Episode Spotlight
TNG's Elementary, Dear Data
Having arrived 3 days early for a rendezvous, the Enterprise-D enjoys some downtime. Data finds Geordi in Engineering finishing a model of the HMS Victory, a present for the USS Victory's captain (Geordi's former CO). Geordi offers to share in a Sherlock Holmes mystery on the holodeck as Dr. John Watson to Data's Sherlock Holmes. After ordering the holodeck to select a Holmes mystery at random the two enter the holodeck. The two enter the holodeck and Geordi marvels at the details in the holographic recreation of Holmes study while Data gets into character. A knock on the door (Which Data announces before the fact) signals the beginning of the mystery. Data, with his encyclopedic knowledge of the stories solves the mystery instantly, to Geordi's annoyance. Geordi tells the computer to freeze the program and angrily leaves the holodeck. In Ten Forward Geordi tries to explain to Data why jumping to the end ruined the fun for him. Overhearing, Dr. Pulaski comments on Holmes understanding of the human soul and the dark parts of humanity, saying that that understanding is beyond Data's ability. Geordi defends Data, Pulaski counters saying that Data would be unable to solve an original mystery. Geordi suggests that they program the computer to create a mystery in the Holmes style, but original, to which Data would not know the outcome. Data accepts the challenge and invites Pulaski to join them. On the holodeck a mystery presents itself but Data quickly solves it, recognizing it as elements from two different Holmes stories. Pulaski acknowledges Data's vast knowledge, but says the he would "short out" if confronted with a truly original mystery. Becoming defensive Geordi calls for the arch and orders the computer to "in the Holmesian style, create an adversary capable of defeating Data". Simultaneously a power surge is registered on the bridge. This exchange is overseen by a hologram of Professor James Moriarty. Moriarty notes that he "feels like a new man", and then repeating Geordi's command to the computer calls for the arch. While walking down the holographic streets Data and Geordi hear a scream-Dr. Pulaski has been abducted. Data goes into full Holmes detective mode and they begin searching. They are stopped by a police inspector needing Holmes to investigate a murder. Data and Geordi (as Holmes and Watson) quickly solve the murder, discovering that it is completely unconnected to Dr. Pulaski. Leaving the murder scene they find what seems to be a dead end. Data realizes that it is not a dead end, and that their adversary is Holmes arch-nemesis Professor James Moriarty. Finding a hidden door they open it and enter Moriarty's lab. Moriarty welcomes them "my dear Holmes...but not Holmes, and Watson...but not Watson". After admitting that Pulaski is unharmed Moriarty demonstrates his ability to call for the arch. He hands Data a piece of paper. Data leaves the lab and quickly exits the holodeck with Geordi close behind. He attempts to shut down the holodeck but access is denied. Realizing the program is still running they go to see the captain. In the corridor Data shows Geordi the paper-it's a picture of the Enterprise. Data states that Moriarty is in control of the computer from inside the holodeck, and Dr. Pulaski is in danger. In the Conference lounge they discuss the situation. When questioned by Picard Geordi realizes what happened: he told the computer to create an opponent capable of defeating Data. In doing so the computer gave Moriarty consciousness, self-awareness. The ship shakes violently and the computer reports that attitude control was temporarily transferred to the holodeck. Picard decided to join Data and Geordi in the holodeck to confront Moriarty. On the holodeck Moriarty questions Pulaski while sharing tea and crumpets. She does not react when he calls for the arch again. She tries to leave but he stops her, saying that she will be the lure for Captain Picard. She lies and says she doesn't know who that is. Arriving at the holodeck in costume Data and Picard are met by Worf (also in a very dapper costume). Picard orders Worf to wait outside and he and Data enter. Inside they see parts of the hologrid appearing and disappearing, signs that Moriarty is tampering with the program. Assuming the mortality fail safes have been overridden they proceed carefully. After dealing with a robber they enter Moriarty's lab and are greeted by the professor. Showing them that Dr. Pulaski is well Moriarty demonstrates his power by pulling a lever which causes the entire ship to shake. Picard tries to confuse Moriarty by telling him how the holodeck works, how energy is converted into matter. Moriarty asks what would happen if he left the holodeck, to which Pulaski answers that he would cease to exist. Picard says that Moriarty, like his surroundings is only a holographic projection, but Moriarty says he is more, he has consciousness, self-awareness, self-preservation. He wants to exist beyond the Holodeck. Picard tells him that is not possible. Instead of killing Moriarty by deleting his program, Picard agrees to save the program and eventually when a way is found to allow him to leave the Holodeck, make it so. Moriarty releases control of the holodeck, Picard tells the computer to save the Moriarty program and then end the program. Later in engineering Picard finds Geordi finishing minor repairs on the HMS Victory model. Riker contacts them to announce that the USS Victory has arrived.
My all time favorite holodeck episode. This is the best use of the holodeck to both do a period piece and tell a story with a deeper message (the message being about consequences and being careful what you ask for, as well as what is considered "alive"). Brent Spiner chews the scenery as Data as Sherlock Holmes on the holodeck, Diana Muldaur is wonderful as Pulaski, both in her digs at Data's mystery-solving ability and her scenes with Moriarty. Daniel Davis is great as Moriarty, chewing scenery and playing strong against Patrick Stewart in the later scenes. The holodeck 1890's London scenery and costumes were very well detailed and executed. Overall a fun, interesting, enjoyable holodeck episode with stakes that keep it riveting, while also leaving the door open for future stories (see "Ship in a Bottle").
Favorite Quotes
Clancy: Aye, sir. And where can I reach you?
Data: He can be reached at 221-B Baker Street.
Data: One set of footfalls are widely spaced. The other is evenly spaced, closer together. Further, on the ground you can see the swirling scrapes made by his left shoe as he twists behind, presumably to see if he is being followed. Left footed means left handed. The dark coloring of the scrapes are the leavings of natural rubber, a type of non-conductive soles used by researchers experimenting with electricity. Finally, there can be no argument, the game is afoot! Come, Watson!
Moriarty: Welcome my dear Holmes...but not Holmes, and Watson...but not Watson.
Comments
Post a Comment