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UNCUT REACTION - Star Trek TNG S3E23 - Sarek

UNCUT REACTION - Star Trek TNG S3E23 - Sarek

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This is why TNG should have been nominated for acting Emmys, but was snubbed of course. Picard might be the greatest character in all of television.

ET

“Regret is one of the strongest emotions, and one of the saddest.” – [SPOILER REDACTED], [SPOILER REDACTED]: "[SPOILER REDACTED]" No other Star Trek episode justifies your decision to avoid learning episode titles in advance as well as this one, with the father of all spoiler titles. As ever, things were different on the original broadcast: of course TNG wanted people to know Mark Lenard was back so they would tune in. Also, the cold open is less than ideal for 21st-century reaction channels: while Sarek beaming in with his back to the camera and then lowering his hood exploits the audience’s eagerness to see him (and is a possible callback to his entrance in Search for Spock), if this were a 2024 episode the other characters would likely have refrained from mentioning Sarek’s name before he appears. Tantalizingly and frustratingly, this is indeed the case in the episode’s Final Draft script, available on the Star Trek Minutiae website: Picard’s opening Captain’s Log refers only to “the Federation ambassador that has made this historic event possible.” Unspoiled viewers would have been teased with the fact that the Enterprise is orbiting Vulcan and Riker’s reference to “the Coridan admission to the Federation,” asking themselves, “Could it be…?” before seeing Sarek’s face. I presume this was changed to incorporate the explanation that Perrin, “like his first wife, is from Earth,” thus explaining Amanda’s absence by implying that she has died by this time. The line, of course, completely ignores Sybok’s mother; at the time of this episode, Gene Roddenberry was encouraging Star Trek fans and writers to regard Final Frontier, released only a year earlier, as non-canonical. However, it makes sense in any case that Sarek’s first marriage would not be widely known outside of Vulcan circles. Peter S. Beagle, this episode’s scriptwriter, is a slightly unusual name to see in Star Trek’s writing credits. He is best known as a fantasy novelist, the writer of "A Fine and Private Place" and "The Last Unicorn," the latter of which was adapted into a popular animated film with a screenplay by Beagle. He was also the co-screenwriter of the 1978 animated film of "The Lord of the Rings," which was successful at the box office but is unpopular with fans, especially in comparison to the Peter Jackson films. This episode’s depiction of Sarek’s illness mirrored Gene Roddenberry’s declining health in real life. It was, however, Roddenberry himself who made the phone call to Mark Lenard inviting him to appear, saying something to the effect of, “Don’t you think it’s time that Sarek came back? Vulcans age more slowly than humans.” Lenard was touched and flattered that Roddenberry put it that way, rather than saying, “Vulcans live longer than humans.” Believe it or not, the first time my late mother and I saw this episode, which was early in our Star Trek fandom when we were still discovering the world by watching alternating episodes of TOS and TNG, I was uncertain that she would remember who Sarek was and felt the need to interject the explanation, “Sarek is Spock’s father. Vulcans are much longer-lived than humans,” after the cold open. There is a tragic parallel between “Journey to Babel” and “Sarek.” In both episodes, Sarek boards the Enterprise with his wife intending to retire after one final achievement: in “Journey to Babel” because of an illness he is keeping to himself, but which McCoy treats successfully, while in “Sarek” he is suffering from an illness that his wife and advisors are keeping from him, and which is untreatable. “Sarek” establishes the timeline of the Star Trek universe more firmly than ever before. Since “The Neutral Zone” specified the current year as 2364, “Sarek” presumably takes place in 2366. Sarek is 202 in this episode, whereas he was 102 in “Journey to Babel,” so it is now clear that TOS takes place in the late 2260s. On a rewatch, Picard’s description of his “expectations of this voyage,” “Sharing [Sarek’s] thoughts, his memories, his unique understanding of the history he has made…” comes across as rather hilariously on-the-nose foreshadowing. Wesley’s taunt to Geordi that “At least I’m not spending the night with a good book like some people” is an in-joke (what the TV Tropes website calls an “Actor Allusion”), referring to LeVar Burton’s role as host of "Reading Rainbow." The cleanup after the bar fight is the first time we have seen Ten-Forward brightly lit other than in the alternate timeline in “Yesterday’s Enterprise.” Note that Picard seemingly refers to Spock in the past tense during the mind-meld. However, Spock himself referred to both Sarek and Amanda in the past tense on multiple occasions during TOS Season 1. This scene is, of course, the first mention of Spock by name in TNG. (McCoy alluded to him in "Encounter at Farpoint," but did not mention him directly.) Like Josh, I could not stop thinking about Joe and Jill Biden while rewatching the episode this time, although I would not have said something so potentially controversial if Josh had not mentioned it. At the present political moment, “Sarek” feels like a “ripped-from-the-headlines” episode that somehow aired 34 years early. Joanna Miles (Perrin) is an Emmy Award-winning actress, recognized for her portrayal of Laura in the 1973 TV movie of "The Glass Menagerie" starring Katharine Hepburn. Given that Perrin is Spock’s stepmother, Miles and Laurence Luckinbill (Sybok) are the only members of the original group of actors to play Spock’s family who are still living. (Mark Lenard died in 1996, Jane Wyatt in 2006 and Leonard Nimoy in 2015. Arlene Martel passed away in 2014, if we must count T’Pring as Spock’s first wife.) Sarek comments to Picard at the end of this episode that “We shall always retain the best part of the other inside us.” After “Sins of the Father” and “Sarek,” I instinctively think of Jean-Luc Picard as being a Klingon and a Vulcan as well as a Human, representing the best part of each. [SPOILER REDACTED]

