star trek next generation unification cast

Unification I (episode)

• View history
• 1.2 Act One
• 1.3 Act Two
• 1.4 Act Three
• 1.5 Act Four
• 1.6 Act Five
• 2 Log entries
• 3 Memorable quotes
• 4.1 Production history
• 4.2 Story and script
• 4.3 Production
• 4.4 Cast and characters
• 4.5 Sets, props, and costumes
• 4.6 Continuity
• 4.7 Reception
• 4.9 Video and DVD releases
• 5.1 Starring
• 5.2 Also starring
• 5.3 Special guest star
• 5.4 Guest stars
• 5.5 Co-stars
• 5.6 Uncredited co-stars
• 5.7 Stand-ins
• 5.8.1 Qualor II vessels
• 5.8.2 Library computer references
• 5.8.3 Deleted references
• 5.9 External links

Summary [ ]

The USS Enterprise -D has had a terraforming mission on Doraf I cancelled and has been recalled to Starbase 234 by Fleet Admiral Brackett who is unwilling to discuss the matter over subspace . Meeting with Captain Picard in his ready room , she explains to him that one of the Federation 's most prestigious and celebrated ambassadors and an advisor to Federation leaders for generations had suddenly disappeared without a trace three weeks ago. Then two days ago, intelligence suggests that the ambassador is currently on the planet Romulus . The trip was unauthorized, and there are serious worries that he has defected. If so, the potential damage to Federation security would be devastating. She shows Picard a distorted image taken on Romulus by long-range scanner on his desktop monitor that, after image enhancement, clearly shows the face of the missing ambassador – Spock .

Act One [ ]

Picard meets with Sarek for the last time

The Enterprise arrives at the planet Vulcan . In the observation lounge , Picard and Commander Riker discuss informing Sarek's wife Perrin of their plans. Riker tells Picard that arrangements have already been made to transport her to the ship, as Sarek is too ill to beam aboard. Picard tells Riker that Sarek is dying, and it is his honor to inform him that his son may have betrayed the Federation. Taking a seat, Riker asks Picard how well he knows Spock. The captain says that he had only met the legendary Vulcan once and what he knows of him comes from history books and from the mind meld he shared with his father. Leaving this behind for the moment, Picard hands Riker a PADD detailing that debris was recovered from a crashed Ferengi cargo ship that appears to be Vulcan in origin. The debris has been sent to Vulcan for further analysis. Riker will be assisting the forensic team studying the pieces.

Later in Picard's ready room, Sarek's wife Perrin joins him for mint tea . Sarek is known to be very ill, suffering from the effects of Bendii Syndrome . Perrin tells Picard that Spock couldn't have been abducted, as he tidied up his affairs before his disappearance, and then relates that there has been a rift in the relationship between Sarek and Spock over the Federation-Cardassian War . Sarek is now wasting away in bed and wants nothing more than to heal the rift between himself and his son before it's too late. Taking a seat with Perrin on his couch , Picard asks her for permission to see Sarek. She says that if it were anyone but Picard, she would refuse. However, she notes, Sarek is a part of him, as he is of Picard.

In a cargo bay , Riker and Lieutenant Commander La Forge examine the pieces of debris that were recovered from the cargo ship that crashed in a Hanolin asteroid belt . The material dentarium is detected in the debris, confirming that their origin is Vulcan. La Forge observes that investigating this mystery is going to be like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle without knowing what the picture is supposed to be.

Picard goes to the planet and Perrin escorts him to Sarek's room. Sarek is in bed and restless – Perrin attempts to rouse him, speaking loudly into his ear, but shouting and ranting Sarek doesn't initially recognize or even acknowledge Picard, and Perrin leaves them to talk, noting that Picard may or may not get through to him. Picard asks him about Spock, and he suddenly calms and becomes more lucid, his weakened emotional control leading him to speak and gesture much as a Human would. He finally recognizes Picard, who asks if he would know why Spock would be on Romulus. Sarek says possibly to meet with Pardek , a Romulan Senator whom Spock met and befriended at the Khitomer Conference decades ago . Picard asks if Spock may have defected, but Sarek responds, " Never! " Sarek soon becomes confused again, and in his ramblings recalls that when he was a child Spock would disappear into the mountains for days refusing to tell anyone what he was doing there and would endure punishments silently before immediately returning; Sarek then confesses that secretly, he was proud of his son's unyielding spirit. Picard reminds Sarek that they have a part of each other, and he knows Sarek loves Spock despite all the pain he's caused. Sarek struggles to give Picard a message to take to his son: " Live long and prosper. "

Act Two [ ]

The Enterprise is en route to Qo'noS to request a ship from Chancellor Gowron that has cloaking capability . They hail Gowron for three days and receive no response. Lieutenant Worf explains that the messages are likely being ignored because " Gowron has been re-writing Klingon history ", claiming that it was his genius that ended the civil war , without a word about the help of the Federation, to which Riker adds that the arrival of the Enterprise may be an uncomfortable reminder of the facts. Picard suggests that Worf try to contact K'Tal of the Klingon High Council instead. Data shows Picard a Barolian visual identification of Pardek taken at a trade negotiation four years ago . Picard compares the image to the one with Spock in it on Romulus and finds that the man with Spock is indeed Pardek. Data tells Picard that Pardek has been a senator for nine decades and is considered a radical by the Romulan Senate as he is a known advocate for peace. Data adds that he lives in the Krocton Segment on Romulus and could likely be located there on the third day of the Romulan week when the Senate is not in session. Picard thanks Data for this information and remarks that his resourcefulness never ceases to amaze him.

The Enterprise is hailed from Qo'noS. It is B'iJik , the Junior Adjutant to the Diplomatic Delegation. He advises Picard that Gowron is too busy to meet with him. Picard is incensed. He diplomatically threatens Gowron through B'iJik, implying that if Gowron doesn't grant his request, he will request a ship from one of Gowron's rival factions thereby causing a loss of political credibility, apart from playing to Gowron's vanity. B'iJik promises to give the message to Gowron.

Later in sickbay , Doctor Crusher is examining Data 's head in preparation for the prosthetic ears he will be wearing for his mission to Romulus. Riker enters and reports there's still no word from Gowron, but he does ask Picard to join him in the cargo bay as La Forge has made some progress with the metal fragments. Crusher tells him that Data and Picard still need to meet with Mot to be fitted for their hairpieces, and Picard tells Riker he'll be there in thirty minutes.

In the cargo bay, La Forge has determined that the debris found on the Ferengi cargo ship is part of the deflector array from the Vulcan ship T'Pau , which was decommissioned years ago and sent to the surplus depot at Qualor II as scrap. Riker suggests that he take the Enterprise to Qualor II and continue their investigation, and Picard agrees. Worf calls in to tell Picard that a Klingon ship has just decloaked off the Enterprise 's port bow, compliments of Gowron. Picard and Data go aboard the Klingon vessel and proceed toward Romulus while the Enterprise goes the other direction toward Qualor II.

Act Three [ ]

Captain K'Vada shows Picard and Data to their quarters on the ship. K'Vada prods them with conditions on the ship, saying they have to share a room, eat Klingon food and get used to the hard bed . Picard takes it in stride. On the intercom , he's informed they have crossed the Neutral Zone. He confirms with Picard that he intends to continue, then orders the ship to cloak.

The Enterprise powered down

Riker takes the Enterprise to the Zakdorn -operated Surplus Depot Z15 , a Federation scrap yard for decommissioned ships. They contact the quartermaster of the depot, a Zakdorn named Klim Dokachin , who is less than helpful. Riker invites him on board and has Counselor Troi try to persuade him to assist them in finding out the whereabouts of the remainder of the T'Pau . He agrees and the Enterprise goes to the coordinates of the T'Pau . To the quartermaster's shock, the ship is gone. Dokachin explains that when the ship was stripped of material upon its arrival, the deflector array was sent to the USS Tripoli , a holding vessel on the outer rim of the shipyard. They go to that location and find it, too, is missing. The quartermaster informs them that there is a transport of deuterium storage tanks to the Tripoli scheduled in two hours. Riker orders the ship to be aligned so it appears to be one of the abandoned ships and powered down with the exception of sensors and life support . They lie in wait to see what will happen when the transport is initiated.

Act Four [ ]

Picard and Data see that there is one bunk, obviously for one person, which probably amuses the Klingons. Picard lies down to sleep as Data does not need to lie down. He stands nearby calculating how he should behave when undercover as a Romulan. He makes Picard nervous and unable to sleep. After Picard discovers what Data is doing, he tries to go back to sleep. However, he quickly realizes that Data is silently staring in Picard's direction (not at Picard, he clarifies to the captain when asked) as he lies on the bunk making Picard again feel uncomfortable. Just as Picard gets up, they are called to the bridge, where Captain K'Vada hands him a PADD containing a subspace message he monitored that he believes Picard will find interesting. Picard reads, and sadly tells Data the news it contains… Sarek has died.

On the Enterprise , a ship is approaching at warp speed. It stops at the coordinates 12 Delta 4 – the previous position of the Tripoli . The small combat vessel is heavily armed and receives the scheduled transport. Riker powers up all systems and hails the ship, ordering them to identify themselves. The ship turns to intercept and fires phasers at the Enterprise . Riker orders Worf to return fire, targeting only the weapon systems and using only a .75 power burst with the phasers just to "get their attention." The ship is hit and takes damage to their forward shields. La Forge details a more through assessment with collateral damage in the cargo bay and a destroyed phaser array . However, he also reads massive power fluctuations and internal explosions; and concludes that with all the armament on board, the ship will blow.

