Cross your fingers this episode stays up!! Please be cool Paramount!! 🤞🖖 If this gets removed, all my eps are still available on Patreon! 🖖 TNG Playlist: ru-vid.com/group/PLQHhQlj8i5dqskzLNqeSNyMGa1rBWe3h1 Original Series & Movies: ru-vid.com/group/PLQHhQlj8i5drsrCtQd-FDuZZ99vKlPTyZ
Popcorn in Bed is also suffering from problems with her TNG reactions. The Gallifrey Gals have had their TNG reactions to the entire 7 seasons up for ages now so they may be able to offer some advice.
Didn't know that you were having problems with keeping STTNG up. I hope they are not blocked because I am loving your heartfelt reactions to the show. Keep up the great work.
@@Paul-br Absolutely! Altough it is not my go to episode, "The Drumhead" is an excellent moral lesson, without demonizing any side of an argument (except, if you like pointless prosecutions and fearmongering. But if so, one has bigger issues, lol.)
@@nealsterling8151 Yeah I've got to admit that as a kid, Measure of a Man and The Drumhead didn't capture me, but as I got older, these are the episodes I remember fondly because there's a lesson in there and they make us think, it also resonants a lot with real life and things that are going on in society, which with how things are going in the world, we could do with more of these life lessons.
Star Trek is at it's very best when it's literally just people sitting in a room conversing about extenstensial/philosophical topics and this episode is the pinnacle of that.
We finally get a great payoff for them casting such strong actors for the series. Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Whoopi Goldberg and Jonathan Frakes really hit it out of the park here.
While giant space battles, explosions & even technobabble ARE enjoyable from time to time, I agree. Star Trek IS at its "best" when the 'Sci Fi' is the background/ setting/ ambiance, instead of the main focus of the episode. When the Core is something "deeper" and more intellectual.
I always loved that Data went to get Riker to bring him to the party. I also found it very touching when Picard said he didn't think Tasha would mind Data revealing his and Tasha's confidence under the circumstances. She absolutely would not mind.
This is the one that put TNG on the map as not just a pale copy of TOS but a proper show in its own right. This didn't launch its reputation into orbit, that was still to come, but it established a rock solid foundation.
Brent Spiner was interviewed about his role as Data and asked if the character had feelings. His reply was, "Data has always had feelings. Data is innocent."
Oddly, I'm pretty sure Pulaski was the first one to actually say that he had emotions, though she may have been snarking. (When she suggested he was butt hurt about how she pronounced his name.) Still, from the very beginning, he exhibited mild emotions.
One of the best episodes of Star Trek. Guinan helping Picard realise they are talking about slavery is powerful stuff. Beautifully written and performed by all involved. Top tier Trek.
It's what I like about Picard, he's not stubborn in sticking to a point, he's quick to realise if he is wrong when someone makes a good case against his view, Guinan made Picard realise the bigger implications of what is at stake, Picard at first worried about one of his officers and wanting to protect him, Guinan made him see the bigger picture that this is more about slavery than just protecting one officer.
Can we admire Engineer O'Brien's poker skills. (Without spoilers) They return to the poker game throughout the series. At various times he's playing against an android who can instantly run the potential of any hand. A command officer. A cyborg who can read his cards. An empath. A Klingon who doesn't like to lose. And the captain of his ship. He looks at all of them and decides "Finally, a challenge."
Reminds me of the incredible skills of another Star Trek engineer... Scotty's special skill was godlike toughness. He was the only guy on the whole crew who wore a red shirt and didn't die.
"Measure Of A Man" is not only one of the best TNG Episodes, but one of the most influential ST episodes ever. Its tendrils intertwine throughout the run of the Series and beyond.
The Measure of a Man is Star Trek at it's best, when it actually looks at the deeper issues that honestly can't be answered by science. When the JAG officer answers "Does he have a soul? Heck I don't know if I have one.", sums up one of the existential problems that philosophers have been arguing over for millenia.
