XPost: rec.arts.startrek.misc, rec.arts.startrek.current, rec.arts.startrek.current
XPost: rec.arts.tv, can.arts.sf
From:
doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca
AI/LLM Reviews of Star Trek The Next Generation - In Theory
Google Gemini
Plot Synopsis
The Enterprise is investigating a strange series of subspace
anomalies when Ensign Jenna D'Sora approaches Data. She expresses
feelings for him, and despite his initial confusion, Data agrees
to a romantic relationship. He takes a methodical, logical approach
to the courtship, studying human romantic behaviours from the holodeck,
using data from romantic novels and historical figures
to inform his actions. This leads to a series of awkward
and often comical moments as Data tries to apply theory
to the messy reality of human emotions.
Meanwhile, the anomalies begin to affect the ship, creating
a series of dangerous and unpredictable events. The crew must
race against time to understand the phenomena and save the ship,
while Data struggles to balance his newfound "love life"
with his duties. The relationship with Jenna eventually
comes to a head as Data realises that his theoretical approach
to love is not working, and Jenna struggles with the reality
of being in a relationship with an android.
Strengths
A Deep Dive into Data's Character: The episode provides
a wonderful opportunity to explore Data's journey toward
understanding humanity. It highlights his earnestness
and his almost clinical approach to emotions,
which often leads to hilarious and poignant moments.
Humourous and Heartfelt: The attempts by Data to apply
a scientific approach to love are both funny and touching.
The humour comes from the awkwardness of his logical
actions in emotional situations, while the heart comes
from his genuine desire to connect with Jenna.
A Relatable Human Story: Despite being about an android,
the core of the story is highly relatable. It's about
the difficulty of dating, the awkwardness of new relationships,
and the challenge of making a partnership work.
Weaknesses
A-Plot Feels like a B-Plot: The main plot involving
the subspace anomalies often feels like a secondary concern,
taking a backseat to Data's romantic subplot. While the romance
is the highlight, the danger to the Enterprise
lacks the same level of tension.
Predictable Ending: The conclusion of Data's relationship
with Jenna is somewhat predictable, as it becomes clear
that his inability to genuinely feel emotions makes
a true partnership impossible for her.
Overall Impression
"In Theory" is a charming and insightful episode that
is a fan favorite for good reason. It’s a classic
character-study episode that uses a sci-fi premise to
explore something deeply human. It's not a high-stakes
action thriller, but a well-executed and memorable story
about the complexities of emotions and the limits of logic.
Rating: 7.5/10
ChatGPT
Here’s a thoughtful review of **“Star Trek:
The Next Generation — *In Theory***” (Season 4, Episode 25),
incorporating perspectives from the episode transcript
via your reference and supporting critical commentary:
---
## Episode Synopsis
Lieutenant Jenna D'Sora develops feelings for Data,
prompting him to explore romance by running a custom
dating subroutine. Initially charming, their relationship
ultimately falters when Data’s lack of emotional depth
becomes clear. Simultaneously, the Enterprise navigates
a dangerous nebula, providing a B-plot that feels
disconnected from the emotional A-plot.
---
## The Upside
* **Data’s Romantic Experiment Offers Insight**
The storyline delves into Data’s purpose: exploring
the human experience. It beautifully illustrates
Data’s capacity for curiosity and the pain
of emotional inaccessibility. As Michelle Erica
Green puts it, *“it’s a pleasant episode”*
that lingers in the mind
([Everything Explained Today][1]).
* **Brent Spiner's Powerful Performance**
Data’s behavior—terribly well-meaning yet
awkward—is deeply affecting. As Jammer's
Reviews notes, “the final shot... is just
utterly, utterly depressing,