First introduced in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the character of Lt. Commander Data, portrayed by Brent Spiner, quickly became a central figure in the Star Trek universe, captivating audiences with his unique attributes. As a groundbreaking android serving as the operations officer on the USS Enterprise-D under Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Data’s universal compassion and innocent curiosity made him endearing to fans. His multifaceted journey towards understanding humanity remains a pivotal storyline in the series and continues to resonate within the broader Star Trek franchise.
Brent Spiner’s remarkable portrayal of Data, along with his depictions of Data’s malevolent twin brother Lore and various members of the Soong family, ensured that episodes centering on Data are among the finest in the series. Similar to Spock (Leonard Nimoy) from Star Trek: The Original Series, Data provided a lens through which to examine human emotion and experience, enhancing the show’s depth. Following the conclusion of TNG, Data’s character was integral to all four Star Trek: The Next Generation films, culminating in his selfless sacrifice in Star Trek: Nemesis. His unexpected reappearance in Star Trek: Picard—not just once but twice—brought renewed interest to this iconic character.
Data’s Creation and Early Life (2330s-2364)
The Genesis of Data
Data was crafted by Dr. Noonien Soong on the planet Omicron Theta circa 2336, as the fifth of six androids. During his formative years among the colonists, he learned about his environment just like a human child. A significant event occurred when Dr. Soong temporarily deactivated Data to upload the memories of the colonists to his positronic brain. Tragically, a Crystalline Entity attacked the colony, leading Dr. Soong and his wife, Juliana (Fionnula Flanagan), to flee, leaving Data behind. Fortunately, on February 2, 2338, the USS Tripoli discovered and reactivated him.
Although Lore, Data’s preceding creation, was built before him, he quickly became unstable and had to be taken offline. Data faced challenges during his early development as he lacked parental guidance; however, he continued to evolve, ultimately achieving sentience. Consequently, he pursued a path in Starfleet Academy beginning in 2341. Despite grappling with social interactions and cues, Data excelled academically, graduating with honors in 2345. His initial assignment was aboard the USS Trieste, where he rose from ensign to lieutenant, culminating in a promotion to lieutenant commander in 2360. By 2364, Data had joined the USS Enterprise-D as its operations officer.
Data on the USS Enterprise-D (2364-2371)
Active Duty on the Enterprise-D
Serving as the operations officer on the USS Enterprise-D, Data became an essential member of the crew, frequently participating in critical away missions while also commanding the bridge during night shifts, unencumbered by the need for sleep. His unique android capabilities and resilience against disease proved indispensable on numerous occasions, ensuring the ship’s survival against formidable threats. Throughout his tenure, Data explored the essence of humanity, often guided by his close friend, Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton).
| Significant Episodes Featuring Data | |
|---|---|
| Episode | Title |
| Season 1, Episode 13 | “Data lore” |
| Season 2, Episode 9 | “The Measure of a Man” |
| Season 3, Episode 16 | “The Offspring” |
| Season 3, Episode 22 | “The Most Toys” |
| Season 4, Episode 3 | “Brothers” |
| Season 6, Episode 26 & Season 7, Episode 1 | “Descent, Part I”& “Descent, Part II” |
| Season 7, Episode 10 | “Inheritance” |
In the first season of TNG, Data encountered his brother Lore and delved deeper into the intricacies of his creation. The following year, a pivotal legal ruling affirmed Data’s status as an individual with autonomy. In the third season, he tried to create an android daughter named Lal (Hallie Todd) using his technology, but she ultimately faced a tragic failure. This storyline highlighted the complexities of creation and loss. Early in the fourth season, Data’s encounter with Dr. Soong culminated in heartache when Lore murdered the elderly scientist, forcing Data to deactivate his brother after Lore manipulated him into cooperating with the Borg.
Data’s Sacrifice in Star Trek: Nemesis (2371-2379)
The Final Battle of Data
In the aftermath of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the narrative continued with Star Trek: Generations, where Data opted to install an emotion chip created by Dr. Soong. As he adjusted to this unprecedented aspect of his personality, it led to several humorous yet poignant moments that complicated his role on the ship. With the emergence of the Borg Queen (Alice Krige) in Star Trek: First Contact, Data faced profound temptations that tested his allegiances.
In Star Trek: Insurrection, Data was crucial in revealing anomalies on the Ba’ku planet. His ultimate act of bravery occurred in Star Trek: Nemesis, where the crew discovered B-4, another of Soong’s creations. Data uploaded his memories to B-4, showcasing his innate altruism. As the crew faced off against Captain Picard’s clone, Shinzon (Tom Hardy), Data made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to protect his friends and the Earth.
Data’s Return with a Twist in Star Trek: Picard (2399-2402)
Data in Star Trek: Picard
Surprisingly, Data re-emerged in Star Trek: Picard, despite his previous death in Star Trek: Nemesis. Initially appearing in dreams that Admiral Picard experienced, Data engaged the Captain in a nostalgic game of poker and painted a portrait of his beloved “daughter.” The loss of Data weighed heavily on Picard, and he eventually conversed with Data’s consciousness in a simulation designed by Dr. Altan Inigo Soong (also played by Spiner). In a bittersweet moment, Picard agreed to allow Data to terminate his consciousness.
However, Altan Soong was not finished with Data. He successfully crafted a new synthetic body for him, reigniting the debates about identity and consciousness. In Star Trek: Picard Season 3, it became evident that Soong had extracted Data’s memories from B-4 and synergized them with those of Lore and Lal. Following an intense confrontation at Daystrom Station in 2401, Data emerged triumphant over Lore’s dominating personality, finally permitting him to embrace genuine emotions. From his cherished bond with his cat, Spot, to an enduring fascination with Sherlock Holmes, Data’s evolution encapsulates one of the most profound character journeys in the Star Trek series.
For more detailed insights and imagery on Data’s incredible journey throughout the Star Trek timeline, click here.
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