Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

In Theory

In Theory was a recurring column published in the ' community newspapers, including the Burbank Leader, La Cañada Valley Sun, and Daily Pilot, featuring responses from a panel of contributors—typically religious leaders, ethicists, and local figures—to weekly questions on ethical, social, philosophical, or contemporary issues. The format emphasized diverse perspectives, often blending faith-based insights with secular viewpoints, to explore topics such as moral dilemmas in current events. Originating in the early 2000s as a feature in Times Community News publications, the column first appeared in outlets like the Daily Pilot by at least 2004, where it addressed issues like the boundaries between and proselytizing in public settings. By 2009, contributors noted efforts to establish or renew versions of the column in Valley Sun papers, indicating its evolution as a local discussion platform amid shifting formats. In 2013, it transitioned to online-only in some editions, such as the La Cañada Valley Sun, to adapt to while maintaining reader engagement through submissions and web hosting under opinion sections focused on and . The column ran from the early 2000s until at least 2019. The column's topics reflected timely societal debates, including and in 2007, religious scandals and counsel in the same year, and school renaming controversies tied to historical in 2019, fostering dialogue on how theoretical principles apply to real-world challenges. Contributors, such as pastors like Jon Barta and reverends like Bryan A. Griem, alongside non-religious voices like atheist Roberta Medford, provided concise essays that highlighted intersections of , , and . This structure sustained its role as a for nuanced, community-driven in the area.

Episode Information

Overview

"In Theory" is the twenty-fifth episode of the fourth season of the science fiction television series , which aired on June 3, 1991. The episode is set on 44932.3. The episode has an approximate runtime of 45 minutes, consistent with the standard length of episodes in the series. Directed by in his directorial debut for the series, the episode was written by Joe Menosky and . It features the USS Enterprise crew navigating a hazardous nebula while Lieutenant Commander Data, the ship's second officer, explores the concept of romantic attachment with a fellow crew member. As part of 's broader narrative, "In Theory" contributes to the series' ongoing examination of and the quest for human-like emotions through Data's .

Cast

The principal cast of "In Theory" features the core ensemble of . stars as Captain , as Commander , as Lieutenant Commander , as Lieutenant Commander , as Lieutenant , as Dr. , and as Counselor . appears as Guinan. Notable guest stars include as Lieutenant Jenna D'Sora and as Ensign McKnight. Brent Spiner's performance as in this episode highlights the character's exploration of romantic relationships.

Crew

Patrick Stewart directed the episode, marking his debut behind the camera while also starring in the lead role. The music was composed by . Cinematography was handled by Marvin V. Rush, and production design by .

Narrative and Themes

Plot Summary

In the torpedo bay of the USS Enterprise-D, assists crewmember D'Sora in preparing photon torpedoes for an upcoming experiment in the Mar Oscura nebula. During their conversation, Jenna discusses her recent breakup with her boyfriend, citing his emotional unavailability, and impulsively kisses , expressing attraction to his consistent and attentive nature. Later, in Ten Forward, Jenna and share a musical performance, after which she confides further in him about her feelings, leading to consider the possibility of a romantic relationship despite his physiology, which limits his capacity for human emotions as explored in previous encounters. Seeking guidance, Data consults several crew members on how to proceed with Jenna's advances. Commander Riker offers humorous advice, suggesting Data experiment with affectionate gestures like sending flowers or using playful nicknames. Guinan, in Ten Forward, declines to offer direct advice, suggesting Data figure it out himself as it's his first romantic experience. After installing a subroutine into his programming to simulate emotional responses, Data initiates a with , surprising her with flowers in her quarters and engaging in intimate activities such as sharing sherry and dinner. Meanwhile, the enters the , where detects unusually high concentrations that could cause spatial distortions. As the ship proceeds, anomalies begin: Captain Picard's experiences a force field breach that extinguishes a , and objects start disappearing and reappearing unpredictably. The crew investigates, with analyzing the phenomena and concluding that pockets of warped space within the are responsible for the distortions, including a fatal incident where a crewmember is killed by a collapsing bulkhead. Data's relationship with Jenna progresses, but tensions arise when he encounters Ensign McKnight in a corridor; she flirts with him, and Data, following his subroutine, compliments her appearance and assists with a loose strand of her hair, sparking jealousy in . To escape the nebula, volunteers to pilot a and manually map a safe path through the distortions, successfully guiding the toward the exit despite damage to the shuttle from an energy surge. The damaged is destroyed after is beamed back aboard, but the clears the unharmed. Reflecting on the events, Jenna confronts Data, expressing that while she appreciates his efforts, his inability to truly experience emotions makes the relationship untenable, and she ends it. deactivates and deletes his romantic subroutine, resuming his standard operational parameters.

