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Unification (TNG episode)
Encyclopedia
"Unification" is the title of a two-part Star Trek: The Next Generation
episode
, from the fifth season, which features Leonard Nimoy
as Spock
. It earned a 15.4 household Nielsen rating, drawing over 25 million viewers, making it one of the most watched episodes in all seven seasons of The Next Generation' s run. The episode was also well received by fans, as both halves have an average rating of 4.5/5 on the official Star Trek
website (as of November 8, 2009).
.
Charged with locating Spock, Picard sets course for Vulcan. The captain believes that Spock's ailing father, Ambassador
Sarek
may be the key to locating Spock. Perrin, Sarek's second wife, allows the meeting as Picard has a close bond with Sarek. Sarek tells Picard of Spock's friendship with Pardek, an ambitious Romulan Senator.
Picard decides that an incursion into Romulan space will be necessary to find Spock, so the Enterprise travels to Qo'noS to gain access to a cloaked ship. Gowron ignores Picard's hails for three days before finally denying the request outright through an underling. Annoyed, Picard sends a thinly-veiled threat - other Klingons might be more willing to assist Picard and he would be obligated to repay their favors, perhaps in terms of support for a regime change. The underling is shocked at Picard's audacity but promises to forward the message to Gowron, who quickly relents and grants Picard's request.
Meanwhile, Riker and LaForge are investigating some debris they found of a Vulcan ship, T'Pau. The trouble is, the ship was supposedly decommissioned and sent to a Federation surplus depot at Qualor Two, where they take the Enterprise to investigate. When they arrive at the ship graveyard
, the Enterprise detects a heavily armed ship arrive and powers down, pretending to be scrap. When they power back up and Riker hails the vessel, it attacks. The Enterprise responds with a warning shot, but the shot causes a dangerous reaction in the extensive armaments on the hostile vessel, causing it to explode.
On the Bird of Prey, Data and Picard muse about their "quarters". Picard cannot sleep, so he arises to review the mission information with Data. The pair are interrupted by news that Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan is dead. Picard and Data complete their transformation into Romulans, amusing the Klingon crew to no end. For Picard however, the tone of the mission has changed — he must now inform Spock that his father has died.
On Planet Romulus, Senator Pardek is meeting with the Romulan Proconsul
Neral. They are aware that Picard has infiltrated Romulus and will circulate his image. Out on the street, Picard and Data, disguised as common Romulans, make their way to the location in the intelligence recording. The pair visit a food vendor, and order soup. The Romulan hostess, ever suspicious, lightly interrogates them. Picard and Data go through their cover story about who, what, where, when, and why, before she decides they are likely to be undercover security agents and gives them their soup for free.
Picard and Data notice a trio of soldiers in their periphery and at the same moment, Pardek enters the establishment. As the pair move towards the senator, the soldiers block their way, disruptors drawn. Picard and Data are led to an underground chamber at gunpoint. Pardek joins them moments later, welcoming them to Romulus. Seeing his chance, Picard implores, "I have come on an urgent mission from the Federation. I am looking for Ambassador Spock." ...to which the undeniable figure emerges from the shadows, replying, "Indeed, you have found him, Captain Picard."
" he is engaged in is not easily tolerated by Starfleet Command. Then he informs the Ambassador of Sarek's demise. Spock speaks to the Captain about his relationship with Sarek. Picard attempts to convey the feelings of Sarek for his son. Spock responds with typical, detached logic. Changing the subject, Spock reminds the Captain of his Ambassadorial role with the Klingons. He felt personally responsible for the predicament that Kirk and his crew encountered, and was determined not to risk anyone other than himself. Spock reveals that he is working toward a reunification of the Romulan and Vulcan peoples.
Picard is wary of the notoriously oppressive government suddenly becoming willing to embrace a peace movement. Spock is presenting it more as a grassroots campaign which includes some powerful members.
