Star Trek Retro Review: "The Measure of a Man" (TNG) | Courtroom Episodes

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#startrek #review #startrekthenextgeneration #startrektng

[@timothyvanburen3431]

Could reaaaally use more "Picard realizing he was wrong, not getting defensive, and immediately taking action to rectify things" kind of energy from literally *the world* right now.

[@eldebo99]

Hear, hear 😫

[@MrScientifictutor]

Could use my guinen

[@MusicByMack]

I admire Frakes' acting in the scene when he researched Data's schematics. He's competitive so he smiled when he realized he could win. Then his smile vanished with guilt when he realized what he was going to win.

[@paulmeixner7445]

This was my favorite scene. No dialogue, just... Frakes, quietly giving us Riker in pain.

[@theITGuy-no3nt]

I could hear the 'awww, fuck me' in his head.

[@DanielAppleton-lr9eq]

@@paulmeixner7445 In one TNG novel, Geordi is REALLY PISSED AT Riker & considers him a shmuck.

[@DawnDavidson]

@@paulmeixner7445 Frakes is so brilliant as both actor and director. I came to realize that if he was listed in the credits as something in addition to being an actor, this was likely to be an excellent episode. He gave us many of the best episodes when he was behind the camera instead of in front, too. Talented man.

[@FFMgamingtv]

Riker's look of self disgust after his 'Pinocchio' stunt is so much more meaningful when you remember that purposefully turning someone off is just about the most out of character thing Riker could ever do.

[@jackabug2475]

XD I see what you did there!

[@1D991]

What gets me is humans can also be "turned off" via anasthetics - chemical signals rather than electrical but I think analogous - so it's hardly an argument

[@nonnobis2232]

​@@1D991 or Vulcan nerve pinch

[@SpiritOfWanderlust]

No disassemble! God, I love your sense of humor, Steve. Just sneaking those little reference jokes 80% of the internet is too young to catch all calmly and nonchalantly, not drawing any attention to them, just letting them be there because if you know, you know.

[@Kairamek]

Data 5 is a alive.

[@buckarooholiday]

Data 5 alive!

[@idontwritecomments]

More input!

[@MisstressSamantha]

5 alive

[@alexpage4355]

Mass Data!

[@danblanks3190]

This is not just the best courtroom episode. I consider it the best ST:TNG episode with Inner Light close behind it. Supposedly, the term "slavery" wasn't in the original script. During one of the table readings, Whoopie Goldberg said, "This is about slavery." There was a moment of silence as that sunk in. The writers realized, yes, that's exactly what they were talking about. And if they didn't realize it, Picard wouldn't either unless Guinan made it clear to him. At no point did the episode involve the warp drive, the transporter, the shields, the phasers, or the photon torpedoes. You could have presented it as a play on a stage. As always, an excellent commentary, Steve. And the description of Data and Tasha's, um, interlude was...fascinating.

[@userasdf]

Whoopie hasn't always been great but her actions for this episode were amazing. This is definitely my favourite TNG episode.

[@DawnDavidson]

It’s a great episode, for sure.

[@Vulcanerd]

Yep! Easily one of the best episodes of all time and my gf at the time got me this on vhs as the first Trek episode I owned on any media.

[@majuuorthrus3340]

It reminded me of that bit in the Discworld book Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett, where Granny Weatherwax tells the young priest Mightily Oates "And sin, young man, is when you treat people as things." And follows it up with "People as things, that's where it starts." Like, the evils of slavery - and particularly American chattel slavery - go far beyond the idea of treating people like things, but it starts because under the law, slaves were considered things, not people.

[@AndrewD8Red]

See, if the Enterprise computer says "wait, I don't wanna be upgraded... and I don't want to fly into the dangerous thing" I don't think the crews first response would be "OH SHIT KILL IT!" They'd probably say "wow, the ship's alive... let's figure this out." Because Starfleet isn't in the business of murdering a new life form for the convenience of others. Tuvix? Never heard of 'em.

[@kevinkeeney9418]

There was a much later episode where they eventually helped the computer make a baby once they realized what was going on.

[@RictusHolloweye]

Tuvix existed at the expense of two other people and the possibility of reversing that situation existed. Janeway made a command decision to order a subordinate to accomplish a task despite the fact they would not survive that task (standing on the transporter) in order to save the lives of two other crewmates. Such command decisions are not exactly unusual in the RL military. Tuvix should have resigned, or pointed out that he never enlisted in the first place. He would have survived the episode by doing that.

[@AndrewD8Red]

@@RictusHolloweye Nah, he didn't survive pleading for his life, he wouldn't have survived resigning. Also, if it was "needs of the many" Janeway wouldn't have let him resign.

[@RictusHolloweye]

@ - Perhaps so. I probably should avoid making categorical predictions.

[@slipstick985]

When it first aired, I thought, "If the Enterprise computer didn't want upgrade, I would certainly ask him why."

[@DarthJ1977]

The last scene between Data and Riker almost brings me to tears every time - my situation was different, of course, but I had friends who took actions that hurt them on my behalf, without my knowledge at the time. They were really scared of how I would feel when it was revealed; but I remembered this episode and was able to come at the situation from a place they didn't expect.

