The Quality of Life (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Lore & Background

The Enterprise arrives at Tyrus 7A to oversee a fledgling mining technology, a "particle fountain", engineered by Dr. Farallon. While on the planet, the crew observe the use of small machines called Exocomps that Dr. Farallon claims can analyze a problem, replicate the correct tool to repair it, and "learn" for future situations. During a test, one Exocomp refuses to enter a tunnel; moments later a confined explosion occurs within the tunnel. Dr. Farallon, Lt. Commander Data, and Lt. Commander La Forge investigate the Exocomp, finding several more new electronic pathways in its circuits than they expected. Dr. Farallon, having encountered this before, would normally erase the unit's memory, but Data suggests that the unit may have exhibited self-preservation behavior and wishes to examine it further. Data asserts that if this is true, the Exocomps should no longer be used on the particle fountain, but Dr. Farallon dismisses his claims, and says that any delay will ruin the years of work she has put into the project already.

Data tests the Exocomp aboard the Enterprise, instructing it to repair a malfunction in a Jeffries tube, though having jury-rigged a false alarm that would signal danger to the Exocomp. To his disappointment, the Exocomp continues to repair the malfunction through the alarm. However, when Data investigates the unit, he finds that it has repaired not only the malfunction but his false alarm, having sensed it was not in any danger from the test. Data concludes the Exocomps possess self-preservation and are sentient.

While Picard and other Enterprise crew are visiting the fountain, a malfunction occurs, threatening to release massive doses of radiation. All but Picard and La Forge are beamed to the Enterprise before the radiation blocks any further attempts. Riker and Dr. Farallon arrange to have the Exocomps beamed into the facility to shield Picard and La Forge long enough to beam them out at the cost of destroying the Exocomps, but Data has locked out the transporter controllers, claiming the machines are sentient and refusing to allow them to be forced to die for others. After some negotiating, Data allows the Exocomps to be used but only if they are given the choice to go. The Exocomps show their intent to proceed and are beamed to the fountain. The units configure themselves such that they not only allow Picard and La Forge to be rescued, but for all but one of the Exocomps to return to the Enterprise, the last one sacrificing itself for this purpose. As the damage to the fountain is repaired, Dr. Farallon admits she is still not sure if the Exocomps are sentient but promises not to abuse them again. Data explains to Picard that he had to stand up for the Exocomps, just as Picard had stood up for him when his own sentience was questioned.

Reader's Guide

The episode is significant for introducing the Exocomp robots and for its exploration of artificial intelligence and sentience. In 2011, Forbes noted it as one of the top ten episodes of the franchise that explores the implications of advanced technology, comparing it to an earlier episode "Evolution" and noting the discussions between Data and others, as well as the idea of a computerized tool that can solve problems using software. Also in 2011, The A.V. Club rated this episode a "B+" and praised the exploration of the character of Data. The episode was released as part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation season six DVD box set in the United States on December 3, 2002. A remastered HD version was released on Blu-ray optical disc on June 24, 2014.

Did You Know?

• This episode introduces the Exocomp robots.
• Data concludes the Exocomps possess self-preservation and are sentient after they repair both a malfunction and his false alarm.
• One Exocomp sacrifices itself to allow Picard and La Forge to be rescued.
• In 2011, Forbes noted this episode as one of the top ten episodes of the franchise exploring advanced technology.