Series: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 3, Episode 22
Original Air Date: May 7, 1990
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| via Memory Alpha |
Data is kidnapped by novelty collector Kivas Fajo (Saul Rubinek). The Enterprise crew believes their friend died so it takes a while before they realize the foul play. Determined not to play Fajo's game, Data engages in passive resistance rather than submitting to his captor's whims. Naturally, Fajo is infuriated.
"The Most Toys" is a popular choice for favorite episodes but I'm not so keen. I find Fajo grating. It's too bad because I generally like Rubinek quite a lot. We grew to be fans of his courtesy of his recurring role on A Nero Wolfe Mystery. The story's most interesting moment comes near the end as Data is finally rescued via transport beam. At that last instant, did he intend to kill Fajo or not? Writer Shari Goodhartz and Brent Spiner both believe he did. The producers insisted on greater ambiguity.
Acting Notes
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| via Lostpedia |
Saul Rubinek was born July 2, 1948 in Föhrenwald, Germany. His parents were Polish Jews who survived the Holocaust in hiding on a Polish farm. They emigrated to Canada not long after Saul's birth.
Like William Shatner, Rubinek cut his teeth at the Stratford Festival in Ontario. He rose to prominence in the Toronto theatre scene, co-founding the Canadian Stage Company. He began working in the US in 1970.
Film credits are impressive, including Wall Street, Bonfire of the Vanities (which he began shooting immediately after "The Most Toys"), True Romance and Unforgiven. In television, he was a regular on both Warehouse 13 and The Last Tycoon. He had recurring roles on Frasier, Leverage and, as noted above, Nero Wolfe.
I like Rubinek, but I don't remember this episode.
ReplyDeleteI think I should, though, considering the collection thing. Those kinds of stories usually stick with me.
I like Rubinek, too, just not in this role.
DeleteThis story affected me profoundly. In my experience, perhaps in all lives, there are those who justify life-threatening insults in the interest of self-promotion and profit. The wonderfully constructed character of Kivas Fajo prefigured Trump by 20 years.
ReplyDeleteInteresting parallel. Fajo is genuinely terrifying once you step back a bit but he's too silly to take seriously. Maybe that's my issue. There's too much "Riddle me this, Batman!" about him.
DeleteI really liked Warehouse 13. Must look up nero Wolfe.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great series! As with so many truly great shows, it didn't last long enough. Just two seasons.
DeleteOne of the great endings in the franchise.
ReplyDeleteYou think so? For me, the ending is definitely the best part of this story. Best overall? Tough category.
DeleteYes. Usually Data isn’t in control of these stories. This is the one time he is. He’s an isolated genius who normally gets to hide. This time he literally has no choice and makes an emotional decision, thereby breaking every preconception we have about him. It’s hugely noteworthy.
DeleteIt's a good point.
DeleteDid Data pull the trigger on the weapon with the intent of killing Fajo?
ReplyDeleteIts been years since I've watched this episode but I thought Riker asked Data about the transporter system detecting a weapon discharge as they pulled him back.
One thing is for sure, given Fajo's actions and his promise to continue, I'd would have killed the dude.
It is implied that he did pull the trigger, yes. Worth remembering: this ain't Asimov. No Three Laws here. Data's not incapable of killing.
DeleteYou're right! He was grating, smug, irritating and maybe that was the point but it left me with wanting this episode to be done faster if that makes sense. I like the episode but there are many others I like more. Interesting to learn a bit about Saul Rubinek.
ReplyDeleteHe's the perfect actor for certain parts. He didn't quite work for this one.
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