[@eldebo99]

I do like the little part where Riker motions for the computer to skip announcing Data's accolades and Picard objects, "Nah, I want this read. All of it."

[@SeanTBarrett]

It's an homage to the same thing happening in Kirk's Court Martial.

[@jordanrhea1504]

"Thank you, friendly robot man" really got me good. Thank you, friendly flesh man.

[@DanielAppleton-lr9eq]

They didn't treat Data's " daughter " Lal much better later in " The Offspring ".

[@krazyglue60]

@@DanielAppleton-lr9eq On the contrary, if I recall correctly, Maddox actually worked alongside Data to try and SAVE Lal. And when she had cascading failures (died), he didn’t ask for her broken parts (remains) for analysis (post-mortem); something I think he absolutely would have done prior to this episode. He was simultaneously in awe of Data and completely wrecked by the experience, and didn’t even presume to ask for her body. Maddox was a changed man.

[@AndrewD8Red]

Another video and another affirmation that Steve is person worthy and deserving of endless respect. I believe there are more people in the USA like him than not, in spite of what a certain heavily manipulated election would suggest.

[@jamesphillips4599]

The election was NOT heavily manipulated. Yes, Gerrymandering is a thing. But Trump won the popular vote by 2.3 MILLION votes. There was no widespread fraud, no ballot stuffing, no real instances of funny business on any large scale. JUST LIKE IN 2020. The difference is that in 2024 a majority of Americans voted for TRUMP. That needs to be owned.

[@Fishhooks]

The comedy punches up a class in this video, Steve. "Formally declares 'No disassemble'" and the Tasha/Data sex descriptions made me quite literally laugh out loud. Nicely done!

[@ThePlayTyperGuy]

Back in my more militant liberal days, it annoyed me that Data would later befriend Maddox (e.g. “Data’s Day”), but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that essential Star Trek optimism remarkably compelling. Foes can become friends (as Worf’s very presence on the Enterprise demonstrates) and people can learn to grow past their prejudices. Yes, that seems more fantastical now than warp drive, but it still means a lot to me.

[@Peter-vf3dl]

However let us not forget this happens on Data's terms. I think, that is the fundamental issue: Foes can become friends, however in many cases this can only happen, if one side actually accepts its (moral) misdemeanor unconditionally and tries to improve. This step and growth however takes so much effort and self reflection plus in many cases (objective) losses (financially and/or status), that it is reserved to utopian tropes. Although, Steve brought it up, however I think it is in fact weird that a science officer like Maddox would exist in Star Trek society. It is very odd, since humanity's genetics department had been shut down without any further a do (according to Next Gen canon at least). The approach of Maddox seemed always very sus, too sus for me to make him a believable & well respected scientist. Overall & considering the series as a whole, not how Star Fleet would operate. He is clearly a stand-in for this edgy whatever-we-can-do-we-will-do-type of scientist.

[@krenzer1]

"...and people can learn to grow past their prejudices. Yes, that seems more fantastical now than warp drive" Well stated. Sad truth though.

[@capn_boxfort]

"if you don't want to know if people should have rights..." Lol holy shit 😢

[@GeekFilter]

I learned last week that the woman who plays the JAG officer… she wrote the song The Rose. 🌹 She also sang in an episode MASH

[@jpolowin0]

She's a good singer and pianist. I have several of her CDs.

[@DawnDavidson]

Really? That’s cool! Really great song. 🌹

[@GeekFilter]

@@jpolowin0 cool! I’ll have to look into that.

[@davidpumpkinsjr.5108]

"No disassemble. " I like the quick Short Circuit reference. I want to see a meeting between Data, Johnny 5, Chip Carson and Vicki Larson. They could all talk about how they hate M3GAN.

[@irishdc9523]

I remember Legal Eagle (a lawyer who has a KZbin channel) gave a review of this episode for how accurate it is from the point of view of an American court system. He rated it a C+. The bad side is you have the equivalent of a JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer trying to set a precedent in civilian law when JAG officers work in matters regarding military law (laws that govern the conduct of military servicemen and women, not the same as martial law) so this is judicial overreach. Whether or not Starfleet allows androids to serve as enlisted personnel doesn't matter. The UFP is a civilian government that Starfleet serves and is subordinate to as its military. Data's personhood would need to be judged in a civilian court The good sides were this is an accurate depiction of hostile witnesses in court who are witnesses whose pre-trial testimony contradicts the defense or is being openly antagonistic. When a witness is declared hostile, they can be asked leading questions (think "The driver was speeding 20mph over the speed limit, right?" vs "How fast would you say the driver was going?"). Another good side is there are good objections, arguments and overrules that would be realistically applied in a real life court. He paid particular note to Picard's opening by narrowing down what he's arguing. He's not going to dispute Data is a machine, he's disputing whether or not Data is a person or property

[@jackabug2475]

That was a great review too!

