Unification I

DVD, TNG S5 (Unification I)

For all the padding that draws out the episode and tries to warrant the running time of two hours, most likely so a budget of worthwhile proportions could be used to defray such costs as bringing back some major guest stars as well as presenting Romulus on the best scale that could be achieved, it still comes out on balance as a good episode. This is undoubtedly from the vein of anticipation running through the episode like silver in dull rock, and also for the playing out of such momentous events in the 'Star Trek' world, the like of which resounded outwards, even to the last film in 2009, no small achievement in such a long-running franchise with its myriad major plots and long-running arcs. But somehow, anything related to Spock has so much weight to it, perhaps because he was the original face that drew so many in, and was there from the very earliest beginnings.

It must have been a coup to get such an iconic character back to a series that had begun by distancing itself from its predecessor, not the least because the original actors were still making films at the time. By this late stage of the series, well into middle age, it had found its audience, proved itself by making as many long-lasting creative additions to the known universe of races and planets as 'TOS,' and felt it could get away with ties to the old series. It helped that Leonard Nimoy had been making the final 'TOS' film that year, which I think was still to be released at the time of the episode, so this was also a savvy marketing ploy to ensure the 'TNG' audience would be interested in the new film, as much as it was a tribute to those characters. Gene Roddenberry was also saluted with a dedication at the start of the episode as he had recently died, so it is fitting that it should be one of his first creations that everyone is looking forward to seeing in the episode, though we're kept waiting until the very last seconds.

More important than the appearance of Spock, something most people probably imagined was just about impossible, was Sarek's terrifying, yet gripping scene, his last, for we learn shortly after that he has died. The great tragedy of his descent into the illness that is killing him, that robs him of his dignity, more so for one who had such standing and presence, is pitiable to watch, and just as hard for Picard who gained a personal connection with him after sharing a mind meld in Season 3. It is a tribute to Picard that he is able to rouse Sarek and patiently, if painfully converse with him. It's also special that, though last time the Ambassador came to the Enterprise, this time the ship goes to Vulcan, and Picard to Sarek's dwelling. After the planetscapes of the films it's a little disappointing not to see the world, as Sarek stays secluded in a dark room, but the fireworks of Mark Lenard's final performance leave all such thoughts of deficiency in the hot, Vulcan dust.

It's certainly the strongest moment in the episode, and tells us even more about the strange antagonistic, yet honourable bond between the Father and his son. It's also good to see Perrin return, this time to present a different view of Spock. His own Mother was of course protective of both husband and son, but Perrin thinks mainly of Sarek, saddened that Spock didn't meet with him before going on this journey, and it shows that not even the great Spock is perfect in all he does, in all eyes. It's fascinating to hear that the two Vulcan ambassadors were on different sides on the subject of the Cardassian war, something that connects 'TOS' to 'DS9' in a small way.

After such harrowing, revealing scenes, having the Enterprise loitering in a junkyard, or Picard and Data trying to get some sleep on a Klingon ship doesn't quite live up to the scope of such personal and far-reaching concerns, though the possibility, however remote, of Spock being a defector are, shall we say, fascinating. And the scene with Picard trying to sleep while Data stands there putting him off is rather enjoyable! It's clear the episode is being drawn out a little unnaturally by these things. We get to see another member of the Zakdorn race, though he's much less obnoxious than the last one in 'Peak Performance', and in fact the most officious person is the Klingon adjutant that deigns to speak to Picard after he's been waiting three days to contact Gowron - it shows how untrustworthy the Klingon leader is that rather than strengthen the bonds between his people and the Federation, he would rather make himself stronger, a warning sign about the kind of guy he is. Mark my words, someone's going to have to put him in his place one of these days (and it's going to be a guy with a wrinkled forehead and a ponytail).

It was a way of keeping Gowron out of the episode, perhaps to save some money, but I'd have preferred more Klingon involvement. We get a Klingon Captain who isn't particularly helpful, but that's a typical Klingon for you. I had to wonder who did the amazing Romulan facial reconstruction for Picard and Data. The android didn't do it as he shows surprise at how good it looks, so was it Picard? Couldn't they have brought Beverly along? In the other storyline I didn't buy that a ship would be fooled into thinking the Enterprise was just a floating relic, like the other ships in the junkyard - even the Zakdorn noted how good it looked. Perhaps the enemy ship was automated?

Another big event is the first time we ever got to see what the streets of Romulus were like. Okay, so we can't see much, and it could have been a medieval town for all we can tell, but there were certainly more Romulans than had ever been on screen before, that's for sure! I felt Sarek's death was a little weakly thrown in - Data noting that Picard looks a bit subdued wasn't enough to convey the magnitude of it, but it's difficult to have an emotional scene on the macho, spare, dark environment of a Klingon Bird of Prey. Perhaps a visual communication from Perrin might have been more sensitive? Still, Spock's involvement at the end was exciting, even though it's called 'Unification I,' not hiding that it will be a cliffhanger.

Nimoy and Lenard aren't the only actors from 'TOS' to appear - Malachi Throne, who played Commodore Mendez, as well as the voice of the Talosian Keeper is the Romulan Senator Pardek. Erick Avari went on to a more recognisable role as Vedek Yarka on 'DS9' ('Destiny') and 'Enterprise' ('Terra Nova'). And Proconsul Neral went on to be played by a different actor in 'DS9'. And finally, one other link to 'TOS' is the name of the Vulcan ship which was missing: T'Pau.

***