Anthony Bernacchi

that's exactly what i was thinking of.

penoyer79

i look forward to seeing the counting episode iykwim

david mcgowan

One of my all-time favorite episodes of not just Trek, but all of TV. Some of it just that I seem to love Mark Lenard's acting, anywhere. His Romulan captain was compelling, but his characterization of Sarek from what is really just a few TV episodes, one a cartoon, feels so real and lived in. He adds to weight of my "belief" in Vulcans almost as much Leonard Nimoy does and with much less material. All kudos to Patrick Stuart for a bravura performance of an intensely written scene, but when an actor has little and makes such an impact... (Stewart does that often by the way, it is just this script lobs it right over the plate for him!)

Michael Schwarz

I was watching with my whole family and it was incredible

Firekrys FWO

I've seen this episode so many times but this time I had a whole new experience because I just kept saying to myself OMG this is Biden...omg. So I'm SO glad you guys mentioned it! Great episode :)

Todd Pritchett

That Patrick Stewart will be a big actor one day

AzoriusMage

The episode where they unleashed Patrick Stewart. He's got a few more of these performances down the road. incredible actor. Loved Gates sharing that moment with him.

penoyer79

OMG! I kept thinking Joe Biden too!

Mark Magana

LOVED the groovy ‘60s Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass! 🖖

T’Pynyn of Vulcan

I'm just glad, lm not sure anyone else has heard, but P+ is on its way out. 🫡 TA, I'm looking forward to when trek is moved to [REDACTED]

Eliza B

ok, that makes sense. I was watching without subtitles

Ee'char

Not sure how far ahead you mean, but we have subtitles on so we would’ve seen his name slightly before Picard said it

Josh (Target Audience)

An observation; when my playback audio and your playback audio were in sync, you seemed to react to Sarek's name BEFORE it was mentioned. Maybe your own video and your playback were out of sync this time? It's not happened before.

Ee'char

I remember showing a close friend TNG for the first time and I was always talking up Patrick Stewart as an actor. And she remarked on this episode, "Oh okay, I get it now." I also like the little detail that earlier on in the violin performance, you can see Deanna in the background suddenly snap her head in Sarek's direction because she is so shocked to be sensing a strong emotion from a Vulcan.

Deep Red

Now that I think about it, "Obey my wishes" wouldn't work either.

startrekiborg

I knew you guys would love this episode! This is one of those episodes that I appreciate a lot more now as an adult. For one, I have more context for Sarek now, but also I have more life experience that relates to the theme of this story. Though not exactly the same, I can totally understand the anger and frustration, but more so the denial. It's so easy to pretend someone you love is just fine, or that things will get better, despite neither being true, and I think this episode really explores that well, without villanizing anyone. And that Patrick Stewart scene is top-tier obviously.

Ryan Caulfield

Totally understand, tbh 95% of the time I'm watching along with the uncut reaction @ home before I go to work. However, I don't always have the ability to watch both simultaneously due to my schedule (2nd shift machinist). That said, what I'll do sometimes is watch the episode in its entirety on my phone at work, or while doing chores, followed by the TA reaction. So, it helps to know where some of the plot points or key moments are happening while you pop to them, that's all. Kinda like when you include snippets for syncing. If that's a rough cut, I'd watch it... Thanks for the great content & all the hard work, time & effort you both put into the Target Audience. It shows!

Billy T. Riker

Then you’ll start playing with copyright issues. I’m assuming you need to deal with that even on Patreon.

startrekiborg

At least Sarek didn’t try to shake hands with someone who wasn’t even there.

Chris S.

The purpose of the uncut reactions is to sync up with the episode. The footage that is included is only for help with syncing. It sounds like what you’re requesting is more of a “rough edit” which I’ve thought about before but idk if there’s enough interest to justify the time doing it

Josh (Target Audience)

Every time I see that tapestry I am reminded about how rich a life the flagship captain has to balance out the immense responsibility. The tapestry, the flute, a mind meld with Sarek... did you notice him lamenting in the 1st act that he would regret not sharing his mind with the Ambassador?

Sherpa Jones

Contrast that to their beam in where he is facing away from her and the cameras.

Sherpa Jones

I'd love to see a few more clips of the episode sprinkled in when you guys "pop" (for instance, when Beverly slaps Wesley or the logical Picard/Sarek argument). That scene where Patrick Stewart portays Picard, but with Sarek's emotions finally unleashed is so beautifully acted. Brilliant!

Billy T. Riker

For some reason, Paramt+ works better on my Xbox than my cell phone, but even that is still less glitchy than the smart tv, idk why. I tried watching both on my Galaxy s20 but to no avail, I ended up watching the episode then the reaction but it's not quite the same w/o syncing both.

Billy T. Riker

I noticed that too. Since the last time I saw this episode, my mom passed and my dad's started to decline mentally. In the past, I would have rated this episode a solid "meh". This time around I found myself reacting more like Sarek at the Mozart recital.

Blaine Martin

I wondered if the guys caught it

Jovet

LOL!!!!

Jovet

@James H Thank heavens! (I HATE that one.)

Jovet

I mean the thing is (REDCACTED). And i'm sure they'll (REDACTED). Because (REDCATED). And if (REDACTED). Nevertheless.(REDACTED). At any rate, (REDACTED). No doubt (REDACTED) sort of like Britney Spears.

paultardspambot .

Just when you are sure you won't cry, you see them hold hands before transporting, oof.

Nathan S

And to think, Gene Roddenberry didn't want him for the role.

Collin Freeman

No

Josh (Target Audience)

Was that Mass Effect 1 music during the intro bit?

Blaine Martin

Unpopular opinion - the S3 finale is great but ultimately overhyped by people because (REDACTED). And even more so in hindsight because of the decades of Star Trek content that followed.

Matt Newmark

I'm about to watch this - I didn't get a chance to do a patron take. I'd put this episode OVERALL into a solid B+/A- tier, but there are a couple of individual moments/scenes within the episode that are ABSOLUTE PEAK TREK (and television in general). Moments that just don't leave you, the ones you find yourself watching again and again 10, 20 years later.

Matt Newmark

Who knows if Biden ever watched Star Trek. The Japanese Prime Minister is a fan though. https://youtu.be/Tritw4fEass?si=FvOm1H0bDh9xzI8x

Greg Quinn

No argument from me. Personally I think if Biden has 10% left of what he had in 2020 he's still better than Trump in capability. For all Biden's decline at least hes not going on 10 minute riffs about whether to get eaten by a shark or electrocuted by an electric battery. Thing with Biden is...if you watch him in 2012 he was a tour deforce at debating. Even in 2020 he was pretty good...now. Trump has shown decline but he still speaks with confidence and that mostly reads better to most voters than the hesitant "old man" style speak that Biden does a great deal. But yeah it's not like Trump isn't falling asleep at conventions or court trials (Lol) or forgetting names either.