[@mikecaetano]

Was the JAG trying to set a precedent in civilian law or seeking a determination within military law regarding Data's right to resign from the service? Star Fleet's uniform code is probably quite different from the US-UCMJ. At the memory-alpha fansite the entry for the Starfleet Uniform Code of Justice contains the following detail: "Starfleet code 8514 referred to granting political asylum. It read: 'In extraordinary and extreme circumstances, if the following conditions are met: (1.) Any person fleeing persecution or fearing for their life due to political or religious beliefs, cultural engagements or biological truths may, (2.) Seek safety within Starfleet, and (3.) Upon revealing themselves to authorities and making a request, may be granted asylum. Status is confirmed by a Starfleet tribunal or designated authority.'" The general spirit of the passage providing safe harbor to those persecuted for biological truths as well as the last line about who resolves the status of such persons seem pertinent to the issues you raise with the episode.

[@kaitlyn__L]

The funny thing is, the episode was written by an attorney! Surely, she'd've known every one of the issues Legal Eagle raises as she was writing it. But I honestly respect that she was able to drop some of the procedural accuracy, when she thought it served the drama better to do something different.

[@ElysiaWhitemoonOmega]

wait, so set is in our time: if a colonel comes into an army barracks and asks a black solder to come with him because he is property of the military and is gonna be disected. is that really a civilian case? if yes, than why did that KAG show had some many episodes when they trial a soldier. the murder had not always to do with the military, the murderer just happened to be a soldier, so if the JAG show can trial a soldier by JAG just because they are a soldier, why cant starfleet?

[@irishdc9523]

@ElysiaWhitemoonOmega Technically yes because the military is subordinate to the civilian authority. But the thing is that due to the regimented lives soldiers live, they are required to obey orders from their superiors. They can refuse certain kinds of orders though, hence why the military has its own legal code, but there is a reason why vaccines more often than not tend to be tested on soldiers first. It's also why it was even more significant for soldiers refusing the COVID vaccine at the time than civilians

[@teddyd633]

After watching your review of The Measure of a Man, I decided to see it again for the thousandth time. As the episode started, I remembered watching the premiere of this episode as a kid. I was filled with dread that this could be the end of Data (I was about nine years old at the time), but in the end, I was so relieved that the goodness of man prevailed. And over the years I was misled to think that most people who were raised with the values that Trek demonstrated had learned the truths that were put forth. Now returning to this episode all I could do was cry for that 9 year old kid thinking this is what the future will be like.

[@teddyd633]

I wonder if we make a room full of racist homophobic sexist bigoted assholes who watch this and To Kill a mocking bird and also 12 angry men how many would change their ways or be willing to change?

[@John73John]

I hope Steve keeps the politics in his Star Trek videos. Seriously, thank you for all you do. It may seem like the bad guys have won, but they haven’t. The only way they win is if we give up.

[@jackabug2475]

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."

[@spiffyspaceman]

Indeed. "When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail." - Pearl S. Buck

[@MrRovers1984]

Star trek is politics. People who talk about trek going woke clearly havnt watched Trek before Discovery. It asks questions about who we are, where we are going as a species. That's what great star trek does.

[@itsOasus]

I always suspected that when Data talked about the last time he had sex in Star Trek First Contact that he was 100% talking about fucking with Tasha.

[@ferlessleedr]

In later seasons there was an episode where he and some other officer that we had never seen before were in a romantic relationship, it was never specified how far it got physically but it's also possible he was talking about her.

[@ZoeMalDoran]

@@ferlessleedr ok, working backwards eight and a half years from First Contact it can only have been Tasha in season 1. His one-episode relationship withJenna D'Sora was season... 4 I think, so it doesn't match up

[@siamac7705]

@@ZoeMalDorandelightfully geeky conversation about data’s sex life! 😂

[@ProgressiveRoxx]

I wonder if Gainan's "disposable people" argument would have had the impact it did on the audience if it had been delivered by a white actor? I remember watching it as a child, and it was like I suddenly realised that this alien bartender was in fact played by a black woman with personal experience with racism and the legacy of slavery. Some may think it was heavy handed, I think it was necessary to make the point. Also, bonus points to Steve for the Short Circuit references.

[@Kairamek]

When you asked if this was the best courtroom episode, my immediate thought was "it's tied with The Drumhead." I see we're on the same page.

[@BS-vx8dg]

*OUCH!* (7:37) "Maybe if he was a clone or something . . . " Oh, man, oh man, Riker just got slapped so, so hard.

[@BeccaRyy]

This is one of the iconic episodes I show to non-trekkies. And yes, I put in the Blu Ray and queue up the extended edition! So many amazing lines that still apply just as much

[@pokepress]

I remember the ads made a big deal about this episode when it came to Blu-Ray.

[@kevinbaird6705]

6:30 "His friends have gathered" -> "His friends and Dr. Pulaski have gathered"

[@jackabug2475]

The plural of datum is not date-'em...

[@kaitlyn__L]

Hey now, Pulaski's come round at this point! Soon she sometimes even starts defending him against Geordi's and Picard's assumptions...

[@AjaxAlexander]

Been binging your videos and didn't realize that you only just released this one, immediately searched for a video on The Drumhead; it's one of my favorite TNG episodes and I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on it!

