Target Audience / PATRON TIER LIST S5E8

I like that. The episode would have to be a little longer though.

tyranusfan

2024-12-31 19:57:53 +0000 UTC

This is probably just my appreciation for Malachi Throne but I wish Pardek’s betrayal had been a cover for Spock and Pardek trying to get a one-up on Neral and his plot. Then with Pardek helping to free Spock (and dying in the process).

Column Meanie

2024-12-31 15:18:20 +0000 UTC

Nimoy really relished the character, and that's what makes it great. Just like Lenard also relished his character. Everything about that scene in Part 1 is magic. All the facial expressions, the eye movements, the grunts and complaints...

Jovet

2024-12-31 01:07:34 +0000 UTC

It also shed a bit of light on the Proconsul's earlier statements about Pardek -- Pardek had lost a little relevancy with the Romulan higher-ups, being seen as being too close to the common people. And yet, Nerul mentioned that Pardek was starting to get invited to official state dinners and celebrations again. With his betrayal, you know why he was getting those invites again.

Ian Westcott

2024-12-30 23:17:33 +0000 UTC

Now THAT is the big question I've been wondering about, ever since Josh & Alex rightly requested NO SPOILERS for future episodes. How about that, guys?

Rhett Coates

2024-12-26 19:16:56 +0000 UTC

It’s nice to have a Spock episode. Just wish the story was better.

Christopher Boutwell

2024-12-26 17:35:21 +0000 UTC

Spock’s line about “I was responsible for the consequences that happened to Captain Kirk and his crew…” coupled with the shot in the trailer of “Kirk” being vaporized had many of us wondering if Kirk died in Trek 6 (or at least it was in the back of our minds!)

Column Meanie

2024-12-22 11:03:34 +0000 UTC

Yeah this is one of the things that always bothered me about the episode. There’s no reason given for Pardek’s betrayal. “We’ve been friends for 80 years” needed to be followed up with something that explained his reasoning for betraying Spock. Surely it wasn’t a plan 80 years in the making. Would’ve played better if Pardek was forced into betraying Spock, then redeemed himself in helping them escape (only to die in the end).

Column Meanie

2024-12-22 11:00:53 +0000 UTC

It was literally the “i will monologue all the details of my plan and then leave the room with the key to your escape on the wall” cliche.

Column Meanie

2024-12-22 10:57:02 +0000 UTC

I agree, this episode's title has the double meaning of unification between Spock and Sarek, between estranged father and son albeit in the literal last minute.

Chris Mickelson

2024-12-20 02:17:45 +0000 UTC

I so loved this. It’s mostly for sentimental reasons. It would qualify as a B but…. It hit me in the heart. So “S”

Crankygrandma

2024-12-19 21:11:57 +0000 UTC

Agreed. I meant Crosby was bad by comparison. Or just didn’t feel like a suitable scene partner. The two characters didn’t gel.

Shanelle

2024-12-19 10:36:59 +0000 UTC

Agreed, except for Redemption and maybe 1 other 2-parter down the road.

Collin Freeman

2024-12-19 02:40:20 +0000 UTC

OMG!!! Spock!! Nuff said.

startrekiborg

2024-12-19 01:08:06 +0000 UTC

Why? Nimoy’s acting is great!

Column Meanie

2024-12-18 22:19:53 +0000 UTC

Nice interpretation! Possibly the greatest moment in the episode.

Shanelle

2024-12-18 19:17:28 +0000 UTC

“Nothing screams boring like a kid asking Spock to tell them more stories about Vulcan“ 😂 I do agree, very talky

Shanelle

2024-12-18 18:12:55 +0000 UTC

Interesting. I have second-hand embarrassment for Crosby with Nimoy. But I do think the director should take much of the blame.

Shanelle

2024-12-18 18:11:24 +0000 UTC

I would love to see the producers of Star Trek create a Klingon soap opera that covers the time period between the beginning of Star Trek discovery, and the attack on Kittomer lots of dancing and singing detergents in Klingon uniforms

Thicketdweller

2024-12-18 08:35:46 +0000 UTC

Melota! You know the story isn’t over until the fact Klingon sings

Thicketdweller

2024-12-18 08:33:24 +0000 UTC

Yeah Part one was so good that almost anything would be a letdown, but if there's an archilles heel in TNG is that its Part 2's were never as good as the part one's and thats even true with BOBW's

Scarpad’s Domain

2024-12-18 05:52:14 +0000 UTC

Data and Spock. Picard and Spock. And it's great seeing more of the Klingon/Federation relationship being shaped. I don't care about silly plot holes and how easily the baddies gave up vital information to literally everyone that asked. Well, not too much, anyhow. "A."

