242. The Quality of LifeFORMULA: The Measure of a Man + Evolution + A Matter of Perspective
WHY WE LIKE IT: I guess the exocomps are... cute?
WHY WE DON'T: Set phasers to maudlin.
REVIEW: A lot of dull tech talk surrounds an ethical dilemma about small robots with goofy feet, and we're supposed to care because Data hopes not to be the only machine intelligence in the galaxy. And that's all well and fine, but since the exocomps can't talk, it doesn't matter HOW goofy their shoes are, we can't really relate to them, even when the predictable, noble sacrifice comes at the end. We're left with other people interpreting for them, and an antagonistic guest-star in the shape of Dr. Farallon. (If I were her, I'd stop beating the dead horse that is the particle fountain and cash my chips on having created life. Perspective, Doctor!)
I'd much rather watch any number of episodes where Data deals with the rights of mechanical beings and/or his own solitude (like The Offspring, for example) than the manufactured drama of him going against orders like this (you'd think the exocomps were Sarjenka or something). Riker is cast in the role of the stubborn superior officer, but he's smart enough to manipulate Data to get the result he wants (giving the 'comps the choice to endanger their lives).
The subplot scene isn't much better, centering on Geordi's beard (thankfully gone by next episode), with Crusher trying to win a hand of poker that will make the entire cast shave their beards off. Is it me, or is she way too disappointed when they're called away to a the bridge?
LESSON: If you want to abuse a slave race, make sure it's ugly.
REWATCHABILITY - Low: The Quality of Life isn't particularly bad, but it is so ordinary as to be boring at this point. We've seen Data fight this battle before, and more entertainingly.
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