Data's Day (Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), S4 E11) was recommended by He/Him, who said: Speaking as someone with higher functioning autism with ADHD as a cherry on top, I've always found a kinship with characters like Spock, Data and Seven. Data more so as his efforts to become more human tended to mirror my own struggles to understand social norms that made little sense to me. Half the time I was completely clueless that I ever did anything wrong in the first place.

Having an entire episode dedicated to seeing things through his eyes was very relatable to me. From completely failing to read the room with relaying Keiko's wedding cancellation to his attempts to use friendly insults. His analytical mindset also resonated with me as my ADHD basically puts my brain into turbo mode, analyzing anything and everything without stopping. Good for brainstorming and creativity, not so good when you need to shut out the nastiness of the world and center yourself.

While my life experience is not a one to one with his, there is enough there that an episode dedicated to him is a welcome addition.

Data's Day first aired on January 7, 1991, written by story by Harold Apter, teleplay by Harold Apter & Ronald D. Moore, and directed by Robert Wiemer

Data gets dancing lessons from Dr. Crusher in preparation of Chief O'Brien's wedding as the Enterprise brings Ambassador T'Pel to the Romulans for negotiations.

The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)

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