The Measure of a Man is easily one of the best episodes of the entire series. Its dialogue, courtroom drama, and performances (most notably from Picard), are centered around themes that force us to look at civil liberty, and slavery. As a secondary benefit, these themes also highlight the role of the courts in protecting those inherent freedoms that we believe are the right of any sentient being.

As the episode builds, we are confronted by these very questions one at a time. Data is the focus and because he has already grown to be such a memorable, lovable character, the questions of, and danger to, his civil liberties become all the more pronounced.

But it is Guinan who turns the episode on its head and allows us all to see that the real issue extends far beyond the liberties of one man and is, instead, an issue of slavery. And the lesson doesn’t end there. The implied message is simple, but profound: the moment you curtail the civil liberties of one person, you curtail them for us all.

This episode is successful even in the details. The judge, Louvois, isn’t just a character thrown in to render the final verdict. She also happens to be an old acquaintance of Picard’s. It’s handled perfectly to provide both her character, and Picard’s, a bit more complexity and background — which fleshes out the overall story.

Riker does another fantastic job when he is literally forced to prosecute against Data (if Riker had refused, the hearing couldn’t even have taken place at all). The looks he gives, the anguish you can see on his face as he does his duty, realizing his duty could condemn his friend to servitude, are exceptionally well done. And his final, devastating argument, shutting off Data and proclaiming, “Pinocchio is broken, the strings are cut,” is necessary to set up an even more powerful rebuttal from Picard.

And Picard’s courtroom argument is the real gem, the real shining moments of the episode. His performance is an iconic moment in the series: standing, pointing toward Data, the full volume and tenor and passion of his voice saying: “Starfleet was founded to seek out new life. Well, there he sits …”

Brilliant.

While there may be certain episodes that individual viewers like better, based on taste or personal preference, The Measure of a Man is simply one of the best episodes of the series.

Filed under: TNG Reviews