Pinocchio is Broken
"Pinocchio is Broken"
Episode 35: The Measure of a Man
Episode 35: The Measure of a Man
Captain's log, Stardate 42523.7 (Year 2365)
The Enterprise is on newly-formed Starbase 173 for port call to off-load experiment modules. While off-duty, Captain Picard encounters Captain Phillipa Louvois, who he hasn't seen in ten years. The encounter waivers between friendly and hostile, as she had prosecuted him during the Stargazer court martial. Admiral Nakamura arrives with Commander Bruce Maddox and asks for a tour of the Enterprise. Before leaving, the Admiral tells Picard that Maddox is here to work on Data, which entails disassembling him.
Picard hears out Maddox's experiment plans as well as Data's concerns in the lack of research completed for an experiment of this magnitude. Picard ultimately sides with Data, as he is a valued member of his crew and cannot partake in the experiment. Knowing this might occur, Maddox came prepared with an order to separate Data from the Enterprise and transfer him to Starbase 173, under Maddox's command.
Later in his ready room, Picard calls for Data to meet. He shares praise for Data's exemplary work on the ship but recognizes the need for Starfleet to have the ability to construct more beings like Data. Data objects, asking why all human officers are not required to replace their biological eyes with superior cybernetic implants. He reminds Picard that its because he is not Human, implying that he lacks similar rights as Humans.
Understanding Data's point of view, Picard begins to research Starfleet regulations on officer transfers. He seeks counsel from Captain Louvois. She tells Picard he can't stop the transfer and that the only other option is to have Data resign.
After learning about Data's resignation, Maddox seeks legal action. Picard continues to fight for Data's rights as a Starfleet officer. When Maddox likens Data to other examples of Starfleet property, rather than an individual, Louvois agrees there could be law's supporting Maddox's position. Picard suggests she find the proof and use as much zeal as she did for the Stargazer court martial.
Louvois' research concludes that under the Acts of Cumberland passed in the 21st Century, Data is Starfleet property and can neither resign nor refuse Maddox's command. Picard requests a formal legal hearing to challenge the ruling. However, due to the lack of staff at the new Starbase, she will have to use serving officers as legal counsel with Captain Picard standing in to defend Data. He agrees to this arrangement. Commander Riker, being 2nd in command will be the prosecutor and defend Maddox's position. Riker is unwilling to take that position, as he sides with Data. However, the ruling will result in Maddox's favor unless Riker agrees. He then has no choice and must treat the case fairly and objectively.
Picard breaks the news to Data that he is not allowed to resign and that Picard is going to fight the ruling. Data agrees to have Picard represent him in court.
In court, Louvois serves as the judge. Picard requests that all of Data's Starfleet service records and decorations be recited during the oath, emphasizing his value to Starfleet. Riker begins with the prosecution including removing Data's hand to show the mechanical hardware and deactivating Data altogether.
"Pinocchio is broken; its strings have been cut."
Captain Picard seeks counsel again, this time with Guinan in Ten Forward. Guinan makes a strong comparison to the history of many worlds, when generations of people were ruled as property. If Data is ruled as Starfleet property, Maddox would be able to create an army of "disposable creatures" whose welfare and feelings would not be considered. Picard realizes she is referencing slavery and understands the implications of hiding behind the comfort and ease of owning "property", which could result in treating a new race of Androids as slaves.
Back in court, Picard takes on a new approach to his argument. He begins by dismissing relevancy in Riker's arguments of Data being a machine and being created by a man, as Humans are machines of a different kind and are created from the DNA of our parents. He asks Data to take the stand. He questions some of Data's belongings that he had packed away to prove Data's sentimental attachment to items. When displaying the holocube of Tasha Yar, Data hesitates to speak about Tasha but eventually reveals that they had been initiate.
Picard calls Maddox to the stand. He questions if Maddox believes that Data is not a sentient being and therefore is not entitled all the rights reserved for all life forms within the Federation. Maddox confirms that Data is not sentient. He asks what is required for sentience. He answers intelligence, self-awareness and consciousness. Picard proves that Data exhibits each of the three characteristics defined by Maddox. Picard describes how a single Data is a curiosity, a wonder. But thousands of Data's could become a race and we should be judged on how we treat that race, especially when it has consciousness.
Picard's final remarks warn the courtroom of how allowing replicating Data could create a race and the decisions reached will have a far-lasting effect on how that race is treated, defined by the constraining laws of property and resulting in condemning this life to servitude and slavery.
Louvois rules to Data's favor acknowledging that he is indeed a machine but is not a piece of property and that he deserves the freedom to choose. After the hearing closes, Picard extends an invite to Louvois for dinner.
What did I learn about Picard's leadership?
The Enterprise is on newly-formed Starbase 173 for port call to off-load experiment modules. While off-duty, Captain Picard encounters Captain Phillipa Louvois, who he hasn't seen in ten years. The encounter waivers between friendly and hostile, as she had prosecuted him during the Stargazer court martial. Admiral Nakamura arrives with Commander Bruce Maddox and asks for a tour of the Enterprise. Before leaving, the Admiral tells Picard that Maddox is here to work on Data, which entails disassembling him.
