Star Trek: 10 Times Picard Proved The Future Was Worth Fighting For
1. The Measure Of A Man
Star Trek The Next Generation's early seasons were varying in their degree of quality but The Measure of a Man is one of the strongest entries to the franchise. In a plot revolving around the rights of those deemed less than human, Picard must defend the fact that all life deserves freedom and respect.
Star Trek has always been at its best when it is teaching lessons in morality. The Original Series has many examples of using the foil of science fiction to talk about issues of the moment. The Next Generation was no different. Data's right to individual freedom is threatened by the very organisation he works for. Picard challenges the order and a trial commences.
In some of the first, best examples of exactly why this Shakespearean actor was so perfect for the role, Picard passionately defends the notion that life is not life on humanity's terms - life is life, simply put.
As the expansion of robotics continues in today's world, this is a key episode to remember. Humanity is advancing the skills and capabilities of artificial intelligence and quite possibly before long a thinking A.I. could be on the horizon. If humanity is lucky and James Cameron's version of the future doesn't come to pass, then the question of the rights of A.I. will one day be put before a similar trial.
If this future looks anything like Roddenberry's version of the future, then Picard has already delivered the best lesson for us all to learn.