This episode is one of the more lower rated episode of the series and in many ways I can see why. The episodes seems to lack some of the fear and intensity of the previous episodes while the "bad guy" has a slight inconsequential feel. The episode also fails to build a strong emotional tie to the characters or to the overall story, even though certain events in the episode are meant to do so. While, the depiction of AI feels almost childlike and one dimensional. Asimov who?
Yet, I think it is also one of the more important episodes, especially in 2019. It very clearly shows the the destructive power of new technology and how governments are willing to do anything to get to that capability. While also highlighting the issue of responsible tech development, especially in the cyber field.
In a post-Snowden world where the discussions of AI, cybersecurity and mass surveillance are common place, this episode shows a very early conversation on these issues and perhaps it would have been more well received if it was released now than in early 90s.
Overall, this episodes value is not necessarily on what the story was actually able to show. Rather, it lies in the basic principles that make up the grounding of this episode.
Yet, I think it is also one of the more important episodes, especially in 2019. It very clearly shows the the destructive power of new technology and how governments are willing to do anything to get to that capability. While also highlighting the issue of responsible tech development, especially in the cyber field.
In a post-Snowden world where the discussions of AI, cybersecurity and mass surveillance are common place, this episode shows a very early conversation on these issues and perhaps it would have been more well received if it was released now than in early 90s.
Overall, this episodes value is not necessarily on what the story was actually able to show. Rather, it lies in the basic principles that make up the grounding of this episode.