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Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 4 Episode 25

In Theory

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7.3

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AIRED: 6/3/91

Stardate: 44932.3

Data experiences the complexities of love when he becomes romantically involved with a fellow crewmate.

Fan Episode Reviews (6)

Data the Dater

7.0

By Celedorian, Feb 12, 2012

Patrick Stewart's directorial debut is "nothing to write home about" as Data might say. The problem is that "In Theory" is more of a Jenna episode than a the Data episode it wants to be, and it's always an uphill struggle for a guest star making her debut to get the audience to be as emotionally invested in her as they would be for a regular. The B story, featuring an anomaly disrupting the ship, is just sort of tacked on to give the episode an element of danger. All this said, the episode has its moments; as with almost all the Data episodes, Spiner is fabulous.moreless
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Data dates in Patrick Stewart's directorial debut....

9.5

By uk6strings, Nov 30, 2011

"In Theory" is pure Star Trek: The Next Generation fun with a nice mini-sci-fi subplot and quality character time for Data. Patrick Stewart sits in both the captain's and director's chair, 100% successful in his directorial debut by forming an excellent Next Generation episode. However, "In Theory" is an example of how the contributions from everyone involved work together in perfect harmony to create an entertaining and effective final product. It is all actor Brent Spiner, writers Ronald D. Moore and Joe Menosky, and director Patrick Stewart who are responsible for the fun and touching nature of the story, not just one.

Data has had some run-ins with romance in the past (most notably knocking boots with Tasha Yar by the second episode of the series) but he has never had a full-fledged girlfriend until Ensign McKnight (played by Pamela Winslow). Having just broken up with someone who was not open enough emotionally, McKnight develops feelings for Data (she might have a problem to diagnose). After Data hilariously asks the advice of his closest friends, he begins a grand experiment with romance and begins to date Ensign McKnight. With no capacity for or experience in romance, even having to resort to developing a romance program, Data's experience is a funny and touching one.

Brent Spiner could not be better in "In Theory," Data's trek through romance is awkward, funny, and touching at the same time. What could have been better however, I suspect, is a different actress in the role of Ensign McKnight. Pamela Winslow does a fine job, but she is not as strong of a presence as the role calls for and, while "aesthetically pleasing" she might be, beautiful she is not. Served on the side is a sci-fi subplot which gives urgency to the episode. High kudos are in order for Patrick Stewart and his ability to balance both the episode's lighter side with the main Data dating story and the darker side with the nebula's dark matter subplot very well.

Even without a lot of action, anomalies, and Treknobabble, "In Theory" remains a TNG favorite of mine and I can thank a great Brent Spiner performance, successful Patrick Stewart direction, and a great Ronald D. Moore/Joe Menosky script for that.moreless
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Data "pursues" a relationship with a crew mate of his, Jenna. Who has been having realtionship problems of her own. But will the "romance" last?

9.9

By BeautifulAkimov, Jun 06, 2011

Ah to fall in love with an android.

I'm sure many of us has thought about it. But nonetheless that should not mean we should actually consider it; considering what happened to Jenna. I think I teared up a few times; and I learned a valuable lesson. Even though Data is circuits and lights, he is a very complex creature. If I could bottle him up and put him in my pocket I would, but none the less; if you have emotions, don't get involved with someone who doesn't.moreless
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"Data" explores the process of a romantic relationship with a female crewmate who just got out of a rocky relationship.

4.2

By The_MOW, Jun 06, 2011

The Fourth Season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation titled "In Theory" is one of the many episodes which develops the character of "Data" (Brent Spiner). This time, he explores the emotions involved in a romantic relationship. "Data" thus begins a relationship with "Lt. Jenna D'Sora" (Michele Scarabelli), an attractive officer recovering from the breakup of a relationship. Unsure of how to proceed, "Data" solicits his fellow officers for advice in such matters.

The subplot, which should have been the main plot in my opinion, has the crew investigating a mysterious nebula which seems to be causing some unusual happenings throughout the "Enterprise" -- one of which causes the death of an unnamed member of her crew.