Greg Quinn

Much the same could be said of his opponent and his verbal tongue meltdowns and general physical condition.

Derek Orr

Thats unfortunate

Derek Orr

Umm what?

Derek Orr

I’ve never seen the Simpsons, but I’m aware they’ve done this bit. We aren’t the first that’s for sure

Josh (Target Audience)

bad news you have to document each and every tribble 'action' over the course of a week

Narnman

If he can figure out how to sync the episode successfully then no one has an excuse

Josh (Target Audience)

Not to be offensive, but punny ... Was glad you addressed the Donkey in the room, in that last 30 seconds. Wonder if he is a Patron here because the news says that he "could drop out as soon as this weekend." I can hear it now, in an interview he's asked why he dropped out, "Well, I was watching this reaction to a Next Generation epis... epis... ep... Well, anyway."

THE Fans

And he's not done yet

Timothy Nikiforovs

In my day, that was pause music during The Dating Game while the contestant considered his/her choice for who the winner would be to go on a date.

Collin Freeman

Wesley went snooping in Geordi's holodeck programs

Timothy Nikiforovs

You think he remembers it enough to have a favorite?

Eric Wilson

Paramount Plus is unusable on my TV but works on my phone as well. You can get seasons of TNG on DVD for the price of like 2 months of ad free Paramount Plus FWIW

Josh (Target Audience)

Paramount Plus is STUPID Glitchy on my TV, I have to cast most shows from my phone. I finally tested if I could watch with you guys at the same time. It worked, for the most part. I think you'll like the next episode. You might not like the one after that. But you'll probably fall off your chairs for the finale. Good Biden analogy!

Eliza B

You noted the lighting, and how it was unique , I’m pretty sure That was done for emotional effect especially in the conference room also there is something meta about the multi-colored swirling pool that Geordi and Wesley are working on in the beginning seems to represent the chaotic nature of emotions while there is an area of the pool that appears to be abstract in one area and another, covered in a largely uniform color the control of emotion a weird yin yang if you will,

Thicketdweller

That's a Simpsons reference ;)

JD Nevesytrof

That's because Picard is French. Sort of.

Sam Langanke

It was no 'future prediction'. They meant Reagan at the time.

Sam Langanke

Great point bringing up Reagan and his wife as another parallel! I could not like Biden any less, both as a person and as a politician, but what the people around him are doing shows a lack of respect for his basic humanity. I actually feel for Biden and what he is being put through by the wretched people surrounding him, who unlike in this episode aren't trying to protect him for the sake of his dignity and honor, but for their own peripheral power and arrogance. Extremely heartbreaking. :(

Lovok

My whole face leaked the entire time. DAMN.

Angelaina Marie

Riker has been busy

Josh (Target Audience)

Good god.

JD Nevesytrof

Love the opening with the game show music pauses! Another S-tier opening (for an S-tier episode?)!

Collin Freeman

This is true

Collin Freeman

Announcing the return of the sex scoreboard. After more than a season of cell-a-bit vacation the bedboard-scoreboard makes a come back. For those new. It is a count of the times the shields were lowered but the phasers fired. It includes TNG crew members and an honorable mention board for guest/recurring characters as is interesting. A notch on the bedpost counts if it clearly happened; it looked like it is reasonable to think it did. The hook-up must have been in the ep or created directly by the ep. This up date will have quite a few updates to explain as the unbored board catching up with the last time it was posted. The sex scoreboard Riker 6 - 4 new Troi 3 - 1 new Data 1 Picard 1 - 1 new Worf 1 - 1 new Wesley almost 1 - new Broccoli 2 i - both new Jordy 1 i - new Hon board - X or (xxx) Tasha 4 - 1 new Sarek 2 - 1 new Notes Riker adds 4 from the last board. An Irish lass, a serial killer and 2 Klingons. I'm counting the two Klingons in matter of honor because 1. how does Riker say no and 2. it brings my joy to think of it. The “i” is for imaginary number aka holo-hook-up. I can't be sure of Jordy and Virt-Dr. Brohms but given his comments about Barklay and his holo-bangin I am saying he visited holo-Brahms more than just the once. Tasha is not exactly on there because not on show but just was in yesterday enterprise and I'm assuming her and Lt castile went out with a bang. so.... another one for tOsha. Sarek is on this ep board because it is clear that there is flushed cheeks on his new wife so you know Sarek proved why they call him: the BILLY GOAT. ( I have no idea what that means it just sounded like porn in my mind) That is it for this ep. See you next ep when Red Alert turns into the Red light discrict.

Prof Moff

That is so cool. I would've have loved to have seen that.

Collin Freeman

I’ll say this …. As a causal observer of your comment section . Ignore it . It seems u guys may say it doesn’t bother but I’ll let it . In a way …. Just literally completely ignore it and only talk about it in a section of discussion. Screw everyone else just like basically say in your disclaimer mostly every episode. Legit .

Steve the greeeen hand

I remember the first time seeing it and seeing the writer’s name and wondering if it was fantasy novelist Peter S. Beagle. We didn’t have phones to check IMDB or other sources so I had to confirm that after getting the show on video. (I can’t recall if Season 3 episodes were initially on VHS of if I had to wait for the season-long DVD). Showing my age again!

Frank Tagader

At least he never says “leftenant”!

James H

Or most favorite? :)

PIG

Thank you very much!

PIG

Riker: "Have you noticed that people have been more aggressive?" Worf: "I haven't noticed." I've watched this episode for years and never noticed that small joke lol

PIG

I've always chosen to believe that the "Ten seperate incidents." Troi meant was ten additional people struck Wesley that day. Sarek's disdain of him is powerful that whole crew is just beating on him.

EnigmaticPenguin

He used the English "privacy" in Captain's Holiday. He said at a convention once that they had an agreement that he would use "Americanized" language, but I guess he slipped up during multiple takes. I think he used the English version of "scheduled" in a few episodes.

tyranusfan

I’m just being a language nerd, but it’s interesting how Patrick Stewart uses the American pronunciation of “privacy” and the English pronunciation of “scheduled” in the same scene.

James H

There's so much that is wonderful and humane about this episode, reflective of the sad truth not all heroes get a noble end, some dwindle and fade. Favourite moments are the bar brawl and the reaction of the bridge crew, especially Data when Picard and Riker argue. I remember watching this with my parents and my Mum saying, "Oh, it's like they're little and Mummy & Daddy are arguing." As a side note, considering the only people we're aware of who know about Geordi's holodeck romance are Picard, Barclay and himself who blabbed to Wesley?

Lincynity

There are nuances, but the bottom line is, in a general battery of symptoms, you are tired, you are confused, you are emotional, and you are "forgetting yourself."

Steven Johnson

This is an episode I can enjoy repeat watches of, like Yesterday's Enterprise. It has a great mix of drama, wit, superb acting from everyone, and all of the cast has something to contribute. Best bar fight in Trek since The Trouble With Tribbles.

Paul Rymer

They did something like that in succession, for comedy effect, and it wasn't funny. There are a multitude of conditions which can impact on cognition, perception, memory, speech, mobility and so on - and variances between them. I think the writers were wise to give the condition a name and a somewhat alien aspect. Having said that, as a carer for a close family member with dementia, the lack of sleep and unrelenting demands can have a similar impact on people living with a human with a dementia-related condition. You don't get angry per se, but it is definitely a strain on the energy and emotions.

Paul Rymer

Definitely the fifth (chronological) of my top 6 in the season with just one more to go

Darren Seal

As I've heard in another comment (probably Patron Takes). It's too bad they said Sarek's name before seeing him. We would've gotten a much bigger reaction.

startrekiborg

Love this episode and the reaction..saying that, there are far too many commenters who don’t seem to understand the difference between dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any neurological disease that affects the mind, and just getting older. If you’ve actually seen it or lived with it, you will understand.

Glenn Johnson Barnes

I've watched these episodes dozens of times by now, but during these rewatches, I can still manage to catch something new. Notice Sarek says "Spock, Amanda, did you know....?" and "Perrin, can you know...?". Interesting verb tense usage there.

JGoss

I was wondering if they were going to go there. That was a good laugh

JGoss

I love this episode, it's one of the best of the show. Now do you understand? NOW do you understand that one comment about The Defector? Season 3 has some incredible episodes... and we're not finished yet.

