Series: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 2, Episode 3
Original Air Date: December 5, 1988
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| via Memory Alpha |
Data and Geordi play Holmes and Watson on the holodeck. The cases are way too easy for Data to solve so Geordi challenges the computer to generate a character capable of defeating our favorite android. The result is Moriarty, Sherlock's nemesis in the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories. Fortunately, Geordi did not specify that the foil should be able to best Picard, too...
Now we're cooking. To me, this is easily the best TNG episode so far. The look of Victorian London is outstanding, drawing two Emmy nominations: one for art direction, one for costumes. The episode is worth the time just to see Worf in period clothing.
I credit the screenwriter, Brian Alan Lane, for the story's success. "Elementary, Dear Data" is Lane's only Trek credit and it's a great one. Moriarty (Daniel Davis) is one of TNG's finest villains, charming yet deadly. One gets the sense Dr. Pulaski doesn't half mind being kidnapped. Moriarty accepts defeat graciously, though not with total resignation. Due to rights issues with the Doyle estate, TNG wasn't able to air a sequel until Season 6.
Speaking of Pulaski, and following up on last week's post, I like the development between her and Data here. In this case, her needling of him feels more like the good-natured ribbing of a friend. Again, I credit the superior writing.
Daniel Davis was born November 26, 1945 in Gurdon, Arkansas. His most famous role is the butler Niles on The Nanny. As both Moriarty and Niles, he affected a convincing English accent despite his natural, thick southern drawl. In addition to his screen credits, Davis has had a long career on stage, including a Best Actor Tony nomination for Wrong Mountain in 2000.
Now we're cooking. To me, this is easily the best TNG episode so far. The look of Victorian London is outstanding, drawing two Emmy nominations: one for art direction, one for costumes. The episode is worth the time just to see Worf in period clothing.
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| via The mOvie blog |
I credit the screenwriter, Brian Alan Lane, for the story's success. "Elementary, Dear Data" is Lane's only Trek credit and it's a great one. Moriarty (Daniel Davis) is one of TNG's finest villains, charming yet deadly. One gets the sense Dr. Pulaski doesn't half mind being kidnapped. Moriarty accepts defeat graciously, though not with total resignation. Due to rights issues with the Doyle estate, TNG wasn't able to air a sequel until Season 6.
Speaking of Pulaski, and following up on last week's post, I like the development between her and Data here. In this case, her needling of him feels more like the good-natured ribbing of a friend. Again, I credit the superior writing.
Acting Notes
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| via Gotham Wiki |
One of my favorite episodes. In fact, I liked all the Moriarity episodes :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Great character, in pretty much every Holmes interpretation ever.
DeleteI should watch this one again.
ReplyDeleteHighly recommended.
DeleteThis is an excellent episode along with the other Holodeck one where Picard is a 40s Sam Spade type.(Long Goodbye??) This man plays an excellent Moriarty and I had no idea he has a southern drawl...just like John Hillerman from Magnum PI.
ReplyDeleteThe Holodeck episodes are a satisfying thread all their own.
DeleteYes, a great episode and still one of my favorites. Did you ever read the Next Generation Technical Manual explaining the workings of the holodeck?
ReplyDeleteIt blew my mind, so much that at the time I thought it was a little hokey and misconceived. I got over it as TNG progressed and actually the Doctor from Voyager is one of my favorite characters.
I have not read that! I'll keep an eye out for it.
DeleteI would like this episode, must see if I can find it.
ReplyDeleteparsnip
TNG is on both Netflix and Hulu, probably other platforms, too.
Delete