Star Trek TNG: The Most Toys

The Most Toys

Mission Log just covered the TNG episode The Most Toys, which is one of my favorite episodes from the series. Basically, a Collector of rare things fakes Data's death and kidnaps him. I love the interactions between Data and his kidnapper(s). Kivas Fajo and Data have some great moments together. Data also has some good moments with Fajo's companion/lover Varria.

The episode is just all around very entertaining.

-Saul Rubinek is brilliant as the asshole Fajo. He's character is entertaining because he's goofy yet also cold blooded. He turns his weapon on her when Data doesn't sit in his chair. I also like how giddy he behaves when he shows his collection to Data. What a great character.

-Jane Daly as Varria: Fajo's companion is another great actress that has a “face-turn” in the episode and it is justified because Fajo is a really bad guy. Then she has that creepy moment where she gets ripped apart by the deadly disruptor. That scream is creepy.

-Was Marvel's The Collector (Guardians of the Galaxy) created before this episode's Fajo? They are so similar that you can't hide it. They collect living things and artwork and they both act strange.

-David Rapport was the original Fajo that they cast. You might remember him from Time Bandits and many other things. They actually filmed two days with him, before he attempted to commit suicide. He had a really bad bout of depression. The producers had to quickly recast the role and brought in Sal . And, his take was completely different. BTW, David did end up killing himself later I believe in a park. The footage of Rapport as Fajo is out there. I haven't seen it though.

-There is a great moment where Fajo orders a “drink” and raises the glass to his mouth, but tosses it on Data's uniform. He faked out Data, and it is a nice touch that only a good actor could bring like Sal.

-Did Data pull the trigger out of emotion or logic?: Whereas I would have pulled the trigger out of rage of seeing Varia being ripped apart by that weapon, I think Data used logic to justify killing Fajo (attempted). Now, the “emotional” part was Data (sort of) lying to Riker after being transported back. He didn't lie, but merely kept some of the info about the distruptor firing close to his vest. This was really good writing.

The Mission Log guys do mention that Data does seem to gloat toward Faja when he's in his holding cell. I have to agree that seems rather emotional in a cold sort of way. Plus, I love how the episode ends with the defeated Fajo in a cell and Data getting the last word in. Damn, Data.