This episode brings back the two most significant Vulcans, Sarek and his son, Mr. Spock, with whom he has fallen into conflict. Spock has disappeared and it is rumored that he had defected, possibly to the Romulans. Picard visits Sarek as he lies in great pain on his bed and tries to figure out what has happened to Spock. Unfortunately, the Vulcans have never made peace. Picard and Data enlist the help of the Klingons (they need a cloaked vessel), alter their appearance, and head for Romulus. There is an underground movement on the planet and after rooting out this group, find that Spock is with them in a leadership position. He is hoping to bring about change on Romulus toward peace and is willing to take great risks to do this. The tension in the episode has to do with the fact that one never knows who his enemies are. The Romulan high command is aware that there are subversives around and will do whatever it takes to suppress them. This takes us to the second episode.
13 Reviews
Hello Spock!
Samuel-Shovel23 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In "Unification I" the Enterprise is tasked with a covert mission: to sneak into Romulan space and retrieve a Federation ambassador the government is worried as defected. The ambassador is Spock; Data and Picard go undercover as Romulans on a Klingon cloaked ship in order to investigate. Meanwhile Riker is in charge of the Enterprise in their absence and investigates the theft of decommissioned Federation vessels from one of its scrapyards.
It's sort of funny how much lower the stakes of Riker's subplot sounds when written out. Riker is poking around a junkyard while Picard is endangering his life sneaking onto Romulus to see one of the most celebrated Vulcans in Federation history.
I find it hard to rate the first part of a two-parter such as this. If the back end doesn't deliver, it definitely diminishes the value of Part I. But without knowing how all of this gets resolved, judging it strictly on it's own merits, I do enjoy this episode. We get the return of Spock (if ever so brief), we get one last performance from Mark Lenard as Sarek (even if I think it's his worst performance in Sarek's on-screen history, it's nice that he gets a sendoff), and we get some fun shenanigans with Picard & Data on Romulus and a whodunnit onboard the Enterprise. I'm excited to see how it all resolves.
Side note: It's sort of weird to get a two-parter in the middle of a season. Has Star Trek ever done that before?
It's sort of funny how much lower the stakes of Riker's subplot sounds when written out. Riker is poking around a junkyard while Picard is endangering his life sneaking onto Romulus to see one of the most celebrated Vulcans in Federation history.
I find it hard to rate the first part of a two-parter such as this. If the back end doesn't deliver, it definitely diminishes the value of Part I. But without knowing how all of this gets resolved, judging it strictly on it's own merits, I do enjoy this episode. We get the return of Spock (if ever so brief), we get one last performance from Mark Lenard as Sarek (even if I think it's his worst performance in Sarek's on-screen history, it's nice that he gets a sendoff), and we get some fun shenanigans with Picard & Data on Romulus and a whodunnit onboard the Enterprise. I'm excited to see how it all resolves.
Side note: It's sort of weird to get a two-parter in the middle of a season. Has Star Trek ever done that before?
Spockteased.
thevacinstaller2 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The mystery of the episode ----- whether Spock is a Romulan defector is a bit of a silly premise. This is Spock we are talking about here --- he could no more betray Starfleet then I could grow wings and fly.
The mystery of what Spock is up to is the main hook for tuning into this episode. Spock does have a history of being a 'space cowboy' from time to time.
It was okay? I feel it's important to 'keep it real' with star trek. Spock is arguably the greatest character created in star trek history so the expectations for this episode are stratospheric.
I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat for this one ---- Despite the fact that I have a man crush on Nimoy's Spock portrayal and heap mountains of praise on him being top 3 in terms of performance in the franchise history. There was a lack of urgency and glacial pace in this one. Anytime I get a chance to see Mark Leonard I am happy though.
The mystery of what Spock is up to is the main hook for tuning into this episode. Spock does have a history of being a 'space cowboy' from time to time.
It was okay? I feel it's important to 'keep it real' with star trek. Spock is arguably the greatest character created in star trek history so the expectations for this episode are stratospheric.
