In Theory

The main plot of this TNG episode which is the dangers the Enterprise encounters exploring a nebula takes a backseat to a romantic encounter Data has with Ensign Michelle Scarabelli.

Scarabelli has had a breakup and she's finding Brent Spiner intriguing if not attractive. As for Data we have it on the authority of the late Tasha Yar from season 1 that Data is a fully functioning android in all respects.

I think you'll find this episode intriguing too.

This offering is really ludicrous. While Commander Data is a fascinating creation, for someone to want a romantic involvement has got to push the envelope. A young ensign, on the rebound from a relationship with a jerk, finds Data's byplay amusing and fun. She actually kisses him on the lips. He processes this and decides it would make an interesting investigation of human dating ritual. Of course, he now feels he needs to look into historical depictions of the process of couples getting along. In a priceless scene, he shows up at her quarters, announcing, "Honey, I'm home." He then dotes on her for a while and then creates a confrontation where he treats her badly. In his search, he has found that often relationships thrive after a fight. This episode also involves a kind of entity that is aboard the ship and part of an area of space where the Enterprise is vulnerable. Data continues to do what he does, ignoring his new experiences, and helping to save the Enterprise. A very odd episode.

Data is the best character in TNG , and he prove it once again in " In theory" , he decide to have a girlfriend, and it was hilarous , touching , intelligent Directed by Patrick Stewart.

Season 4 continue to deliver as the best of the first 4 Seasons, now ready for the final, to see Worf seek redemption.

At the beginning of the episode, Jenna D'Sora is being consoled by Data concerning a recent relationship. Data is quite kind and thoughtful- -so much so that slowly D'Sora is starting to fall in love with him. This is really impossible, since Data is NOT human and feelings are something he simply cannot possess. However, Data is game and tries to act out the part of a lover--mostly by copying things he's read. In the end, it's finally obvious to even D'Sora that the relationship is impossible and cannot be.

At the same time, there is the requisite secondary plot. An overabundance of dark matter in the part of space they are in is causing portions of the ship to phase in and out. So, it's up to the Captain to pilot them through this part of space. Unfortunately, this plot is brief, underdeveloped and rather unnecessary.

All in all, an inconsequential episode. Not bad...but certainly weak compared to the rest of the series.

A brilliant acting performance form Brent Spiner, as usual, but just a dreadful episode that was agonizing to watch. One of the only episodes where I just wanted it to be over. The main plot was forgettable, and the side story was unforgettable, but not in a good way. As Riker would say, sometimes you get the bear, and sometimes the bear gets you. The bear got this one.