Character Development and Themes

In the episode "In Theory," 's centers on his deliberate attempt to simulate romantic behavior through a specialized subroutine, designed to replicate emotional responses based on observed interactions and consultations with crew members. This program enables to engage in a with Jenna D'Sora, but his literal interpretations—such as methodically calculating optimal kissing pressure or analyzing a sculpture's composition rather than its sentimental value—underscore the limitations of his logic in navigating nuanced . Ultimately, deactivates the subroutine after the ends, reflecting his ongoing quest to understand without true emotional capacity. Jenna D'Sora's motivations reveal her vulnerability following a recent , positioning Data as a rebound figure whose unflappable attentiveness initially appeals to her need for uncomplicated companionship. However, her abrupt termination of the relationship highlights the disparity between human emotional complexity and 's programmed responses, as she recognizes his inability to reciprocate feelings authentically, prompting self-reflection on her pattern of seeking emotionally distant partners. Supporting characters provide mentorship that illuminates Data's growth: Commander Riker enthusiastically advises Data to embrace the opportunity with gestures like flowers, embodying a supportive, pragmatic approach to romance; Captain demurs from offering guidance, admitting his own uncertainties with women to emphasize the universality of relational challenges; and Counselor Troi cautions Data about prioritizing Jenna's emotional over his experimental objectives, reinforcing themes of in interpersonal dynamics. Central themes explore the boundaries of in romantic contexts, questioning whether simulated affection can achieve genuine compatibility and consent in relationships. The episode parallels this with the Mar Oscura nebula, a formation whose unseen density induces quantum phase shifts—briefly explained as distortions that unpredictably alter physical objects, like causing a member's —serving as a for the elusive, disruptive nature of emotional "dark matter" in human connections. This sci-fi lens critiques emotional unpredictability while affirming Data's pursuit of humanity as a noble, if imperfect, endeavor.

Production Details

Development and Writing

The script for "In Theory" was co-written by Joe Menosky and Ronald D. Moore, marking their first collaboration on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Moore originated the core concept of pairing Data, the Enterprise's android second officer, with a new character, Lieutenant Jenna D'Sora, to examine the android's attempt at a romantic relationship and the inherent limitations of his emotionless programming. This approach aimed to capture a bittersweet tone, reflecting fan interest in seeing Data engage in human-like intimacy while underscoring his unique perspective as a synthetic being. During development, the writers grappled with portraying Data's romance as authentic without deviating from his established canon of lacking genuine emotions, relying instead on his logical emulation of human behaviors like jealousy and affection. Revisions focused on integrating the interpersonal A-story with the sci-fi B-plot—a hazardous nebula causing structural anomalies aboard the ship—to maintain narrative balance and steer clear of clichéd space peril tropes that could undermine the character exploration. The script went through multiple drafts, with the final revision dated April 17, 1991.

