5 Reasons To Re-Watch The Measure Of A Man Before The Next Episode Of Star Trek Picard
Who is Bruce Maddox and what does he mean for Data?
The Measure of a Man was a landmark episode in Star Trek The Next Generation. It definitely answered Data's role on the ship, while also displaying the notion that the views of Starfleet did not always align with the views held by the crew of the Enterprise.
In a mere forty minutes, the threads of plots that would run right up until today in Star Trek Picard were woven. The court case, Data's personal relationships and crucially, the introduction of Commander Bruce Maddox are all on track for revisits and re-analysis in Star Trek Picard.
In short, a re-watch of The Measure of a Man is crucial as the new show progresses and here’s why...
5. Introducing Bruce Maddox
Commander Bruce Maddox was one of Starfleet's top minds on the subject of cybernetics in the 24th century. To advance his studies, he requested the use of Lt. Commander Data for tests in the lab.
The key thing to note here is that he requested the 'use' of Data, not Data's assistance. When Maddox is introduced, he is shown as a cold scientist with no interest or belief in Data's sentience or rights as an individual. Star Trek The Next Generation was still a very mixed affair well into its second season but the overall quality had begun to rise. The Measure of a Man is one of the first truly Great episodes of TNG, not least because of Brian Brophy's portrayal of Maddox.
It would be easy to hate him. Before speaking a single word, he eyes up Data like a predator eyeing up its prey. His eyes are full of want, a smugness that comes from the assurance of superiority. He asks Data how he has been but the subtext is clear - he is asking about Data's functionality rather than Data's well being. He is open about his wish to disassemble Data to 'understand it'.
Maddox's only wish at the beginning of the episode is to appropriate, disassemble and study him. He will then download Data's memories into a computer to be stored like so much information. He is clearly uncomfortable when Data questions the safety of the procedure. From Maddox's point of view, he is about to take apart and understand the running of a hard drive. That this hard drive should then give him advice or express caution is too strange to consider. However, he anticipated resistance and comes prepared. He hands Picard the transfer orders to reassign Data. The stage is set for the conflict that follows.