[@krazyglue60]

Ooooooo! I’ve been waiting for this one! Can’t wait to watch it!! UPDATE: Every bit as good and thoughtful as I’ve come to expect from you. 👏🏻 I do want to point out one other really great scene in this episode. You mentioned Riker was effective for the prosecution because he’d done his homework. But the scene where we actually see him doing that research is, in my opinion, close to perfect. When Riker gets access to Data’s schematics - something that requires elevated access, by the way - and discovers Data’s emergency off switch, the look on his face is at first triumphant. You see the wheels turning as he realizes what the implications are and what a powerful argument it will be. He smiles broadly. It’s clear that Riker loves to win. And in the next instant, his expression changes to one of anguish as he remembers what winning this argument means, sees what a violation it is to “shut off” his friend, and that by doing it to win his case, Data could lose not only his freedom but his life. Without saying a word, Jonathan Frakes is able to convey the inner turmoil Riker is feeling in a few brief seconds, and demonstrates the depth of their friendship. It’s a very brief scene, but it conveys so much about his character. And his turmoil continues in the courtroom. He whispers an apology to Data before removing his arm, then states aloud that Data’s hardware and software were designed and built by a man. “And now…” Riker hesitates, but knows what he must do. “And now a man will shut it off.” His hesitation is so powerful because we’re reminded of that previous scene, and it brings home just how wrong the situation feels to him.

[@Kyronea]

"Well there it sits!" is one of Picard's most powerful lines, and helped define his speeches. And I wish more people would listen to the intent behind it, and not just quote it like goofy nerds.

[@st.anselmsfire3547]

There are two kinds of Star Trek fans, and this episode splits them. Type 1 looks at an episode like this and notes the subtext and deeper meaning, and sees how the lessons apply to our modern world. They look at the imperfections of this perfect society and ask what it all means to our own deeply flawed society, and how we can do better. Will we become the Federation or the Empire? The Borg? Who are we and what will we become? Is it true that all you need to know about a society is how they treat the least among them? Type 2 watches this and says, "Ooh! Robots go 'BRRR'! Maddox is a dick! Data and Yar fucked! Hurr-hurr!"" And that is why the Fandom is so insane right now.

[@jackabug2475]

To be fair, fandom has always involved a degree of madness. "Fan" _is_ short for "fanatic" after all. But yes, as Steve would say, the fans you call type 2 need to grow up or GTFO.

[@paulhammond6978]

I mean, we're all a bit Type 2, aren't we? We all had a lot of fun with Steve's graphic description of why Tasha was so special to Data didn't we?

[@kyleethekelt]

Oh, this is a cracking piece. Substitute the Trek references for any fandom you like and you have just neatly and succinctly described the current state of fandom - any fandom. 👏👏

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

The Legal Eagle on KZbin reacted to this episode and said that since Data did indeed go to starfleet Academy and rose through the ranks of the fleet it should be a no brainer that is indeed an independent person. Also when they do eventually create more androids like him in Star trek: Picard, they treat them as property rather than as people as was supposed to be established in this episode.

[@Contevent]

That's the thing, the judge refuses to rule that Data is a sentient being impossible to own. She just dismisses Madox.

[@ayandarial4874]

I don't have a ton of love for Star Trek: Picard, but I actually liked how it handled that whole thing, I guess because as part of a group who are currently at risk of having their rights legislated way its good to see it acknowledged that court rulings and little victories are ignored and undone all the time by people with selfish goals. Civil rights are things you have to fight for constantly and forever.

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

@@Contevent another annoying thing when Riker refused to act as lawyer so she said they would have to go with her original ruling. That's sheer F@#king bs. If he doesn't want to represent Maddox based on reasonable grounds, you'll just have to find someone else. Even if it takes weeks, you have to be patient since court cases take time.

[@SupremeFenix274]

The ones in Picard didn't have Data's level of complexity or awareness. Not that they were around for long enough to find out. They were basically a plot contrivance to get things going.

[@ayandarial4874]

@@SupremeFenix274 fair enough, I think that's what's frustrating with Picard though, they had good ideas poked them slightly then sort of got scared and did the most boring thing they could. Like the final season I was kind of hype to see what had happened with the dominion, what kind of trauma persisted from the war so on, but instead we got... TNG fanservice I guess?

[@skittles7306]

Beautifully said. Could I also point out that Data's fight to be considered a person doesn't end. No matter how helpful he is. No matter how kind he is. Consider Lal's death (which I still blame Admiral Haftel for) or Data's mistreatment on the Sutherland during the Klingon Civil War. 🥹🥹🥹

[@ArbitraryEverything]

One of the wildest parts of the episode for was when Riker forewarned he was going to take off Data's arm and Picard immediately objected, and then sat back down when he couldn't justify his objection. I'm pretty sure the literal dismemberment of the defense is in breach of some sort of court rules.

[@MalzraAirwynn]

I absolutely love starfleet's rules here forcing PIcard and Riker into those positions. "Conflict of interests? Never heard of those!"