First time I watched TNG all the way through, I was fully enamored by Patrick Stewart as Picard. A year or two later when I watched it again, I thought, "Holy sh!t, Data is awesome." Would love to know the number of times everyone would be dead if Data wasn't there. It would be a LOT.
This was the episode outside the norm, there was no murder, there was no mystery, and there was no intergalactic threat to overcome. This was a moment that would define a single character's existence for the rest of the series. We learn more about Data himself, that he has 'feelings' for his fellow crewmates, he experienced love and intimacy along with a broken heart, and he was in fear of losing his life and everything that made him who he was. Data-sentric episodes were some of the best episodes as far as I was concerned.
This is what Star Trek is, it is why it has endured in the hearts of fans for so long. When TNG gets good it's really good - you have some amazing stuff ahead of you. thank you for sharing your experience
Guinan is such a great character. A library of wisdom and a counsellor in an unofficial capacity. As she is used so sparingly, it makes her input all the more potent and I love that we know almost nothing about her.
Still blows my mind how Whoopi Goldberg was so ahead of the curve, agreeing to play a supporting character in a niche genre series whilst still having a well-regarded movie career going. Took other actors another 10-20 years to get the memo.
This for me I think has always the point where ST:TNG went from being an enjoyable series to being a genuinely brilliant one, not to say there weren't clunky or poor episodes along the way but this is for me where all the great writing starts. You've got so many episodes of this quality or better to look forward too.
Picard is the best Captain to ever sit on the bridge of a federation ship and this episode is yet another example of that. This is one of my favourite episodes of TNG
Measure of a Man is in my opinion one of the best episodes of any show on television. The problems explored in it will definitely be tackled in the future, maybe near future. I'm glad you are enjoying the series, I think I am with tons of others when I say, TNG is the best Star Trek show ever made.
I love Guinan's way of wording things in this episode...and of course, NOTHING beats Data's line when he says "We were...intimate." when referring to Tasha.
Here we go! "Measure Of A Man" - an important _TNG_ episode, when the show stopped trying to be _TOS 2.0_ & briefly evolved fully into the thoughtful, challenging, mature drama it would eventually become in Seasons 4-7. Also an early taste of _Trek_ at it's philosophical best in _DS9,_ _Voyager_ & beyond. Ep written by real life attorney & author Melinda Snodgrass.
I've broken wind in a courtroom more than the average cat. (Rookie police year 1982 Texas, retired 2016 Nottingham England)...the one-two punch Pickard missed was: If Data is property, it means Star Fleet needs to show its "title," how much latinum did they pay? None? Oh...ok...where did you find him? You didn't find him did you...Dr. Soong didn't will him to you either did he. Data walked into a recruiters office and JOINED Star Fleet of his own free will didn't he. The Enterprise didn't join Star Fleet, Star Fleet payed good latinum (sorry Ferengie comes out in me when money is involved) to have her build, show all the billions of citizens in the federation that Star Fleet legally holds title to commander Data and has a right to determine his fate. That's the slap, followed up with, the he's a life form argument/ backhand.
Not only one of my absolute favourite Star Trek episodes ever, but one of my favourite episodes of any show I have ever watched. An extraordinarily important episode that highlights how powerful and thought provoking well written entertainment can be.
Patrick Stewart's performance in this episode is great and I think wildly underapprieciated. All the subtle changes in tone like when data asks why human officers aren't required to get VISORs and Picard realizes what he's saying. The best to me is the way he uses an almost whimsical tone to ask some of the questions "seems reasonably sentient to me" with the little pauses. It's my favorite part of this episode and a big, big reason Picard became MY captain after being a TOS fanatic as a kid.
Stewart's voice and the skillful camera work as he cross-examines Maddox about Data being a race gives me chills. Even the soundtrack plays into it, it's all so damn well done. What a fabulous episode.
Strong candidate for best episode in all of Star Trek. I really appreciated Jen's question -- whether it makes a difference if Data makes US, (or rather his cremates), feel things. I'd never looked at this question that way before.