Pardek introduces Spock to Neral, who greets Spock in the traditional Vulcan salute, and Pardek withdraws. Neral puts a proposition to Spock, daring to "redraw the face of the quadrant". To Spock's surprise, the Romulan leadership are ready to publicly embrace reunification. Spock cautions that the Vulcans would have to overcome generations of distrust.
Commander Riker on the Enterprise has decided to track down the widow of destroyed ship's captain. She is a very portly, multi-armed alien who sings and plays keyboard in a dive bar. By sweet-talking her, and demonstrating some of his musical prowess, Riker learns of the dead captain's business partner — a fat Ferengi regular. After a little man-handling, the Ferengi reveals that he had transported the T'Pau components to Galorndon Core, a sector near the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone.
Later in the caves, Spock, Picard, Pardek, and the members of the underground discuss the ramifications of Spock's meeting with Neral. Picard is skeptical and Spock agrees. Nevertheless, the Ambassador is intent to stay the course. Spock notes that perhaps he had brought his argument with Sarek to Picard. In the end, he admits, the arguments were finally all that they had. However, he speculates that if the Romulans do have an ulterior motive, in order to discover their plot, it is best to play the role they would have him play.
Riker and Picard discuss the developing details over a signal that Data and Spock have modified. It is apparent that a Vulcan ship has been stolen at approximately the same time as the Romulans developed a desire to reunify with their cousins. The signal begins to break up, however Picard manages to order the Enterprise to Galorndon Core before it completely dissipates. Data meanwhile, was able to detect a Romulan Intelligence signal which was transmitted from a position near Galorndon Core. It contained only four digits: "1-4-0-0." The Enterprise arrives at Galorndon Core and receive a text based message to remain, apparently from Picard.
In the caves on the surface, Picard and Data, now out of costume, fill Pardek and Spock in on the message they intercepted. 1400 hours was to be the time that the Proconsul would deliver the public announcement regarding reunification. Linking this with the knowledge of the stolen Vulcan ships, Spock deduces that he is being deceived by Neral. Without warning, Sela
and an armed guard appear. Spock concludes that his old friend, Pardek had betrayed the group for political gain. Sela promises that reunification will continue...in the form of the Romulan conquest of Vulcan.
Sela reveals that the T'Pau was actually only one of three ships that the Romulans had captured. With it, they plan to fly into Vulcan space under the banner of peace, and land an occupation force before anyone else had time to react. A diversion has also been arranged to keep the Enterprise busy.
Reading the speech, Spock flatly refuses to read the statement in public, to which Sela responds with threatening their lives. With typical Vulcan detachment, Spock concludes that since it is logical that they would be killed in any event, he chooses not to cooperate. Prepared for this contingency, Sela orders the computer to run a simulation of Ambassador Spock. While Spock, Picard and Data left unguarded in the room, Data manages to hack into the Romulan computer. The computer is used to generate holograms to trick Sela and her guards when they return, allowing Picard and Spock to overpower the guards. Data manages to use the Vulcan nerve pinch
on Sela and the trio escape.
At Galorndon core, the Enterprise begins to track the Vulcan ships on a direct course to Vulcan. Despite the captain's orders, Riker orders an intercept course. They then receive a false medical emergency distress signal, Sela's "distraction". The ship is just about to alter course, when Spock transmits a warning about the incoming invasion fleet.
The Vulcan ships attempt to withdraw, but the Vulcan Defense Forces and the Enterprise cut them off. As soon as it seems that they are caught, a Romulan Warbird decloaks and completely annihilates the small Vulcan ships, killing 2,000 of their own Romulan troops.
On Romulus, Data and Picard bid farewell to Spock. The Ambassador is intent upon his goal, realizing that it cannot be achieved through diplomacy or politics. The Captain offers Spock a chance to touch what Sarek shared with him and, as the scene comes to an end the two mind-meld and Ambassador Spock softly cries.
