The Measure of a Man.
Does Data have rights? This is the central question asked in Melinda Snodgrass’s classic courtroom drama “The Measure of a Man.” But beyond the fate of Data himself, the real question is how artificial life will be treated in the future. Though it may sound like science fiction, it’s a decision we will someday have to make in the real world. The difficulty of the issue was presented brilliantly more than two decades ago by TNG, and the uncertainty of its message still rings true today.
In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by renowned Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek to discuss “The Measure of a Man,” the ethical questions it raises, and how the extended cut on Blu-ray—which adds 13 minutes—makes this episode even better.
In news we look at the upcoming re-release of The Next Generation on DVD, two awards given to La-La Land Records, the unofficial Star Trek Into Darkness poster designed by Matt Ferguson (plus a few more bits of news and rumours about the film), and we debate which Starfleet doctor is the most skilled.
Running Time 2 hours 9 minutes
More listening options
Subscribe in iTunes | Download Enhanced File | Download MP3 File | Listen on Stitcher | Listen on TuneIn | RSS
Discuss and explore
Discuss this episode in our forums | Send voicemail | Send email | View The Ready Room directory
Hosts
Christopher Jones and Greg Harbin
Guest
Larry Nemecek
Show Notes
Star Trek: The Next Generation to be re-released on DVD
The International Film Music Critics Association honors La-La Land Records
The most skilled Starfleet doctor is…
Star Trek Into Darkness first-look featurette
J.J. Confirms Klingons will play a part in Star Trek Into Darkness
Matt Ferguson’s unofficial Star Trek Into Darkness poster
Feature: The Measure of a Man
Moments Cut
The Intentions of Nakamura and Maddox
Data’s Growth
More Moments Cut
Whoopi: The Real Counselor
Night Court
Pulaski’s Weird Advice
One More Moment Cut
Final Thoughts
Sponsor
Squarespace is the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create a professional website, blog, portfolio, online store, or anything else you can imagine!
Create your own space today and get the best hosting and CMS available anywhere—and support Trek.fm at the same time! Just visit squarespace.com and create your free 14-day trial. No credit card required! Then use offer code TREK2 to receive 10% off your purchase on new accounts!
More recent episodes of The Ready Room…
![The Ready Room 234: When You Orb an Orb [Anything Is Possible]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/4ff44f9bc4aa4a0dd8ca3ab3/1659247826056-0MCX6390YQ3BGUI3V9E8/trr-234-th-square.jpg)
The State of Star Trek 2022. We discuss each of the “modern” series, dig into the fan split over old and new, and imagine what new series might be on the horizon. We also debate the pros and cons of the streaming model for storytelling and talk about how Star Trek and Star Wars are pushing each other forward.
Star Trek: Lower Decks after two seasons. We take a broad look back at the first two seasons and discuss how the series has connected with fans, why it has won over many early skeptics, and how it serves as a brilliant love letter to the franchise. We also ask whether some moments are a rebuke of modern Star Trek.
