Star Trek The Next Generation
Object

Data's Sherlock Holmes Style Pipe

A classic curved pipe evocative of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, adopted by Lieutenant Commander Data as a symbolic prop during his analytical performance in Riker's quarters. The pipe’s polished wood and distinctive shape lend theatrical gravitas to Data’s detective persona as he unravels the alien delegates’ evasive behavior, anchoring his clinical deductions in Holmesian tradition. It serves as a symbolic prop reinforcing Data's emulation of Holmes' persona, helping him to focus and convey his reasoning process as he uncovers concealed actions and tensions among alien delegates aboard the Enterprise.
5 appearances

Purpose

To act as a detective persona accessory, aiding Data in his methodical deduction and dramatizing his investigative approach during his interrogation of alien delegates.

Significance

The pipe symbolizes Data's aspiration to humanize his analytical methods by adopting cultural detective archetypes, deepening his quest to understand human behavior and the complexities of social deception.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

5 moments
S1E8 · Lonely Among Us
Data’s Deduction Exposes Delegates’ Concealment and Hidden Conflict

The Sherlock Holmes style pipe serves as a theatrical prop used by Data to embody the detective persona, underscoring the analytical nature of his deductions and adding a layer of levity and character to the serious investigation.

Before: Held by Data, lit and emitting smoke as part of his Holmesian role-playing.
After: Still held and smoked by Data, reinforcing his detective stance throughout the scene.
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S1E8 · Lonely Among Us
Tasha Confronts the Limits of Truth

Data smokes the Sherlock Holmes style pipe, using it as a symbolic prop to adopt a detective's persona. This theatrical device adds levity and frames his analytical exposition, linking his logical deductions to Holmesian methodology.

Before: In Data’s possession, held and lit as he smokes it.
After: Continues to be held and smoked by Data throughout the scene.
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S1E8 · Lonely Among Us
Picard's Fragile Return and Command Transfer

Data’s Sherlock Holmes Pipe is present as a symbolic prop reinforcing his analytic mindset and persona during the investigation and explanation of Picard’s fragmented state, contributing subtle levity and character flavor.

Before: Held by Data as he analyzes the situation.
After: Still in Data’s possession, unused after Picard’s departure.
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S1E8 · Lonely Among Us
Riker's Cautious Command and Sudden Diplomatic Alarm

Data’s Sherlock Holmes Pipe is briefly referenced as Picard derisively comments on the smell and requests its removal, symbolizing Data’s attempt to emulate detective reasoning even amidst crisis.

Before: In Data’s possession, held while performing deductive analysis.
After: Set aside or removed as per Picard’s request, no longer used in this moment.
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S1E8 · Lonely Among Us
Picard's Disoriented Return and Command Transfer Amid Rising Tensions

Data’s Sherlock Holmes pipe is referenced during Picard’s confusion, symbolizing Data’s analytical approach and his emulation of detective methods. Picard dismisses it with humor, highlighting the captain’s lingering mental fatigue and ironic detachment amid crisis.

Before: Held by Data as a symbolic analytical prop
After: Still held by Data, maintaining its symbolic role
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