Brent Spiner talks about Data’s new dark side

Brent Spiner is back as Data on Star Trek: Picard, and this post contains spoilers from season three, episode 8 “Surrender”.

Things have changed with the Data Brent Spiner has played off and on since 1987 when Star Trek; The Next Generation began. In the most recent episode of Star Trek; Picard—stop reading right now if you haven’t seen it—Data and his evil brother, Lore, reach a crossroads where only one can survive…supposedly. They battle it out inside Data’s positronic brain where it looks like Lore is taking over. Fortunately, Data is much wiser and manages to fool his brother into absorbing Data’s memories, which, in turn, allows Data to become the stronger one and absorb his brother. Essentially, the two become one, but Spiner doesn’t look at this as the death of his brother.

In an interview with Trekmovie, Spiner said Lore isn’t gone, adding that a lot of Lore’s dubious qualities now live inside of Data.

"“Well, he’s not gone. He’s just been absorbed by Data. So he lives inside of Data. A lot of his qualities live inside of Data now and make Data who he is, is, and will become.”"

Brent Spiner recognizes that Data would no longer be all-good as he contends with the influence of his brother.

When asked if there was a dark side to Data now, Spiner said “obviously there is and will be.” He added that he wasn’t saying we would see that side of him this season. But if the character of Data were to continue, that side of him would eventually have to come to the surface, forcing Data to battle with that darkness.

"“Obviously, there is and will be. I’m not saying we’ll see it this season. I’m not saying anything like that. But I would think if it went on, it would be inconceivable for it not to come out and come to the surface occasionally and have to be dealt with and grappled with.”"

If Spiner has the opportunity to return to the character, it would be interesting to see that dual side of Data. With his brother’s influence inside his head, he wouldn’t be the all-good Data we’ve seen over the years. So now, we just cross our fingers and hope for a Star Trek: Legacy series where Data, and other other characters, can return.