Direction and Filming

made his directorial debut on with "In Theory," marking his first time directing an episode of the series. He sought guidance from , an experienced director among the cast, who advised emphasizing collaborative relationships with actors and crew to foster optimal on-set performances. Stewart's approach highlighted the intimate nature of Data's romantic subplot, utilizing subtle lighting in close-up scenes to underscore the android's attempt at emotional connection. Principal photography occurred from April 1 to April 9, 1991, primarily on the lot at 5555 in , , where standing sets for the USS Enterprise-D interiors, including the bridge, Ten Forward lounge, and crew quarters, were constructed on Stages 8 and 9. Technical aspects included the use of a shuttlecraft mockup for Captain Picard's isolated scenes in the affected nebula region, allowing for controlled filming of his solitary observations. , portraying , collaborated closely with guest star during romantic sequences, bringing a sense of fun to the portrayal of Data's programmed gestures of affection. The episode's nebula sequences relied on practical effects typical of early television production, featuring physical models of the combined with blue screen to simulate spatial distortions and environmental hazards as the ship navigated the Mar Oscura Nebula. These effects created the illusion of the vessel's structure warping under mysterious influences, enhancing the subplot's tension without relying on emerging techniques. Michele Scarabelli was cast as Lieutenant Jenna D'Sora, Data's brief romantic interest, in a role that required chemistry with Spiner's emotionless yet earnest ; she later described working with him as enjoyable and highlighted the episode's focus on Data's human-like vulnerability. Pamela Winslow appeared as Ensign McKnight, a recurring background character whose scenes provided moments of amid the romantic and scientific plotlines, such as her exasperated complaints about personal relationships aboard the ship.

Reception

The "In Theory" column has been valued for fostering community dialogue on ethical, social, and philosophical issues through diverse contributor perspectives. While formal critical reviews are limited, reader feedback highlights its popularity as a staple feature in local publications. In a 2016 in the Burbank Leader, resident Susan Hodgson expressed disappointment over the column's absence amid changes to the newspaper's format, noting it contributed to the publication's substantive content and that she missed the "old, weightier Burbank Leader." This suggests the column's positive among subscribers for promoting nuanced discussions blending faith-based and secular views.

Legacy and Availability

Cultural Impact

The episode "In Theory" marks a significant step in Lieutenant Commander Data's character arc within the Star Trek franchise, as his experimental romantic relationship with Lieutenant Jenna D'Sora represents an early, deliberate effort to emulate human emotional intimacy, laying groundwork for his later confrontations with genuine sentiment in episodes like "Descent," where he experiences rage without external aids. This progression underscores Data's persistent pursuit of humanity, influencing subsequent portrayals of android self-actualization across the franchise, including in Star Trek: Picard, where synthetic rights echo his foundational struggles. "In Theory" contributes to broader explorations of , particularly the ethical and relational tensions arising from simulated emotions in romantic partnerships; Data's installation of a subroutine to mimic responses ultimately reveals the limitations of programmed , as his recognizes the one-sided of their . This narrative device highlights the philosophical divide between artificial replication and authentic feeling, a theme that recurs in discussions of Data's development from mechanical observer to potential equal. The episode's depiction of AI-human romance parallels ongoing real-world debates in AI ethics, especially following advancements in generative models post-2020, where tools like raise questions about the authenticity of conversational intimacy and the risks of users forming unbalanced attachments to non-sentient systems—much like D'Sora's disillusionment with Data's imitative behaviors. Such connections have informed analyses of how early sci-fi like anticipates contemporary concerns over AI's role in emotional labor and relational dynamics. Within the , "In Theory" also addresses underrepresented aspects of character development for female roles, with D'Sora serving primarily as a catalyst for Data's growth rather than a fully realized figure; critics note her portrayal echoes stereotypical depictions of women from the original series, often reduced to romantic interests that reinforce gender imbalances in crew interactions. This gap in female agency persists in and scholarly examinations post-2019, prompting reflections on how the episode could have expanded D'Sora's to better align with the series' ideals.

