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A Fistful of Datas

"A Fistful of Datas"
Star Trek: The Next Generation episode
Episode no. Season 6
Episode 8
Directed by Patrick Stewart
Story by Robert Hewitt Wolfe
Teleplay by Robert Hewitt Wolfe
Brannon Braga
Featured music Jay Chattaway
Production code 234
Original air date November 9, 1992 (1992-11-09)
Guest appearance(s)
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List of Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes

"A Fistful of Datas" is the 134th episode of the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, the eighth episode of the sixth season, which premiered in the United States on November 9, 1992. Its title is a play on the title of the Sergio Leone "Spaghetti Western" film A Fistful of Dollars.

The Enterprise has arrived some days early for a rendezvous with a supply ship, USS Biko, and thus the crew spend the time to pursue personal activities. Data and La Forge propose to Captain Picard to attempt to set up systems that would allow them to use Data's processing abilities to run critical systems in the case of main computer failure, and he allows them to proceed.

Meanwhile, Worf reluctantly joins his son Alexander in a holodeck adventure set in the town of Deadwood, South Dakota in the American Old West, later joined by Deanna Troi. The three play the role of lawmen in Deadwood, where Eli Hollander, the "Butcher of Bozeman", is wanted. Worf tries to use his Starfleet tactics to end the episode quickly, but Alexander insists that he play along with the scenario. They capture Eli, learning that his father Frank is a sly and powerful man.

As Data and LaForge work on the interface, a brief energy surge occurs. Ships systems react strangely, specifically around elements of Data's logs and records. Data also takes up stereotypical oater mannerisms and vernacular, unaware.

In the holodeck, Frank, who appears exactly like Data captures Alexander, demanding the release of his son Eli. Worf gets into a gun battle and is wounded, and he and Troi find that the holodeck safety protocols are off and they cannot end the program. They realize Alexander could be in trouble and the only assured way is to play out the story. Further, Troi observes that Eli now possesses skills comparable to Data's. As more of the holodeck characters take on Data's appearance, Worf works to create a personal shield as protection, knowing he would not be victorious against characters that all have Data's skills.


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