. Spock makes reference to the events of the movie when he asks Picard if he was aware of Spock's role in the first peace overtures to the Klingon
s. Picard is aware of the public history of Spock's role, but not the whole story. Spock says that he forced Captain Kirk to accept the mission, and that he felt responsible for what happened to Kirk and his crew. This time, Spock only wants to risk his own life, which is why he came to Romulus on his own.
Part 2 marks the fourth onscreen (fifth total) and final appearance of Sela.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry as part of the Star Trek franchise. Roddenberry, Rick Berman, and Michael Piller served as executive producers at different times throughout the production...
episode
Episode
An episode is a part of a dramatic work such as a serial television or radio program. An episode is a part of a sequence of a body of work, akin to a chapter of a book. The term sometimes applies to works based on other forms of mass media as well, as in Star Wars...
, from the fifth season, which features Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Simon Nimoy is an American actor, film director, poet, musician and photographer. Nimoy's most famous role is that of Spock in the original Star Trek series , multiple films, television and video game sequels....
as Spock
Spock
Spock is a fictional character in the Star Trek media franchise. First portrayed by Leonard Nimoy in the original Star Trek series, Spock also appears in the animated Star Trek series, two episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, seven of the Star Trek feature films, and numerous Star Trek...
. It earned a 15.4 household Nielsen rating, drawing over 25 million viewers, making it one of the most watched episodes in all seven seasons of The Next Generation
Star Trek
Star Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise...
website (as of November 8, 2009).
Part 1
Starfleet Admiral Brackett reveals to Picard that a high-ranking Federation person is missing, and it is possible that he has joined a group with political interests inconsistent with the Federation's. Picard is surprised to find that person to be Ambassador SpockSpock
Spock is a fictional character in the Star Trek media franchise. First portrayed by Leonard Nimoy in the original Star Trek series, Spock also appears in the animated Star Trek series, two episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, seven of the Star Trek feature films, and numerous Star Trek...
.
Charged with locating Spock, Picard sets course for Vulcan. The captain believes that Spock's ailing father, Ambassador
Ambassador
An ambassador is the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization....
Sarek
Sarek
Sarek is a fictional character in the Star Trek media franchise. He is a Vulcan astrophysicist, the Vulcan ambassador to the United Federation of Planets, and father of Spock...
may be the key to locating Spock. Perrin, Sarek's second wife, allows the meeting as Picard has a close bond with Sarek. Sarek tells Picard of Spock's friendship with Pardek, an ambitious Romulan Senator.
Picard decides that an incursion into Romulan space will be necessary to find Spock, so the Enterprise travels to Qo'noS to gain access to a cloaked ship. Gowron ignores Picard's hails for three days before finally denying the request outright through an underling. Annoyed, Picard sends a thinly-veiled threat - other Klingons might be more willing to assist Picard and he would be obligated to repay their favors, perhaps in terms of support for a regime change. The underling is shocked at Picard's audacity but promises to forward the message to Gowron, who quickly relents and grants Picard's request.
Meanwhile, Riker and LaForge are investigating some debris they found of a Vulcan ship, T'Pau. The trouble is, the ship was supposedly decommissioned and sent to a Federation surplus depot at Qualor Two, where they take the Enterprise to investigate. When they arrive at the ship graveyard
Ship graveyard
A ship graveyard or ship cemetery is a location where the hulls of scrapped ships are left to decay and disintegrate, or left in reserve...
, the Enterprise detects a heavily armed ship arrive and powers down, pretending to be scrap. When they power back up and Riker hails the vessel, it attacks. The Enterprise responds with a warning shot, but the shot causes a dangerous reaction in the extensive armaments on the hostile vessel, causing it to explode.
On the Bird of Prey, Data and Picard muse about their "quarters". Picard cannot sleep, so he arises to review the mission information with Data. The pair are interrupted by news that Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan is dead. Picard and Data complete their transformation into Romulans, amusing the Klingon crew to no end. For Picard however, the tone of the mission has changed — he must now inform Spock that his father has died.