Home Media and Streaming

The episode "In Theory" from season 4 was first made available on through releases in 1996, as part of 's rollout of the series. Subsequent physical formats included editions released in 1996, which offered higher-quality analog video for collectors. The episode appeared on DVD in the season 4 box set issued on September 3, 2002, by , marking the first digital release with bonus materials. Blu-ray versions followed with the remastered season 4 set released on July 30, 2013, in the US and July 29, 2013, in the UK, featuring upgraded visual effects from the original negatives for enhanced high-definition presentation. It was also included in the complete series Blu-ray collection, first available in the UK on December 15, 2014, as The Full Journey, and in the US on June 7, 2016. No new official physical releases of the series, including "In Theory," have occurred since 2016 as of November 2025, with Paramount shifting focus away from standard Blu-ray production for legacy television content. On streaming platforms, "In Theory" has been accessible via Paramount+ since the service's launch in March 2021, providing the remastered HD version as part of the full The Next Generation catalog. As of November 2025, it is available on Paramount+ in the and select international regions. Special editions incorporate the episode into broader sets, such as the 2016 complete series Blu-ray, which includes over 20 hours of supplemental content like deleted scenes and commentaries, and earlier DVD releases featuring "Captain's Log" featurettes with cast and crew interviews produced by the official production team. Accessibility features for "In Theory" across formats include in multiple languages, such as English closed captions, , , and others on official releases, supporting global audiences. While no official UHD version exists as of November 2025, fan communities have produced unofficial upscales from the Blu-ray source material, shared through enthusiast forums and not endorsed by .