Boggle

2024-12-18 05:19:22 +0000 UTC

One of the more interesting background characters was the four handed salt sucking pianist. I wonder if she shares an ancestry with the M113 character fom Man Trap.

Keith S

2024-12-18 01:49:31 +0000 UTC

Loved her reaction when Data suggested she should get a different job. Daggers were shooting out of those eyes.

Keith S

2024-12-18 01:25:56 +0000 UTC

The actor (Norman Large) who plays the Proconsul is bad. He’s terrible. He makes Dr Stubbs look like Anthony Hopkins. I have secondhand embarrassment for Nimoy having to share the scene with him.

Column Meanie

2024-12-18 00:19:34 +0000 UTC

Giving this one a B and that’s generous. Overall this episode feels like a big missed opportunity. All the elements are there: Picard and Data undercover, the return of Sela, the betrayal of Pardek, Worf singing Klingon opera, and of course the “great Spock”. Still the episode just tastes like flat root beer and it is a huge disservice to the Spock character. It’s very talky, pretty anticlimactic, and just plain dull. Ironically no “cowboy diplomacy”. Nothing screams boring like a kid asking Spock to tell them more stories about Vulcan, which is arguably the dullest planet in the Star Trek universe.

Column Meanie

2024-12-18 00:05:20 +0000 UTC

Of all possible meanings of the title “Unification”, the one that really hits my heart is that it is Captain Picard who ultimately bridges the relationship between Spock and Sarek, giving them both closure. Seeing Spock cry at the end…well, what can I say?? 🖖

Raphael Gaytan

2024-12-17 21:42:14 +0000 UTC

A solid A, though I am rather disappointed that there was ZERO reaction from Data seeing Sela for the first time. I know he's an android, but not even a confused look? Come on! Though I guess someone told him off-screen "By the way, somehow, Tasha has a daughter who looks JUST LIKE HER." Good episode, could have been better. Wrapped up very quickly and a little too neatly.

wildhunt1973

2024-12-17 19:31:51 +0000 UTC

Removed for the Remastered version 👍🏼

The Ninth Doctor

2024-12-17 18:56:33 +0000 UTC

From the writer of the ep, via MemoryAlpha: "Michael Piller disagreed with criticisms that Sela's invasion force of three ships was insufficient to invade Vulcan. He commented, "That's the only way you could do it, with a Trojan horse. You couldn't launch an all-out attack." (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, 2nd ed., p. 185)" I can see both sides to this, its a fun debate 👍🏼

The Ninth Doctor

2024-12-17 18:56:13 +0000 UTC

i hope they pick up on the idiocy of Sela just leaving them in that room part

Narnman

2024-12-17 17:45:58 +0000 UTC

While I love the Data and Spock conversations, and the emotional weight of Sarek, the end where Sela just stands around and lets the plan fail feels a bit undercooked, even if it is funny. Solid A.

cricketlenny

2024-12-17 17:04:11 +0000 UTC

Spock carries an incalculable burden. Years of losing battles with his unaccepting father. A life of never feeling like he quite belongs. Half human. Half Vulcan. Alone. On Romulus he finds a people who also feel alone. They exist in a world increasingly hostile to their very existence. And what they are struggling towards is to become like Spock: possessed of a Vulcan philosophy yet still governed by the best of their passions. Like so many elders of different oppressed groups in the real world, Spock realizes he is not alone. More than that, he is needed. I think Spock came to Romulus expecting to die. Instead he finds a reason to live: to lift up a people not so unlike him out of the darkness and into the light. Spock is not alone. And through his meld with Picard, he discovers that perhaps he never was.

Ally Roth

2024-12-17 12:25:30 +0000 UTC

When Crusher comes on the bridge, her mouth is saying her lines about the distress call, but I like to think her face is saying “Is this seriously my only scene?! And even I know you wouldn’t need me to tell you about the damned distress call.”

rear adm. crackbiscuit

2024-12-17 10:18:32 +0000 UTC

You must have an old copy. Is it VHS? I have it on that. In fact I got the whole series on VHS lying in a box somewhere.

Keith S

2024-12-17 06:33:36 +0000 UTC

The conversation between Data and Spock is one of the best in TNG. I wish we could have had much longer scenes between the two. Also... MAYLOTA!!!!!

Nerd's Gold

2024-12-17 05:09:15 +0000 UTC

As with most part 2's, this one is a letdown from the set up in part 1. A-/B+ for me. Sela is not as well written here, and although I appreciate the Data Vulcan neck pinch and follow-up comment from Spock, it's a little too much fan-service and hokey for me. I do love the Spock-Picard mind-meld.

