In Theory

A pretty good ep with some interesting relationship stuff. In the end it's sad although Data not having feeling is a blessing for him.

Ms. Scarabeli gave a great performance in a difficult circumstance since the character Data requires his being so "odd".

I'm just glad Data had Spot afterwards.

Lieutenant Data navigates the pitfalls of love as the Enterprise does the same through a dark matter nebula.

This is an enjoyable episode on the strength of the scenes showing Data's foray into the world of dating.

It has an A-B plot structure with the main events providing far more interest than the mostly forgettable dark matter scenes. The writers could have focussed solely on Data's love life and lost nothing.

The humour generated by Data's interactions with D'Sora works well, as does his attempts at soliciting advice from different members of the crew. All that being said it all ends rather poignantly with Data and his cat sitting alone in the dark.

Generally the visuals are strong, particularly during the interplay between characters which helps the narrative and comedy. The editing works well for comic timing.

Brent Spiner is excellent throughout and has great support from Michele Scarabelli. The cast regulars are all on good form.

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.

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.