This is by far one of my favorite episodes of the entire series. I was late diagnosed with ADHD & Autism so, although I didn’t know why growing up, I always connected to Data & getting to see people look after their wellbeing was something I always wanted growing up
Any time they delve into who/what Data is always makes for an interesting watch. Brent Spiner does such a great job making us care for Data. He's such an innocent character and yet still so complex.
This is one of those Trek episodes that really make Star Trek what it is. It doesn't need flashy space battles or convoluted plots, it's dealing with questions that we can all relate to and is still as relevant today as it was when it was broadcast. I don't know if you watch DS9 but 'In the pale moonlight' has a similar feel when it comes to morality, albeit from a different direction. Love the reaction.
I do hope she starts watching DS9. The nerd in me wants her to stagger watching the TNG episodes and the DS9 episodes as they were transmitted at the time, then do the same with DS9 and Voyager. 😁
I am not a fan of DS9 or Sisko (I know, unpopular opinion). At the same time, In The Pale Moonlight is one of the very best episodes in all of trek history.
This episode is an example of rare television. The question of Data's sentience also serves as a broader question about human rights and what we, as humans owe to one another in our society. I just realized that Data's quest to be more human is really incorrect. He aspires to be more like Spock. He wants to feel the emotions but have the ability to control them. BTW, can anyone envision any other actor as Data? I sure can't. Brent Spiner is perfect. Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Loved your reaction Jen. Always makes me smile.
It's one of the best episodes, imo. All these years later, I still tear up watching it through. I just wish the a.i. we had today was anywhere near as hopeful...
To me, this was the first GREAT episode of the series and really shows where things can and will go. Fun bit: Amanda McBroom, the actress who played the Admiral, was in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. She played Clark's boss' wife. Also, I recently saw an old episode of M*A*S*H and she played a member of a USO group (people entertaining the troops). She played an accordion and backing vocals. She's a singer/songwriter in addition to acting.
I think you meant to say Captain Louvois (same 4 pips as Picard)... the only admiral in this episode was Vice-Admiral Nakamura (who served as a lieutenant on the Reliant while Ensign Picard served there). Having said that, she sounds like a very interesting performer, cool to hear that fun fact.
THIS is really good writing...and writing about issues. They discuss the issue in detail and at the end they don't really tell us what we should believe but instead leave us to decide for ourselves. If only modern day TV and movies would take note!
I agree Jen Murray!! This is one of my favorite episodes in all of Star Trek!! I'm glad you loved it as well!! It talks about a lot of important topics, very thought provoking!!! 🙂
This episode is so well written! It was the first TV screenplay by newly hired writer Melinda Snodgrass, who had previously been an attorney. Online I read a shooting script for the episode labeled "final draft". Some of the most crucial hard-hitting dialog, like Guinan's conversation about "disposable people", isn't in it. It must have been revised at the last minute.
This is one of the greatest episodes of Star Trek of all time, and by far and wide one of the best episodes of television of all time. It deals with the fundamental questions of "what is human" and "what is alive" and we are ALL going to be struggling with them in the real world as technology goes forward. I love this episode! Thank you for the amazing reaction!
This episode brings tears to my eyes. Also hands up everyone who has been salivating for Jen to reach this one 🤚 . Every time she wanted to know more about data 🤤 😝
Not just one of the best Next Generation episodes, not just one of the best Star Trek episodes, not just one of the best sci-fi stories, but also one of the best television stories ever.
"She loves to disagree. That's part of her charm." That is the first time in the history of the universe that anyone has described Dr. Pulaski as having charm.
Some of the things you said in your reaction to this amazing episode are exactly why you're a great fit for reacting to this series. My partner and I are re-watching the series on our own (for the upteenth time, but first time in a few years) and greatly enjoying watching your reactions. Picard's final statements, so to speak, in that hearing are just marvelous, both in word and in performance. As are her final words during her ruling of the case. This is just the start of that extraordinary relationship between Picard and Data.
This is my absolute favorite episode of all of Star Trek. I've been getting a kick out of you asking so many questions in previous episodes that are answered by this one. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Speaking for myself and I suspect a large part of your community, this is one of the episodes we've been waiting for you to watch. You did not disappoint, thank you.
