The federation research ship Vigo disappeared while investigating a strange dark cluster so the Enterprise is sent to find out what happened. When they find the Vigo it is badly damaged and everybody is dead apart from a young boy. The boy, named Timothy, is only saved because Data's superior strength enables him to lift the heavy beam that is pinning down Timothy. Back on the Enterprise Timothy explains they were attacked by unknown assailants armed with phaser rifles leading to the assumption that a cloaked ship must have been involved and that suggests the attackers were Klingon, Romulan or possibly even the mysterious Breen but none has an obvious motive for such an attack. As the Enterprise searches for the attacking ship Data tries to help Timothy cope and the boy comes to see Data as a role model; as an android he is stronger, smarter and isn't encumbered by human emotions. He then decides that he too will be an android and starts mimicking Data's behaviour and speech patterns. Counsellor Troi suggests that for the time being it might be good to accept this coping mechanism. When the Enterprise enters the dark cluster they start seeing strange sensor echoes and then hit a wave that rocks the ship
soon things get worse in ways that mirror what happened on the Vigo; Timothy will have to remember exactly what happened if the Enterprise is to avoid the same fate.
This is the second in a row to feature a child character in a major role; thankfully Timothy is far less annoying that Worf's son. Joshua Harris does a good job in the role; he is particularly impressive as he mimics Data's speech patterns and various physical tics, as one might expect Brent Spiner also puts in a fine performance as Data. The idea of how a child might deal with tragedy is covered in an interesting way but the threat is ultimately a bit weak perhaps I was just disappointed that we didn't get an appearance from the Breem! Overall a fairly entreating episode if not a particularly exciting one.
This is the second in a row to feature a child character in a major role; thankfully Timothy is far less annoying that Worf's son. Joshua Harris does a good job in the role; he is particularly impressive as he mimics Data's speech patterns and various physical tics, as one might expect Brent Spiner also puts in a fine performance as Data. The idea of how a child might deal with tragedy is covered in an interesting way but the threat is ultimately a bit weak perhaps I was just disappointed that we didn't get an appearance from the Breem! Overall a fairly entreating episode if not a particularly exciting one.