I couldn't help thinking of this joke from Futurama when I was watching "Pen Pals", a 1989 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It has to be among the episodes that most spectacularly fail at showing the android Data as incapable of emotion. He intercepts a transmission from a little alien girl on a technologically undeveloped world threatened by volcanic destruction. Data seems to have very little compunction about soliciting Picard to violate the Prime Directive, the Federation rule that prohibits contact with intelligent species who have not achieved space travel. The whole episode hinges on Data's pity for the girl and willingness to transgress any rule to save her and her planet, which it turns out is on the edge of destruction. Which is sweet but, you know, hardly in character.
The episode has a minor subplot with Picard showing off his horseback riding skill to Troi which really felt like something Patrick Stewart must have lobbied for.
It's worth remembering that Picard is being so affectionate with an entirely AI generated animal. Sometimes Star Trek didn't even know when it was being prophetic.
Star Trek: The Next Generation is available on Netflix.
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