I love that you've been asking questions about Data since the beginning of the series; questions that are explored in this episode... Questions that we're perhaps going to have to start asking about AI in our generation. Such an important episode, both for Data and for us as watchers.
Watching this while it's still up, given the recent experience of Target Audience...somewhat ironic that the copyright detection works by A.I., considering the plot of this episode.
Considered one of the GREATEST episodes of Star Trek TNG (and even of ALL Star Trek everywhere)! So wonderfully done. That final scene always makes my tear ducts well up. So moving.
Really enjoy the court room episodes of the series. You're just waiting for that moment Picard hits them with a slam dunk speech that makes everyone eat humble pie. Loved both of this Sunday's reactions Jen!!!
I think that as much as Stewart and the creators had locked in who and what Picard was all about in this episode I think Spiner also has gotten to refine his Data here into what we think of the character today. You can see him truly considering Data's "inner life" through his performance. A must watch episode for anyone who is interested in getting into TNG or Trek in general.
This is one of my favorite episodes. The "bar" style ranks are for admirals. One pip on each side is a Rear Admiral Lower Half; two is Rear Admiral Upper Half; three is Vice Admiral; and Four is Admiral. I think 5 would be Fleet Admiral, but that would be pretty rare to see.
"That was a very good episode" One of the best! There are more too. I'm so happy you are going through TNG. For as many years as there are seasons this show was a weekly can't miss I was always looking forward to and hardly ever came out of unsatisfied. Looking forward to more, the uniform looks good on you. Thanks.
I cry at like 10 different points every time I watch this damn episode. It's brilliantly written, amazingly acted, and so insightful, even as an episode that is more than 30 years old. Probably in my personal top 5 TV episodes of all time.
A great episode! Thanks for going through each episode and allowing us to experience this wonderful series all over again with you. I look forward to seeing your reaction every Sunday. Can’t wait for next week
This is a fabulous episode of TNG. However, a lot of people don’t give Asimov credit for doing this first in his novel Adam Link. It was also reimagined in Oiter limits with Leonard Nimoy as the attorney defending Adam, and was the one of the novels that was the basis for I Robot with Will Smith. That being said, I’ve rewatched and adore this episode more than the others by far.
I said it last week: this season and Riker himself gave us the term "Growing the Beard" -- essentially the reverse of "Jumping the Shark" -- but this episode is really when it _happened._
Sadly, the one recent attempt that comes to mind to replicate this episode failed to get to the heart of the matter. It's a shame because the premise was a strong one, but the episode was unable to do it justice.
oh I forgot. If you liked the computer reading off Data's service record, you can see McCoy's, Spock's, and THE James T. Kirk's in the 5-year mission episode "Court Martial". :)
Watching this with you again reminds me why TNG was such a good show. Great actors telling great stories. I think the Original Series set out the lore, established the brand while TNG spread Star Trek’s wings and showed what it could be capable of.
Have loved re-living my love of TNG through the eye of someone seeing it for the first time. This episode in particular because it plays SO much in the future of the series, the movies, and most importantly, the Picard series.
Another good video. Your philosophical musings on Data and life are thoughtful and insightful. And yay thoughts on the characters, including Picard and Riker. More growth for Jonathan Frakes, IMHO. This episode also got a re-airing in the movie theaters in 2012. Melinda Snodgrass, who wrote this episode, trained and practiced as a lawyer. Brian Brophy, the actor who played Maddox, also played the Parole Board chair in The Shawshank Redemption who granted Red parole. I haven't discussed Star Trek with anyone in many years. Thank you for getting me to talk. I hope my comments are helpful.
This is the episode that conveys the true vision of Gene Roddenberry. Star Trek fans can understand what I am stating. Your dedication is impressive Jen! Diligent and thorough, just like the main character of this episode, Data. Thanks again Jen, here for the journey...Eric 🖖
Not just Roddenberry, but Gene Coon and DC Fontana's vision of it as well. They all contributed so much to the shape of the Federation and its values, and this episode really shows what those values are.