JGoss

Yeah I'm also certain Reagan was some level of influence. Of course Reagan wasn't officially announced to have alzheimer's until a few years after this came out but it was released a year or so after he left office and the writing was on the wall in his last term. Also for more history Woodrow Wilson had a stroke followed by the Spanish Flu which is believed to have impacted his cogniton and his ability to negotiate the treaty of versailles. Wilson wanted it to be less punitive towards the Germans. Had Wilson been up to the task we might not have had Nazism and Hitler (which developed in part from the extreme longterm poverty Germany went through). And I'm sure there have been other situations. And to be nonpartisan...Fred Trump was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in his 80s....and genetics is a risk factor. But I'm gonna stop now because I think the last thing we want is for this place to become infested with Political talk. I get enough of that in other places. I want this to be my safe place (I said I'm left leaning...we need safe spaces I'm told...lol).

Greg Quinn

This is probably Joe Biden's least favorite episode

Narnman

The music that brought Sarek to tears: https://youtu.be/u_e86keYgfc?t=740 or https://youtu.be/XzIVl_0u3ms?t=875

Jovet

chose a great episode to start

Narnman

To watch what?

Jovet

Because the Emmys are about favors, not about who deserves one.

Jovet

Welcome aboard!

Jovet

@Target Audience Once in a while, so does the show.

Jovet

So close. I originally had Q Who instead of YE

Timothy Nikiforovs

49:50 ROTFL! Thank heavens Ol' Joe isn't telepathic...

Jovet

This episode really is a masterpiece. The subject matter touches almost all of us in one way or another. Even those of us in our 20s and 30s have almost certainly seen time tear down someone we know, whether it's the mind or the body that fails, or both, it's still heartbreaking to watch. Not only does it mean watching someone we love and respect be reduced to a shadow of what they were, but it reminds us that we too will one day likely face the same fate. Seeing that Star Trek can handle this subject matter so skillfully just makes Deadly Years even more embarrassing in retrospect. Early in the episode Picard voices regret that he wouldn't get to connect with Sarek the way he had hoped on this voyage, talking about sharing Sarek's thoughts & memories. If only he knew. As JD said in a patron take, Picard didn't just end up learning more about Sarek on account of the mind meld, but also about his feelings to those that had been closest to him in his life. The comedic elements of this episode have been meme material for years. That brawl in 10 Forward is not only hilarious for Worf and Riker to walk into, but the stunt coordinator really brought their A game as well. The real props goes to Wesley for that line about Geordi finding his women on the holodeck😂. La Forge is gonna need to spend a week in sick bay after that burn. It's a testament to the strength of both the writing and the performances that you can laugh out loud at those parts of the episode, and still be fully invested in the dramatic elements minutes later. Speaking of performances, Lenard and Stewart dominate the screen in this episode. As many have said, the scene of Picard breaking down should have won Stewart an Emmy. Lenard was only 16 years older than Stewart but the characters are about 140 years apart, and he really sells that. By this point as an audience we had come to know Sarek, seen his relationship with Spock go from adversarial in Journey to Babel to almost openly expressing pride and love for his son in the movies. We respected the character, and it tore us apart to see him losing the discipline and dignity that had defined him, and desperately trying to hold on to what he was for this one last mission. As I said in my patron take, Picard is around 61 at this point. Not very old especially by 24th century standards, but certainly not young either. For all he knows, in 20 or 30 years, he could find his own mind failing him the same way Sarek is. And yet he volunteered to experience that first hand in order to help Sarek. It is in my opinion one of the bravest things Picard has done. Sarek is a wonderful episode that ties 2 eras of Trek together in a memorable and impactful way.

Timothy Nikiforovs

46:23 It's clear you guys just couldn't wait to show this reaction to us. 😂

Jovet

You know, I wonder what would happen if I said to my wife "Wife, you will leave me now. I require solitude". I have a funny feeling it wouldn't go very well.

startrekiborg

Q Who instead of Measure

Jonathan

It was parallel to current events back when it was written. Reagan had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Aaron Wells

Yep. Considering the time it was written, I've always associated it more with Reagan. (Not to get political, but Ronnie is Republican Jesus, and Alzheimer's is fake news. :)

Aaron Wells

I think this is the most engaged I've seen you two while watching TNG!

