There may be a handful of better TNG episodes, but Datalore is easily a classic, combining the exploration of outer space with explorations of the inner self. From the eerily sinister Crystalline Entity, to Data’s brother, Lore, to Data himself, the episode is full of rich characters, mystery, and conflict. While the mystery of the disappearance of the Omicron Theta colony is rather well done, it is Data’s discovery of his brother, Lore, that is the real heart of the episode.

The episode centers on Data and his brother, and actor Brent Spiner does a fantastic job of playing both characters. While there are some similarities, Lore is a strikingly different character than Data, possessing such negative emotions and qualities as jealousy, ambition, arrogance and dishonesty. Through Spiner’s performance, the audience quickly learns that Lore is not to be trusted, and that Data, though conflicted between his duties to Starfleet and a genuine care for Lore, will do whatever it takes to save the ship.

It is a sign of the production’s quality that the interactions between Data and Lore play out seamlessly on screen. And it is through these interactions that the episode really shines. The conflict between Data and Lore, as well as the haunting danger from the Crystalline Entity, are believable and engaging. Indeed, the dynamic between Data and Lore taps into a long-standing mythical tradition: that of the “shadow” or “other” (Frodo & Gollum, Luke & Vader, etc.). This episode is a tribute to Spiner’s abilities, as well as a hint of some even more impressive performances later on in the series.

With all of that said, there are a few criticisms. Riker is too easily fooled by Lore’s impersonation of Data. And Wesley is too quickly (and rudely) dismissed by both Picard and his mother. These out of character reactions from Picard, Riker and Dr. Crusher may have been acceptable if they were done out of necessity, but they were written simply to move the plot along. A few scenes are also a bit out of place — such as Data leaving the reconstruction of Lore for a briefing, but then being asked to return just a minute later.

Datalore has rightfully earned the description of a “classic” TNG episode. The only question remains: does it represent the best of what the series has to offer? Yes. I do concede that there are better episodes, however, the dynamic performances of both Data and Lore are more than enough to capture the attention of even a casual viewer.

Topics: Crystalline Entity, Lore
Filed under: TNG Reviews