In Theory is an episode that has a tremendous concept that ends up relatively disappointing because of its array of missed opportunities. The acting and directing are, for the most part quite good. But the writing and performance, as they pertain to an important character, are both fairly important mistakes.

The episode explores what might happen if someone fell in love with Data, and if Data decided to pursue the relationship. It could have been a fascinating exploration on the nature of relationships in general, and the nature of Data’s ability to engage in such a relationship, in particular. But because the woman who falls for Data is so completely selfish and shallow, the episode misses a great many opportunities. Even worse, it embodies the worst ideals of a relationship.

Jenna seems very intent on meeting her own needs, which is certainly reasonable. But she doesn’t spend any time getting to know what Data’s needs are, let alone attempt to fill them. About all she does is give Data a small sculpture for Data’s quarters — but even that is problematic because she alone decided Data needed to change the Spartan look, without ever having any sort of conversation with him about it. And to make matters worse, when Data decided upon the sculpture ‘s location, he chose what was, aesthetically, the best location. Next thing we see is Jenna biting her lip because he did not display it prominently enough. Was the gift really for Data? Or just to make her feel better about herself?

To make matter worse, all this is preceded by her surprise arrival in the apartment, whereby she tells Data that he can return to painting. Data does, of course, and she then tells him that isn’t what she wanted him to do. Gimme a break. Relationships aren’t about testing your partner and making them guess what it is you really want. It’s unfortunate that in an episode about romance and relationships, we such a dysfunctional representation of what a true relationship ought to be.

Contrast that with Data who spends a good portion of the episode trying to better himself for Jenna. Once his friendship with her becomes romantic, he correctly recognizes that his role ought to change. Having no experience whatsoever, he does all he can to learn about what a “perfect” partner ought to be. This results in one of the more enjoyable sequences whereby Data questions his friends and fellow crew members on the subject of relationships. It is all done because he wants to fulfill Jenna’s needs. And so instead of a true exploration of relationships, and Data’s potential within them, we have a complete imbalance that leads to dysfunction, failure and missed opportunity.

For example, when Jenna learns that Data has been asking other crew members about their relationship, she becomes offended, asks him to kiss her, and becomes even more offended when not every one of his thoughts included her during the kiss, “At least I was in there somewhere” — completely ignoring the fact that Data had spent a tremendous amount of time and energy thinking about how to best please her. Even more disappointing was the opportunity to have the conversation about relationships between her and Data — with each discussing the their own needs and expectations. That is what a healthy relationship is to begin with, and it would have been far more relevant than watching Data impersonate Ricky Ricardo or play-act the slighted boyfriend by yelling “You are not my mother!”

Perhaps the whole notion of an imperfect relationship was written so that the relationship would not continue into future episodes. But if that was the case, there are too many alternatives to ending a functional relationship to justify presenting dysfunctional one.

As a whole, I do like In Theory, in spite of its missed opportunities and its purposely cringe-worthy scenes. But ultimately, it misses the mark more often than it registers a hit. As a result, the episode is merely average.

Filed under: TNG Reviews