I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat for this one ---- Despite the fact that I have a man crush on Nimoy's Spock portrayal and heap mountains of praise on him being top 3 in terms of performance in the franchise history. There was a lack of urgency and glacial pace in this one. Anytime I get a chance to see Mark Leonard I am happy though.
Unification with the Original Series.
russem3125 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:108 - "Unification, Part II" (Stardate: 45236.4) - this is the 7th episode of the 5th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation (as a NOTE, this is the 108th episode to go into production, whereas "Unification, Part II" was the 107th episode to go into production).
This is a pivotal 2-part episode, which aired in November 1991, coming at the time of Star Trek's 25th anniversary and tying it into Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (which was released a month after this episode in December). It also occurred at the time of Gene Roddenberry's death (he died in October 1991.
It concerns Spock (played by Leonard Nimoy), now an ambassador, who has seemingly defected over to the Romulan side. The Enterprise is sent to investigate this seeming defection. Traveling to Vulcan, Picard first meets dying Sarek (Mark Lenard is his last TNG appearance) for the last time, who informs Picard of Spock's relationship with a Romulan Senator Pardek of Romulus. Sarek also wants Picard to express his love for his son (since Sarek is in no condition to do so anymore).
Returning to the Enterprise, Picard concocts a plan where he and Data will go to Romulus in search of Spock and his real motives aboard a cloaked Klingon Vessel, while Riker in command of the Enterprise investigates a theft of a Vulcan Vessel.
An intriguing first part of the historic "Unification" episode, to be cherished by fans and non-fans alike.
Trivia note: Picard reemphasizes his role as Arbitor of Succession. Joanna Miles also returns as Perrin, Sarek's wife. And, there's mention of the talkative barber Mr. Mott.
Also, the Romulan Imperial Senate is seen (just like in Star Trek: Nemesis).
This is a pivotal 2-part episode, which aired in November 1991, coming at the time of Star Trek's 25th anniversary and tying it into Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (which was released a month after this episode in December). It also occurred at the time of Gene Roddenberry's death (he died in October 1991.
It concerns Spock (played by Leonard Nimoy), now an ambassador, who has seemingly defected over to the Romulan side. The Enterprise is sent to investigate this seeming defection. Traveling to Vulcan, Picard first meets dying Sarek (Mark Lenard is his last TNG appearance) for the last time, who informs Picard of Spock's relationship with a Romulan Senator Pardek of Romulus. Sarek also wants Picard to express his love for his son (since Sarek is in no condition to do so anymore).
Returning to the Enterprise, Picard concocts a plan where he and Data will go to Romulus in search of Spock and his real motives aboard a cloaked Klingon Vessel, while Riker in command of the Enterprise investigates a theft of a Vulcan Vessel.
An intriguing first part of the historic "Unification" episode, to be cherished by fans and non-fans alike.
Trivia note: Picard reemphasizes his role as Arbitor of Succession. Joanna Miles also returns as Perrin, Sarek's wife. And, there's mention of the talkative barber Mr. Mott.
Also, the Romulan Imperial Senate is seen (just like in Star Trek: Nemesis).
Welcome back, Spock!
mkurland2321 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
With Leonard Nimoy reprising his iconic role as Spock, the story was definitely one of the best as far as passing the torch was concerned. The death of his father, Sarek, also added to the drama. However, by the time the episode aired, franchise creator Gene Roddenberry had died of a massive heart attack at age 70. Both parts of the story were dedicated to him. Both Leonard Nimoy and Gene Roddenberry may be gone, but their legacy will continue to "live long and prosper."
A familiar face
Tweekums24 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
When a senior Federation ambassador who had disappeared turns up on Romulus there is an understandable fear that he has defected. It would be a blow to the Federation if such a long serving person were to defect
it is none other than Mr Spock! Picard pays a visit to Spock's dying father before arranging to borrow a cloaked Klingon Vessel to take himself and Data, both suitably disguised to Romulus. While Picard and Data are away Riker takes the Enterprise to a Federation facility where old ships are stored to investigate who part of a stored Vulcan ship had appeared in a destroyed Ferengi vessel. Here they learn that ship is missing and somebody is still stealing equipment.
