One of the best Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes came in the second season. Measure of a Man stands out in a rocky season. A diamond in the rough. The story centers on Commander Data, and whether he’s afforded the same rights as the rest of Starfleet’s citizens. The conflict comes from the philosophical question of whether Data is sentient. He’s an artificial being, so is he alive? It’s a thoughtful episode that asks more of the viewing audience than the series early action adventure stories.
Rather than dive into the entire episode, I want to highlight my favorite scene, the last one. It’s as perfect a scene as anything TNG accomplished over its seven season run. The acting is strong, the writing perfect, and thematically it highlights the brilliance of Data’s character. To understand the greatness of the scene, I have to set it up.
A trial was held to determine if the law affords Commander Data the rights of any living being. Captain Picard defended Data, and Commander Riker acted as prosecutor. The roles are assigned by the judge, as there was nobody else qualified so far out in space. Riker objects on the grounds of Data being his friend, but the judge threatens to rule against Data unless Riker do the job and do it well.
Throughout the trial Riker does an excellent job of demonstrating Data is an artificial being. Removing Data’s arm is a dramatic prelude to him deactivating Data entirely. Ultimately, Picard wins the trial by taking the position that Data being artificial doesn’t matter if he still meets the definition of sentience. He questions the very assumption that life must be organic.
The crew of the Enterprise celebrates Data’s victory, but the show doesn’t bother showing us the celebration. It would have been an easy ending. Instead we follow Data to where Riker is alone and brooding. They have the following exchange.
Data
Sir, there is a celebration on the Holodeck.
Riker
I have no right to be there.
Data
Because you failed in your task?
Riker
No, God, no. I came that close to winning, Data.
Data
Yes, sir.
Riker
I almost cost you your life!
Data
Is it not true, that had you refused to prosecute, Captain Luvois would have ruled summarily against me?
Riker
Yes.
Data
That action injured you, and saved me. I will not forget it.
Riker
You’re a wise man, my friend.
Data
Not yet, sir. But with your help, I am learning.
Data’s the most well defined character in the TNG cast. His life goal of wanting to become human, or as close as he’s capable, is clear from the first season onward. Nobody else in the main bridge crew has that same clarity of purpose. They’re people with goals and aspirations, but nothing as clear and concise as Data’s Pinocchio story.
Riker nearly succeeds in destroying everything his friend has worked for. His entire life’s goal almost destroyed because of words he spoke. Riker’s character might not have such a concrete life goal, but by this point in the series there’s no questioning his loyalty to his crew and friends. Punishing himself is perfectly in character for him.
Data, written flawlessly, acts far kinder than most people would. Emotions don’t drive him as he locates Riker. He approaches the situation logically. Riker faced an impossible dilemma. “That action injured you, and saved me.” Given the two outcomes, only one had the potential for helping Data. Where an emotional being might have seen betrayal, Data sees how Riker’s decision was selfless.
The scene’s setup demonstrates the very flawed and human Commander Riker struggling with the emotional impact of his actions, while Data is unburdened by such emotions. Yet it’s the last two lines between them that make the largest impact.
“You’re a wise man, my friend.” Riker acknowledges Data in way he sees him, as the human he wants to become. He acknowledges his status as a sentient being by calling him friend. Riker may be acting more typically human, but he sees the humanity in Data’s actions.
“Not yet, sir. But with your help, I am learning.” With the last line of the episode Data rejects the notion that’s a man. He’s not, he’s an artificial lifeform. There’s no denying that Data is factually correct, while Riker can be considered emotionally correct. That dynamic, the grey area in which Data as a character resides perfectly summarizes the entire episode.
Brent Spinder and Jonathan Frakes deliver some of their finest work in this exchange. It could fall into the realm of cheesy dialogue. Riker’s brooding could have been overplayed, or Data’s inhuman side too strongly portrayed. Instead, each performance is balanced to match the material. Riker’s emotional, but see’s the merit in Data’s position. Data’s logical, but considerate of Riker’s feelings which speaks to his mature understanding of humanity. Subtle line delivery allowed this scene to play out with emotion, rather than being emotional and dramatic.
In an already amazing episode, the finale minute is the most important. Everything that came before is packaged up into a perfect little morsel. It can’t stand alone. It needs the entire episode to have its impact, but it also shines bright in an already brilliant story.