6.8 — “A Fistful of Datas”
Plot: A computer glitch of some kind puts Data’s subconscious in charge of all artistically related computerized processes on the ship. This includes a Holodeck simulation of the “Ancient West” involving Worf, Alexander, and Troi. The simulation turns into a deathtrap as all the villains in the Wild West scenario are slowly replaced with copies of Data.
Thoughts: This is a very silly episode. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but it feels silly to review something silly, which leaves me in a bind.
Worf looks fantastic in his Western gear, and so does Deanna. Leather pants! They could, however, have thought harder about the depiction of the Mexican gang member. Sombrero, giant mustache, bandoleer, Western blanket, broken accent, and glass of liquor. The only thing missing from this racial stereotype is a donkey and a bottle of hot sauce. Come on.
Apparently Troi was originally written to play the saloon barmaid instead of the stranger. At least that got nipped in the bud.
I think this is the first Holodeck deathtrap story in several seasons–someone wisely stopped that around the start of season 4. Alas, the restraint is lifted.
It’s impossible to take seriously an episode that contains the logic, “If we just play out this scenario to the end, we may be able to escape safely!” But to complain is to miss the point.
2.5 out of 5 long smoking cigarettes. It seems incongruous to see smoking on the show!
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