The highlight of this episode is the appearance of Leonard Nimoy as Spock; even though he only appears in the episode's final scene it is a treat to fans of the original series who will be looking forward to seeing more of him in the second part of the story. Of course it takes more than a classic guest star to make a good episode and this episode has what it takes; the original revelation that Spock might have defected grabs the viewers' attention and the fast moving events keep it held till the end. The scene between Patrick Stewart and Mark Lenard, as Picard and Spock's father Sarek, was touching as the elderly Vulcan becomes emotional as he talks about his son. References are made to this season's opening episode when we learn that Gowron has been rewriting history about his recent past and isn't too pleased to have Picard turn up however a few nicely veiled threats get Picard the ship he wants. Seeing Picard and Data disguised as Romulans was rather fun. Overall and enjoyable episode that set things up nicely for the second instalment.
The highlight of this episode is the appearance of Leonard Nimoy as Spock; even though he only appears in the episode's final scene it is a treat to fans of the original series who will be looking forward to seeing more of him in the second part of the story. Of course it takes more than a classic guest star to make a good episode and this episode has what it takes; the original revelation that Spock might have defected grabs the viewers' attention and the fast moving events keep it held till the end. The scene between Patrick Stewart and Mark Lenard, as Picard and Spock's father Sarek, was touching as the elderly Vulcan becomes emotional as he talks about his son. References are made to this season's opening episode when we learn that Gowron has been rewriting history about his recent past and isn't too pleased to have Picard turn up however a few nicely veiled threats get Picard the ship he wants. Seeing Picard and Data disguised as Romulans was rather fun. Overall and enjoyable episode that set things up nicely for the second instalment.
Indeed. You have found him, Captain Picard
snoozejonc9 August 2021
Captain Picard and Lieutenant Data are sent on undercover mission to Romulus.
This is an enjoyable episode with some memorable moments and strong performances.
The plot largely feels like an unnecessarily huge buildup to an appearance by the most influential character in the franchise history, but I enjoyed all scenes nonetheless.
The Sarek scene is brilliantly acted and terribly sad. Anyone who has experienced an elderly family member or friend suffer with dementia should relate to it. Patrick Stewart and Mark Lenard are superb as ever.
In contrast, there are a number of other scenes with solid humour, such as Picard v the Klingons, Picard with Data, and Enterprise at the surplus depot. Brent Spiner is on top form and at times is funny without even speaking.
It all gets very compelling when Picard and Data arrive at Romulus, with some nice moments of tension and a great bit of fan service.
Visually it is strong, telling a story with a number of great camera shots, particularly of the actors to make things either poignant, funny or dramatic.
For me it is an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.
This is an enjoyable episode with some memorable moments and strong performances.
The plot largely feels like an unnecessarily huge buildup to an appearance by the most influential character in the franchise history, but I enjoyed all scenes nonetheless.
The Sarek scene is brilliantly acted and terribly sad. Anyone who has experienced an elderly family member or friend suffer with dementia should relate to it. Patrick Stewart and Mark Lenard are superb as ever.
In contrast, there are a number of other scenes with solid humour, such as Picard v the Klingons, Picard with Data, and Enterprise at the surplus depot. Brent Spiner is on top form and at times is funny without even speaking.
It all gets very compelling when Picard and Data arrive at Romulus, with some nice moments of tension and a great bit of fan service.
Visually it is strong, telling a story with a number of great camera shots, particularly of the actors to make things either poignant, funny or dramatic.
For me it is an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.
Pretty good...and a bit better than part 2
planktonrules22 November 2014
The Federation is alarmed. Ambassador Spock (Leonard Nimoy) has disappeared and is reported on Romulus. Is he defecting or is this some sort of personal peace mission? The Enterprise is given the assignment to figure it all out and save the day. Riker and the ship go in search of clues through the galaxy while the Captain and Data disguise themselves as Romulans and land on the planet with some help from the Klingons.
