In the realm of science fiction television, few characters have captivated audiences as much as Lt. Commander Data, portrayed by the talented Brent Spiner, in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Data's journey of self-discovery and exploration of his humanity struck a chord with viewers, making him one of the most beloved characters in the Star Trek universe. However, even this iconic character had his moments of imperfection, with one particular episode standing out: 'Masks' from season 7.
'Masks' presented an intriguing premise as the crew of the USS Enterprise-D encountered a comet housing a vast archive of information from an ancient alien civilization. Unbeknownst to Data, he becomes a vessel for the various personalities and mythological figures from this civilization. This episode had the potential to be a fun-filled adventure with a touch of humor, embracing the absurdity of the situation. Unfortunately, it fell short of expectations, struggling to find its footing and taking itself too seriously.
In a recent interview on Michael Rosenbaum's podcast, Inside of You, Brent Spiner shared his experience filming 'Masks' and didn't shy away from acknowledging the episode's flaws. He described his portrayal of the characters as 'preposterous acting' that even elicited laughter from his fellow cast members. Spiner humorously recalled a particularly challenging scene with Patrick Stewart, who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The two actors found themselves unable to contain their laughter while portraying the god of the sun and the goddess of the moon. The crew, eager to wrap up filming and head home, may not have appreciated their uncontrollable bouts of laughter.
Despite the missteps of 'Masks,' Brent Spiner more than made up for it with his exceptional portrayals of Data, Lore, and the various members of the Soong family throughout the series. The Soong family's complex history unfolds, with its brilliant but unorthodox members studying genetics and artificial intelligence. In the season 1 episode, 'Datalore,' the Enterprise encounters Lore, Data's mischievous and malevolent twin brother, shedding light on Data's origins. Dr. Noonian Soong, their creator, later resurfaces in the fourth season's 'Brothers,' summoning the androids back to his new laboratory.
The Soong legacy continues in Star Trek: Enterprise with Dr. Arik Soong, who delves into eugenics despite its prohibition by the Federation. Fast forward to Star Trek: Picard season 2, where Admiral Picard journeys to the 21st century, meeting Dr. Adam Soong, who creates clones of his daughter using genetic manipulation. Finally, in Picard seasons 1 and 3, Dr. Altan Inigo Soong builds upon his father's research, culminating in the creation of a more advanced synthetic body for Data.
Throughout all these character arcs and plotlines, one thing remains clear – Data represents the pinnacle of Brent Spiner's Star Trek performances. His nuanced portrayal of an android striving to grasp his own humanity resonated with fans and left an indelible mark on the franchise.
While 'Masks' may not have been the shining moment for Star Trek: The Next Generation, the series as a whole continues to capture the imaginations of viewers, available for streaming on Paramount+. And despite any criticisms, Brent Spiner's multifaceted performances as Data and the Soong family serve as a testament to his immense talent and enduring contribution to the Star Trek legacy.
Source: Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum
