Sarek

DVD, TNG S3 (Sarek)

The series was so confident in its own style and contributions to the Trek universe that it could do such a wonderful thing as bring back a major character from The Original Series and films. Not since grand old Admiral McCoy's short cameo along the corridors of the Enterprise has a visitor meant so much, not only for the tapestry of the fictional universe, but also the reality of television. It was as if a rule had been lifted, and at last 'TNG' was happy to link firmly to the past. That past was still in motion, for Ambassador Sarek's final appearance in the 23rd Century was still a year away in 'Star Trek VI', and the regal second most known Vulcan would appear one last time in the series.

Mark Lenard had such presence, yet in keeping with the advanced age (202!) of the character he wasn't quite the same, and had visually diminished as well as mentally. At first it would be easy to fault the way he portrayed Sarek, as if he'd forgotten how, but when you see that he was just as capable in the sixth film as the earlier ones, it shows that this was a special performance, taking into account such a long time difference and the effects of the illness. Only once the mind meld has been accomplished do we see the recognisable Ambassador, who is probably the most influential recurring character in ratio to his few appearance than any other.

I like the fact that O'Brien is one of the people who gets to see Sarek in the flesh, even if he didn't get a chance to talk to him, and a nice thought that he would later see the Ambassador's son, Spock, in the past (at least I think he saw him, if not onscreen, we can imagine Spock would have been walking round the ship in 'Trials and Tribble-ations'). Though only passing references, we get a glimpse of the planet Vulcan from space, and Spock and Amanda are mentioned. It's so good, after seeing so many disappointing Vulcans in 'Enterprise' and the 11th film, to see real, bona fide unemotional members of the race (ironically some of the Vulcans in the productions I mentioned act like Sarek without the excuse of Bendii Syndrome!). Brilliant to see a mind meld too, and Picard was the ideal candidate. Patrick Stewart's skill shows through in the emotional outbursts as he struggles to contain the elderly Vulcan's overflowing feelings, and it was so right that it was Beverly who was there beside him, quite apart from her role as Doctor.

I'm surprised it took so long for the cause of the animosity between the crew to be suspected, as we've already had similar experiences with Lwaxana Troi (or at least a more overt outpouring would occur on DS9). The crewmates raising voices at each other is so rare that it does surprise, and the episode is improved further by a good old-fashioned barroom brawl, something that Ten Forward had survived without for almost two seasons until this point. O'Brien would take part in a similar fistfight in that visit to the past.

Sarek's legendary figure, if it hadn't already been, was concreted here in the way he is spoken of as modern Vulcan's greatest contributor, and only Surak himself, and perhaps Spock, to a lesser extent, could even now be considered more highly. A wedding of one of Sarek's sons was mentioned, although it isn't clear whether this was Spock or another child we don't know about - it wasn't going to be Sybok since he met his demise in 'Star Trek V', but in the few times Spock is spoken of or seen there is never any confirmation it was he. Sarek's tear has almost as much impact as Sybok's roar of laughter at the beginning of the fifth film, perhaps more so since we miss the gravity and strong control we are used to seeing Sarek possess.

An episode dealing with such an important character had to focus on that character, much as Spock was integral to the 11th film, which is a lesson that was generally followed: when someone was brought back they didn't just appear for a short scene and go again. Finally, Captain Picard's choice not to ignore what he knew to be wrong is a fine example of what to do when in a quandary with something that is bigger and higher up the chain than yourself - he deals with each person as diplomatically, but as forcefully as he can, risking his career and good name. Even though he is merely a Captain, and we've seen him stand up to Admirals before, this was different, as he truly respected and held the Ambassador in awe, and to confront him was a brave and noble decision, earning the respect of Sarek. Picard could never have expected to have such a deep connection as he now shares with his hero.

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