[@StevenJBen]

I hear a lot of trekkies tell new fans to just skip the first two seasons of TNG because the show doesn't get good until season 3. I think a lot of them have forgotten how many good episodes are actually in season 2.

[@jacebales2951]

Nah. No one should skip even Season 1, to be honest...if for no other reason than Encounter at Farpoint. Sure, it in itself isn't a very good episode overall, but having watched it really enhances the effect of All Good Things...which is one of the best Star Trek episodes ever produced.

[@queue1312]

​@@jacebales2951I think only watching parts of season 2, and later revisiting season 1 and 2 as a whole when you've given someone a taste of good trek is fair. Plus I think mocking the clunkers of plots and dialogue of star trek is part of the fun of being a fan.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

It's completely fair to still just skip *THAT* episode, right? You know which one.

[@conniedavies5459]

"...pull it out of her and plug it into the wall...oh, the imagery! Thanks for the belly laugh, Steve. After what's been going on these past couple of weeks, I needed that!

[@neocelestia]

I love the last section of this review so much! Bravo Steve for taking a beloved episode and using it to illustrate some vitally important points that not enough people bother to listen to imo. Well done sir!

Me representing Data (In under five minutes): Q: Was Data built by Starfleet? A: No. Q: Was Data built for or on behalf of Starfleet? A: No. Q: Was Data purchased by or given to Starfleet? A: No. Q: How did Data come to serve in Starfleet? A: He enlisted in Starfleet Academy. Q: Of his own volition? The same as everyone else? A: Yes. Q: Was Data given his current rank? A: No. He earned it through advancement. Q: The same as everyone else? A: Yes. Q: Given the previous answers; in what way, shape or form does Starfleet have the right to treat and consider Data as a piece of property without any rights to self determination? A: None whatsoever. Case dismissed. [Gavel bang]

[@nantekneo]

BAM

[@DonDueed]

Logical. Flawlessly logical. In the context of this episode, however, it would still mean Data would have to resign from Starfleet, unless his transfer was canceled.

Of course I consent that if the matter were to be resolved in such a swift and resounding manner the characters would have to find something else to do for the odd forty-something remaining minutes. Maybe we could see Picard get some judge time with his old flame?

[@AndrewD8Red]

Q: Can Data rip Maddox's arms and legs off like a Wookie that just lost a game of Monster Chess? A: Yes. Q *_WILL_* Data rip Maddox's arms and legs off like a Wookie that just lost a game of Monster Chess? A: Yes. **bloodbath ensues** Case dismissed.

[@elicoats]

Yes! THAT is what was bothering me throughout this story but couldn't quite put my finger on it: Starfleet has no claim on him whatsoever. Thank you for exposing every angle of that in your legal argument.

[@AZFlyingCook]

Two callbacks - *TWO* - to "Short Circuit". I wish I had the psychic fortitude to watch your non-Star-Trek videos but it is so satisfying to get an actual review of an excellent episode sprinkled with enough laughs to keep it from being just a monologue. Thank you, Steve ❤

[@TaraCicora]

Your humor just added a whole other level to this episode.

[@misti-step]

12:31 oh my god the "THERE IT SITS" moment gets me misty eyed every time, even in your recap 😂

[@eldridgebrown3907]

Fantastic Video! Love your take. You are absolutely right. Data is the stand in for all the real people that should be treated equally, and yet are not. I was chatting with a group about ST in FB conversation on a post about history. And I brought up that ST does have the power to affect working towards a better future. But a lot of people regularly need reminders. But from the very first season of TOS, MLK Jr. told Nichelle Nichols that she HAD to stay on the show. So that people could see a black woman as an officer on the bridge of a ship with something to contribute to the whole. That he was calling Nichols a "vital role model", King compared her work on the series to the marches of the ongoing civil rights movement. And she did make a huge difference. Damn, Steve. You do really good analysis.

[@benjiskyler7836]

In the poker games of "Measure of a Man" and "The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1", Riker's hole card is the 2 of spades. Both poker games are subtlely relevant to the greater plots of those episodes, but have different outcomes that indicate a bit of character development. Wesley has a winning hand, but folds despite Data's warning that Riker might be bluffing. Commander Shelby then wins the hand by calling Riker's bluff.

[@kenschmidt4542]

One of my absolute favorite episodes. And another fantastic review, Steve. Thanks.

[@ferlessleedr]

Data spilling the tea on the details of exactly how fully functionally he's programmed had me cackling

[@veronicado1016]

😂😂😂

[@Etchacritic]

I mean if it was me, I’d still be talking about it too…

[@reignfire85]

Masterful analysis and moving thoughts, Steve. Slavery is bullshit. Discrimination is bullshit. People are people.

[@happyninja42]

This episode was one of my first experiences with the idea of artificial intelligence as an actual sentient being. I mean I'd read plenty of scifi stuff, seen star wars and whatnot, but this episode was directly about actually considering them as living beings, who had rights. Yes the episode uses them as a stand-in for real life groups, but it's also a really good episode about trying to tackle the eventual real rights that some being like that will hopefully have. And how will we treat them? It helped me to solidify my personal position about the nebulous concept of sentience, and how I'll try to not judge living beings based on them not having "a soul" as the judge phrases it in this episode. I have no idea what sentience technically is, we can try and define it, but we're biased about it, and can use that definition to so easily "Other" different living creatures. And we shouldn't do that.

