Data is often the character through whom we experience humanity in the Next Generation series. In this episode, he unwittingly causes harm to an alien city and in the process of trying to figure out what is going on, he discovers what it’s like to be the outsider in a whole new way. The people’s suspicions almost prevent him from saving them. Too late they realize their mistake. I like Data’s relationship with the girl Gia, and the the local healer, Talur, who is initially suspicious of him and later realizes he was right. The puzzle of who he is and the relationships he forms are the draw for me.
I was not a fan of Neelix at first, but I grew to enjoy him and especially his contentious relationship with Tuvok. This episode gave them a chance to develop a different kind of friendship based on play. I am touched by the way Tuvok is reluctant to have the damage from his neuroleptic shock repaired because he will not be able to have fun with Neelix anymore. Neelix assures him that he will remember being friends for the both of them. I find it very sweet.
Data’s lack of emotions often enables others to appreciate their ability to experience them, not unlike Spock before him. In this episode, a young boy named Timothy is overwhelmed by his grief and fear and finds solace in being like Data and experiencing no emotions. Data is then tasked with helping this boy realize that having no emotions is not so wonderful after all. We all must learn to experience uncomfortable emotions in order to enjoy the good ones. I like the relationship that develops between Data and Timothy and the lessons about grief and fear.
When I was analyzing episodes for the Mission Log podcast, I wasn’t eager to watch the animated series. The animation and music are dreadful and hard to endure. Many of the stories are quite good, but at first glance, The Lorelei Signal was nothing special. It’s a story about a group of sirens, like in ancient mythology, luring men to their deaths. But then I found the poem Siren Song by Margaret Atwood and an analysis of it that changed my whole viewpoint. It was a poem about sirens (the Loreley in German) who lure men to them so that they can be nourished by their energy. They depend on them. The Lorelei Signal story uses this same idea. Atwood’s poem addresses the similarity between the myth and how women can be made to feel that they are nothing without men. This episode shows that the women of the Enterprise can quite capably be in charge, and they show the aliens on this planet that they can find a place to live where they don’t need to kidnap men to survive either. Awesome feminist message! That’s why this is the only animated episode on the list.
I like Neelix, despite his being a comic relief character and I like his relationship with Kes. I also like Tom Paris in spite of his being a “rascal” character. His affection for Kes is well acted and believable. And to resolve the tension between Neelix and Tom by having them care for a baby alien is a winner.
I love old sci-fi movies and serials, and this episode was the best of the Captain Proton episodes. Nothing beats Captain Janeway in that outrageous Lady Arachnia outfit! I don’t usually like funny episodes, but this is the kind of fun episode that I like.
I was delighted to see James Darren show up in Deep Space 9 as the Vegas lounge singer and owner of Vic’s night club, since he is a heartthrob from my childhood. His character is charming and enigmatic. Then Nog, the Ferengi friend of Jake Sisko, turned into a more interesting character than I anticipated. This episode puts Vic and Nog together in a story of trauma and recovery and friendship. Nog lost his leg in battle and is experiencing PTSD and cannot find relief among his family or friends. But in Vic’s place, he feels safe; he finds friendship and comfort there. As Nog is getting better, Vic eventually realizes that it’s time to send his friend Nog back to the real world to face his fears.
This landmark episode addresses the question, “What is Data?” Is he a machine? A being with rights? In the fight for Data’s freedom to make decisions about his own future, Star Trek makes us face our views of what constitutes a being with rights. As usual, Guinan (played by the amazing Whoopi Goldberg) dispenses important wisdom to Picard, who is acting as defense council.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the relationship between Odo and Quark. Are they friends or enemies? One wonders if even they know. It certainly is a question in this episode, where they must depend on each other to survive after crashing on a cold planet. I enjoyed the banter and revelations made as they climb to a higher spot so their transmitter will be able to successfully call for help.
I really love tough Harry Kim in this alternative timeline story. He’s obviously punishing himself for his mistake and will do anything to make things right, even if it means breaking all the rules that were so dear to him before. He just wants to send a message to himself in the past to fix his mistake, but it’s not that easy. Chakotay is such a loyal friend to Harry. Even though Chakotay has a girlfriend and has obviously made a life for himself, he’s willing to help Harry get their friends back. I feel for both of them. It’s a very strong episode for Harry.