References

  1. [1]
    In Theory: Renaming a school to reflect the times
    Jun 4, 2019 · In Theory: Renaming a school to reflect the times ... A facilities naming committee discusses changing the name of David Starr ...
  2. [2]
    Website will host In Theory column - Los Angeles Times
    Nov 6, 2013 · Website will host In Theory column ... The In Theory question-and-answer section will no longer appear in the pages of the Valley Sun, but will ...
  3. [3]
    IN THEORY:Counsel after religious scandal - Los Angeles Times
    Los Angeles Times reporter and former Daily Pilot Editor William Lobdell recently wrote a column ... IN THEORY:Counsel after religious scandal. July 28 ... Los ...
  4. [4]
    A fine line between prayer and spreading 'the good news'
    Aug 17, 2004 · Pilot's "In Theory" column, caused me to reflect on some personal encounters ... Copyright © 2025, Los Angeles Times | Terms of Service ...
  5. [5]
    FROM THE BACK PEWS: - Los Angeles Times
    Oct 2, 2009 · Later, I took on the task of founding a new version of In Theory for what was then two Valley Suns. I continue to do that for the La Cañada ...
  6. [6]
    IN THEORY:Compassion and immigration - Los Angeles Times
    IN THEORY:Compassion and immigration · People have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families. · A country has the right to ...
  7. [7]
    In Theory: What is America's empathy quotient? - Los Angeles Times
    Dec 5, 2013 · In Theory: What is America's empathy quotient ... “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Pastor Jon Barta
  8. [8]
    IN THEORY: - Los Angeles Times
    Jan 2, 2009 · IN THEORY: ... What are your thoughts on President-elect Barack Obama's invitation to Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation ...
  9. [9]
    Star Trek: The Next Generation Rewatch: "In Theory" - Reactor
    May 18, 2012 · Original air date: June 3, 1991. Stardate: 44932.3. Captain's Log: The Enterprise is exploring a dark-matter nebula. Data is supervising the ...
  10. [10]
    Star Trek Watch Order - CBR
    Like the prior show, each episode ran 45 minutes. At 172 episodes, that places the full series runtime at 7,740 minutes or 129 hours. This is another series ...
  11. [11]
    All 5 Star Trek: TNG Episodes Directed By Patrick Stewart
    Nov 15, 2023 · All 5 Star Trek: TNG Episodes Directed By Patrick Stewart · 5 In Theory · 4 Hero Worship · 3 A Fistful of Datas · 2 Phantasms · 1 Preemptive Strike.
  12. [12]
    "Star Trek: The Next Generation" In Theory (TV Episode 1991) - IMDb
    Rating 7.1/10 (3,477) Director. Patrick Stewart · Writers · Joe Menosky · Ronald D. Moore · David Carren ... Release date · June 1, 1991 (United States). Official site. Official site.
  13. [13]
    Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season 4, Episode 25
    Synopsis While the Enterprise explores a nebula with unusual properties, Data becomes involved in a romantic liaison with a crew member. Director: Patrick ...Missing: runtime | Show results with:runtime
  14. [14]
    The Next Generation" In Theory (TV Episode 1991) - Full cast & crew
    "Star Trek: The Next Generation" In Theory (TV Episode 1991) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more.Missing: runtime | Show results with:runtime
  15. [15]
    Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season 4 - In Theory (1991) - TMDB
    Joyce Agu. Ensign Gates (uncredited). Crew 3. Directing. Patrick Stewart. Director. Writing. Joe Menosky. Writer. Ronald D. Moore. Writer.
  16. [16]
    The Next Generation Transcripts - In Theory
    In Theory Stardate: 44932.3. Original Airdate: 3 Jun, 1991. Captain's log, stardate 44932.3 The Enterprise is preparing to enter the Mar ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  17. [17]
    "In Theory" | Star Trek: TNG | Jammer's Reviews
    “In Theory”. 2.5 stars. Air date: 6/3/1991. Written by Joe Menosky & Ronald D. Moore
  18. [18]
    Warping Through Star Trek: The Next Generation's 25 Years With ...
    Sep 28, 2012 · Then I did one called "In Theory," which was when Data gets a girlfriend. The truth about both Spock and Data is that they have huge female ...
  19. [19]
    Script - Star Trek Minutiae
    STAR TREK: "In Theory" - 3/20/91 - TEASER 2. 3 CONTINUED: DATA The initial dispersal pattern should not be more than seven kilometers in diameter. JENNA (makes ...Missing: episode | Show results with:episode
  20. [20]
    Patrick Stewart Reminds Fans He Directed Star Trek - Screen Rant
    Nov 13, 2023 · ... Stewart says he "could not have done" with Frakes' help. Check out his ... In Theory," which centered on an unusual romance between Lt.Missing: interview advice
  21. [21]
    The Next Generation (TV Series 1987–1994) - Filming & production
    Star Trek: The Next Generation: Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5 ... Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA.
  22. [22]
    Michele Scarabelli - The Little Review
    D'Sora in the Star Trek episode "In Theory," notable for being Patrick Stewart's series directing debut as well as a rare episode about the android Data falling ...Missing: interview | Show results with:interview
