Davin News Server

AI/LLM Reviews of  Star Trek The Next Generation - In Theory 

Google Gemini

Plot Synopsis
The Enterprise is investigating a strange series of subspace 
anomalies when Ensign Jenna D'Sora approaches Data. She expresses 
feelings for him, and despite his initial confusion, Data agrees 
to a romantic relationship. He takes a methodical, logical approach 
to the courtship, studying human romantic behaviours from the holodeck, 
using data from romantic novels and historical figures 
to inform his actions. This leads to a series of awkward 
and often comical moments as Data tries to apply theory 
to the messy reality of human emotions.

Meanwhile, the anomalies begin to affect the ship, creating 
a series of dangerous and unpredictable events. The crew must 
race against time to understand the phenomena and save the ship, 
while Data struggles to balance his newfound "love life" 
with his duties. The relationship with Jenna eventually 
comes to a head as Data realises that his theoretical approach 
to love is not working, and Jenna struggles with the reality 
of being in a relationship with an android.

Strengths
A Deep Dive into Data's Character: The episode provides 
a wonderful opportunity to explore Data's journey toward 
understanding humanity. It highlights his earnestness 
and his almost clinical approach to emotions, 
which often leads to hilarious and poignant moments.

Humourous and Heartfelt: The attempts by Data to apply 
a scientific approach to love are both funny and touching. 
The humour comes from the awkwardness of his logical 
actions in emotional situations, while the heart comes 
from his genuine desire to connect with Jenna.

A Relatable Human Story: Despite being about an android, 
the core of the story is highly relatable. It's about 
the difficulty of dating, the awkwardness of new relationships, 
and the challenge of making a partnership work.

Weaknesses
A-Plot Feels like a B-Plot: The main plot involving 
the subspace anomalies often feels like a secondary concern, 
taking a backseat to Data's romantic subplot. While the romance 
is the highlight, the danger to the Enterprise 
lacks the same level of tension.

Predictable Ending: The conclusion of Data's relationship 
with Jenna is somewhat predictable, as it becomes clear 
that his inability to genuinely feel emotions makes 
a true partnership impossible for her.

Overall Impression
"In Theory" is a charming and insightful episode that 
is a fan favorite for good reason. It’s a classic 
character-study episode that uses a sci-fi premise to 
explore something deeply human. It's not a high-stakes 
action thriller, but a well-executed and memorable story 
about the complexities of emotions and the limits of logic.

Rating: 7.5/10

ChatGPT

Here’s a thoughtful review of **“Star Trek: 
The Next Generation — *In Theory***” (Season 4, Episode 25), 
incorporating perspectives from the episode transcript 
via your reference and supporting critical commentary:

---

## Episode Synopsis

Lieutenant Jenna D'Sora develops feelings for Data, 
prompting him to explore romance by running a custom 
dating subroutine. Initially charming, their relationship 
ultimately falters when Data’s lack of emotional depth 
becomes clear. Simultaneously, the Enterprise navigates 
a dangerous nebula, providing a B-plot that feels 
disconnected from the emotional A-plot.

---

## The Upside

* **Data’s Romantic Experiment Offers Insight**
  The storyline delves into Data’s purpose: exploring 
  the human experience. It beautifully illustrates 
  Data’s capacity for curiosity and the pain 
  of emotional inaccessibility. As Michelle Erica 
  Green puts it, *“it’s a pleasant episode”* 
  that lingers in the mind 
  ([Everything Explained Today][1]).

* **Brent Spiner's Powerful Performance**
  Data’s behavior—terribly well-meaning yet 
  awkward—is deeply affecting. As Jammer's 
  Reviews notes, “the final shot... is just 
  utterly, utterly depressing, bold, powerful, 
  thoughtful, wonderful.” That closing 
  image—Data alone with Spot in the dark—lingers 
  long after the credits ([Jammer's Reviews][2]).

* **Whimsical Tone with Subtle Humor**
  Lighthearted moments—like Data asking advice 
  from Troi, Riker, and Picard—infuse the episode 
  with gentle humour and self-awareness 
  ([Jammer's Reviews][2], [Bradley's Basement][3]).

* **Cult-Favorite Status**
  Many fans regard the episode fondly. One Redditor
  called it “a great comeback—... entertaining to watch” 
  and noted how humour and Data’s struggle evoke compassion 
  ([Reddit][4]).

---

## What Falls Short

* **Romantic Motivation Lacks Believability**
  Critics question Jenna’s attraction. Although 
  she’s likable, her sudden infatuation with 
  an emotionally unavailable android strains 
  credulity—even Trek’s surreal context. Jammer’s
  Reviews remarks that *“I never... understood 
  what Jenna was thinking”* 
  ([TrekToday][5], [Jammer's Reviews][2]).

* **Disconnected B-Plot**
  The subplot—Picard piloting a shuttle 
  through a hazardous nebula—feels tacked 
  on and tone-deaf, lacking narrative 
  integration with Data’s romantic arc 
  ([TrekToday][5], [Everything Explained Today][1]).

* **Mixed Critical Reception**

  * **Zack Handlen (The A.V. Club)** found 
  the episode cringeworthy and especially 
  criticised the subplot, calling 
  it “a really really bad Wesley Crusher episode” 
  and rating it **2/10** ([Wikipedia][6]).
  * **Keith DeCandido (Tor.com)** labeled it 
  a “clunker” and a rehash of other episodes, 
  lacking fresh emotional weight 
  ([Everything Explained Today][1]).

---

## Ratings Snapshot

* **IMDb Score:** \~**7.1/10** from over 3,000 
    ratings—suggesting general 
	viewer appreciation ([IMDb][7]).
* **Rebecca (Bradley’s Basement):** Rated it **9/10**, 
    praising Brent Spiner’s performance and calling 
	it “a great little episode” ([Bradley's Basement][3]).
* **Screen Rant Ranking:** Placed it  
    as the **5th funniest TNG episode**, 
	highlighting its humor appeal ([Wikipedia][6]).

---

## Final Rating: **7 / 10**

**Verdict:**
*In Theory* is a melancholy yet moving character piece 
  centered on Data's earnest attempt at love—and 
  the realisation of its impossibility. Brent Spiner 
  delivers a standout performance, especially in the 
  episode’s poignant closing. Though the B-plot feels irrelevant 
  and some story elements stretch credibility, the episode’s emotional 
  core and comedic moments make it a memorable, if imperfect, 
  entry in TNG’s exploration of what it means to be human.

[1]: https://everything.explained.today/In_Theory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "In Theory Explained"
[2]: https://www.jammersreviews.com/st-tng/s4/intheory.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"In Theory\" | Star Trek: TNG | Jammer's Reviews"
[3]: https://bradleybasement.wordpress.com/sci-fi/star-trek/in-theory-tng-tv/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "‘In Theory’ (TNG) (TV) | Bradley's Basement"
[4]: https://www.reddit.com/r/startrek/comments/11y36y6?utm_source=chatgpt.com "First Time TNG Viewer Update SE 4 EP 25 “In Theory”"
[5]: https://www.trektoday.com/reviews/tng/in_theory.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Trek Nation - In Theory"
[6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Theory?utm_source=chatgpt.com "In Theory"
[7]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708735/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Star Trek: The Next Generation\" In Theory (TV Episode 1991) - IMDb"
-- 
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
All I want to hear from JEsus Christ is WEll done Good and Faithful servant