Continuing the fourth season’s theme of family, “Brothers” deals with the data/Lore/Dr. Soong relationship. It is a unique episode in that Brent Spiner plays all three characters, each with a distinct personality, and often on the screen at the same time. The episode, more than any other, demonstrates what a fine character actor Spiner is. We also get to see for the first time exactly how formidable data can be when he ignores his ethical programming. Ignoring his ethics is what he is doing here, even if that fact is often glossed over by fans. The story adds the ticking clock element of a sick child in need of immediate medical attention to tug at the heart strings and hopefully distract from Soong complete disregard for whom might have gotten hurt in the process of calling data home. We were supposed to think positively of Soong the entire time. I had a tough time with it. No wonder the other colonists were not fond of him. Mad scientist, indeed.
But back to Data. The entire first act details him single handedly taking over the ship while preventing the crew from restoring control until he has completed his ’mission.’ Unlike in ’Captain’s Holiday” where the first act was wasted setting up Picard on vacation, here it is vital part of the action even though the bulk of the episode deals with Soong family drama..
Soong has built an emotion chip for Data he now believes his creation is ready to receive. Considering Soong’s aforementioned disregard for anyone who might have gotten hurt by Data’s return home at all costs gambit, perhaps he could use one of those himself. He does not count on Lore having been reactivated and coming home, too. Lore feels neglected.
Lore is wearing a Pakled outfit, by the way. While certainly I do not advocate genocide, I do hope he at least killed the moronic Pakled from whom he stole the get up.
Lore tricks Soong into thinking he is Data and receives the chip. It is not meant for him and will only make him more unstable. Oh, goody. He was so well adjusted before. Enraged, he assaults Soong before leaving. Soong dies in data’s arms after data calls him ‘father.” Cue violins.
The status quo is returned as data releases the Enterprise without any consequences. Continuing to demonstrate his soft spot for kids, he gives the sick boy and his brother toy dinosaurs Soong owned. He remarks the two brothers are getting along well after the sick one blamed the other for his becoming infected. Crusher remarks that they are brothers. Brothers forgive. Presumably, this sendsa message to data that Lorestealing his birthright and killing his father is a-okay since they are related. Thankfully, that matter is never again addressed.
I liked this episode in spite of the fact I question the logic of many story elements. Soong is supposed to be a sympathetic character, but has too much disregardfor the consequences of his actions to suit me. Data pays no consequences for his actions, either. This is thesecondtime in four episodes an Enterprise crewmember has been takern over and acted in a hostile manner, yet Starfleet does not care. They have taken every opportunity over the last three seasons to dissect the android. He jst hamded them their best excuse to do so, yet they ignore it. Go figure.
I enjoyed the biblical allegory of Isaac, Jacob, and Esau. Lore plays the part of Esau, confusing the old man Soong (Isaac) into giving him the birthright that rightfully belonged to data (Jacob.) There are not many overt Biblical references in trek period, but particularly TNG. It is nice to see it happen on a show which obnoxiously preaches humanism from the rooftops.
Rick Berman wrote this episode. his early trek work is fantastic, but he loses something down the line until he is just cashing the checks for scribbling 55 pages by the time he gets to ENT. I try to savor his good work while I can.
Rating; *** (out of 5)
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