Collin Freeman

2024-12-17 04:22:45 +0000 UTC

Spock actually drops a hint or two about what's to come in Star Trek 6

penoyer79

2024-12-17 04:12:20 +0000 UTC

For the record, the three ships carried the 2000 troops we know about. We have no idea how many cloaked Romulan ships were accompanying them. We only know of the one for sure.

Jovet

2024-12-17 04:04:42 +0000 UTC

Typical Romulan overconfidence.

Jovet

2024-12-17 04:02:20 +0000 UTC

@Shanelle Picard is so sensitive? How so? Examples?

Jovet

2024-12-17 04:01:35 +0000 UTC

Anybody else catch the blooper of the reflection of someone (director?) chewing gum right after Data gives Sela the Vulcan neck pinch?

barry vanwieringen

2024-12-17 04:00:35 +0000 UTC

As of this episode, the Klingon homeworld is still unnamed.

Jovet

2024-12-17 03:59:30 +0000 UTC

We learn they don't think much of humans or Vulcans and are kinda stupid.

Jovet

2024-12-17 03:53:12 +0000 UTC

Yep that's a big goof! It's at 39:33 on my copy.

Jovet

2024-12-17 03:52:10 +0000 UTC

It was the truth, Pardek betrayed them.

Jovet

2024-12-17 03:47:48 +0000 UTC

Cowboy diplomacy!?! A bit of a let down from part I, but still a solid A rating mostly for the Spock/Picard and Spock/Data scenes.

barry vanwieringen

2024-12-17 03:37:55 +0000 UTC

I’m with Data. Sela should consider changing jobs. She sucks at the current one.

Matthew McKinnon-Gray

2024-12-17 03:35:47 +0000 UTC

Well if Pardek didn't turn them in I don't see how Spock saying it would protect him. Sela and the others would know where their information came from and who the informant was.

Greg Quinn

2024-12-17 01:43:23 +0000 UTC

Sela is the weak link here (mostly writers fault but not sure Crosby's heart is in this). Still I'm going S...

Greg Quinn

2024-12-17 01:41:24 +0000 UTC

One of the coolest things about this, after it aired, was walking into B Dalton or Waldenbooks to find a brand new novelization of the two-parter on the shelves, written by Jeri Taylor. It was an unexpected treat & really fleshed out a lot of the scenes related to the investigation in the bar & junk yard - and some of the Romulan politics. 📖

Matt Everkoul

2024-12-17 01:41:10 +0000 UTC

Sela is back !!!!! Spock once again saves the day and ruins the Romulans plan, however will the Unification of Romulus and Vulcan happen?? who knows another S Tier for me but i think yall might find it an A tier

GamingHour2018

2024-12-17 01:00:00 +0000 UTC

I would bring stuff up to prove you wrong but spoilers 👀

Evan Guthrie

2024-12-17 00:29:36 +0000 UTC

I can't believe so many people rank this episode highly. What a let-down. A frustratingly inept ending. First, Denise Crosby. Again, her character is never credible, as an actress, she is just not credible in this role. Her biggest flaws, barely papered over in Redemption II, are fully exposed here. Second, the character she plays here is REALLY stupid. She is just so very easily outmanuevered here in a pretty unsubtle plan. All of this for.. an invasion of Vulcan? This is the opposite of a Joker Gambit -- it relies on SO many uncontrollable factors to go right in order to have a modest amount of success. Leaving the universe's most brilliant vulcan and most badass android in a room with NO SECURITY and a holographic projector? No one thought this was a bad idea? Why is an idiot like Sela in charge again? When Romulans are THIS dumb, how can they be seen as a credible threat? When you stereotype an alien race as intelligent, sneaky tacticians, you'd better have the writing chops to write a good scheme. Otherwise, don't even try. The opening of this episode is quite nice! But the last half of this episode is just SO dumb that it's as big a letdown as you can get. Part 1 was fine. Part 2, what a disappointment.

Ian Westcott

2024-12-17 00:10:27 +0000 UTC

I went to a Star Trek con after this Epidode aired. They talked about unification. They showed a picture of Leonard Nimoy and Malichae Throne as Spock and Pardeck. They then showed a picture of them as Spock and comadore Mendez fom Managery.. Almost everyone in the audience gasped. The two of them were almost posed the same way in both pictures. I guess a lot of people didn't know Throne played both characters.

