'Lonely Among Us' had the most entertaining arc yet, that of Data's first appearing interest in Sherlock Holmes. This is a wonderful bit of characterisation aptly built off Data's problem-solving programming. He also has some stellar lines outside of this, such as "I believe I said that."
This episode also simultaneously introduces Picard's interest in 'Private Eye' work, as well as allowing him to chew some scenery with exuberant vocal delivery.
On a final note of positives, I would describe the general tone of both A and B plots as cute and neat. The Selay and Anticans are well designed and enjoyable to watch.
The detriments start most prominently with the obliviousness of the crew, who should be far more perceptible of the changes in their co-workers and friends than they are. It becomes a laundry list of frustrations, with choices that attempt to excuse poor writing. Picard and the entity should not have been able to return to the energy cloud with such minor interference.
Both plots are arguably uneventful, although I sympathise with the reading that the entity is without warning taken from its home by the ship's surface/electronics and simply wants to return home. Unfortunately, the various effects that the entity has on others such as knocking out Worf and later killing Mr. Singh feels random and undermining (in the latter case).
On the other hand, it is difficult to sympathise with the B plot especially since the comedic tone did not resonate with me. It is clearly trying to be lighthearted, especially with it's final reveal but it left little impact on me. Part of the reason is that some of the cultural differences between the species and the Federation (voiced by Yar) convey Roddenberry's preachiness/Federation's grandstanding.
Final note: The special effects sequences and likely green screening are unconvincing, making the acting look goofy.
This episode also simultaneously introduces Picard's interest in 'Private Eye' work, as well as allowing him to chew some scenery with exuberant vocal delivery.
On a final note of positives, I would describe the general tone of both A and B plots as cute and neat. The Selay and Anticans are well designed and enjoyable to watch.
The detriments start most prominently with the obliviousness of the crew, who should be far more perceptible of the changes in their co-workers and friends than they are. It becomes a laundry list of frustrations, with choices that attempt to excuse poor writing. Picard and the entity should not have been able to return to the energy cloud with such minor interference.
Both plots are arguably uneventful, although I sympathise with the reading that the entity is without warning taken from its home by the ship's surface/electronics and simply wants to return home. Unfortunately, the various effects that the entity has on others such as knocking out Worf and later killing Mr. Singh feels random and undermining (in the latter case).
On the other hand, it is difficult to sympathise with the B plot especially since the comedic tone did not resonate with me. It is clearly trying to be lighthearted, especially with it's final reveal but it left little impact on me. Part of the reason is that some of the cultural differences between the species and the Federation (voiced by Yar) convey Roddenberry's preachiness/Federation's grandstanding.
Final note: The special effects sequences and likely green screening are unconvincing, making the acting look goofy.