[@athane8358]

This Episode is a good example of how Guinan should have been Counsellor Troi....providing sound advice to the crew and wisdom seemingly beyond her years.

[@athane8358]

This episode also illustrates how simple it is to have the "wrong view" on social issues. Its not that you hold any special hatred in your heart, its just you have not thought of a specific example or seen the issue in a way that makes it resonate. Data's example to Picard about forcing the crew to all get visors put the issue in a context he recognized. There is a moral lesson here about trying to think about social issues in a relatable frame of mind.

[@Vulcanerd]

Riker declares during (Steve's) recounting of Data's relationship with Tasha, "Risa!! When the clothes fell!"

[@gregortonn]

I really appreciate your comical and often thought provoking episode plot synopses Steve. Not just for this video, but for all the videos you have provided us over the years. Thank you for the hours of entertainment and art. I look forward to many more years of your content.

[@patrickdodds7162]

Whenever anyone brings up the old saw about how there was no conflict between the characters on TNG, I point to this episode (though Riker is forced by circumstances in this case), or "The Loss", "Ethics", "The First Duty" and a whole host of others. There was most definitely conflict between the TNG characters, but it was about important things not just a bunch of petty squabbling. I'd love to make a sizzle reel of conflict between TNG characters just to have a link to send someone who says that mindless cliche online.

[@robertlackey5845]

Steve, I know you're not a Picard (show, not character) fan, but when we see the lesser, non-sentient androids on Mars we see exactly what Picard was predicting. We see how the humans treat the androids, and the ease with which the Zhat Vash hijack their programming shows how the kernel of what makes Data Data was totally stripped away to be nothing more than tools. Maddox eventually got what he wanted.

[@talon262]

And Mars and the Utopia Planitia fleet yards were laid waste because of that selfish shortsightedness.

[@Kinsfire]

This episode had one of the best acting scenes I have ever seen in just about ANY show - and it's not that wonderful speech at the end. It's how Jonathon Frakes told an entire story in one scene without ever speaking a word. He's looking through Data's specs and comes across that OFF switch. You watch his face, and he has that "YES!" moment. "I found it!" And then he realizes exactly what that realization means - that he's basically just murdered his friend. And you watch his face go from exultation to despair. No words needed because the man can actually ACT. You felt what he felt in those moments. And despite what some people think, that's damned hard to do. Most other shows would have used words to get the point across, but Frakes sold it in two minutes with just his face. And that conversation about Data near the end could ONLY have been delivered by Guinan, if only because of the actress. Using Deanna Troi wouldn't have worked anywhere near as well. Using a black actress to remind you about slavery?

[@Peter-vf3dl]

It is because Guinan would have been - not only in that episode - the far superior Counselor. Troi is a hackfraud. Only in the show because of her looks and purpose of a love interest for Riker. Guinan is way more experienced (= better suited for the actual "job description"), - ironically - empathetic and overall likeable than Troi.

[@Kinsfire]

@@Peter-vf3dl Agreed - Guinan was a better thought out character in my mind. But I honestly think that the only other actor who could have been used in that scene would have LeVar Burton. It NEEDED the line to be delivered by a black actor to have the stronger impact, even if some in the viewing audience wouldn't immediately realize it. And Geordi wasn't really a fitting choice for the scene, it had to be Guinan, and one of the better episode of the series came to be, in part because of her.

[@STSKSP]

Wooooo! This is the episode I showed my wife 10 years ago to get her into Trek! Thanks for the vid Steve.

[@hartman.4744]

"No disassemble" 😂. Number 5 is alive. 👏

[@secularsoldier8585]

I like the fact that you are tying the morality of STNG to modern times. It’s like people forgot or something. Keep it up!

[@Etchacritic]

I think the hearing is fairly realistic, given that humanity had this big break from law and order for a couple centuries. It’s like us trying to replicate a medieval peasant’s life today. We get tons of stuff wrong because we mostly only have the records of what rich and powerful people said about them.

[@Curelax]

8:45 ok to be fair... He was warned that if he tried to pull his punches or 'throw' the hearing to help Data, Maddox would be handed the win too He did need to go that hard because his arguments for why Maddox might be right needed to be genuine and convincing

[@mrb.5610]

'Tis true my form is something odd But blaming me is blaming God, Could I create myself anew, I would not fail in pleasing you. If I could reach from pole to pole, Or grasp the oceans with a span, I would be measured by the soul, The mind's the standard of a man'. Joseph Merrick aka The Elephant Man

[@rocintervention]

This the realest one you ever wrote Steven... Peace! Upstate Rochester, NY 💯

[@jonathancomisiak2863]

Definitely one of the best Star Trek episodes, and it is still relevant today.

