This one had nothing outrageous, least of all Okona, but it is a very funny episode and it deals really well with Data’s desire to be more human. It’s a testament to how great of an actor Brent Spiner is to be not funny in a way that is funny.

This should not be as much fun as it is, but good acting can overcome a weak script. I mean, there’s no way the Enterprise’s computer could create a conscious entity capable of rivaling Data, but it did at least attempt to pose the question of humans being able to create life and then deal with that responsibility. I also like how the show is starting to take on its cultured air with references to 19th century England and classical music and the finer things that I’ve always enjoyed.

This sort of episode is why I love Star Trek with all its philosophical explorations along side actual explorations. And even though nothing really happens in the episode- in fact, they literally end up in nowhere – the acting carries the episode because the whole point was exploring the human character. Great humor in this episode, too.