In the third episode of the fourth season of The Next Generation, Data begins to behave erratically and dangerously. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Star Trek.
HOLY SHIT, WHAT A RIDE. So far, season 4 is 3/3. THIS IS SO EXCITING, Y’ALL.
Brothers
Remember when I thought this episode would be about the two brothers, one of whom nearly killed the other with a prank? Remember when I thought that?
Data Unleashed
For nearly twenty minutes, this show refuses to tell us what’s going on. It’s a hell of a gamble, and aside from a few odd moments, I think it utterly paid off in the end. A third of this episode is a suspenseful and frustrating sequence in which we see just how powerful Data is when he has nothing stopping him. His processor works so fast that he’s able to adapt to every possible scenario that might prevent him from leaving the Enterprise and reaching his pre-programmed goal. It’s a deliberately absurd set of scenes meant to confuse and bewilder us, and by god, it works.
I wanted to open this with a discussion of that aspect of “Brothers” so I could acknowledge how well done this was, but truthfully? I want to spend the rest of this GUSHING. And complaining maybe once or twice.
Dr. Soong and Lore
What a double punch in the guts, y’all. Not only is Lore still alive, but SO IS DR. NOONIAN SOONG. I would also suggest that “Brothers” belongs perfectly after “Family” because this is yet another exploration of a similar theme. But this family? My god, they are so fucked up.
I did think it was unfortunate that this show had a character named Noonian Soong and chose to make them… not of Asian or South Asian descent? It wasn’t until the end credits that I realized that Brent Spiner had actually been Dr. Soong the whole time, and I certainly think he was spectacular here. This is not a criticism of his performance. But in a show that has not a single recurring Asian character at all, I call foul on them casting a white man, even if it’s someone as wonderful as Brent Spiner. Again, this isn’t about Spiner. It’s about the historical lack of roles for a certain group of people, even when they should go to them.
I think this is a difficult episode to watch aside from this, though, and it’s because Lore’s presence is so intensely uncomfortable. It was absolutely fun to see Spiner play this character again, but I think I felt sad more than anything else. Dr. Soong programmed Lore with emotions, but the rest of his programming was flawed. He clearly favors Data over him, and with the addition of an emotion chip? Data would be, by all rights, the perfect creation.
Can you imagine how that must feel if you’re Lore? Dr. Soong didn’t even know that Lore was going to show up. He was just as surprised as Data. And no matter what he did to try to show affection or show that he cared, Lore knew. He knew that Data was favored and knew he was second in line and knew that he was inferior. That is not to say that I then condone everything he does, like incapacitating Data and striking Dr. Soong, contributing to his death. But I have some sympathy for him, and it lasts up to a point.
I think that point is not just the violence, but stealing emotions away from Data. Y’all, DATA WAS SO CLOSE TO THE ONE THING HE WANTED, AND LORE TOOK IT FROM HIM. Take your fury out on Dr. Soong, Lore, by all means! But to punish Data for that? My gods, it’s just so sad. I don’t know that the show will ever make Data human, especially this early in its run. Part of his allure as a character involves his approach to humanity as an android. There’s a lot of tension that comes from this, and I know that it would be risky as hell to ever change that. But I still kind of want the best for Data, and that’s why “Brothers” crushed me so resolutely. Lore is gone with a malfunctioning chip meant for Data in his head, and Dr. Soong is dead. Data got nothing. He’s back home and forgiven, but the final scene is a haunting reminder of how humanity works for everyone except for Data.
The video for “Brothers” can be downloaded here for $0.99.
Mark Links Stuff
– I am now on Patreon!!! MANY SURPRISES ARE IN STORE FOR YOU IF YOU SUPPORT ME.
– The Mark Does Stuff Tour 2015 is now live and includes dates across the U.S. this summer and fall Check the full list of events on my Tour Dates / Appearances page.
– My Master Schedule is updated for the near and distant future for most projects, so please check it often. My next Double Features for Mark Watches will be the remainder of The Legend of Korra, series 8 of Doctor Who, and Kings. On Mark Reads, Diane Duane’s Young Wizards series will replace the Emelan books.
- Mark Does Stuff is on Facebook! I’ve got a community page up that I’m running. Guaranteed shenanigans!