No sooner from that assessment, the attacking ship explodes in front of the bridge crew's eyes.

Act Five [ ]

" Perhaps you should appear to enjoy your soup , sir. "

Data and Picard are in costume and prosthetic makeup looking just like Romulans. Data observes that Picard has been unusually pensive since learning of Sarek's death. Picard attempts to explain to Data the effect that Sarek's death has had on him, and how the mission has taken on a more personal nature as it is left to him to deliver the news to Spock. Data assumes that, as a Vulcan, Spock will simply accept Sarek's death as the logical conclusion of his illness, but Picard disagrees, telling the android it is never that simple, even for Vulcans and especially as Spock is half-Human. They've spent years in conflict and now his chance to reconcile with his father is gone. Data notes how illogical it is that, given the naturally long lifespan of Vulcans, Spock and Sarek never chose to resolve their differences in the time allowed. Picard notes that Spock and Sarek were a lot alike in their stubbornness and pride, constantly building emotional barriers that were hard to bring down… and now Spock will have to face the knowledge that it is too late to begin building bridges again.

A street in the Krocton Segment on Romulus

" I am looking for Ambassador Spock. " " Indeed. You have found him, Captain Picard. "

They beam down to Romulus after K'Vada tells them that he won't rescue them if anything goes wrong. On Romulus, Senator Pardek arrives at Proconsul Neral 's office and is asked if he knows of Jean-Luc Picard. He says he does not and is told that Picard is on his way to Romulus. They decide to alert security to be watchful for him and Neral speculates that he have disguised himself as a Romulan. Picard and Data are on the street where the images of Pardek and Spock were standing. They locate the office of an intercessor ( lawyer ) who is likely related to Pardek. They decide to get some food and wait for him to arrive. At a nearby restaurant , they notice two Romulans in military uniform just before Pardek comes down the street. They turn toward Pardek and the uniformed Romulans stop them and escort them out. Data and Picard are taken to an underground chamber. Pardek walks in behind them and says, " Welcome to Romulus, Captain Picard. " The military men were his assistants in disguise and Pardek explains they had to get him and Data off the street as quickly as they could as Romulan Security knows that they're here and assure him that they are among friends. Picard explains that he is on an urgent mission from the Federation. He is looking for Ambassador Spock. " Indeed, " says a voice from deeper within the cavern. " You have found him, Captain Picard. " Spock emerges from the shadows.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Log entries [ ]

• Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), 2368
• First officer's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)

Memorable quotes [ ]

" How well do you know Spock? " " I only met him once. What I know of him comes from history books, and of course my mind meld with his father. " " Well, that must cover a lot of ground. " " Not as much as you'd imagine. Sarek and Spock… well… sometimes, fathers and sons… " " Understood . "

" The man is dying. And it's my honor to tell him that his son may have betrayed the Federation. "

" Sarek, you will listen! " " Go from me!! " " Picard is here. " " No more chaos!! No more. " " I will leave you alone with him. He will either acknowledge you, or he won't. "

" Sarek, I have come a long way to see you. " " I will not answer!! " " I must talk to you about your son. " " I wish no one with me!! " " About Spock. "

" I never knew what Spock was doing. When he was a boy, he would disappear for days into the mountains. I asked him where he had gone, what he had done, he refused to tell me. I insisted that he tell me. He would not. I forbade him to go. He ignored me. I punished him. He endured it, silently. But always he returned to the mountains. One might as well ask the river not to run. But secretly I admired him, the proud core of him that would not yield. "

" The only benefit to the Klingon Empire would be our gratitude. " " That is what you want me to tell him? " " Yes. And please add that if he is unable to provide us with a ship, then I am sure there are others in the Klingon Empire who would be willing to help me. And then… they would have our gratitude. " (Long pause) " I see. " " Also, please tell Gowron that I am immensely gratified that he is prospering so well. A tribute to his skilled leadership. "

" He probably figures that we don't get to see a lot of handsome women out this way, and someone like you might get a little more cooperation out of me. " [pause] " He's probably right. "

" Sarek is dead. "

" These quarters were obviously intended for one crewman, sir. There is but a single sleeping space. " " I'm sure the Klingons found it amusing to put us in here together. " " Since I do not require sleep, I propose you take the…shelf, sir. I am content to stand. "

" Be careful, android. Some Romulan beauty might take a liking to you. Lick that paint right off your ears. "

" Perhaps you should appear to enjoy your soup, sir. "

" I have come on an urgent mission from the Federation. I'm looking for Ambassador Spock. " " Indeed. You have found him, Captain Picard. "

Background information [ ]

Production history [ ].

• First draft script: 21 August 1991
• Several cave scenes are filmed: 11 September 1991
• Several more cave scenes are filmed, and final draft script is issued: 13 September 1991
• Filming of scenes on the Klingon Bird-of-Prey, and scheduled filming of scene involving Fran Bennett as Fleet Admiral Shanthi : 16 September 1991
• Principal photography: 19 September 1991 – 26 September 1991
• Premiere airdate: 4 November 1991
• First UK airdate: 1 February 1995

Story and script [ ]

• "Unification" originated with a suggestion by Frank Mancuso, Sr. , the then-chairman of Paramount Pictures , during the early planning of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country . Noting that 1991 would mark the 25th anniversary of Star Trek first airing, Mancuso proposed to Leonard Nimoy that the Star Trek: The Original Series film series and Star Trek: The Next Generation should find a way to work together to mark the occasion. Accordingly, TNG Executive Producer Rick Berman met with Nimoy and Nicholas Meyer . Following these discussions, Nimoy and Meyer inserted several references to TNG into the film script. In return, Nimoy agreed to appear in TNG. Berman recalled, " We structured a deal with him: he got very little, a little more than scale [union salary minimum]. But with Leonard as executive producer of Star Trek VI , what you had in essence was a cross-promotion. It made everybody happy. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., pp. 182-183); Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 231)
• This was not the first time that Nimoy considered appearing as Spock on TNG. Before the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike , there were proposals for him to appear in an episode of the second season , to be written by Tracy Tormé . ( Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Continuing Mission , p. 166) See also: " Return to Forever ".
• Explaining his decision to appear here, Nimoy commented, " I thought that if we could do a TNG episode in which we hinted at the beginnings of a crossover between The Original Series and The Next Generation through the Spock character and through the backstory of Spock's character, it would be helpful to both. I thought it would be interesting to the fans to see the connection between the two stories. It just seemed that it made sense for me to make an appearance at that point. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 230)
• Rick Berman and Michael Piller then brainstormed ideas to bring Spock into the show. According to Berman, Nimoy didn't like the first idea presented to him. It was during discussions with Nimoy that Berman and Piller came up with idea of Vulcan - Romulan reunification . Berman recalled, " I think the fix had to do with the idea that unification of Vulcan and Romulan societies was something that Spock realized was happening and had been happening for centuries, and that it had to be nurtured along. The idea of him staying behind to continue that process and that the Romulans were in fact – unbeknownst to themselves – going through the same evolutionary early metamorphosis that the Vulcans had those many centuries ago. It became more of a show that dealt with a peaceable as opposed to a warlike element, and Leonard felt strongly about that. We futzed it here and there based on Leonard's notes and, mostly, our own. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 231)
• Star Trek VI was inspired by the collapse of the Soviet Union . The "Unification" two-parter, too, drew on contemporary real-world events, namely German reunification . ( Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Continuing Mission , p. 167)
• To Michael Piller, the title had further significance. He remarked, " We're really telling the story of the unification of The Original Series and Next Generation , symbolically closing the gap that had always been in the fans ' minds, if no one else's, between the two shows. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 233) Rick Berman had similar thoughts. " It's a validation of our series from The Original Series . There has been so much talk about the two series, in a competitive way. This is a union, a joining of the two. And that's very positive for the fans. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 230)
• Having now settled on a story, the producers determined that it was too expensive to produce as a single episode. They decided to break it into two parts, with Spock only appearing at the end of the first part. ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 233)
• Piller hoped to write both parts, but this proved impracticable. Accordingly, he turned to Jeri Taylor . She remembered that " the challenge was to tap dance well enough to sustain interest, even though this highly anticipated character was not there… are we going to be able to keep the balls in the air enough to make that first episode work? " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 233)
• As a fan of The Original Series, Ronald D. Moore gave some pointers to Jeri Taylor, particularly in regards to the relationship between Sarek and Spock. ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 233)
• Taylor was then approached by Pocket Books to write the novelization of Unification . As she hoped to become a novelist, Taylor readily agreed. However, she was only given 30 days to write the book, while also working on the teleplay. She recalled, " Yes, September 1991 was a month I'll never forget. I was writing Part One, I was writing the novel – it was like an endless finals week. You live on coffee , you're wired, you shut yourself off from family and friends: I had no other life but 'Unification'! " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 183))

Production [ ]

Gene Roddenbery's memorial title card

• Although not the first episode of Star Trek to air after the death of Gene Roddenberry (" The Game " aired four days after his death), this episode memorialized Roddenberry with a simple title card which read: "Gene Roddenberry: 1921-1991", accompanied by the opening notes to the theme of Star Trek .
• Due to Leonard Nimoy's schedule, principal filming of "Unification I" took place after " Unification II ", although several scenes were filmed during the production of the second part. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 185)) Principal photography took place between Thursday 19 September 1991 and Thursday 26 September 1991 on Paramount Stage 8 , 9 , and 16 . Previously filmed scenes include several cave scenes on Paramount Stage 16 on Wednesday 11 September 1991 and Friday 13 September 1991 and scenes on the Klingon Bird-of-Prey on Paramount Stage 5 on Monday 16 September 1991 .
• On Wednesday 25 September 1991 a still photographer took pictures of the sickbay set, Beverly Crusher's office, and the engineering corridor.

Cast and characters [ ]

Patrick Stewart in Romulan prosthetic makeup

• This episode marks the death of Ambassador Sarek ( Mark Lenard ). This was the first time that a recurring Star Trek: The Original Series character died (not counting Spock 's death and subsequent resurrection in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek III: The Search for Spock respectively, or times when Kirk, Scotty, or other characters died but were brought back to life in the same episode).
• Lenard recalled, " They only sent me part of the script. I read it and thought, 'Well, I'm only in one scene, but it's a good scene – a bit like King Lear . So I did it. " He only realized that his character had in fact died when first watching the episode at a convention . Lenard thought that the death was a bit "chintzy" and disrespectful of the character. However, James Doohan told him at the same convention that as the death occurred off-screen, there was always a possibility for it to be later reversed. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 231)
• Fran Bennett was scheduled to reprise her part of Fleet Admiral Shanthi in the opening sequence of this episode and was according to the call sheet up to film her scenes on Monday 16 September 1991 . For unknown reasons, Bennett was replaced by Karen Hensel as Admiral Brackett .

Sets, props, and costumes [ ]

• The wall decoration in Proconsul Neral's office can be later seen in the barbershop aboard the Enterprise -D in the sixth season episode " Schisms ", in the reception area at Arkaria Base in the episode " Starship Mine ", and in the office of Minister Kray in the Star Trek: Voyager episode " Ex Post Facto ".

Continuity [ ]

• Explaining the strained relationship between Sarek and Spock to Commander Riker, Captain Picard says " sometimes, fathers and sons… ", at which point Riker simply responds " Understood ", a reference to his own difficult relationship with his father which was explored in " The Icarus Factor ".
• At some point, Picard mentions that he has met Spock only once in the past. Indeed, in " Sarek " Picard mentioned that he had met Sarek during Sarek's son's wedding (the son presumably being Spock).
• While conversing with Picard, Sarek mentioned the many times that Spock would disobey him and travel to the mountains. This was shown in TAS : " Yesteryear ".
• One of the shots showing the Enterprise -D passing through near wrecked ships at Surplus Depot Z15 is actually a recycled shot from " The Best of Both Worlds, Part II ".
• In terms of airing order, "Unification I" is the first time any Star Trek episode (or movie) visited Romulus (discounting the holographic creation of the Valley of Chula visited by Romulan Admiral Alidar Jarok in " The Defector ").

Reception [ ]

• "Unification I" and "Unification II" were the highest rated episodes of TNG since " Encounter at Farpoint ". ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 231)
• Rick Berman commented, " Surprisingly, I felt Part 1 worked out a little better than Part 2. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 231)
• Michael Piller remarked, " I was very pleased with Part One, oddly enough. I know a lot of people were very angry that they didn't get to see Spock until the last beat of the last scene, but I thought there were more interesting elements in Part One than there were in Part Two. I liked the stuff with Sarek, I thought it was very moving. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 231)
• While she found writing the teleplay a challenge, Jeri Taylor was pleased with how "Unification I" turned out. " I thought it was exciting, the mystery worked and it was a well-realized episode in its own right – almost to everyone's surprise, since it was felt this is the one we have to do to get to the good stuff. But it held its own in very equal terms with the second part. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 233)
• Ronald D. Moore also enjoyed the scenes with Sarek. " I was really happy that they did it and had the courage to kill the character and send him out that way. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 231)
• In contrast, Jonathan Frakes thought "Unification I" was a "cheat" on the audience. " You expected Spock to be in the first part and he doesn't show up until the end. It was deceptive, but it was nice to see some sense of continuity between the two universes. To me, the highlight of the two episodes was the scene where Picard was trying to sleep and Data stood by watching him. That was funny. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 231)
• A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine  issue 18 , pp. 44-47.
• This episode was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore) ( Dennis McCarthy ).

Video and DVD releases [ ]

• As a stand-alone UK VHS rental release, CIC Video , 1992
• Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video ): Volume 54, catalog number VHR 2638, 5 October 1992
• As part of the UK VHS collection Star Trek - Crossovers Set : 6 November 1995
• In feature-length form, as part of the UK VHS release Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Full Length TV Movies : Volume 4, catalog number VHR 4104, 27 February 1995
• UK re-release (three-episode tapes, Paramount Home Entertainment ): Volume 5.3, 5 August 2002
• As part of the TNG Season 5 DVD collection
• In feature-length form, as part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete TV Movies collection

Links and references [ ]

Starring [ ].

• Patrick Stewart as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
• Jonathan Frakes as Cmdr. William Riker

Also starring [ ]

• LeVar Burton as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge
• Michael Dorn as Lt. Worf
• Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher
• Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi
• Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data

Special guest star [ ]

• Leonard Nimoy as Spock

Guest stars [ ]

• Joanna Miles as Perrin
• Stephen Root as K'Vada
• Graham Jarvis as Klim Dokachin
• Malachi Throne as Pardek
• Norman Large as Neral
• Daniel Roebuck as Romulan civilian
• Erick Avari as B'iJik
• Karen Hensel as Brackett
• Mark Lenard as Sarek

Co-stars [ ]

• Mimi Cozzens as Soup Woman
• Majel Barrett as Computer Voice

Uncredited co-stars [ ]

• Amigron as Romulan civilian
• Rachen Assapiomonwait as Nelson
• Aylward as Romulan civilian
• Carla Beachcomber as Romulan civilian
• Michael Braveheart as Martinez
• Bravo as Romulan civilian
• Errol Bryand as Romulan civilian
• Debbie David as Russell
• Tracee Lee Cocco as Jae
• Tony Cruz as Lopez
• Gerard David, Jr. as operations division ensign
• Joey Davis as command division officer
• Carmen Emeterio as Romulan civilian
• Linda Harcharic as Romulan civilian
• Christie Haydon as Romulan civilian
• Jacobson as Romulan civilian
• Kim as operations division officer
• Alex Landi as operations division officer
• Romulan civilian
• Science division lieutenant
• Manno as Romulan civilian
• Marco as Romulan civilian
• Justin McCarty as Romulan civilian
• Tim McCormack as Bennett (stock footage)
• Miller as Romulan civilian
• Jay Montalvo as operations division officer
• Klingon officer
• Science division ensign
• Joycelyn Robinson as Gates
• Diane Todd as Romulan civilian
• Guy Vardaman as Klingon helmsman
• Female operations division ensign (stock footage)
• Female science division officer
• Klingon officer (voice)
• Romulan civilians 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , and 17

Stand-ins [ ]

• David Keith Anderson – stand-in for LeVar Burton
• Eddie – stand-in for Stephen Root and Malachi Throne
• Joey Davis – stand-in for Joanna Miles
• Melba Gonzalez – stand-in for Marina Sirtis
• Tim McCormack – stand-in for Brent Spiner, Mark Lenard, Erick Avari, Graham Jarvis, and Norman Large
• Lorine Mendell – stand-in for Gates McFadden and Joanna Miles
• Richard Sarstedt – stand-in for Jonathan Frakes and Daniel Roebuck
• Dennis Tracy – stand-in for Patrick Stewart
• Guy Vardaman – stand-in for Leonard Nimoy
• James Washington – stand-in for Michael Dorn
• Stand-in for Karen Hensel
• Stand-in for Mimi Cozzens

References [ ]

2278 ; 2364 ; 2366 ; " a lot of ground "; " a man of the people "; abduction ; adjutant ; " all right "; appointment ; advisor ; alloy ; ambassador ; amusement ; android ; apology ; Apollo -class ( Vulcan starships ); Arbiter of Succession ; armament ; arrival ; As You Like It ; " at least "; Barolian ; " beats me "; bed ; Beta Quadrant ; body ; border ; bow ; cafe ; Caldorian eel ; career ; cargo ; cargo area ; cargo bay ; ceremonial death chamber ; city ; collateral damage ; combat vessel ; computer ; computer system ; contraband ; coordinates ; corner ; courage ; course ; crate ; cross reference ; curiosity ; damage ; day ; death ; debate ; debris ; decade ; defection ; defector ; density ; dentarium ; destination ; deuterium storage tank ; decommissioning ; dialogue ; diplomatic delegation ; directory ; disappearance ; district ; doorway ; Doraf I ; dwelling ; ear ; emotion ; emotional barrier ; experience ; explanation ; eye ; fact ; family ; father ; favor ; Federation ; Federation-Cardassian War ; Ferengi ; Ferengi cargo ship ; file ; fleet admiral ; floor ; " for that matter "; foot ; fragment ; freighter ; friend ; gagh ; generation ; genius ; " good night "; Gowron ; gratitude ; hail ; hairpiece ; Hanolin asteroid belt ; heading ; health ; " hello "; helmsman ; hill ; history book ; holding vessel ; honor ; hour ; Human ; hundred ; husband ; " I don't know "; " I see "; " I suppose so "; idea ; identification ; illness ; image ; impact ; " in fact "; " in session "; " in the end "; " in the hands of "; inflection ; information ; intelligence report ; intelligence scan ; intelligence sweep ; internal explosion ; internal scan ; jigsaw puzzle ; job ; jolan tru ; junior adjutant ; K'Tal ; Khitomer ; Khitomer Conference ; kilometer ; king ; Klingons ; Klingonese ; Klingon Bird-of-Prey ( K'Vada's Bird-of-Prey ); Klingon Civil War ; Klingon history ; Klingon Empire ; Klingon High Council ; Klingon history ; kph ; Krocton Segment ; leader ; leadership ; legal intercessor ; " lend a hand "; life span ; life support ; locker ; log ; logic ; long-range scanner ; loyalty ; Mahl'kom group ; mass ; meal ; medical supplies ; metal ; metallurgical analysis ; military ship ; mind meld ; mint ; mint tea ; minute ; mission ; mistake ; molecular pattern trace ; Mot ; mountain ; mystery ; name ; navigational deflector array ; noise ; NSP ; number one ; " of course "; office ; " on board "; opposition ; optimism ; orbit ; order ; outer rim ; outsider ; pad ; pain ; paint ; parameter ; peace ; percent ; phaser ; phaser array ; phaser bank ; picture ; plan ; pleasure craft ; port ; proconsul ; prosthetic ; public service ; Qo'noS ; Qualor II ; Qualor II depot ; Qualor II Depot Z15 Inventory Database ; quartermaster ; question ; Rateg ; record ; red alert ; reform ; relationship ; relative ; rescue mission ; revisionist history ; river ; Romulan ; Romulan cuisine ; Romulan disruptor rifle ; Romulan Neutral Zone ; Romulan Senate ; Romulan Security ( Romulan security forces ); Romulan Senate ; Romulan underground movement ; Romulus ; rumor ; search ; Section 18 - Gamma 12 ; Sector 12D4 ; secret ; security ; scheduling ; senator ; sensor ; shelf ; shield array ; shipment ; skin pigmentation ( skin color ); sleep ; Smuggler's combat vessel ; soldier ; son ; soup ; space ; sponsor ; square kilometer ; Starbase 234 ; starbase computer system A29 ; starboard ; street ; stubborn ; subspace channel ; subspace marker ; surplus depot ( supply yard , shipyard ); Surplus Depot Z15 ; subspace ; subspace message ; surface ; tailor ; terminal ; terraforming mission ; " that's all "; thing ; thought ; " to that end "; T'Pau ; trade negotiation ; transponder ; trip ; Tripoli , USS ; " very good "; " very well "; visit ; Vulcan ; Vulcan (planet) ; Vulcan National Merchant Fleet ; Vulcan salute ; warp speed ; weapon systems ; weapons array ; week ; whispering ; wife ; year ; " yep "; Zakdorn

Qualor II vessels [ ]

Surplus Depot Z15 starships ; Antares -class ( unnamed ); Alka-Selsior , USS ; B-24-CLN ; Challenger -class ( USS Buran ); Federation sentry pods ; K't'inga -class ( unnamed ); Miranda -class ( unnamed ); Niagara -class ( USS Princeton ); Nebula -class ( unnamed ); Springfield -class ( USS Chekov ); Talarian freighter ; Talarian warship

Library computer references [ ]

• Starfleet Operations – Sectors 21166-23079 : Ajax , USS ; Alpha Laputa IV ; Aries , USS ; Berlin , USS ; Beta Mahoga system ; Bradbury , USS ; Bradbury -class ; Charleston , USS ; Constellation -class ; Epsilon Ashanti III ; Excelsior -class ; Fearless , USS ; Goddard , USS ; Hood , USS ; Korolev -class ; Merrimac , USS ; Monitor , USS ; Nebula -class ; New Orleans -class ; pulsar ; Renaissance -class ; Repulse , USS ; Rigel -class ; Romulan Neutral Zone ; sector ; Sector 21166 ; Sector 21502 ; Sector 21834 ; Sector 22036 ; Sector 22055 ; Sector 23079 ; Starbase 174 ; Starbase 414 ; Thomas Paine , USS ; Trieste , USS ; Victory , USS ; Vulcan Science Academy ; warp drive ; Yosemite -class ; Zhukov , USS

Deleted references [ ]

disease ( Bendii Syndrome ); gift ; madness

External links [ ]

• " Unification " at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• " Unification " at Wikipedia
• "Unification I" at StarTrek.com
• " Unification " at MissionLogPodcast.com , a Roddenberry Star Trek podcast
• "Unification Part I" script  at Star Trek Minutiae
• 1 Abdullah bin al-Hussein

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Star trek: the next generation - unification.

When the Federation calls for help in locating an ambassador suspected of defecting, Picard is troubled to learn that Spock is the one who has vanished. Seeking information from Spock's ailing father, Sarek, and unlikely help from the Klingons, Picard and his crew find the ambassador pursuing a personal mission on Romulus: a Vulcan/Romulan reunification. But though the Romulans claim to support the same goal, their motives are not what they seem.

Releases by Date

04 nov 1991, releases by country.

86 mins   More at TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by elvisch 1

UH UH UH I watched this months ago. but then it was removed from letterboxd. anyways my thoughts still are • cried. my babygirl showed up. babygirl overload • feels like a very wasted oppertunity... • adore LOVE that moment between data and spock where they talk about their relationship to humanity. • how r sarek and spock still beefing around ITS BEEN A HUNDRET YEARS • SPAWWWWK • wish we saw more of the picard/sarek and spock mindmeld... • kind of boring at some points but i still love her • could have put spock in a sicker fit • peepecard💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Review by unkellGRGA ★★★★

" I was involved with cowboy diplomacy as you describe it, long before you were born "

Live long and prosper indeed !

These two parters are absolute sci-fi delights to behold and this one in particular was a very welcoming and comforting one, The Next Generation has done an amazing job of actually standing on it's own legs telling it's own stories in a new century of space travel and star exploration, which amplifies a celebratory gathering and fan favourite return like this so much ; Damn it do I love that Vulcan Spock !

Where the other duo episodes have been somewhat frontloaded here it's more of a backloaded ordeal, getting a Nimoy / Stewart collaboration and the…

Review by KPNUTS ★★★½

The third TNG television movie is a treat that’s tinged with poignancy. Its release coincided with Star Trek’s 25th anniversary as well as the passing of Gene Roddenberry.   As part of a cross promotion, Michael Dorn appeared as an ancestor of Worf in Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country whilst Leonard Nimoy and Mark Leonard reprised their respective roles of Spock and Sarek in this two-parter from season 5 of the series. As with Redemption, this is a political drama. The A plot involves Picard and Data travelling incognito to the Romulan homeworld to find Ambassador Spock, who has seemingly defected to one of the Federation’s most dangerous enemies. Meanwhile, the B plot consists of Commander Riker taking the…

Review by Zac Crane ★★★★★

Review by duane ★★★★

Data: As you examine your life do you find you have missed your humanity? Spock: I have no regrets. Data: “No regrets.” That is a human expression.  Spock: Yes. Fascinating.

Review by Jigormortis ★★★★ 1

Review by BernardPicard ★★★½

Paramount had given the green light to make Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and release it to coincide with the 25th Anniversary of Star Trek. This two parter was made to mark the same special occasion. In general the producers of The Next Generation (TNG) were never keen to bring in guest stars from The Original Series (TOS) but despite that an appearance for Leonard Nimoy as Spock had been mooted as far back as season one of the show. Nimoy agreed to do it as a cross promotion for the impending release of Star Trek VI and this is what we got!

The episode revolves around the supposed defection of Spock to the Romulan home world, Romulus, and…

Review by MultitasKing ★★★★

Nicht nur den ungeheuren Nostalgiefaktor, sondern auch durch die spannende und entwicklungsreiche Story, kann diese Doppelfolge wieder vollends überzeugen. Live long and prosper!

Review by BlareTV ★★½

Suffers from the same problem that Redemption suffers from. Once again I’m breaking these two-parters up. On a rewatch it’s significantly worse. The first part sets up this grand storyline. Spock has randomly gone to the planet of the show’s main villains. What could he be doing? Has Spock betrayed the Federation? Is he evil? Is he being manipulated? Does he have to fight someone? So many interesting questions and then one week later it’s just “he wants to unite Vulcan and Romulus”. That’s probably the least interesting way of going about it because the rest of the episode is just… him doing that. 

So much of part 1 is completely squandered.

Picard and Data’s disguises are meaningless

The mystery…

Review by Bit Vulture ★★½

Did riker fuck the alien singer lady

Review by Dave Ford ★★★★ 1

Gene Roddenberry 1921-1991    

"An inexorable evolution toward a Vulcan philosophy has already begun. Like the first Vulcans, these people are struggling to a new enlightenment, and it may take decades or even centuries for them to reach it, but they will reach it… and I must help." - Spock

  This was the first 2-part episode of Star Trek TNG that was not a season finale cliffhanger/season premiere.  It was part of a very special 2-part episode, tying in to the current Star Trek film at the time, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country .  Both the episode and film try to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Trek since it’s premiere.  This episode also debuted a week after the…

Review by Jordan Wysong

the first part is a great game of "I Spy" where you're trying to find Stephen Root

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Star Trek The Next Generation Unification (2013) Cast and Crew

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Unification I

Picard and Data follow Spock on an unauthorized mission to Romulus.