On Planet Romulus, Senator Pardek is meeting with the Romulan Proconsul
Proconsul
A proconsul was a governor of a province in the Roman Republic appointed for one year by the senate. In modern usage, the title has been used for a person from one country ruling another country or bluntly interfering in another country's internal affairs.-Ancient Rome:In the Roman Republic, a...
Neral. They are aware that Picard has infiltrated Romulus and will circulate his image. Out on the street, Picard and Data, disguised as common Romulans, make their way to the location in the intelligence recording. The pair visit a food vendor, and order soup. The Romulan hostess, ever suspicious, lightly interrogates them. Picard and Data go through their cover story about who, what, where, when, and why, before she decides they are likely to be undercover security agents and gives them their soup for free.
Picard and Data notice a trio of soldiers in their periphery and at the same moment, Pardek enters the establishment. As the pair move towards the senator, the soldiers block their way, disruptors drawn. Picard and Data are led to an underground chamber at gunpoint. Pardek joins them moments later, welcoming them to Romulus. Seeing his chance, Picard implores, "I have come on an urgent mission from the Federation. I am looking for Ambassador Spock." ...to which the undeniable figure emerges from the shadows, replying, "Indeed, you have found him, Captain Picard."
Part 2
Captain Picard confronts Ambassador Spock, demanding an explanation for his actions, pointing out the security risk and that type of "cowboy diplomacyCowboy diplomacy
Cowboy diplomacy is a term used by critics to describe the resolution of international conflicts through brash risk-taking, intimidation, military deployment, or a combination of such tactics. It is criticized as stemming from an overly-simple, dichotomous world view. Overtly provocative...
" he is engaged in is not easily tolerated by Starfleet Command. Then he informs the Ambassador of Sarek's demise. Spock speaks to the Captain about his relationship with Sarek. Picard attempts to convey the feelings of Sarek for his son. Spock responds with typical, detached logic. Changing the subject, Spock reminds the Captain of his Ambassadorial role with the Klingons. He felt personally responsible for the predicament that Kirk and his crew encountered, and was determined not to risk anyone other than himself. Spock reveals that he is working toward a reunification of the Romulan and Vulcan peoples.
Picard is wary of the notoriously oppressive government suddenly becoming willing to embrace a peace movement. Spock is presenting it more as a grassroots campaign which includes some powerful members.
Pardek introduces Spock to Neral, who greets Spock in the traditional Vulcan salute, and Pardek withdraws. Neral puts a proposition to Spock, daring to "redraw the face of the quadrant". To Spock's surprise, the Romulan leadership are ready to publicly embrace reunification. Spock cautions that the Vulcans would have to overcome generations of distrust.
Commander Riker on the Enterprise has decided to track down the widow of destroyed ship's captain. She is a very portly, multi-armed alien who sings and plays keyboard in a dive bar. By sweet-talking her, and demonstrating some of his musical prowess, Riker learns of the dead captain's business partner — a fat Ferengi regular. After a little man-handling, the Ferengi reveals that he had transported the T'Pau components to Galorndon Core, a sector near the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone.
Later in the caves, Spock, Picard, Pardek, and the members of the underground discuss the ramifications of Spock's meeting with Neral. Picard is skeptical and Spock agrees. Nevertheless, the Ambassador is intent to stay the course. Spock notes that perhaps he had brought his argument with Sarek to Picard. In the end, he admits, the arguments were finally all that they had. However, he speculates that if the Romulans do have an ulterior motive, in order to discover their plot, it is best to play the role they would have him play.
Riker and Picard discuss the developing details over a signal that Data and Spock have modified. It is apparent that a Vulcan ship has been stolen at approximately the same time as the Romulans developed a desire to reunify with their cousins. The signal begins to break up, however Picard manages to order the Enterprise to Galorndon Core before it completely dissipates. Data meanwhile, was able to detect a Romulan Intelligence signal which was transmitted from a position near Galorndon Core. It contained only four digits: "1-4-0-0." The Enterprise arrives at Galorndon Core and receive a text based message to remain, apparently from Picard.