Keith S

2024-12-16 22:52:52 +0000 UTC

Question: when Spock pointed out Pardek’s involvement in turning them in, was he telling the truth, or was he protecting the senator? We don’t see Pardek in the episode again, he’s not twirling his evil mustache…so it could be up in the air as to whether he actually turned Spock in or not. (I think there’s wiggle room and that Spock was actually saving him.)

tyranusfan

2024-12-16 22:13:44 +0000 UTC

Data and Spock. Picard and Spock. Those pairings alone elevate this to A. Not as strong as part 1, but very good indeed.

Frank Tagader

2024-12-16 21:45:39 +0000 UTC

B for both parts. It’s good, but the escape at the end relies on the bad guys being stupid. Plus the Spock stuff never really sings, save for the Data convo.

John M.

2024-12-16 21:30:16 +0000 UTC

I suggested the same thing, but we'll see I guess

The Ninth Doctor

2024-12-16 21:23:26 +0000 UTC

Vulcans are pacifists, and Starfleet is not a military organisation. 2000 advance troops, maybe in the capital city and key locations in the first of many waves, may be enough in the future for all we know...

The Ninth Doctor

2024-12-16 21:21:49 +0000 UTC

B-tier for plot but elevated to A for me solely based on Spock and Data, and the final Picard mind meld scene where Spock realises how much Sarek actually loved him throughout his life, and fulfilling his final heartbreaking request from Part 1: "Tell him, Picard..."

The Ninth Doctor

2024-12-16 21:17:33 +0000 UTC

This is an A for me, but entirely on Leonard Nimoys as Spock and his scenes with Picard and Data, the plot is otherwise kinda meh.

Thomas Cole

2024-12-16 20:58:08 +0000 UTC

As TNG 2 parters go, Unification is somewhat dry and slow paced. But as a tie in event to promote STVI ahead of it's release, it worked well enough. Michael Piller considered the title to not just the unification of Vulcan and Romulus, but also of TOS and TNG. Stewart and Nimoy sharing so much screen time helped with that.

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-12-16 20:03:51 +0000 UTC

S tier. One of the rare TNG 2 parters that i like the 2nd part more

harrypothead42024

2024-12-16 19:54:17 +0000 UTC

This episode had an interesting production error. After Data knocks Sela out with a well executed VNP. When they leave the camera pans across a green crystal. In it you can see the reflection of a production staff member chewing gum. Don't bother looking for it if you're watching the remastered version. They removed it.

Keith S

2024-12-16 19:44:12 +0000 UTC

Even though I consider this episode to be lesser than the first part, just the Data/Spock scenes alone would have made it an S! But I still gave it an A lol

Sixto

2024-12-16 19:32:42 +0000 UTC

Every time Leonard Nimoy is onscreen, and talking, and we're learning more about Spock, and his relationship with his Father, it's excellent. The rest is less excellent, but not bad.

Banes

2024-12-16 19:05:30 +0000 UTC

Honestly, a 2-parter elevated by it having TOS characters in it, otherwise it's fairly routine all things considered. That first watch has a lot of novelty, but once that wears off it's only okay. Personally I found the investigation on the Ent-D more interesting. Sela was kinda wasted here and despite being ON Romulous, we don't learn much about the place or people.

Nolan

2024-12-16 18:40:42 +0000 UTC

I'm sure a big disappointment last episode for you guys was Sarek and Spock unresolved issues before Sarek's death. However, as Picard mind-melded with Sarek and shared all his thoughts and feelings, when Spock mind-melds with Picard, Spock gets to know his father's feelings and get closure. Finally he knows his father loved him. Ironically I'm typing this on what would have been my own father's 68th birthday.

Nolan

2024-12-16 18:32:04 +0000 UTC

The writing in this scene is a little too on-the-nose for me. “You’re half-human. I want to be a human.” “Vulcans pursue logic. Androids are peak.” …. I think they could have found a more natural way for these characters to meet and interact. Also, Spock says Picard has an almost Vulcan quality. Where? Maybe in season 1. But present Picard is so sensitive. Sorry to nitpick.

Shanelle

2024-12-16 18:31:29 +0000 UTC

Lots more Spock in this one. Sela again finds out it isn't smart to mess with Picard, but will the lesson stick? The last scene with Spock and Picard and the mind meld is really moving when Spock finally learns just how much Sarek really loved him. Yet another “Best of the Best” ranking from me.

KatWithAttitude

2024-12-16 18:20:50 +0000 UTC

Greatest cameo of all time but underwhelming episode. B for boring.