[@debbiebannister32]

You do have a gift and yes you have a great sense of humor

[@joshuadunn2]

The Tasha Yar bit...🤣

[@antoniosagamuccio7370]

This was a decent episode with one fatal flaw. What was supposed to be settled law for the Federation (by a single, surprisingly low ranking officer) at the end of the episode, apparently it was not. Later in the series when Data decides to "have a baby", the Federation bears it's ugly racist/bigot roots again, and claims Data had to ask them first (not required of humans), and that he has to turn the "child" over to the Federation (also not required of humans). They must have thought we had short memories.

[@jriggan]

Thank You, Friendly Robot-Man 💫🤖

[@javiergoffman4992]

Great chapter, great reflection. Saludos 🥂

[@simonm6156]

This is easily the best coutroom episode, and I am so happy to hear you review it. This is the episode that made me want to become a lawyer, and I watch it any time I need motivation in the depths of hell that are law school. This episode and author, author are ones I bring up often in conversations around AI and regulation, because we could hypothetically get to the point where the issue in this episode becomes a real one. Really looking forward to your review of author, author, despite your distaste of voyager, because questions about AI created works and copyright are really a hot-button issue in my world (even if it is an analogy, lol)

[@slipstick985]

D. J. Stone on Legal Eagle tore this up. Appointing a prosecutor who can't give sincere action violates a fundamental principal of law. I told a friend, "If Kirk was here, it wouldn't that quiet. He would tell her to heigh herself to the Coal Sack nebula & put her laws where the stars don't shine."

[@sasjhwa]

"You think touching Data and turning him off proves he's not alive? Dr. Selar report to the conference room. I need you to do that Vulcan touch thing on Riker's neck. Turn him off as easily as he turned Data off and prove he's not alive."

[@Charlesfernandez0]

I approve of the extreme raunchiness 😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheThunderbirdRising]

Best courtroom episodes have gotta be either this one or the one from Strange New Worlds

[@EugeneGM1]

Patrick Stewart's delivery of the line about new life being right there gets me every single time. I always thought this episode was the best Star Trek episode. Always shocking it came so early in the run.

[@frazerx01]

I thought about my own comment and the fact that Data could have called security from his quarters, and in my mind it goes like this: Data calls Security and says to Worf " Lt. Worf, please put Cmdr. Maddox under arrest" And Worf's like "Sir?" And Data says " He invaded my quarters and privacy without permission. He also tries to take my freedom as an individual and called me a Robot Man." Worf: "To the brig, with pleasure Sir!" Maddox throws a tantrum at Worf "No, you can't do this! I have rights!" And Worf just smiles and thinks to himself "Oh please resist so that i 'accidentally' break your arm."

[@kchunda]

Hahaha “No disassemble!”

[@markalitheapprenticehacker]

i really like the way you recap old TNG episodes

[@Jehayland]

“She ran my batteries down to the red” nearly killed me 😂😂 I had to pause the video 🤣 🤣

[@rmeddy]

"Objection I wanna hear more!" LMAO Yeah this is one of those great episodes that suffers from some logical issues when you think about too much, similarly to Inner light I always thought this is one of those things that should've come up since the academy and also everything you bought up in that bit you did about Starfleet Lawyers, which I think could be reasonably explained away. Yeah Maddox is on the shortlist of fictional characters than can get you actually mad, up there with Kivas Fajo and Alixus For all the issues i have with it, this episode is nothing short of a masterpiece imo, it's not only a great message and conversation starter about legal and moral philosophy but an excellent piece of worldbuilding, that addresses a bunch of questions about the Trek universe.

[@Ghostie.]

10:38 You are indeed a mad man.😂 "pull it outta her and plug it into the wall" That line almost stopped my heart, I was not ready.

[@yensid4294]

Equal Rights is more than just being allowed to exist, it means having legally acknowledged rights including bodily autonomy & protections from oppression or infringement of those rights under the law. People have had to fight for these rights over & over again. In Star Trek the mainly human crew might be over racial biases but not *human* biases where humans are thought of as the default lifeform deserving of human rights. In Trek, you see how we as humans are challenged to make room for more lifeforms in an inclusive society.

[@Drcherylevansjoness]

You bring up such an insightful point! Star Trek really does highlight the importance of inclusivity and the struggles that come with breaking down biases-both within humanity and towards other life forms. It’s amazing how the show challenges viewers to reflect on how we can do better in real life when it comes to equality. Do you think we’re making progress in these areas today, or do we still have a long way to go? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[@DrLilo]

Lmao at the "not really that close" line, he got me with that one 😂

[@willtor]

Such a beautiful episode. We talk about needing more of these kinds of attitudes in the real world -- I think we need more expression of these ideas in popular fiction. We need hopeful visions of the future. We need something to aspire to.

[@Andy_Who]

Bravo good Sir! One of my all time fav episodes and your breakdown really moved me. I couldn't agree more about the importance of exploring moral narratives in today's discourse. It's crucial that we continue to examine and discuss the complexities of human nature and the choices we face. This is one of the more poignant and symbolic reviews I've seen on your channel or anywhere else. Keep up the great work.

