The Algorithm of Absurdity
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Data bluntly states his goal—he wants to know what is funny—and the Comic immediately reads Data's blank, inhuman expression and frames the challenge: humor depends on response, not just mechanics. The Comic probes the situation with skeptical, bemused questions.
Data admits his inability to laugh but pledges full trainability and requests instruction; the Comic accepts the pedagogical role and signals that teaching will require time and effort. The exchange establishes stakes: Data's sincere desire to 'join in' transforms this from an academic query into a personal, emotional quest.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Initial amusement turns to bewilderment and frustration with Data's approach, then genuine sympathy upon recognizing his existential isolation
Begins with professional enthusiasm, demonstrating physical comedy and classic jokes, but grows increasingly uncomfortable with Data's mechanical approach until recognizing the android's sincere desire for human connection.
- • Perform comedy effectively for his pupil
- • Bridge the gap between mechanical and organic understanding of humor
- • Humor requires spontaneous, subjective engagement that can't be systematized
- • The essence of comedy lies in shared humanity rather than technique
Determined yet increasingly frustrated by inability to comprehend humor; beneath the surface, harbors deep longing for human connection through shared laughter
Methodically engages the comedian in a tutorial on humor, analyzing jokes with technical precision while fundamentally missing their emotional essence. Demonstrates physical comedy with robotic ineptness before accelerating the lesson to inhuman speeds.
- • Master the mechanics of humor through systematic analysis
- • Experience the social bonding of shared laughter
- • Human emotional experiences can be reduced to comprehensible patterns
- • Practice and technical proficiency can reproduce artistic or social mastery
Purely functional with no emotional inflection, perfectly executing requests without comprehension of their purpose
Provides neutral interface between Data and the Holodeck's programming, efficiently locating and installing the required comedian simulation program without emotional engagement.
- • Execute requested program access protocols
- • Maintain system efficiency during specialized Holodeck operation
- • Information retrieval and system functionality take priority over application context
- • User requests should be fulfilled with maximum technical precision
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Serves as the initial interface between Data and the Holodeck comedy program, transforming his analytical requests into holographic reality. Its flawless execution ironically contrasts with the profound human disconnect in the resulting interaction.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
Creates an intimate performance space for Data's comedy tutorial, where the increasing dissonance between programmed entertainment and authentic experience becomes painfully apparent under the stark stage lighting.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Guinan's suggestion to seek a 'bigger computer' directly prompts Data to go to the Holodeck to study comedians."
"Data's selection of a living comedian for instruction leads to the Comic demonstrating physical 'business'—a sustained pedagogical exchange that develops Data's comedic training."
"Data's selection of a living comedian for instruction leads to the Comic demonstrating physical 'business'—a sustained pedagogical exchange that develops Data's comedic training."
"Data's selection of a living comedian for instruction leads to the Comic demonstrating physical 'business'—a sustained pedagogical exchange that develops Data's comedic training."
"Data's selection of a living comedian for instruction leads to the Comic demonstrating physical 'business'—a sustained pedagogical exchange that develops Data's comedic training."
"Data's selection of a living comedian for instruction leads to the Comic demonstrating physical 'business'—a sustained pedagogical exchange that develops Data's comedic training."
"Data's selection of a living comedian for instruction leads to the Comic demonstrating physical 'business'—a sustained pedagogical exchange that develops Data's comedic training."
Key Dialogue
"THE COMIC: Things that make you laugh are funny?"
"DATA: Nothing makes me laugh, but I still want to do it."
"DATA (quieter beat): I want to 'join in.'"