Shanelle

2024-12-16 17:52:11 +0000 UTC

A-Tier. Seeing Spock again, having some fun exchanges between him and Data, Picard mind medling with Spock, Spock for the first time experiencing his father's love... seeing Sela again.. Data doing the neck pinch... what's not to like. Not S-Tier for me, but just a whole lot of fun.

Andreas Schmitt

2024-12-16 17:47:57 +0000 UTC

D, borderline E It just wastes so many setups for so little payoff: - Wastes Spock by giving him little to do that had to be Spock rather than any other Vulcan. - Wastes Sela by making her an unintimidating villain with an uninspired scooby-doo plot. - Wastes the looming specter of the Romulan Empire by reducing the scope of their veiled machinations to retaking a single planet by overt conquest. - Wastes Riker by giving him command but making his style completely uninteresting. If this episode was erased from cannon, not knowing what each of these elements was up to would sit better in my head.

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2024-12-16 17:09:13 +0000 UTC

It’s a TOS TNG cross over 2 parter, with Romulans. Minimum A!

ByRikersBeard

2024-12-16 17:06:30 +0000 UTC

Data using the Vulcan nerve pinch on Sela makes this an "S", otherwise a great "A"

Eric Singer

2024-12-16 17:06:12 +0000 UTC

Again it has some great moments - the stuff with Picard, Spock and Data all works very well. Nice return of Sela too, but the whole thing is a little underwhelming if you strip out the guest performances the plot of the episode is never quite as fleshed out as it could have been.

Darren Seal

2024-12-16 17:02:11 +0000 UTC

A completely run of the mil episode with a lot of bad writing that's saved because Spock and Denise Crosby are present. They dont do anything good, especially Denise Crosby, as Tasha's daughter is a complete blank space of a character that would be completely forgettable if not for her actress.

Fedora The Explorar

2024-12-16 16:43:39 +0000 UTC

LOL! Unfortunately I like "Darmok" too much for that to be true.

Lovok

2024-12-16 16:36:27 +0000 UTC

Spock's great by virtue of being Spock. But I've always that figured apart from that this episode is kind of meh.

TomEmilioDavies

2024-12-16 16:33:57 +0000 UTC

It is really just an ad for Star Trek VI. When it was being hyped up prior to release I fell in to that hype. The small gap between ep8 and the movie felt like months.

Miah1138

2024-12-16 16:30:31 +0000 UTC

I saw the episodes then the movie after; but the trailer for ST VI was playing widely at the same time - so I think sticking to how we experienced the orders at the time is fine. The references work well either way though.

Paul Rymer

2024-12-16 16:25:46 +0000 UTC

This one is hard to grade because it's an emotional S tier episode but without Spock this is probably closer to a B episode, if not lower, so I split the difference and gave it an A-.

Forbidden Donut

2024-12-16 16:16:54 +0000 UTC

You would think a place like Romulus would have automated scanners looking for human and positronic life forms wandering around wearing awful wigs.

Alan Thompson

2024-12-16 16:13:04 +0000 UTC

This is Josh's burner account lol

Forbidden Donut

2024-12-16 16:12:55 +0000 UTC

The only second half of a two parter episode off the top of my head that gets an S-tier. Granted, a lot of it is because of fan-service of the nerdtacular variety, but still. I don't anticipate you guys giving anything less than an S to a Spock-heavy episode of TNG like this one. And there are a lot of lines to enjoy.

John

2024-12-16 16:10:34 +0000 UTC

Outside of the big cameo, never understood why everyone loves this two-parter. It's got some fun elements, but the mustache-twirling ending is so utterly preposterous it saps both episodes of a lot of their quality. B for Pt. 1, C for Pt. 2. Only ~2,000 troops to conquer one of the Federation's core worlds? Yeah right! What a joke. Not only would that not be enough to conquer even a single Vulcan city, they'd need a FLEET of warbirds to maintain their control over the planet. Eye-roll to the max. Way too much fan-wank here and not nearly enough quality writing. Sela is downright goofy here, outside of a funny line or two. If it wasn't for the big cameo and a couple touching moments, might have given this one a D. Wayyyyy overrated!

Lovok

2024-12-16 15:51:47 +0000 UTC

S teir for me. Grate scens through out. Culminating with Spock crying when Picard shares Sarek's thoughts with him.

Keith S

2024-12-16 15:45:05 +0000 UTC

Another S. There's a line of dialogue that is an ominous reference to ST:VI The Undiscovered Country... which was released in theaters a couple of weeks after this episode aired. Brilliant franchise timing.

Darin Wagner

2024-12-16 15:28:13 +0000 UTC

This two-parter is why I suggested to watch Star Trek VI before episode 7. Three reasons: Sarek mentions where Spock met Pardek, Sarek dying, and Spock referencing the events in the movie (which is the biggest reason).