[@JeremyThomas-j4p]

Star Trek was ahead of its time , and right on time which is both impressive and scary at the same time. I love watching your reviews of these episodes Steve.

[@augiegirl1]

21:23 Those unconscious biases are the main reason I believe that Penalties in Sports (specifically football) should be reviewable. When Nebraska joined the Big 10 in 2011, our coach, Bo Pelini, was very “outspoken”. I believe that his conduct helped to plant the seeds of disdain in many of the Big 10 officials, resulting in Nebraska FREQUENTLY getting more penalties than our opponents.

[@metallinguist]

One of my favorite episodes in the franchise! Great vid!

[@Waffletigercat]

Well said, Steve. I’ve seen some people criticize this episode for not being very accurate to real court proceedings, but that view always upsets me. The actual proceedings are not the point. The messages about human rights are the point. And this episode delivers very strongly.

[@Jcewazhere]

Johhny 5 is Alive!

[@lapsedpacifist800]

I love the Johnny Five references one of my favorite movies when I was a kid

[@DawnDavidson]

Number 5 is ALIVE!

[@danielj.nickolas]

Picard saying “there it sits” is one of my favorite moments in all of Trek.

[@graemebart6818]

This episode has always been one of TNG's finest. I find it interesting, given his position, how Maddox has seemingly not considered the question of machine sentience going into this. Perhaps he is blinded by ambition. One could point out that it is a product of its time, although concepts like the Turing test were not new even then (I'm not sure how/whether that fits into modern concepts of AI tbf). Then again, I've had contemporary conversations with some who have balked at the concept of personhood for an artificial intelligence.

[@boxybrown6900]

I wish there was a JAG Star Trek series.

[@renatocorvaro6924]

You say Measure of a Man was the first truly excellent episode of TNG (and it *is* probably the best episode of the season, at least), but it's immediately preceded by A Matter of Honor, which was also excellent (though not *as* excellent).

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

"First they came for the androids..."

[@michaelcherry8952]

I have to say, Star Trek writing (no matter which series or movie you're talking about) is like the "Little girl with the little curl right in the middle of her forehead". When it is good, it is VERY, VERY good! And when it is bad, it is HORRID!!😉 "The Measure of a Man" is one of my top TNG episodes. It falls into the "very, very good" category. When you consider the massive amount of writing that has been done over the time of the Star Trek franchise, it's actually quite amazing (and encouraging) that you find so many good, very good and excellent episodes. Thank you for this analysis. I really enjoyed your insights (and sarcasm!)

[@tayetrotman]

I like that you make the point about civil rights having to be constantly fought for Steve, it’s not taken seriously enough. Rights are, ultimately an abstract concept, and not everyone agrees on what rights we are entitled to, and under what conditions we are entitled to them. Even amongst the most left wing of us, I imagine that if you took the time to talk to people you’d find areas of disagreement. As such, we always have to work to maintain the those rights we want for ourselves and others. While rights specific to women and minority groups are those most embattled by this in the western world, this is true for all of us, and times could easily change such that currently non-controversial rights such as our right to a trial or our right to vote could suddenly become so. In the west your rights are safer as a white straight cis male than as a black woman or a gay man, but that doesn’t make them safe. Data probably thought his personhood was safe too, prior to this episode.

[@Dusios]

I was about to google "Steve Shives the drumhead" just prior to your last couple of sentences. I can't wait.

[@simonmoody8400]

Damn, but the 'tractor' bit made me laugh. Needed that right now. Good on you Steve

[@Indimion1]

I always found one argument missing from this episode. That Data willingly joined Starfleet, and I assume took an oath like any other officer, it should grant him all the rights of an officer. A Computer did not do that. It was designed for ship and that purposes. I’ve always had the impression that that was the only argument Picard needed.

[@mattyladd]

Belly laughed multiple times; SUCH A GOOD VIDEO! Great job, Steve :)

[@RWerksman]

I must know what 'Geording the place up" comprises of and some how start working it into day to day conversations.

[@SingularityOrbit]

Ever since somebody wrote that their god told them, "You shall not kill illegaly/immorally," humans have made an industry out of trying to answer the first question that leaped into their brains: "Wait, who _are_ we allowed to kill?" That's what we decided was the important question, as opposed to, say, "Is there a better way to handle disagreements than killing?" We have instincts and learned behaviors that don't serve us well as a community. When _Voyager_ gave us a storyline about how the other EMH programs were serving as slave labor in mines, I thought it absurd. "Come on, Trek writers! The Federation already learned this lesson from Data's trial." Except . . . humans are always splitting hairs, aren't we? We're always saying, "Well, if I can't do something bad to _this_ group, then what group _can_ I abuse?" We always forget the lesson, because these fatty brains in our heads break down as we age, and because the next generation of people always has to relearn the lessons their ancestors already learned. If we make it to the 24th century, we'll still need education to teach us about the ways we went wrong in history. When some future self-aggrandizing jerk says he needs "breathing room," somebody needs to be there to respond, "Earth, Hitler, 1938."

[@jaredlacy4805]

Possibly the best retro review episode to date! So good!