Jovet

65 seems pretty reasonable. I'm Canadian so I don't have a dog in the race, but I don't envy you guys your options this November. Politics shouldn't be a lifelong career. We all have our time, and at a certain point old leaders need to step aside for new ones. I'd also say it's unhealthy for any country to be led by people who are 2 or even 3 generations removed from the 18-35/40 crowd who are trying to start families, buy homes and get started in life.

Timothy Nikiforovs

Josh, I thought the same thing, someone needs to show this to Jill Biden.

Schnabley

Agreed...I'm politically on the left so I'm more in line with Biden than say Reagan or Trump...but regardless it sucks. I remember reading Dutch, the authorized biography of Reagan, and it talked about how he was always a guy who made sure he looked really sharp...then he started missing spots when he shaved... and something about that just made me really sad at the time. Sorry to hear of your stepfather. My brother in law (he's mid 60s) is currently getting checked and they think it may be the early stages of alzheimer's...it sucks....

Greg Quinn

Sarek "The Federation can be defined by a single word. Afuusafidlaffogitibills"

Timothy Nikiforovs

Thought the exact same thing

Schnabley

Not to get political...but it was already mentioned so I'll to into it... I'm probably to the left to a lot of people; but yeah I was wondering if anyone would mention Biden, definitely some parallels regardless of what you might think of where he is at, or how he stacks up to the alternative. Having said that...I suspect the writers were actually influenced by the Reagan situation. Plenty of rumors were going around in his second term of Reagan having "episodes" and falling asleep or forgetting basic things...and Nancy and others were very protective of him...and of course a few years after leaving office he officially announced he had been diagnosed with alzheimer's. There was a study done that showed how each year of office Reagan used few "big words" and that is a sign of oncoming dementia. I suspect that the same would be found with Biden (although again, to keep it non partisan, a study was done that found Trump uses fewer words then he did in the past as well). Might be a good idea to put a age limit of say 65 for President... But ultimately regardless of politics it's something that many of us will have to deal with personally if we live long enough. I have done contact sports like boxing and have a grandmother who got alzheimer's so I'm kinda expecting it if I make it into my 70s and almost definitely if I make it into my 80s. Sucks regardless...

Greg Quinn

Dang..still brings the misty eyes every time..thank you for sharing your reaction with us..and..we will be right back dun na nun na naaa hilarious.

Badger

It was eery watching this one tonight. My stepfather is dealing with Alzheimers and we recently moved him into memory care. It is also eery because of what is happening with our president. Without attempting to get political (and please do not use the following comments as an opportunity to promote a political belief), it is still incredibly sad to watch a highly respected, great civil servant who has served his country for decades, decline while he is surrounded by people who are insulating him from the truth of his situation. Everything said about ‘respect’, ‘legacy’, and ‘dignity’ spoken by Perrin, Sakkath, and the chief of staff is so reminiscent of Biden’s situation. Speaking from experience, the hardest part of watching someone with cognitive decline is having to make decisions for them. Watching them take the car keys from Sarek hits home and hits incredibly hard. Watching it happening on the national stage is a brutal reminder that the most powerful among us are still vulnerable to their own physical limitations.

Column Meanie

Thanks for putting this one up early... I thought you might enjoy the last 15 minutes. Good thing Data doesn't have emotions... his audiences always seem to "walk-out" on his performances.

Stevtrek

I have been so incredibly excited for you to hit this episode ... waiting has been agony, even with as many great episodes there have been this season. Your reaction didn't disappoint. Truly amazing character work by Stewart and Lenard in this episode. One of my absolute favorites. As for the Joe Biden comparison, ignoring the politics of it, I was thinking the EXACT same thing while watching this.

Joshua Taylor

And this is why they ask to be careful of spoilers. Though I could just see Alex swearing like a sailor behind the "We'll be back" screen.

wildhunt1973

There's a lot to like in this episode. Fantastic acting from Patrick Stewart. Looking forward to the discussion on this one. Trek gave us a lot of future predictions. Cell phones, voice commands... Joe Biden. (I hate you guys. Now every time I watch this episode, my mind is going to go to Biden).

