the intoxication by embracing her femininity and sexuality. When Yar fails to respond to Captain Picard's calls due to her infection, he sends Data to locate her. Upon reaching Yar's quarters, she makes a request for him to sleep with her, to which Data agrees, citing his numerous programmed capabilities. Although Yar later denies the encounter, it remains significant in Data's life.

Following Yar's tragic demise in the first season's episode "Skin of Evil," Data obtains a small holographic representation of Tasha, which becomes one of his most treasured possessions. During a trial that challenges Data's rights as a sentient being, his connection with Tasha Yar proves crucial. The judge inquires about Data's hologram, initially met with refusal due to a promise made to Yar. Eventually, Data relents, confessing their intimacy and stating that she held a special place in his heart. This revelation surprises the judge, leading her to perceive Data in a different light. Even 30 years later, when Data reappears in Star Trek: Picard season 3, he holds fond memories of Tasha.

3 Ard'ian McKenzie in TNG's "The Ensigns of Command"

In the TNG episode "The Ensigns of Command" from season 3, Data finds himself responsible for persuading a group of settlers to evacuate their planet in order to avoid destruction by a superior alien race. During his conversations with the colonists, Ard'ian McKenzie, a young woman who has a fascination with cybernetics, approaches Data and offers to guide him. Ard'ian becomes progressively attracted to Data, who is unable to reciprocate her feelings.

In a particular scene, Data becomes distressed when his attempts to convince the colonists fail, and Ard'ian surprises him with a kiss. When he questions her actions, Ard'ian claims that it seemed like Data needed it. Eventually, Ard'ian assists Data in persuading her people to leave, bids him farewell, and inquires about his emotions towards her. Data responds by stating that he does not possess any feelings, but then kisses her, explaining that she seemed to require it. This moment can be interpreted as an instance showcasing Data's latent human-like qualities, despite his belief of lacking them.

2 Lieutenant Jenna D'Sora in TNG's "In Theory"

Data's next romantic encounter occurs in the TNG season 4 episode "In Theory." Lt. Jenna D'Sora, a security officer, develops feelings for Data after they spend time working together and bonding over their shared love for music. Data is initially surprised and uncertain when Jenna kisses him and seeks advice from his friends. Despite his lack of emotions, Data decides to pursue the relationship and creates a specific subroutine dedicated to romance for Jenna.

In his logical approach to dating, Data extensively studies resources on romance. At one point, he even deliberately initiates a "lovers' quarrel" to understand Jenna's expectations better. Despite going on several dates, Jenna eventually realizes that Data cannot fulfill her emotional needs. Consequently, she decides to end the relationship. Surprisingly, Data deletes his romantic subroutine without displaying any emotional response.

1 The Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact

Data's last encounter, which could be considered "romantic," proves to be his most peculiar one. Following the USS Enterprise-E's voyage back in time to thwart the Borg in Star Trek: First Contact, Data is abducted by a Borg drone and transported to the presence of the Borg Queen (Alice Krige). Aware that Data cannot be assimilated, the Borg Queen attempts to entice him into joining her ranks by tempting him with the promise of physical sensations through the gift of real flesh. Data plays his part in the Borg Queen's seduction, reciprocating her advances, and they share an embrace.

Ultimately, Data triumphs over the Borg Queen, safeguarding the timeline. However, he openly admits to being momentarily enticed by her proposition, albeit for a mere 0.68 seconds. While there is no genuine romance in Data's association with the Borg Queen, he confesses that a part of him mourns her demise, as her presence "brought [him] closer to humanity than [he] could have thought possible." Data's journey unfolds as one of the most captivating narratives in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Despite the failure of his romantic endeavors, they aid him in exploring his unmistakable humanity.