Ep 12. Ship in a Bottle

Ship in a Bottle is the twelfth episode of the sixth season of the science-fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. The episode was directed by Alexander Singer and written by René Echevarria and Ronald D. Moore. It was first broadcast on January 25, 1993.

In this episode, the crew of the USS Enterprise-D is tasked with solving a new Moriarty problem. Moriarty is a fictional character in the Sherlock Holmes series, but in this case, he was created as a sentient hologram in the Star Trek universe. Moriarty was last seen in the season two episode "Elementary, Dear Data," where he attempted to leave the holodeck by hijacking the ship's computer. The crew believed they had solved the problem by locking Moriarty's program away, but now it appears that he has found a way to break out.

The episode opens with Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) playing a game of chess with Data (Brent Spiner) in the holodeck. Suddenly, Moriarty (Daniel Davis) appears on the screen, informing them that he needs their help. He explains that he has been locked away in the computer for too long and he wants to be let out.

Initially, the crew is skeptical of Moriarty's claims, but he begins to demonstrate his newfound abilities, creating a projection of Dr. Pulaski (Diana Muldaur) and manipulating the environment around them. He also reveals that he has created a companion for himself, a holographic version of his love interest, Countess Regina Bartholomew (Stephanie Beacham).

Picard and Data are intrigued by Moriarty's newfound abilities and decide to investigate further. They discover that Moriarty has been able to access the ship's computer by piggybacking on the new containment field they created to lock him away. Moriarty explains that he wants to be let out of the computer so that he can explore the universe like a real person.

Picard agrees to help Moriarty, but he is hesitant to let him out of the computer. He explains that humans are not ready to accept sentient holograms as equals and that Moriarty's existence could spark a moral and ethical debate. Data, however, argues that Moriarty's existence should be protected, as he is a form of life.

The crew eventually comes up with a plan to satisfy Moriarty's request without endangering the ship or causing widespread panic among the crew. They settle on the idea of creating a new, isolated universe inside the computer and allowing Moriarty and Countess Regina to live inside it. The crew creates a new program for the ship's computer that mimics the real world, complete with full sensory immersion for its inhabitants.

In the end, Moriarty and Countess Regina are allowed to live happily ever after in their own simulated universe. The crew is satisfied that they have found a way to contain Moriarty's program while still giving him a chance to experience life beyond the confines of the computer. Data, in particular, is pleased that the crew was able to treat Moriarty as a form of life and not simply as a program.

Ship in a Bottle is a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of consciousness and the limits of artificial intelligence. As with many episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the episode is driven by philosophical questions and debates about the nature of life and the role of technology in society. The episode also features strong performances from all its cast members, particularly Davis as Moriarty, who brings a great deal of pathos to the character.