“In Theory” is episode twenty-five of season four of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
The Enterprise is going to enter a dark matter nebula, the Mar Obscura, and Data is modifying some of the photon torpedoes so that they can be used in an experiment. Data is working in a torpedo bay with Lt. Jenna D’Sora, who is talking about bumping into her ex. Data reminds her of the reasons she severed that relationship and that she asked him to do this. She remembers, though this is the third time Data has refreshed her memory. Does she wish to rescind the agreement? No. Data has been studying historical romantic figures; he started when Jenna ended her last relationship. She thinks that’s sweet. Data contacts the bridge; the torpedo is ready and is fired into the nebula to illuminate it.
Data and Jenna, along with Keiko and two others, are performing in Ten Forward. Afterwards, Jenna picks faults with her performance; Data reassures her. They sit with Keiko and O’Brien; Keiko tells a story about her husband. Jenna then does the same about Data, holding his arm in the same way that Keiko is holding O’Brien’s.
On the bridge, Data tells the captain and Commander Riker what has been discovered about the nebula. The dark matter concentration is a magnitude higher than in any other nebula. It could be that lifeforms have adapted in new ways. Riker asks if there are any M-class planets. There’s one three light hours away. A course is set.
In sickbay, Dr Crusher walks past and an instrument falls to the floor.
Jenna is talking to Data about her childhood. She loves that he makes her laugh. She always falls for the wrong men. She should fall for someone like Data. He’s perfect. Data says he isn’t; he has no human feelings. Jenna says no man has ever been kinder, then asks for permission to leave. Then kisses him on the cheek. Then says Data is handsome, and properly kisses him.
Data heads to Ten Forward, where Guinan asks his opinion on a new drink. She thinks Data seems preoccupied. He tells her Jenna kissed him. She seems to be displaying genuine affection. Guinan asks Data what he thinks of Jenna. Personally. Data looks forward to the time they spend together. Guinan tells him the next move is his. Data has no experience and requires advice. Guinan doesn’t want to ruin the experience for him.
Geordi calls to Data as Data is outside his quarters. Geordi found Spot wandering around. Spot couldn’t have triggered the door and the computer says no-one else has been in. Then Data asks Geordi for advice regarding Jenna. Geordi gives some advice which could be termed non-existent, so his final advice is to ask for advice from someone more experienced in giving advice.
So, Data heads to see Troi. She warns him Jenna may be on the rebound, but says as they are more than the sum of their parts, Data is more than the sum of his programming. Data then asks for advice from Worf. Who also says that Jenna is under his command. If she is mistreated, he would be very displeased. Sir. Riker’s advice is essentially to go for it. Then Data heads to see the captain, who clearly knows that Data is looking for advice and wasn’t looking forward to being asked. Captain Picard would be delighted to offer any advice he has on understanding women. As soon as he has some. (It would later be shown that Picard was quite the ladies’ man in his youth, but he did say ‘understanding,’ not ‘experience.’)
Data takes Jenna some flowers that Riker recommended. No, he didn’t talk to the entire ship. Less than 1% of the crew. A crew of over 1,000, it should be pointed out. Data has designed a program for romantic relationships, with a subroutine written especially for Jenna. She thinks the nicest thing anyone has ever said to her.
The captain enters his ready room to find everything that was on his desk now on the floor. He calls for Worf and to bring a tricorder. Worf cannot find any residue other than the captain’s. The captain suggests a poltergeist. He explains. Maybe not. Worf wants to go to red alert and order an officer to stand watch. The captain thinks caution will do for now.
Data’s romantic endeavour is only one part of the episode. The other being an increasing number of strange things that happen in the nebula. Which end up being dangerous.