Both plots are very weak for a TNG episode, and never crossover despite that "Data" and "Lt. D'Sora" are bridge officers. Although, the subplot is the stronger of the two.

If the episode didn't focus on "Data's" attempt at a romance, the nebula subplot could have been quite interesting. However, we have to go through the weak character development of Trekkies' favorite android.

Scarabelli does a great job as "D'Sora". Her performance of the confused woman just coming out of a bad relationship is very well done. But her performance doesn't help the story to make it good.

In the nebula subplot, there is too little suspense than there should have been. Even when "Captain Picard" (Patrick Stewart, who also directed this episode) launches a shuttlecraft to guide the "Enterprise" through the nebula. If this was the main plot in the episode, there could have been more chances at doing more than what is seen in this episode.

Ultimately, this is one of the weakest episodes in the seven year history of the popular series. If you are a Trekkie, or Trekker as some prefer, I would get this episode just to complete your collection.moreless
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Data discovers romance. A nice episode saddled by a pointless scifi B-plot.

7.5

By pharoahsdance, Jun 06, 2011

As "Pinocchio", Data's exploration of what it means to be human would inevitably lead to romantic love. The writers had already toyed with this concept on "The Ensigns of Command" and "Legacy". Data seems so human that it's difficult to comprehend that he has no emotions, but those shortcomings are there and they matter.

The story about Data and his girlfriend Jenna flows well. Data's advice-seeking from fellow crewmembers is engaging and at times hilarious (Picard!). The actress playing Data's romantic interest offers a convincing performance, leaving one bad relationship only to rebound into another unsatisfactory one. Brent Spiner showcases his range (when deviating from the usual Data personality, he gives off the right amount of creepiness). Perhaps the best part of the episode is the ending - Data true to character, sitting alone with his cat and blissly unaware of the emotional consequences to what just transpired.

It's a shame the episode has a pointless scifi B-plot about dark matter. Maybe on its own it could have been a good story. Here it's just a waste of time.moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Michael Dorn	Lt./Lt. Cmdr. Worf
LeVar Burton	Lt. Cmdr. Geordi LaForge
Jonathan Frakes	Cmdr. William T. Riker
Marina Sirtis	Counsellor/Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Troi
Gates McFadden	Dr. Beverly Crusher
Wil Wheaton	Wesley Crusher (Seasons 1-4, recurring)

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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Michele Scarabelli	Lt. j.g. Jenna D'Sora	Guest Star
Pamela Winslow	Ensign McKnight	Guest Star
Whoopi Goldberg	Guinan	Recurring Role
Colm Meaney	Miles O'Brien	Recurring Role
Rosalind Chao	Keiko O'Brien	Recurring Role

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (0)
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QUOTES (7)
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- Data: Ensign D'Sora just gave me what could be considered... a very passionate kiss in the torpedo bay.
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- Worf: Klingons do not pursue relationships. They conquer that which they desire.
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- Data: Captain. I am seeking advice on how to...
  Picard: Yes, I've heard, Data. And I would be delighted to offer any advice I can on understanding women. When I have some, I'll let you know.
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- Data: Honey, I'm home.
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- Data: You are much more than that, Jenna. I have written a subroutine specifically for you - a program within the program. I have devoted a considerable share of my internal resources to its development.
  Jenna: Data, that's the nicest thing anybody's ever said to me.
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- Jenna: What were you just thinking?
  Data: In that particular moment, I was analyzing the collected works of Charles Dickens, reconfiguring the warp field parameters, calculating the amount of pressure I could safely apply to your lips, formulating a nutritional supplement for Spot...
  Jenna: Well, I'm glad I was in there somewhere.
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- Data: Darling, you remain as aesthetically pleasing as the day I met you.
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NOTES (3)
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- This episode is listed on the Star Trek: Captain's Log DVD box set as being Patrick Stewart's favorite episode.
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- This is the last episode where Data's cat, Spot, is an Angora. After this episode, the Angora was replaced by an short-hair orange tabby.
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- This was the first episode that Patrick Stewart directed.
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