The Most Toys

He looks down on his destroyed Starfleet suit as Kiva leaves the room!

Treehouse of Horror X, Dr. Who (The Collector--"The Sun Makers") Saul Rubinek as Kivas Fajo

The main idea behind "The Most Toys" is very familiar. I cannot say exactly when the plot was first used, but it was the subject in "Dr. Who" back in the 1970s ("The Sun Makers") and was used later on "The Simpsons" ("Treehouse of Terror X")--so this "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode isn't exactly unique. Because of this, it cannot be one of the better episodes of the series--but I did really like the way it ended.

When the episode begins, Data is accidentally killed and the crew of the Enterprise grieves for this loss. However, what actually occurred is that a dirt-bag named Kivas Fajo (Saul Rubinek) stole Data in order to add it to his sick little collection of rarities. He really has no interest in Data as anything other than a curiosity--and because he and no one else in the universe can have him. Despite being very strong and bright, Data is unable to escape from this sociopath's clutches.

The bottom line is that Fajo's cruelty and Data's ultimate solution to this is makes this one memorable. Well worth seeing despite its familiarity.

Saul Rubinek has a field day as a collector of rare items who has designs on Data (Brent Spiner) in this memorable episode. Rubinek's "Kivas Fajo" has no scruples and will do whatever is necessary to enlarge his assemblage of rarities.

The verbal sparring between Spiner and Rubinek gives credit to the super job done by the series' writers.

Character veteran Nehemiah Persoff, heavily hidden under some truly grotesque makeup, has a small part as one of Fajo's fellow collectors.

The ending, wherein Data, must make a life-threatening decision is indeed stunning.

It is not to be missed.

This is one of the most-memorable NextGen episodes, of any season. Watching it for the second time last night (27 years after first seeing it!), I was reminded of the series' failure (in later episodes) to develop what is introduced here.

Data is put in an untenable situation, as he doesn't know he's about to be rescued. What should he do with Kivas? * The man is a murderer **, but Data's programming will not let him kill someone except in self-defense (or immediate defense of others). So why doesn't he just give Kivas a zetz im kopf and tie him up? (He has no trouble overpowering Kivas' goons.)

Instead, he decides to kill Kivas, a fraction of second after the transporter begins operating. He "explains" the weapon's discharge by saying "something might have happened". He later tells Kivas (in a subtly ironic tone) that he "has no feelings. I am an android."

Data's programming is (presumably) sufficiently complex for his experiences to alter his behavior, and even his world view. We see this in his speaking the literal truth, twisted to cover his real "feelings". But this potential for unexpected and even self-serving behavior isn't explored in later episodes. Perhaps it was decided that the audience would not tolerate turning a sympathetic character into a potentially threatening one.

* The name appears to be a reference to the "kivas and trillium" Spock was supposed to be a dealer in.

** Saul Rubinek gives a great performance going through the "agony" of deciding whether to kill his female companion.

Data is abducted by a collector of rare life forms and artefacts.

This is a strong character episode with great performances and some quite memorable scenes.

The kidnapping plot is fairly simple and predictable, but in spite of this, the scenes focussing on Data's interaction with his captor are very compelling. The plot generally unfolds nicely and reaches an excellent and memorable climax.

'The Most Toys' has a number of great moments for Data. The writers continue to explore humanity with the way he reacts to a number of difficult situations. This episode presents his stubbornness, compassion and an inclination to do something extreme that is outside of his programming.

His captor is an interesting character who feels a long way from the usual antagonists portrayed on TNG. He could almost be an original series baddy with his Harry Mudd type piracy and the brat-like characteristics of Trelane. His personality contrasts with Data and this makes the scenes work well for me.

The scenes on Enterprise are a mixed bag. We always know everything is going to work out fine so at times the grief stricken moments feel quite pointless, but they are well acted and their sense of loss further humanises the character of Data.

All performances are excellent, particularly Brent Spiner and Saul Rubineck. The regular cast members are all great in the moments that show how they deal with the loss.

The visuals are mostly good with some decent effects, makeup, props and costumes. One comically obvious hand puppet feels like another original series relic. There is one sequence that cuts to a shot of Data sitting down that is superbly effective and for me the high point of the episode.