Leonard Nimoy

Mark Lenard

Majel Barrett Roddenberry

Daniel Roebuck

Stephen Root

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Norman Large

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Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season 5, Episode 8

Unification ii, where to watch, star trek: the next generation — season 5, episode 8.

Watch Star Trek: The Next Generation — Season 5, Episode 8 with a subscription on Paramount+, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

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Cast & crew.

Patrick Stewart

Capt. Jean-Luc Picard

Jonathan Frakes

Cmdr. William Riker

LeVar Burton

Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge

Michael Dorn

Gates McFadden

Dr. Beverly Crusher

Marina Sirtis

Counselor Deanna Troi

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http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS5E8Unification2

Recap / Star Trek: The Next Generation S5E8 "Unification 2"

Edit locked.

Original air date: November 11, 1991

The episode begins with Spock asking Picard why he is on Romulus. Picard asks Spock the same thing, noting that Spock's presence on Romulus has freaked out a lot of people in Starfleet. When Spock says that his mission is a personal one of peace, Picard hits back at what he considers to be "Cowboy Diplomacy", and that Spock could compromise Federation security should he be captured by the Romulans. Picard also informs Spock of Sarek's death. The news of Sarek's death shakes Spock clearly, and he divulges the reason for his presence on Romulus: through a contact that he met at the Khitomer Conference , he was made aware of a movement on Romulus that is wishing for reunification of the Vulcan and Romulan peoples. Spock also reveals that he did not tell the Federation because of how Captain Kirk was framed in the murder of Chancellor Gorkon; he refuses to allow the Federation to be set up in a similar manner. To this end, he reveals that his contact is a high-ranking member of the Romulan Senate, Pardek, and that Pardek has a connection to the new Romulan procounsul, Neral. Spock hopes to convert Neral to his reunification movement, while Pardek brings news that Neral is willing to meet with Spock.

Back on the Enterprise, Riker's investigations into the smuggling ship that was destroyed at Qualor II have led him to a bar near the Depot itself. Turns out the pianist at this bar is the ex-wife of the captain of that ship. She informs Riker that the person that Riker should be talking to is Omag, a rather obese Ferengi who is a regular of the bar. When Omag does arrive, Riker harshly interrogates the Ferengi who divulges that he delivered the T'Pau to a Barolian freighter near Galorndon Core.

Spock meets up with Neral, and the conversation appears to be going along well, with Neral saying that he may push the Romulan Senate towards reunification. When Spock leaves, Neral is revealed to be working with Sela, meaning that there is something else at play that Spock is unaware of. Back with the Underground Movement, Picard expresses skepticism that a leading Romulan figure would swiftly agree with the idea of reunification of Vulcan and Romulus. Spock agrees with Picard's assessment, but has to play along to see what the Romulans are up to . Data and Picard return to the Klingon ship, where they discard their Romulan disguises. Data attempts to access the Romulan Communications network to contact the Enterprise, where Picard and Data learn about the incident at Qualor II and the lead to Galorndon Core, and inform Riker of Spock's plans for reunification. However, the transmission is being jammed by an unknown source, and Riker orders the Enterprise to Galorndon Core to investigate further. Data accesses the logs in the Communication Network and finds a transmission from Romulan Intelligence sent to Galorndon Core and received by a Barolian freighter consisting of 4 digits: 1 4 0 0.

Picard and Data return to the Underground Movement where they relay the message to Spock. Spock immediately realizes that he has been betrayed : the numbers are actually the time in which Spock is supposed to make an announcement regarding reunification the following day. At this point, a number of Romulan troops burst in, led by Sela. Spock immediately calls out Pardek as working with Sela, given that it was Pardek's idea to come to Romulus. Sela acknowledges Pardek's treachery and tells Spock that his idea of reunification will still happen, but in a different form: the invasion of Vulcan by the Imperial Romulan Fleet. Meanwhile, at Galorndon Core, the Enterprise receives a message ostensibly from Picard saying that Spock's initiative is successful and to await further instructions.

Picard, Data, and Spock are brought to Sela's office where it is revealed that there are actually three ships full of Romulan Troops that will be sent to Vulcan as the vanguard of the Romulan invasion force. Sela threatens to kill Spock unless Spock makes the announcement about reunification but Spock outright refuses: he surmises that he will be dead anyway once he makes the announcement. This only seems to enrage Sela further , she then reveals that she has a backup plan to use a holographic recording of Spock to make the announcement. It's not perfect, as she would rather have Spock delivering the announcement to reduce suspicion, but then again, they only need to confuse the Federation long enough for the Romulan Troops to entrench themselves on Vulcan. Sela then leaves to begin the operation, locking Picard, Data, and Spock in the room with the holographic projectors . Spock then notices that they still have access to her computer terminal and Data immediately gets to work. When Sela returns, she finds that the three prisoners are apparently not in the room . They are suddenly accosted by Riker and a security team, but when they fire on the intruders, they realize that the intruders are holographic projections. This distraction is enough for Spock and Picard to surprise Sela's security team and knock them out , with Sela now held by Spock holding one of the disrupters that he obtained from one of the fallen security members. It turns out that Data used the holographic projectors to create false walls to hide himself, Picard, and Spock, enabling them to surprise the Romulans. Data now uses this moment to alter the pre-recorded message of Spock to inform the public that the Vulcan ships are actually an invasion force and must be stopped. The transmission is sent out, but stopped when the Romulans realize the message has been compromised. With her plans now ruined, Sela tells Picard, Data, and Spock that they will never get out of the building alive, but Data has already planned out an escape route and knocks Sela out with a Vulcan Nerve Pinch, to the approval of Spock.

Back on Galorndon Core, the Enterprise detects the three Vulcan ships and moves to intercept. Dr. Crusher then informs Riker of a distress signal that she has received from a nearby Federation Colony, of which the Enterprise is the only vessel able to assist. Riker questions the timing of this distress call, but before he can take any further action, they receive the altered message of Spock warning of the invasion force. Riker immediately tells Crusher to verify the distress signal as he now suspects it is fake. The Enterprise rushes to intercept the three ships, but when they finally do, a Romulan Warbird decloaks alongside the three ships and promptly destroys them, then cloaks once again.

We conclude this episode on Romulus, as the Underground movement has set up shop in a different cave network that Pardek does not know about, ensuring some level of security for them. Picard implores Spock to return with him and Data, but Spock refuses noting that this is now his life mission and that he must work to change Romulan Society from within and prepare the Romulan people for a time in which reunification would be acceptable to both peoples. Picard offers Spock a parting gift: to share with him what Sarek shared with Picard during their mind-meld. Spock accepts and is truly moved by what he now knows is his father's true feelings for him.

Tropes featured in this episode include:

• And Starring : Leonard Nimoy gets billed as “Special Guest Star” right after the opening credits.
• Asshole Victim : The smuggler whose ship Riker destroyed, according to his ex-wife.
• Bond Villain Stupidity : Sela leaves Picard, Data, and Spock unrestrained and unguarded in a room with a computer terminal and holographic projectors . And this is just after Spock explicitly refuses to do the one thing that Sela is keeping him alive to do.
• Sela refers to Data as "the android I have come to respect in battle…" , in reference to Data exposing her Romulan convoy during " Redemption: Part II ".
• Spock's reference to "cowboy diplomacy" is a reference to the events of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country , according to Word of God . invoked
• Spock says to Data "You have an efficient intellect, superior physical skills and no emotional impediments. There are Vulcans who aspire all their lives to achieve what you've been given by design.". Spock made similar observations about V'Ger in Star Trek: The Motion Picture .
• Character’s Most Hated Song : Omag really doesn't like Klingon opera. Omag: What is that dreadful noise?!! It sounds like a Bardakian pronghorn-moose!
• Deus Exit Machina : The Romulans attempt this on the Enterprise with a false Distress Call from a Federation colony, but Riker realizes what's happening when Spock transmits his warning on subspace.
• Don't Call Me "Sir" : Neral says he doesn't like using his title.
• Et Tu, Brute? : Spock's about as disappointed as a Vulcan can get, discovering that Pardek, a lifelong friend, has betrayed him.
• Evil Gloating : As befits her death grip on the Villain Ball , Sela makes sure to outline her entire plan to her captives. It's slightly lampshaded by Spock's deduction that she plans to kill them whether or not he cooperates. He knows they know too much to leave alive.
• Failed a Spot Check : Sela fails to ensure her workstation is secure when she leaves the room with the prisoners. Not only that, after she returns, she also fails to notice the walls have changed to hide Picard, Spock, and Data from their view. These failures prove costly to her plan.
• False Flag Operation : The Romulans' plan to invade Vulcan involves using Vulcan ships that supposedly carry a peace envoy, but in reality contain thousands of Romulan soldiers. Until Spock ruins everything.
• False Friend : Pardek has been Spock's friend for eighty years, and may have genuinely liked him, but betrayed him to the Tal Shiar nonetheless.
• Fantastic Racism : Sela, to the surprise of precisely no one, hates Vulcans.
• Fat Bastard : The Ferengi trader Omag.
• Food Slap : Riker gets so irritated with Omag being so uncooperative with answering his questions that he dumps a plate of fish into the Ferengi's lap.
• Hidden Depths : Sela says she rather enjoys writing, and doesn't get to do much of it in her current job. Data: Perhaps you would be happier in another job . (cue Death Glare from Sela)
• Hypocrite : Among the things Sela says she hates about Vulcans is the arrogance. Ignoring the general Romulan attitude to everyone everywhere, she's got several displays of it going on in this episode alone.
• I Choose to Stay : Spock tells Picard that he will stay on Romulus to help the unification movement. Spock: An inexorable evolution toward a Vulcan philosophy has already begun. Like the first Vulcans, these people are struggling to a new enlightenment, and it may take decades or even centuries for them to reach it, but they will reach it… and I must help.
• Idiot Ball : It cannot be stated enough how monumentally stupid Sela is leaving those three alone.
• I Never Said It Was Poison : Spock realizes that both Pardek and Neral have betrayed him when he realizes that the transmission to the Barolian Freighter consists of the timestamp of when he would announce the reunification of Vulcan and Romulus.
• This episode also provides some backstory for " Star Trek Online " in which Sela still hates the Vulcans. D'Tan is also shown here as a teenage boy where in the Video Game, he goes on to be a leader for the new Romulan Republic.
• As Spock notes, Data was built with a capacity for perfect logic that most Vulcans spend all their lives seeking, and yet he wishes to become more human.
• At least ostensibly. When asked about it by Data, Spock tacitly implies he never actually renounced his humanity, and does occasionally embrace his human side.
• Jerkass : Omag is a very unpleasant fellow to put it mildly.
• A Lady on Each Arm : How Omag enters.
• Locking MacGyver in the Store Cupboard : The Romulans lock Picard, Spock and Data in Sela's office, with full access to her computer.
• Manly Tears : Spock as he mind-melds with Picard to learn Sarek's thoughts and realizes for the first time how proud his late father was of him.
• Minor Crime Reveals Major Plot : Theft of Vulcan ship parts from a Federation scrapyard → Romulan plot to conquer Vulcan.
• The Mole : Pardek.
• Morton's Fork : Spock analyzes one to his advantage. Sela tells him to record a message to help the invasion or die. Spock responds that, given that she will most likely kill him anyway once he's done, he refuses to do it. Sela, however, foresaw this possibility , and activates a holographic Spock which would deliver the message.
• Nothing Personal : Pardek shrugs and wishes Spock well after Sela reveals that he had been a spy.
• Old Master : Spock instantly and accurately infers the details and major players of the Romulan plot before Picard or Data (who is arguably more intelligent than Spock) have a chance to draw breath.
• Pressure Point : Spock uses the Vulcan Nerve Pinch on one of Sela's guards, and Data later uses it on Sela herself. Spock: [appreciatively] Not bad.
• Production Foreshadowing : This episode references Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country , which had completed production but was still a month away from release.
• Ripped from the Headlines : The Romulan unification movement was inspired by the unification of East and West Germany only a couple years earlier.
• Sela's grand plan to invade Vulcan is with a grand total of at most 6,000 troops (Geordi says "2,000" at one point and sounds like he's referring to the whole force but might mean that's how many each of the three ships carried). Even if that's only the start of a guerrilla war, one would think that wouldn't be nearly enough to even threaten an entire planet. note  With the reveal of the presence of a cloaked Romulan Warbird after the plan was foiled, it is entirely possible that there were more troops aboard more cloaked ships, and that the 6,000 troops were likely a strike force with a mission to disable key defense systems before the main invasion force took action.
• Oh, and that invasion force is headed for Vulcan at... warp one. Shouldn't it take them a couple decades to get there at just the speed of light?
• Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right! : After how badly negotiating peace with the Klingons almost went , Spock is unwilling to risk anyone's life but his own when it comes to the unification of Vulcans and Romulans.
• Sesquipedalian Loquaciousness : Sela uses "lots of unnecessarily long words" in her speech for Spock to make it sound Vulcan.
• So Proud of You : Spock learns from mind-melding with Picard how proud Sarek was of him.
• Talk to the Fist : Picard decks one of Sela's Romulan guards.
• Tranquil Fury : Riker as he faces Omag. Riker: Let me explain what's going to happen if you don't tell me about that Vulcan ship. Your passage rights through this sector will be revoked. But more than that, I'll be very unhappy.
• Trap Is the Only Option : Spock knows that the upcoming Peace Conference with Neral may be a ruse, but decides to go through with it so he can find out what's really going on.
• Villainous Breakdown : Sela seems to lose it when Spock uses logic to dismiss her demand for him to announce the reunification plans on her terms. She further loses it when her plan is totally thwarted by Data.
• We Have Reserves : After the invasion of Vulcan is exposed, the Romulans have no problem destroying the slow transports carrying two thousand of their soldiers.
• Sela's plan for invading Vulcan hinges on this. With Vulcan (and by extension, the Federation) distracted with the notion of reunification, the Romulan invasion force will begin the first steps to take control of the planet. Also, Sela has a mock distress signal sent to the Enterprise so that it will assist a Federation colony instead of intercepting the hidden invasion force. Data taking control of the holographic projectors ruins those plans in their entirety.
• Also, when Data takes control of the holographic projectors, they use this to distract Sela and her guards with a holographic representation of Riker and his security team, then use the distraction to knock out Sela's security detail and hold Sela at gunpoint.
• Wham Shot : After Spock leaves his meeting with Neral, Sela comes out of a nearby room, clearly in cahoots with Neral.
• What Happened to the Mouse? : Sela is not seen or even mentioned again after this episode, even though her introduction in "Redemption" was made out to be a big thing. Her story only continues in Star Trek Online .
• While You Were in Diapers : Spock: [to Picard] I was involved with "cowboy diplomacy," as you describe it, long before you were born.
• With Due Respect : Picard says this to Spock before condemning his "cowboy diplomacy."
• Xanatos Speed Chess : The Romulans have to modify their plans somewhat to deal with the Enterprise making better progress with their investigation than anticipated.
• You Are a Credit to Your Race : Spock considers Picard "remarkably analytical and dispassionate, especially for a human."
• Spock predicts that Sela will kill him, Picard and Data even if they cooperate.
• Once the Romulan plan is exposed, they waste no time in destroying the transports filled with their own troops to prevent them from being captured.
• Spock tells Picard that he reminds him of "another Captain of the Enterprise I once knew."
• He unfavorably compares Picard to Sarek, fully aware of the mind-meld Picard shared with his father , and uses it as an excuse to ignore Picard's warnings about the Romulans. When Picard calls him on it, Spock realizes he's carrying over his familial arguments and clouding his judgment.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation S5E7 "Unification 1"
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Published Aug 19, 2013

FIRST LOOK: TNG Unification & Season 5 Blu-rays

Circle the date: November 19. That’s when both Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Fifth Season and Star Trek: The Next Generation – Unification will arrive on Blu-ray via CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution.

There’s no hyperbole necessary in discussing these two releases. Season five of TNG ranked amongst the series’ best, with episodes including “Redemption Part II, “Cause And Effect,” “Darmok,” “The Inner Light,” “The First Duty,” “Time’s Arrow, Part 1” and, of course, “Unification I and II,” which heralded the returns to Star Trek of Leonard Nimoy as Spock and Mark Lenard as Sarek.

The Fifth Season Blu-ray features all 26 episodes in high-definition and a multiple-part documentary, “REQUIEM: A Remembrance of Star Trek: The Next Generation ,” which examines the evolution of season five and the impact of Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s death on the production.

Meanwhile, Unification transforms the landmark two-parter into an epic feature-length presentation complemented by an audio commentary and an exclusive documentary, “From One Generation to the Next,” which details the making of the episodes and the introduction of Spock to TNG .

The Fifth Season will cost $130 in the U.S. and $150 in Canada, and Unification will cost $28.28 in the U.S. and $32 in Canada.

Click HERE and HERE to pre-order.

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Star Trek: 10 Times Opening Credits Spoiled The Surprise

9. denise crosby - all good things.

For the finale of The Next Generation , audiences were treated to several returning faces from the show's run. We saw Colm Meaney appearing in his first season red spandex suit, while John de Lancie bookended the great trial of humanity in his judge's robes. One of the sweeter guest spots was filled out by none other than season one cast member Denise Crosby, returning to play Tasha Yar for (to date) the last time.

Though Crosby had appeared in Yesterday's Enterprise, Redemption,  and Unification , this was her big return as prime timeline Tasha, even with a bit of Q timey-timey trickery going on. There is a moment, not long after the opening credits finish, that Picard turns his head in the future to find himself on the Shuttle Gallileo with Tasha herself, now en route to taking his position as captain of the Enterprise.

It was a moment that was clearly written and directed to shock fans and bring smiles to faces, only slightly defeated by seeing her name in the guest starring credits. There was no ambiguity either - it wasn't simply a case of 'Denise Crosby' but rather it was spelled out in no uncertain terms that it was Yar she was playing.

Still, having O'Brien, Q, and Yar return for All Good Things  helped to round out The Next Generation  perfectly, aiding in crafting what could be called the greatest finale in Star Trek  history.

Writer. Reader. Host. I'm Seán, I live in Ireland and I'm the poster child for dangerous obsessions with Star Trek. Check me out on Twitter @seanferrick

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Star Trek: The Next Generation

Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before. Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before. Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.

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• Trivia When the cast decided to lobby for a salary increase, Wil Wheaton 's first offer from the producers was to instead have his character promoted to Lieutenant. His response was, "So what should I tell my landlord when I can't pay my rent? 'Don't worry, I just made Lieutenant'?!"
• Goofs It is claimed that Data can't use contractions (Can't, Isn't, Don't, etc) yet there are several instances throughout the series where he does. One of the first such examples is heard in Encounter at Farpoint (1987) , where Data uses the word "Can't" while the Enterprise is being chased by Q's "ship".

