The primary issue investigated in this episode is what separates life from machine, and if there is ever a point at which the two become indistinguishable from each other. At it's core, it is a very powerful and thought provoking discussion; however, the presentation of this discussion is infuriating in this episode.
Lt. Commander Data is initially described as a possession of Star Fleet and, as a result, lacks the ability to make choices to determine the course of his own existence; choices like resigning from Star Fleet. Captain Piccard is responsible for defending Data against this claim, but the inherent flaws in this claim are never addressed. Data was found on a distant planet after being created by Dr. Sung. He was allowed to enroll in Star Fleet Academy. He was required to undergo all of the same training and procedures as every other Star Fleet officer, and was treated much the same as other officers prior to this episode. He is explicitly compared to the computer of the Enterprise as a piece of property belonging to Star Fleet despite the fact that the two have never been treated the same prior to this episode. In fact, Data has been treated exactly the same as other humanoid officers within Star Fleet. He has been awarded medals for exemplary behavior, reprimanded for actions that jeopardize relations with other species, and expected to learn and grow as he experiences new, unfamiliar events, but suddenly, after serving in Star Fleet for years, he is now property. This is the infuriating aspect of this episode. This is a tremendously engaging and intriguing area of discussion, but to begin the episode with such overwhelming hypocrisy and flawed logic is tremendously disappointing. Ultimately, the episode concludes with the recognition of Star Fleet's inability to conclude authoritatively on Data's "humanity" which does redeem the episode a good deal, but it is not sufficient to remedy the failings of the first act.
Lt. Commander Data is initially described as a possession of Star Fleet and, as a result, lacks the ability to make choices to determine the course of his own existence; choices like resigning from Star Fleet. Captain Piccard is responsible for defending Data against this claim, but the inherent flaws in this claim are never addressed. Data was found on a distant planet after being created by Dr. Sung. He was allowed to enroll in Star Fleet Academy. He was required to undergo all of the same training and procedures as every other Star Fleet officer, and was treated much the same as other officers prior to this episode. He is explicitly compared to the computer of the Enterprise as a piece of property belonging to Star Fleet despite the fact that the two have never been treated the same prior to this episode. In fact, Data has been treated exactly the same as other humanoid officers within Star Fleet. He has been awarded medals for exemplary behavior, reprimanded for actions that jeopardize relations with other species, and expected to learn and grow as he experiences new, unfamiliar events, but suddenly, after serving in Star Fleet for years, he is now property. This is the infuriating aspect of this episode. This is a tremendously engaging and intriguing area of discussion, but to begin the episode with such overwhelming hypocrisy and flawed logic is tremendously disappointing. Ultimately, the episode concludes with the recognition of Star Fleet's inability to conclude authoritatively on Data's "humanity" which does redeem the episode a good deal, but it is not sufficient to remedy the failings of the first act.