This is one of the most-memorable NextGen episodes, of any season. Watching it for the second time last night (27 years after first seeing it!), I was reminded of the series' failure (in later episodes) to develop what is introduced here.
Data is put in an untenable situation, as he doesn't know he's about to be rescued. What should he do with Kivas? * The man is a murderer **, but Data's programming will not let him kill someone except in self-defense (or immediate defense of others). So why doesn't he just give Kivas a zetz im kopf and tie him up? (He has no trouble overpowering Kivas' goons.)
Instead, he decides to kill Kivas, a fraction of second after the transporter begins operating. He "explains" the weapon's discharge by saying "something might have happened". He later tells Kivas (in a subtly ironic tone) that he "has no feelings. I am an android."
Data's programming is (presumably) sufficiently complex for his experiences to alter his behavior, and even his world view. We see this in his speaking the literal truth, twisted to cover his real "feelings". But this potential for unexpected and even self-serving behavior isn't explored in later episodes. Perhaps it was decided that the audience would not tolerate turning a sympathetic character into a potentially threatening one.
* The name appears to be a reference to the "kivas and trillium" Spock was supposed to be a dealer in.
** Saul Rubinek gives a great performance going through the "agony" of deciding whether to kill his female companion.
Data is put in an untenable situation, as he doesn't know he's about to be rescued. What should he do with Kivas? * The man is a murderer **, but Data's programming will not let him kill someone except in self-defense (or immediate defense of others). So why doesn't he just give Kivas a zetz im kopf and tie him up? (He has no trouble overpowering Kivas' goons.)
Instead, he decides to kill Kivas, a fraction of second after the transporter begins operating. He "explains" the weapon's discharge by saying "something might have happened". He later tells Kivas (in a subtly ironic tone) that he "has no feelings. I am an android."
Data's programming is (presumably) sufficiently complex for his experiences to alter his behavior, and even his world view. We see this in his speaking the literal truth, twisted to cover his real "feelings". But this potential for unexpected and even self-serving behavior isn't explored in later episodes. Perhaps it was decided that the audience would not tolerate turning a sympathetic character into a potentially threatening one.
* The name appears to be a reference to the "kivas and trillium" Spock was supposed to be a dealer in.
** Saul Rubinek gives a great performance going through the "agony" of deciding whether to kill his female companion.