Ron Hubbard Jr

2024-12-16 15:24:37 +0000 UTC

Cowboy Diplomacy at its finest Ambassador Spock, you learned from some of the best

Gregory

2024-12-16 15:09:57 +0000 UTC

Spock Sarek Sela Triple S-tier! These episodes are a perfect celebration of everything Star Trek had become for the 25th anniversary, but it's also the closing of the chapter as Gene has died and the last TOS movie all happened within a few weeks.

EnigmaticPenguin

2024-12-16 15:06:18 +0000 UTC

You guys get to see more of Romulus in this episode and I like how the colour palette is green/grey distinguishing them from the Klingon reddish colour palette on qo’nos (Kronos) it all adds more to THE LORE!

LonghillAndy

2024-12-16 15:04:45 +0000 UTC

Sarek, Spock, Sela these 3 S'es cry for a SSSuperb rating!. I love this 2 parter. It's highly rewatchable and the humor is great.

Sebastian_Frodo

2024-12-16 15:04:22 +0000 UTC

This episode has its good parts, but I have to say Sela’s plan to conquer Vulcan, let alone with only 2,000 troops, is pretty weak. She must REALLY think the rest of the galactic powers are idiots to fall for it.

Evan Guthrie

2024-12-16 15:03:19 +0000 UTC

Yeah they really slipped up with that number of invaders. Vulcan is peaceful but there's no way they wouldn't and couldn't defend themselves, and it's a vital Federation planet. Maybe they could've said they're sending 50,000 troops to seize the capitol city or something.

Joe Concepts

2024-12-16 14:59:10 +0000 UTC

The scene between Spock and Data on the Bird of Prey about each other's goals towards/away from their humanity is absolutely priceless. "I have no regrets." "No regrets, that is a human expression." "Yes... ... Fascinating."

THE LORE!!!

2024-12-16 14:58:49 +0000 UTC

Yes Sela!! She's a great villain. And once again, Data ruins her plans. That is great! Really love the scenes in the random bar. I was always curious how the day to day of life in the 24th century would be, and small scenes like the bar or even Risa back in Captain's Holiday show glimpses of what life would be like. Also the pyramid lamp on the proconsul's desk was so cool looking, I spent many years trying to find something similar for my own home decor.

Connor Fallon

2024-12-16 14:58:13 +0000 UTC

Ending resolution ruins it for me. C tier. It could have been really good. Just didn't make sense how they could have magically done what they did. It just felt like a: "We know everyone is going to love this because of Spock so who cares how they get out of the situation" to me. To me part 1 is SO MUCH better that it makes the part 2 problems stand out more.

Prof Moff

2024-12-16 14:54:18 +0000 UTC

Be honest, did you guys expect something like this to happen at all?

Phil Ken Sebben

2024-12-16 14:48:01 +0000 UTC

"When one is in the penalty box, tears are permitted" That expression on his face at the end, says so much. If your father is no longer alive and you missed your chance to bond, it hits so much harder.

Chris Mickelson

2024-12-16 14:47:03 +0000 UTC

A tier. Spock is great, character interactions, nostalgia, etc. The episode has a few major problems that bother me. - Sela is an idiot. Let's just leave possibly the two most intelligent beings in all of the Federation in a room with computer access. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? - The Romulan plan is incredibly stupid and makes zero sense in general. You're telling me they can take over an ENTIRE PLANET with only a few thousand troops? A planet full of highly intelligent beings with advanced technology no less.

Spencer Loften

2024-12-16 14:44:21 +0000 UTC

PATRON TIER LIST S5E8

Comments

I like that. The episode would have to be a little longer though.

This is probably just my appreciation for Malachi Throne but I wish Pardek’s betrayal had been a cover for Spock and Pardek trying to get a one-up on Neral and his plot. Then with Pardek helping to free Spock (and dying in the process).

Nimoy really relished the character, and that's what makes it great. Just like Lenard also relished his character. Everything about that scene in Part 1 is magic. All the facial expressions, the eye movements, the grunts and complaints...

Now THAT is the big question I've been wondering about, ever since Josh & Alex rightly requested NO SPOILERS for future episodes. How about that, guys?

It’s nice to have a Spock episode. Just wish the story was better.

Spock’s line about “I was responsible for the consequences that happened to Captain Kirk and his crew…” coupled with the shot in the trailer of “Kirk” being vaporized had many of us wondering if Kirk died in Trek 6 (or at least it was in the back of our minds!)

