Object

Data's Eyeshade

A simple, dark eyeshade of soft fabric with a conforming curved panel and narrow elastic strap sized to cover Data's optical area. It lies flush against his synthetic features, muting the mechanical gleam of his eyes and simplifying his face into a human silhouette. In the poker scene inside Data's quarters he dons the eyeshade as a deliberate costume piece—others glance, joke, and react—its plain material and snug fit marking it as a practical prop rather than a ceremonial artifact.

2 appearances

Purpose

A costume/characterization accessory worn by Data during the poker game to emulate human player behavior and to obscure visual cues; functions as a ritual prop rather than a technical device.

Significance

Humanizes Data and dramatizes his experiment in social behavior: the eyeshade turns abstract theory into a tactile ritual, emphasizes the clash between algorithmic certainty and human instinct, and provides a visible marker of Data's attempt to join the crew's informal traditions.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S2E9 · The Measure of a Man

Bluff: Probability vs. Instinct

Data's eyeshade is a visual prop that humanizes him and signals participation in ritual; it slightly obscures his optics while others joke, but it does nothing to conceal his analytical processes, highlighting the contrast between appearance and inner computation.

Before: Worn by Data as he sits; snug against his synthetic features.

After: Remains in place as Data processes the outcome and expresses bemusement.

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S2E9 · The Measure of a Man

Poker: Logic Meets Instinct

Data's eyeshade is a character prop that humanizes his face and marks his attempt to mimic human poker ritual. It softens his mechanical optics and visually signals participation in the game's theatrics even as his mind runs deterministic calculations.

Before: Placed over Data's optical area as he sits to play.

After: Remains in place while he folds and later reveals his cards, still marking his attempt to conform to social performance.

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