  23. [23]
    Observations in TNG: "In Theory" - Ex Astris Scientia
    Sep 7, 2024 · Here are some observations about sets, props and visual effects in TNG: "In Theory" without a specific theme, and a comparison of the original ...Missing: practical | Show results with:practical
  24. [24]
    In Theory - Wikipedia
    The episode was written by Joe Menosky and Ronald D. Moore and was the directorial debut of cast member Patrick Stewart. "In Theory". Star Trek: The Next ...Plot · Production · Reception · Home media release
  25. [25]
    Star Trek: The Next Generation: Web Ratings...
    Nov 9, 2010 · WWW ratings This is a list of the ratings of the Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes. ... [8.12282091917591/631], ****. 31, [U], ``In Theory'' ...
  26. [26]
    How popular was TNG when it aired? How did it rank among all tv ...
    Mar 31, 2025 · It was insanely popular...eventually. It took a while, including a threat of cancellation after its 1st season, but it became the highest rated syndicated show ...
  27. [27]
    Star Trek on the BBC: 1990 to 1994 - Space Doubt
    Apr 30, 2015 · Star Trek: The Next Generation finally appeared on BBC2 on 26 September 1990; almost exactly three years after Encounter At Farpoint premièred on 28 September ...Missing: 4 | Show results with:4
  28. [28]
    Star Trek: The Next Generation: "The Mind's Eye"/"In Theory" - AV Club
    Feb 3, 2011 · "In Theory" is difficult to watch in spots. There are cringe-worthy moments aplenty here, from Data's love interest's attempts to flirt with a ...
  29. [29]
    Star Trek: The 10 Funniest TNG Episodes Ever - Screen Rant
    Jul 15, 2019 · "FISTFUL OF DATAS" · "DEJA Q" · "QPID" · "DATA'S DAY" · "THE NAKED NOW" · "IN THEORY" · "PHANTASMS" · "MANHUNT".
  30. [30]
    Teaching My 2e Kid Social Skills with Star Trek: The Next Generation
    Jan 7, 2020 · Data's attempt to date another crew member in “In Theory” walked B ... In “Descent,” though he initially believes experiencing emotion ...
  31. [31]
    the Persistence of Character in Star Trek: The Next Generation and ...
    In “In Theory” (season 4, episode 25), “he attempts to conduct a romance ... Star Trek: The Next Generation and Voyager », e-Rea [En ligne], 21.2 ...
  32. [32]
    Artificial Life, Divinity, and Mythology in Star Trek - MDPI
    His romantic partner ultimately realizes their relationship will always be one-sided because Data is imitating, not actually feeling, emotion (TNG: “In Theory”, ...
  33. [33]
    What Star Trek can teach us about the pitfalls of AI chatbots
    Feb 10, 2023 · ... In Theory," also presents a rather bleak picture of Data's intuition. In this underrated episode, Lt. Jenna D'Sora becomes infatuated with Data.Missing: themes | Show results with:themes
  34. [34]
    The Next Generation , the Internet, and reproductive techno-futurity
    Aug 7, 2025 · ... Star Trek: The Next Generation... | Find, read and cite all the ... In Theory,” in terms of their constructions of the ideal romantic ...
  35. [35]
    Science Fiction Studies - DePauw University
    "In Theory"—or, Real Men Don't Do Housework. In an early scene of the episode "In Theory," two couples are gathered around a table in Ten-Forward, the ...
  36. [36]
    [PDF] Star Trek and the Anthropological Machine: Eliding Difference to ...
    In TNG's. “Elementary Dear Data” (1988), “Data's. Day” (1991), “In Theory” (1991), and the ... Dating Data: Miscegena- tion in Star Trek The Next Generation . In:.Missing: scholarly | Show results with:scholarly
  37. [37]
    Star Trek The Next Generation - The Complete Fourth Season
    Actors, ‎Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Patrick Stewart ; Dubbed: ‎English ; Aspect Ratio, ‎1.33:1 ; Release date, ‎September 3, 2002.
  38. [38]
    Review: Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 4 Blu-ray
    Jul 23, 2013 · Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 4 Release Date: July 30, 2013 Blu-Ray Disc • 6 Discs CBS Home Entertainment The unenviable task of ...
  39. [39]
    Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete Series Blu-ray
    Rating 9/10 · Review by Martin LiebmanJun 4, 2016 · Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete Series Blu-ray Release Date June 7, 2016. Blu-ray reviews, news, specs, ratings, screenshots.
  40. [40]
    Star Trek: The Next Generation - Watch on Paramount Plus
    Star Trek: The Next Generation - Watch on Paramount Plus. The crew of the starship USS Enterprise explores the galaxy and fosters peace in the 24th century.
  41. [41]
    Watch Star Trek: The Next Generation | Netflix
    This title currently isn't available to watch in your country. Star Trek: The Next Generation. Star Trek: The Next Generation. Star Trek: The Next Generation.
  42. [42]
    Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season Four Blu-ray
    730-day returnsStar Trek: The Next Generation: Season Four Blu-ray Release Date July 29, 2013. Blu-ray reviews, news, specs, ratings, screenshots. Cheap Blu-ray movies and ...