It was literally the “i will monologue all the details of my plan and then leave the room with the key to your escape on the wall” cliche.

I agree, this episode's title has the double meaning of unification between Spock and Sarek, between estranged father and son albeit in the literal last minute.

I so loved this. It’s mostly for sentimental reasons. It would qualify as a B but…. It hit me in the heart. So “S”

Agreed. I meant Crosby was bad by comparison. Or just didn’t feel like a suitable scene partner. The two characters didn’t gel.

Agreed, except for Redemption and maybe 1 other 2-parter down the road.

OMG!!! Spock!! Nuff said.

Why? Nimoy’s acting is great!

Nice interpretation! Possibly the greatest moment in the episode.

“Nothing screams boring like a kid asking Spock to tell them more stories about Vulcan“ 😂 I do agree, very talky

Interesting. I have second-hand embarrassment for Crosby with Nimoy. But I do think the director should take much of the blame.

I would love to see the producers of Star Trek create a Klingon soap opera that covers the time period between the beginning of Star Trek discovery, and the attack on Kittomer lots of dancing and singing detergents in Klingon uniforms

Melota! You know the story isn’t over until the fact Klingon sings

Yeah Part one was so good that almost anything would be a letdown, but if there's an archilles heel in TNG is that its Part 2's were never as good as the part one's and thats even true with BOBW's

Data and Spock. Picard and Spock. And it's great seeing more of the Klingon/Federation relationship being shaped. I don't care about silly plot holes and how easily the baddies gave up vital information to literally everyone that asked. Well, not too much, anyhow. "A."

One of the more interesting background characters was the four handed salt sucking pianist. I wonder if she shares an ancestry with the M113 character fom Man Trap.

Loved her reaction when Data suggested she should get a different job. Daggers were shooting out of those eyes.

The actor (Norman Large) who plays the Proconsul is bad. He’s terrible. He makes Dr Stubbs look like Anthony Hopkins. I have secondhand embarrassment for Nimoy having to share the scene with him.

Of all possible meanings of the title “Unification”, the one that really hits my heart is that it is Captain Picard who ultimately bridges the relationship between Spock and Sarek, giving them both closure. Seeing Spock cry at the end…well, what can I say?? 🖖

Removed for the Remastered version 👍🏼

i hope they pick up on the idiocy of Sela just leaving them in that room part

While I love the Data and Spock conversations, and the emotional weight of Sarek, the end where Sela just stands around and lets the plan fail feels a bit undercooked, even if it is funny. Solid A.

When Crusher comes on the bridge, her mouth is saying her lines about the distress call, but I like to think her face is saying “Is this seriously my only scene?! And even I know you wouldn’t need me to tell you about the damned distress call.”

You must have an old copy. Is it VHS? I have it on that. In fact I got the whole series on VHS lying in a box somewhere.

The conversation between Data and Spock is one of the best in TNG. I wish we could have had much longer scenes between the two. Also... MAYLOTA!!!!!

As with most part 2's, this one is a letdown from the set up in part 1. A-/B+ for me. Sela is not as well written here, and although I appreciate the Data Vulcan neck pinch and follow-up comment from Spock, it's a little too much fan-service and hokey for me. I do love the Spock-Picard mind-meld.

Spock actually drops a hint or two about what's to come in Star Trek 6

For the record, the three ships carried the 2000 troops we know about. We have no idea how many cloaked Romulan ships were accompanying them. We only know of the one for sure.

Typical Romulan overconfidence.

@Shanelle Picard is so sensitive? How so? Examples?

Anybody else catch the blooper of the reflection of someone (director?) chewing gum right after Data gives Sela the Vulcan neck pinch?

As of this episode, the Klingon homeworld is still unnamed.

We learn they don't think much of humans or Vulcans and are kinda stupid.

Yep that's a big goof! It's at 39:33 on my copy.

It was the truth, Pardek betrayed them.

Cowboy diplomacy!?! A bit of a let down from part I, but still a solid A rating mostly for the Spock/Picard and Spock/Data scenes.

I’m with Data. Sela should consider changing jobs. She sucks at the current one.

Well if Pardek didn't turn them in I don't see how Spock saying it would protect him. Sela and the others would know where their information came from and who the informant was.

Sela is the weak link here (mostly writers fault but not sure Crosby's heart is in this). Still I'm going S...

Sela is back !!!!! Spock once again saves the day and ruins the Romulans plan, however will the Unification of Romulus and Vulcan happen?? who knows another S Tier for me but i think yall might find it an A tier

I would bring stuff up to prove you wrong but spoilers 👀

Data and Spock. Picard and Spock. Those pairings alone elevate this to A. Not as strong as part 1, but very good indeed.