[repeated line]

Capt. Picard : Engage!

• Crazy credits The model of the Enterprise used in the opening credits is so detailed, a tiny figure can be seen walking past a window just before the vessel jumps to warp speed.
• Alternate versions The first and last episodes were originally broadcast as two-hour TV movies, and were later re-edited into two one-hour episodes each. Both edits involved removing some scenes from each episode.
• Connections Edited into Reading Rainbow: The Bionic Bunny Show (1988)

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‘Star Trek: Discovery’s Connection to ‘The Next Generation’ Explained

...And it involves a new crew.

The Big Picture

• The USS Discovery embarks on a red directive mission with ties to Star Trek lore, focusing on the Progenitors' technology.
• New faces join the crew on a mission to uncover an artifact related to the Progenitors in the Next Generation era.
• The technology to create life poses a powerful threat if misused, as Moll and L'ak aim to sell the artifact to the highest bidder.

The first two episodes of Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 are finally available on Paramount+, putting Captain Michael Burnham ( Sonequa Martin-Green ) and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery back on the boldly going business. This time, they're not going another 800 years into the future, but instead, their mission has a connection to another time: the Star Trek: The Next Generation era. Back then, Captain Jean-Luc Picard ( Patrick Stewart ) once led the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on a mission that uncovered the secrets of life itself as we know it . It may have been a one-episode story, but it's now getting the proper arc it deserves; the time has finally come to learn the secrets of the Progenitors.

Star Trek: Discovery

Taking place almost a decade before Captain Kirk's Enterprise, the USS Discovery charts a course to uncover new worlds and life forms.

The Discovery Is Given a Red Directive Mission by Dr. Kovich

The final season of Discovery starts off with its foot on the door, with ties to past Star Trek lore and the return of Dr. Kovich ( David Cronenberg ), which always means business for the Discovery crew. This time, his mission is so important that it interrupts a Starfleet event, but can't be disclosed because it's a red directive (a mission of a highly classified and dangerous nature that takes precedence over all other tasks) . Captain Burnham doesn't like the idea of keeping secrets from her crew, but since the Discovery is the only ship that can take this mission thanks to its spore drive, she accepts it.

The secretive mission introduces some new faces to Discovery , including couriers, Moll ( Eve Harlow ) and L'ak ( Elias Toufexis ), as well as U.S.S. Antares Captain Rayner ( Callum Keith Rennie ). The mission was to retrieve an artifact from a Romulan science ship that had been adrift for 800 years, but Moll and L'ak beat them to it, then take the artifact to the planet, Q'mau, where the synthetic antique dealer, Fred ( J. Adam Brown ), opens it up and reveals a diary written by the Romulan scientist, Vellek ( Michael Copeman ). Even though Moll and L'ak have escaped Starfleet in Q'mau, Admiral Charles Vance ( Oded Fehr ) helps officer Sylvia Tilly ( Mary Wiseman ) obtain information on Vellek.

As it turns out, Vellek was once part of a group that—under the leadership of Captain Jean-Luc Picard —attempted to solve the mystery of the planet Vilmor II. There, they found out about a race of humanoid aliens known only as the Progenitors , who have created life in its humanoid form and are the common link between all present humanoid species in the galaxy. The Discovery's mission, however, isn't about the Progenitors themselves, but rather about the technology they used to do what they did.

The Progenitors’ Story Comes From a Single Episode in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’

Season 6, Episode 20 of The Next Generation , "The Chase," is one of the wildest in the entire series. For the first time ever, a Star Trek episode shows Humans, Klingons, Romulans, and more together in the same scene. That's all thanks to one of the most interesting plots in the franchise, which sees these races coming together to discover the secret of their common origin. Unfortunately, The Next Generation didn't carry on with this plotline, but Discovery is finally giving it the sequence it deserves.

"The Chase" starts off with Captain Picard meeting his old mentor, Professor Galen ( Norman Lloyd ), aboard the Enterprise-D. The scholar is there to recruit Picard for a long-term mission that will result in the most important scientific discovery of their time, but Picard can't give up his post on Starfleet. Picard decides to take the Enterprise-D and finish what Galen started. He begins by analyzing the data his mentor had gathered (large blocks of numbers laid out in a sort of sequence). Following this trail, he eventually discovers that the numbers are actually a DNA sequence. On the planet, Loren III, Picard intervenes and mediates their conflict upon learning that both of them are there for the same reason the Enterpreise-D is, calling for them to analyze the combined DNA strands they have. They learn that those are all part of a puzzle, with each sequence complementing one another, but that there are still missing pieces.

The Enterprise-D follows the Cardassians to Vilmor II with the Klingon emissary on board, and they find out the planet has lichen growing on the dried-up ocean floor. Discreetly, Dr. Beverly Crusher ( Gates McFadden ) inserts all the DNA samples they now have onto her tricorder, which then projects the recording of a humanoid woman ( Salome Jens ). Thankfully, everyone stops arguing to listen to the projection, as the woman explains that she belonged to a race of ancient aliens from 4.5 billion years earlier. Her species eventually came to terms with their extinction, but they sowed pieces of their own DNA on many planets where life could grow across the galaxy as a way of ensuring a lasting legacy . Their intention was for all those future species to come together upon discovering their shared ancestry . Cardassians and Klingons immediately resume their bickering, unable to accept that they have anything in common. Later, Picard ponders with the Romulans that one day, in the future, perhaps all species will learn to coexist for the sake of their shared ancestry.

Where Does This Leave Captain Burnham and the Discovery Crew?

The race of ancient humanoids is never named onscreen, but they are referred to as the Progenitors from then on. With Discovery finally finishing this loose thread in Star Trek lore, it's important to ponder that the Progenitors must have used powerful tech to sow their DNA across the galaxy, which is what the overall plot of the season is going to be. The technology to create life is powerful by definition , and can be used for terrible things if it falls in the wrong hands. Right now, Moll and L'ak have the diary, but they're unwilling to cooperate with the Federation after a failed negotiation attempt by Cleveland "Book" Booker ( David Ajala ). However, they're looking to sell the diary to the highest bidder.

After the events of the first part of the season premiere , "Red Directive," Captain Rayner has been discharged from his command of the U.S.S. Antares. As sad as it is to see an officer of 30-plus years being discharged, it's also very serendipitous, as Captain Burnham is in need of a new number one for the Discovery as Saru ( Doug Jones ) is about to take a new diplomatic post for the Federation. During their chase on Q'mau, Rayner mentions that he has history chasing Moll and L'ak, which will surely come in handy . Also, Book finds out he has a past connection to Moll that makes them all but family, which is another potential lead to finding her.

Star Trek: Discovery is available to watch on Paramount+ in the U.S.

Watch on Paramount+

10 Star Trek Worlds Discovery’s AR Wall Needs To Recreate

• Star Trek: Discovery and Strange New Worlds use an AR Wall to bring classic Trek planets to life in a new, realistic way.
• The AR Wall technology creates stunning backdrops that move with the characters, enhancing the on-screen environments.
• Revisiting classic locations like Shore Leave Planet and Sha Ka Ree with the AR Wall opens up endless possibilities for storytelling.

Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds both use an AR Wall to bring alien locations to life, and there are many classic Star Trek planets the shows have yet to visit. Since the adventures of Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) began with Star Trek: The Original Series , the franchise has explored numerous strange new worlds, first using matte paintings as backdrops before moving to green screens. Discovery and Strange New Worlds have already shown some classic Trek planets, like Trill and Vulcan, but many others have yet to be revisited.

Star Trek's AR Wall in Toronto consists of a massive 270-degree LED screen that tracks camera movements to create a realistic backdrop that moves with the characters. Not only does this allow the actors to feel more connected with their environment, but it also looks amazing on screen . Star Trek: Discovery season 4 began using the technology and the screens have since been used to render numerous alien locations and Federation buildings. While there will always be something charming about the matte paintings and styrofoam sets of TOS , the AR Wall could breathe new life into many classic Star Trek planets.

Every Upcoming Star Trek Movie & TV Show

Shore leave planet, first seen in star trek: the original series season 1, episode 15 - "shore leave", star trek: the original series.

Cast Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, William Shatner, George Takei, Leonard Nimoy, Deforest Kelley, James Doohan

Release Date September 8, 1966

Showrunner Gene Roddenberry

Where To Watch Paramount+

When the USS Enterprise arrives at a pleasant-looking planet, Captain Kirk and his crew beam down to enjoy shore leave. Soon after they arrive, Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) sees a human-sized white rabbit and Alice (Marcia Brown) from Alice in Wonderland . As more strange things happen, Spock (Leonard Nimoy) determines that the planet is somehow bringing the crew member's thoughts to life. After McCoy is seemingly killed, Kirk orders the crew to stop thinking up new things.

Most of "Shore Leave" was filmed in Africa USA, an animal training preserve in Redwood City, California.

The Shore Leave planet's Caretaker (Oliver McGowan) then appears, saying that the world is meant to be an "amusement park," and that no harm will come to them. McCoy is revived and Kirk allows more of the crew to beam down. With the technology of the 1960s, TOS was limited in what it could depict on the Shore Leave planet, but with Star Trek: Discovery's AR Wall, the possibilities would be endless.

