This episode expands the show's primary theme of exploring what comprises being human, in this case, parenting. Other reviews have summarized the plot well. This was an ostensibly simple, but very emotionally powerful, episode that elicited universal emotions, since we all come from parents. The most poignant scene for me was near the end when Lol thanked her "father", Data, for giving her life. With one of my own parents, my mom, currently in the final stages of her life, this story was a good reminder that for all their faults and imperfections, parents virtually always mean well in bringing us into the world and giving us the gift of life, and that even their selfish hopes and dreams for us have a certain nobility.
Great writing, and acting by all the cast, especially Brent Spiner as Data, and the actress playing Lol. Piccard's evolution on the situation was interesting, and his decision to disobey a direct order from a superior was consistent with the moral integrity his character is noted for. Editing could have been a bit tighter, but really I may be reaching, as this episode is nearly perfect in it's loving portrayal of humanity at it's best, ironically told in this allegory about an android and his offspring.
Great writing, and acting by all the cast, especially Brent Spiner as Data, and the actress playing Lol. Piccard's evolution on the situation was interesting, and his decision to disobey a direct order from a superior was consistent with the moral integrity his character is noted for. Editing could have been a bit tighter, but really I may be reaching, as this episode is nearly perfect in it's loving portrayal of humanity at it's best, ironically told in this allegory about an android and his offspring.