B for both parts. It’s good, but the escape at the end relies on the bad guys being stupid. Plus the Spock stuff never really sings, save for the Data convo.

I suggested the same thing, but we'll see I guess

Vulcans are pacifists, and Starfleet is not a military organisation. 2000 advance troops, maybe in the capital city and key locations in the first of many waves, may be enough in the future for all we know...

B-tier for plot but elevated to A for me solely based on Spock and Data, and the final Picard mind meld scene where Spock realises how much Sarek actually loved him throughout his life, and fulfilling his final heartbreaking request from Part 1: "Tell him, Picard..."

This is an A for me, but entirely on Leonard Nimoys as Spock and his scenes with Picard and Data, the plot is otherwise kinda meh.

S tier. One of the rare TNG 2 parters that i like the 2nd part more

Even though I consider this episode to be lesser than the first part, just the Data/Spock scenes alone would have made it an S! But I still gave it an A lol

Every time Leonard Nimoy is onscreen, and talking, and we're learning more about Spock, and his relationship with his Father, it's excellent. The rest is less excellent, but not bad.

Greatest cameo of all time but underwhelming episode. B for boring.

A-Tier. Seeing Spock again, having some fun exchanges between him and Data, Picard mind medling with Spock, Spock for the first time experiencing his father's love... seeing Sela again.. Data doing the neck pinch... what's not to like. Not S-Tier for me, but just a whole lot of fun.

It’s a TOS TNG cross over 2 parter, with Romulans. Minimum A!

Data using the Vulcan nerve pinch on Sela makes this an "S", otherwise a great "A"

Again it has some great moments - the stuff with Picard, Spock and Data all works very well. Nice return of Sela too, but the whole thing is a little underwhelming if you strip out the guest performances the plot of the episode is never quite as fleshed out as it could have been.

A completely run of the mil episode with a lot of bad writing that's saved because Spock and Denise Crosby are present. They dont do anything good, especially Denise Crosby, as Tasha's daughter is a complete blank space of a character that would be completely forgettable if not for her actress.

LOL! Unfortunately I like "Darmok" too much for that to be true.

Spock's great by virtue of being Spock. But I've always that figured apart from that this episode is kind of meh.

It is really just an ad for Star Trek VI. When it was being hyped up prior to release I fell in to that hype. The small gap between ep8 and the movie felt like months.

I saw the episodes then the movie after; but the trailer for ST VI was playing widely at the same time - so I think sticking to how we experienced the orders at the time is fine. The references work well either way though.

This one is hard to grade because it's an emotional S tier episode but without Spock this is probably closer to a B episode, if not lower, so I split the difference and gave it an A-.

You would think a place like Romulus would have automated scanners looking for human and positronic life forms wandering around wearing awful wigs.

This is Josh's burner account lol

S teir for me. Grate scens through out. Culminating with Spock crying when Picard shares Sarek's thoughts with him.

Another S. There's a line of dialogue that is an ominous reference to ST:VI The Undiscovered Country... which was released in theaters a couple of weeks after this episode aired. Brilliant franchise timing.

This two-parter is why I suggested to watch Star Trek VI before episode 7. Three reasons: Sarek mentions where Spock met Pardek, Sarek dying, and Spock referencing the events in the movie (which is the biggest reason).

Cowboy Diplomacy at its finest Ambassador Spock, you learned from some of the best

Spock Sarek Sela Triple S-tier! These episodes are a perfect celebration of everything Star Trek had become for the 25th anniversary, but it's also the closing of the chapter as Gene has died and the last TOS movie all happened within a few weeks.

You guys get to see more of Romulus in this episode and I like how the colour palette is green/grey distinguishing them from the Klingon reddish colour palette on qo’nos (Kronos) it all adds more to THE LORE!

Sarek, Spock, Sela these 3 S'es cry for a SSSuperb rating!. I love this 2 parter. It's highly rewatchable and the humor is great.

This episode has its good parts, but I have to say Sela’s plan to conquer Vulcan, let alone with only 2,000 troops, is pretty weak. She must REALLY think the rest of the galactic powers are idiots to fall for it.

Yeah they really slipped up with that number of invaders. Vulcan is peaceful but there's no way they wouldn't and couldn't defend themselves, and it's a vital Federation planet. Maybe they could've said they're sending 50,000 troops to seize the capitol city or something.

The scene between Spock and Data on the Bird of Prey about each other's goals towards/away from their humanity is absolutely priceless. "I have no regrets." "No regrets, that is a human expression." "Yes... ... Fascinating."