In the caves on the surface, Picard and Data, now out of costume, fill Pardek and Spock in on the message they intercepted. 1400 hours was to be the time that the Proconsul would deliver the public announcement regarding reunification. Linking this with the knowledge of the stolen Vulcan ships, Spock deduces that he is being deceived by Neral. Without warning, Sela
Sela (Star Trek)
Commander Sela is a fictional character on Star Trek: The Next Generation, the daughter of an alternate timeline version of Tasha Yar and a Romulan official. She was played by Denise Crosby, who also played Tasha Yar.-Overview:...
and an armed guard appear. Spock concludes that his old friend, Pardek had betrayed the group for political gain. Sela promises that reunification will continue...in the form of the Romulan conquest of Vulcan.
Sela reveals that the T'Pau was actually only one of three ships that the Romulans had captured. With it, they plan to fly into Vulcan space under the banner of peace, and land an occupation force before anyone else had time to react. A diversion has also been arranged to keep the Enterprise busy.
Reading the speech, Spock flatly refuses to read the statement in public, to which Sela responds with threatening their lives. With typical Vulcan detachment, Spock concludes that since it is logical that they would be killed in any event, he chooses not to cooperate. Prepared for this contingency, Sela orders the computer to run a simulation of Ambassador Spock. While Spock, Picard and Data left unguarded in the room, Data manages to hack into the Romulan computer. The computer is used to generate holograms to trick Sela and her guards when they return, allowing Picard and Spock to overpower the guards. Data manages to use the Vulcan nerve pinch
Vulcan nerve pinch
In the fictional Star Trek universe, the Vulcan nerve pinch is a technique used mainly by Vulcans to render unconsciousness by pinching a pressure point at the base of the victim’s neck...
on Sela and the trio escape.
At Galorndon core, the Enterprise begins to track the Vulcan ships on a direct course to Vulcan. Despite the captain's orders, Riker orders an intercept course. They then receive a false medical emergency distress signal, Sela's "distraction". The ship is just about to alter course, when Spock transmits a warning about the incoming invasion fleet.
The Vulcan ships attempt to withdraw, but the Vulcan Defense Forces and the Enterprise cut them off. As soon as it seems that they are caught, a Romulan Warbird decloaks and completely annihilates the small Vulcan ships, killing 2,000 of their own Romulan troops.
On Romulus, Data and Picard bid farewell to Spock. The Ambassador is intent upon his goal, realizing that it cannot be achieved through diplomacy or politics. The Captain offers Spock a chance to touch what Sarek shared with him and, as the scene comes to an end the two mind-meld and Ambassador Spock softly cries.
Background
This episode was aired in the weeks before the release of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered CountryStar Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country is the sixth feature film in the Star Trek science fiction franchise and is the last of the Star Trek films to include the entire main cast of the 1960s Star Trek television series. Released in 1991 by Paramount Pictures, it was directed by Nicholas Meyer and...
. Spock makes reference to the events of the movie when he asks Picard if he was aware of Spock's role in the first peace overtures to the Klingon
Klingon
Klingons are a fictional warrior race in the Star Trek universe.Klingons are recurring villains in the 1960s television show Star Trek: The Original Series, and have appeared in all five spin-off series and eight feature films...
s. Picard is aware of the public history of Spock's role, but not the whole story. Spock says that he forced Captain Kirk to accept the mission, and that he felt responsible for what happened to Kirk and his crew. This time, Spock only wants to risk his own life, which is why he came to Romulus on his own.
Production
Part 2 was filmed first to accommodate Leonard Nimoy's (Spock) schedule. Spock was only seen for a few seconds at the beginning and end of Part 1.Part 2 marks the fourth onscreen (fifth total) and final appearance of Sela.