In case you weren't aware, a very important birthday occurred on the 8th of September. And whose birthday was it? The one and only "Star Trek," of course! Trekkies across the world rejoiced as the beloved franchise turned 50 years old.
To celebrate, I thought I'd pay tribute to my favorite character to come out of the "Star Trek" franchise: Data. For those unfamiliar with the android, he is a form of artificial intelligence and synthetic life designed to mimic human qualities. His curious observations and attempts at becoming more human are incredibly endearing. Without a doubt, he is one of the best parts of "The Next Generation."
Here are 10 times when Data was just as human as the rest of us!
1. When he grew a beard
We all have our self-conscious days. Most of us just buy a new shirt. Still, Data's commitment to feeling better about himself is an all-too-familiar struggle. (S02xE06 "The Schizoid Man")
2. When he tasted alcohol for the first time
I don't think it gets much more human than this. ("Star Trek Generations")
3. When he tried to train his cat
Cats are fickle creatures. As a dog person, this resonates with me on a deep level. (S07xE09 "Force of Nature" )
4. The first time he laughed
This was particularly hilarious, given that it came at the most inconvenient of times. Welcome to the world of inappropriate laughing, my friend (even if you only get to experience it for a few seconds). (S03xE13 "Deja Q")
5. Every time he didn't get the joke
When you're an android that's designed to be intellectually superior in every way, petty mortal humor can easily slip by undetected. At least, that's what I keep telling myself. (S04xE04 "Suddenly Human")
6. When he won at alien arm-wrestling
Because even androids don't have the time for Klingon testosterone. (S06xE20 "The Chase")
7. When an expletive slipped out
We all have these moments. Data's moment just happens to be hilarious and completely out of character. ("Star Trek Generations")
8. When he wrote an ode to his cat
In this moment, I knew that Data and myself were soul-sisters. (S06xE05 "Schisms")
9. When he just couldn't sneeze
Trust me, Data, being human means not being able to sneeze when you desperately need to. (S01xE13 "Datalore" )
10. When he proved that he deserved human rights
Season 2 episode 9 of "The Next Generation" will always be one of my favorite episodes in the entirety of "Star Trek." It calls into question whether or not Data has human rights given the fact that he's physically a robot. (Spoiler: He does.) While the rights of androids aren't exactly a pressing matter, the idea that we as a species could become so progressive and open-minded is encouraging -- especially when you remember that this episode first aired nearly three decades ago. As for Data's part, he never once considered giving up his rights as a sentient being and demonstrated his humanity by just being himself. Score one for the android. (S02xE09 "The Measure of a Man")
There are many more characters and things within the "Star Trek" universe that warrant their own homages (personally, I'm in favor of a tribute to tribbles). For now, I end this with a massive "Thank--you" to the late Gene Roddenberry for creating this beloved franchise. Without you, there would be no Data.