Picard hears out Maddox's experiment plans as well as Data's concerns in the lack of research completed for an experiment of this magnitude. Picard ultimately sides with Data, as he is a valued member of his crew and cannot partake in the experiment. Knowing this might occur, Maddox came prepared with an order to separate Data from the Enterprise and transfer him to Starbase 173, under Maddox's command.
Later in his ready room, Picard calls for Data to meet. He shares praise for Data's exemplary work on the ship but recognizes the need for Starfleet to have the ability to construct more beings like Data. Data objects, asking why all human officers are not required to replace their biological eyes with superior cybernetic implants. He reminds Picard that its because he is not Human, implying that he lacks similar rights as Humans.
Understanding Data's point of view, Picard begins to research Starfleet regulations on officer transfers. He seeks counsel from Captain Louvois. She tells Picard he can't stop the transfer and that the only other option is to have Data resign.
After learning about Data's resignation, Maddox seeks legal action. Picard continues to fight for Data's rights as a Starfleet officer. When Maddox likens Data to other examples of Starfleet property, rather than an individual, Louvois agrees there could be law's supporting Maddox's position. Picard suggests she find the proof and use as much zeal as she did for the Stargazer court martial.
Louvois' research concludes that under the Acts of Cumberland passed in the 21st Century, Data is Starfleet property and can neither resign nor refuse Maddox's command. Picard requests a formal legal hearing to challenge the ruling. However, due to the lack of staff at the new Starbase, she will have to use serving officers as legal counsel with Captain Picard standing in to defend Data. He agrees to this arrangement. Commander Riker, being 2nd in command will be the prosecutor and defend Maddox's position. Riker is unwilling to take that position, as he sides with Data. However, the ruling will result in Maddox's favor unless Riker agrees. He then has no choice and must treat the case fairly and objectively.
Picard breaks the news to Data that he is not allowed to resign and that Picard is going to fight the ruling. Data agrees to have Picard represent him in court.
In court, Louvois serves as the judge. Picard requests that all of Data's Starfleet service records and decorations be recited during the oath, emphasizing his value to Starfleet. Riker begins with the prosecution including removing Data's hand to show the mechanical hardware and deactivating Data altogether.
"Pinocchio is broken; its strings have been cut."
Captain Picard seeks counsel again, this time with Guinan in Ten Forward. Guinan makes a strong comparison to the history of many worlds, when generations of people were ruled as property. If Data is ruled as Starfleet property, Maddox would be able to create an army of "disposable creatures" whose welfare and feelings would not be considered. Picard realizes she is referencing slavery and understands the implications of hiding behind the comfort and ease of owning "property", which could result in treating a new race of Androids as slaves.
Back in court, Picard takes on a new approach to his argument. He begins by dismissing relevancy in Riker's arguments of Data being a machine and being created by a man, as Humans are machines of a different kind and are created from the DNA of our parents. He asks Data to take the stand. He questions some of Data's belongings that he had packed away to prove Data's sentimental attachment to items. When displaying the holocube of Tasha Yar, Data hesitates to speak about Tasha but eventually reveals that they had been initiate.
Picard calls Maddox to the stand. He questions if Maddox believes that Data is not a sentient being and therefore is not entitled all the rights reserved for all life forms within the Federation. Maddox confirms that Data is not sentient. He asks what is required for sentience. He answers intelligence, self-awareness and consciousness. Picard proves that Data exhibits each of the three characteristics defined by Maddox. Picard describes how a single Data is a curiosity, a wonder. But thousands of Data's could become a race and we should be judged on how we treat that race, especially when it has consciousness.
Picard's final remarks warn the courtroom of how allowing replicating Data could create a race and the decisions reached will have a far-lasting effect on how that race is treated, defined by the constraining laws of property and resulting in condemning this life to servitude and slavery.
Louvois rules to Data's favor acknowledging that he is indeed a machine but is not a piece of property and that he deserves the freedom to choose. After the hearing closes, Picard extends an invite to Louvois for dinner.
What did I learn about Picard's leadership?
- Picard gives praise to Data's service several times in this episode. First he praises Data in person for his exemplary work on the Enterprise. He explains to Louvois and Maddox how Data is a valuable member of his crew. Then again, with Guinan, Picard shares how he cannot calculate how much he values Data.
- Picard defends the rights of all lifeforms. This episode is centered around Picard's duty to defend Data's rights as a life form.
- Picard seeks counsel twice in this episode. First, he seeks counsel from Louvois to help him understand his research on Federation regulations. He seeks counsel when he discusses the court case with Guinan, who helps him see the bigger picture.
- Picard often uses history and an understanding of the past to make informed decisions. In this episode, with the help of Guinan, he reflects on times of slavery to understand how history can repeat itself if we aren't careful. This helps him ultimately make his argument that wins the case.
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