Guardian of Forever Planet

First seen in star trek: the original series, season 1, episode 28 - "the city on the edge of forever".

After Dr. McCoy accidentally injects himself with a dangerous drug, he beams down to a strange planet. Kirk and Spock quickly follow, and find a sentient time portal called the Guardian of Forever. Kirk and Spock follow McCoy through the portal, finding themselves in 1930s New York City. Kirk then meets and falls in love with Edith Keeler (Joan Collins), who runs a local soup kitchen.

Tragically, Keeler is soon killed in an accident, and Kirk must allow her death to happen in order to preserve the future. Although the Guardian of Forever (Paul Guilfoyle) did appear in Star Trek: Discovery season 3, it had gone into hiding far from its original planet. With its ancient ruins and obvious history, the original Guardian planet would be an interesting location for Star Trek to revisit using the AR Wall technology .

First seen in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

In Star Trek V: The Final Frontier , Spock's half-brother Sybok (Lawrence Luckinbill) goes on a quest to find the mythical planet at the center of the galaxy, Sha Ka Ree, which is supposedly where God resides. Sybok takes control of the Starship Enterprise and makes it through the Great Barrier to find a planet he believes to be Sha Ka Ree. The rocky and barren planet initially seems uninhabited, but then a being emerges claiming to be God.

When "God" asks for a starship, Captain Kirk grows suspicious of the supposed deity.

When the being attacks Kirk and Spock, they discover that it's not God (George Murdock), but a malicious entity that was imprisoned on the planet long ago. While the entity on Sha Ka Ree was apparently destroyed at the end of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier , it's unclear what remains of the planet. Sha Ka Ree is located at the very center of the galaxy, but very little is revealed about the planet itself, making it a perfect candidate for further exploration.

Genesis Planet

First seen in star trek ii: the wrath of khan.

In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , Dr. Carol Marcus (Bibi Besch) and her son David (Merritt Butrick) created the Genesis Device, a technology powerful enough to turn any planet into a habitable M-class planet. In the wrong hands, the device could become a weapon of mass destruction , which was what the genetically engineered villain Khan Noonien-Singh (Ricardo Montalban) had in mind when he stole the Genesis Device.

The Genesis planet's energies caused Spock (Leonard Nimoy) to be resurrected, aging the Vulcan rapidly from rebirth to adulthood.

At the climax of Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan , Khan detonates the Genesis Device, and the resulting explosion forms a new Genesis planet. The Genesis planet then began aging rapidly due to the unsyable protomatter used in its creation, and it eventually degraded, becoming entirely molten and uninhabitable. If Star Trek ever revisits the Genesis Planet, it would be fascinating to see its unstable climate and ecosystems on Star Trek: Discovery's AR screen.

Every Star Trek Movie Ranked (From Worst To Best)

First seen in star trek: the next generation season 3, episode 19 - "captain's holiday", star trek: the next generation.

Cast Michael Dorn, LeVar Burton, Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton, Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden

Release Date September 28, 1987

Writers Jeri Taylor, Michael Piller, Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, Ronald D. Moore

Directors David Carson

Showrunner Jeri Taylor, Michael Piller, Rick Berman

Known as Star Trek's "pleasure planet," Risa became famous for its beautiful beaches and resorts, making it a popular tourist destination. Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) once visited the planet, but got pulled into an archeological treasure hunt while he was trying to relax. The Enterprise NX-01 also stopped by Risa in Star Trek: Enterprise , becoming the first official Earth starship to visit the planet.

If the characters of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds ever find time for shore leave, they should visit Risa.

Risa has been mentioned in numerous Star Trek shows and visited by many of the main characters. With its gorgeous tropical landscapes, Risa would make a great candidate for the AR Wall. If the characters of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds ever find time for shore leave, they should visit Risa and let the AR Wall show audiences everything the vacation planet has to offer.

First seen in Star Trek: Enterprise Season 4, Episode 14 - "The Aenar"

Star trek: enterprise.

Cast Dominic Keating, Connor Trinneer, Linda Park, John Billingsley, Scott Bakula, Jolene Blalock, Jeffrey Combs, Anthony Montgomery

Release Date September 26, 2001

Streaming Service(s) Paramount+

Writers Rick Berman, Manny Coto, Brannon Braga

Showrunner Manny Coto, Brannon Braga

On the opposite end of the spectrum from a tropical paradise, Andoria (or Andor) is a planet covered in snow and ice with a surface temperature that rarely rises above freezing. For this reason, Andorians build their cities underground and use geothermal energy to power them. Both the Andorians and the Aenar live on the planet, but they remained mostly unaware of one another until contact was established in 2104.

The snowy surface and underground cities of Andoria would likely look even better with the AR Wall.

Andoria was one of the founding members of the United Federation of Planets, and both Andorians and a few Aenar served in Starfleet, including former USS Enterprise Chief Engineer Lt. Hemmer (Bruce Horak). Star Trek: Strange New Worlds already depicted the icy planet of Valeo Beta V in season 1's "All Those Who Wander," but the snowy surface and underground cities of Andoria would likely look even better with the AR Wall.

First seen in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2 - "Emissary"

Star trek: deep space nine.

Cast Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Rene Auberjonois, Nicole de Boer, Michael Dorn, Andrew Robinson, Nana Visitor, Avery Brooks, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig

Release Date January 3, 1993

Writers Ira Steven Behr, Michael Piller, Ronald D. Moore

Showrunner Ira Steven Behr, Michael Piller

The homeworld of the Bajorans, Bajor was once a spiritually and culturally rich planet focused on learning. Beginning in about 2319, the Cardassian Union took control of Bajor, decimating the population, destroying cities, and poisoning the planet. After the occupation ended, Starfleet took command of Space Station Deep Space Nine, with Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) as a Bajoran liaison officer.

When the Cardassians withdrew from Bajor in 2369, a Provisional Government began the slow process of rebuilding.

When Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) (re)discovered a wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant, Bajor became an important hub for travelers as the Federation helped the planet rebuild. Although Bajor and the Federation have long been close allies, Star Trek has not confirmed if or when Bajor officially joined the Federation . A future Star Trek project could potentially reveal this, and the AR Wall could bring new life to Bajor's landscapes and temples, which Captain Sisko often raved about because of the planet's lush beauty.

Cardassia Prime

First seen in star trek: the next generation season 6, episodes 11 & 12 - "chain of command".

Due to the lack of natural resources on Cardassia, the Cardassians became a militaristic society and set out to conquer and occupy numerous planets, including Bajor. Cardassia controlled Terok Nor , the space station that would become known as Deep Space Nine, until they withdrew from Bajor. Although the Cardassians served as the main antagonists for much of DS9 , they were introduced on Star Trek: The Next Generation .

In the TNG season 6 two-part episode, "Chain of Command," Captain Picard was kidnapped and tortured by Gul Madred (David Warner) on Cardassia. However, a full cityscape of Cardassia was not shown until DS9's "Tribunal," and the planet has not been seen on screen since DS9's series finale. Whether a future Star Trek project depicts Cardassia after the Dominion War or flashes back to an earlier period, the industrial planet would undoubtedly look great rendered on the AR Screen.

Why Star Trek's Coolest Cardassian Embodies DS9

First seen in star trek: the next generation season 5, episodes 7 & 8 - "unification".

After the Romulans left the planet Vulcan, they eventually settled on Romulus in the Beta Quadrant and established the capital city of the Romulan Star Empire. Although Romulus was briefly seen on the holodeck in Star Trek: The Next Generation season 3, episode 10, "The Defector," the actual planet does not appear until TNG's "Unification, Part 1." In "Unification," Captain Picard finds Ambassador Spock on Romulus, working underground to reunite the Vulcans and Romulans .

Romulus and Remus were seen in Star Trek: Nemesis.

In 2387, Romulus's sun went supernova, which eventually destroyed the planet. Picard helped with the evacuation efforts until they were halted when synths destroyed the fleet of rescue ships being built on Mars. The Romulan survivors of the supernova became refugees, settling on various nearby planets. Although Romulus was destroyed prior to Star Trek: Picard , the AR Wall could be used to render the planet during an earlier time period.

First seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3, Episode 17 - "Sins of The Father"

The homeworld of the Klingons, Qo’noS, was first seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Sins of the Father" when Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) travels there to defend his father Mogh's name. In the Star Trek timeline, humans first visited Qo’noS in 2151 when the Enterprise NX-01 returned an injured Klingon in the Star Trek: Enterprise series premiere. In 2293, the Klingon moon, Praxis, was destroyed in a mining accident, resulting in considerable damage to the atmosphere of Qo’noS.

Star Trek: Discovery season 1's finale visited Qo'noS, showing a dangerous underground habitat and marketplace.

As depicted in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country , the Klingons sought peace with the Federation after the destruction of Praxis, knowing that they could not afford to continue the war. Despite being an incredibly significant planet in the Star Trek universe, the Klingon homeworld has not been shown on screen that often, and Star Trek: Discovery's AR Wall could finally depict Qo’noS in all its Klingon glory.

New episodes of Star Trek: Discovery stream Thursdays on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Discovery

Cast Blu del Barrio, Oded Fehr, Anthony Rapp, Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Wilson Cruz, Eve Harlow, Mary Wiseman, Callum Keith Rennie

Release Date September 24, 2017

Directors Jonathan Frakes, Olatunde Osunsanmi

Showrunner Alex Kurtzman