Ca$hWednesday

Sarek, Yesterday's Enterprise, Measure of a Man?

Timothy Nikiforovs

"Patrick S it goes without saying he was slumming doing TV and comic book movies" Perhaps, but the rest of us, especially Trek fans, have benefited from his career in popular media

Vina

Good lord, what a thing to bring up with Nancy though.

JD Nevesytrof

At a convention in DC I was talking to a fan who had asked Nancy Reagan at an event if she had seen the episode and according to him she said she had and said it was very well done.

Jonathan

What a perfectly crafted episode. Loved your guys' reaction. I really appreciate how you both connect with the big human moments in this show. It's a lot of fun to rewatch TNG with you guys.

J-Ro

This episode solidified that the Emmy’s robbed Patrick Stewart

Scarpad’s Domain

Let the record show I had already liked the video

Evan Guthrie

My mom has partial dementia it’s gard

Scarpad’s Domain

I was at a convention with mark lenard as a guest and he actually sat in the audience to watch

Scarpad’s Domain

Perfect reaction. I also have felt like Season 3 has been going forever. Going into TNG I had a list of the top 10 episodes I wanted to see you react to. Now you’ve seen 3 of them.

Jonathan

How Patrick Stewart didn’t get an Emmy for this I just don’t understand. I don’t know if anyone mentioned it, but hanging on the back of Picard’s chair in his quarters is the tapestry the Mintakans gave him at the end of episode 4. A great little piece of continuity popping up.

Brian Moore

When you get older you’ll understand . It’s treks take on Alzheimer’s how it robs the person of theirs dignity

Scarpad’s Domain

Mark Lenard didn't have the huge career he deserved. He just shows you don't need a bumpy forehead, you just gotta be good and people will believe you're Vulcan, Romulan, or anything else. . Patrick S it goes without saying he was slumming doing TV and comic book movies, but that's where the money was.

Ken R

Actually there's still five better ones left.

JD Nevesytrof

In the audience takes I mention how this now seems to parallel current events.

Mike Rogers

I upped my subscription to watch this one. I've been watching for awhile on YouTube. Consider me permanent.

Nathan Olson

To be fair, when this aired, everyone would have been thinking Ronald Reagan also

JD Nevesytrof

WE GOT AN S-TIER HERE BOYS

JD Nevesytrof

This was one of the big ones that I've been waiting for, I knew you guys would love it. Looking forward to the discussion!

Adam Zey

He's right

Steve Boshear

same here with my father, that really made this episode get deeper after time. Brilliant imho.

Steve Krautkramer

Once in a while we pull it off

Josh (Target Audience)

😵

Josh (Target Audience)

This isnt even the best episode left this season. :-)

Eric Wilson

Been waiting patiently for this reaction. One of my favorite episodes. You guys didn’t disappoint. 🖖

TrekNerd85

Make sure to like it b*tches!!!

Column Meanie

I’m sorry to hear that

Josh (Target Audience)

It got harder for me to watch this episode after my mother developed dementia, but I manage.

KatWithAttitude

You guys picked up on everything I would’ve said in a different universe patron take. That’s why all I could say was enjoy

Phil Ken Sebben

Patrick Stewart showing why you cast Patrick Stewart.

Charlie's Illiteracy

The fact the original actor was both alive and in good health to reprise a the roll of a beloved character for a new generation is awesome

John Carpenter

Yeeeea early drop uncuts

James Bottas

Guess I'll watch it when I can, lol.

Nolan

Charming editing this time around, fellas! Congrats on hitting your goal in such short time :D Thanks so much for the late-night treat!

John Deadcorn

W

Josh (Target Audience)

I always go and like it on YouTube even when I watch it here (I even let it play in the background to make sure the algorithm counts it as a view). I do my part damnit.....

Greg Quinn

We’ve watched plenty of Trek drunk, you’ll be fine

Josh (Target Audience)

YAY

JD Nevesytrof

I dont even watch YouTube cuts so yeah. Lol Plus I don't know about others but I liked from 5 accounts.

Eric Wilson

Oh great, I'm already drunk for the night. Guess I'll have to watch this one twice.

Steve Boshear


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