You only see Spock at the very, very end of the show. But it's worth seeing because you get a final look at his father, Sarek. He's dying and Picard makes a pilgrimage there to talk to him about his missing son. It's all very interesting and I generally enjoy the Romulan episodes. Too bad part 2 is messed up by a special guest star...one I never particularly enjoyed.
You only see Spock at the very, very end of the show. But it's worth seeing because you get a final look at his father, Sarek. He's dying and Picard makes a pilgrimage there to talk to him about his missing son. It's all very interesting and I generally enjoy the Romulan episodes. Too bad part 2 is messed up by a special guest star...one I never particularly enjoyed.
REVIEW 2022 Part One
iamirwar13 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
For the purpose of rating this two-parter, I will add my review to the Unification Pt II page and I will rate both episodes as one double-bill episode.
The dedication to Gene Roddenberry at the start of this episode together with the original Star Trek theme tune was very touching
PART ONE: "Live long and Prosper" I don't believe it logical that Vulcans choose to sleep without a blanket to cover them... But something is going on and it involves the Romulans and one well-known Vulcan.
Sarek isn't well and is babbling, can we really believe anything he has to say? Vulcan bedrooms could certainly do with better décor.
It seems that Gowron is doing well on the Klingon home world.
As this is a two-part episode, we know that part one is laying the foundation of the story.
However, I would rate this episode very highly simply for the Picard-Data sharing a cabin scene.
The dedication to Gene Roddenberry at the start of this episode together with the original Star Trek theme tune was very touching
PART ONE: "Live long and Prosper" I don't believe it logical that Vulcans choose to sleep without a blanket to cover them... But something is going on and it involves the Romulans and one well-known Vulcan.
Sarek isn't well and is babbling, can we really believe anything he has to say? Vulcan bedrooms could certainly do with better décor.
It seems that Gowron is doing well on the Klingon home world.
As this is a two-part episode, we know that part one is laying the foundation of the story.
However, I would rate this episode very highly simply for the Picard-Data sharing a cabin scene.
Has Spock defected?
bkoganbing2 June 2020
The now legendary Spock from the first series after a quarrel with Sarek has
disappeared. Mark Lenard and Leonard Nimoy disagreed over the efficacy of contacting a Romulan Senator known to be a reformer. Apparently Nimoy has
gone out on his own.
Star Fleet has given Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner a mission to go to Romulus incognito and find Spock. Both are surgically altered to look like Romulans.
This is the first of a two parter. Mark Lenard and Patrick Stewart have a touching reunion scene as Sarek is dying filled with anxiety for his son.
Continued on part 2.
Star Fleet has given Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner a mission to go to Romulus incognito and find Spock. Both are surgically altered to look like Romulans.
This is the first of a two parter. Mark Lenard and Patrick Stewart have a touching reunion scene as Sarek is dying filled with anxiety for his son.
Continued on part 2.
"Very well Captain. We have set a course for Romulus."
classicsoncall16 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Having not been a follower of the series when it originally aired, I can only imagine the shock and awe of seeing one of Star Trek's favorite characters return in a brief cameo at the end of this two-part story. I think it would have been better if the credits didn't mention Leonard Nimoy's appearance as a special guest star at the opening, it would have been a much bigger surprise when he showed up as a prequel to Part II of 'Unification'. The big mystery here was why Spock suddenly disappeared from Vulcan and wound up in enemy territory of Romulus. The show is made even more poignant with the deterioration of Spock's father Sarek (Mark Lenard), slowly dying on Vulcan while in the grips of dementia. A very telling scene had Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) react compassionately when Sarek asked for information that had already been discussed.
With Captain Picard assigned the mission to locate Spock and find out what his motivation was, Commander Riker and the crew of the Enterprise head to Qualor II to find out how a stolen Vulcan ship and a salvaged deflector array wound up in the hands of the Ferengi. Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) is asked to use her charm to influence the Zakdorn quartermaster of the supply yard where the ruins are located so that Riker and Commander LaForge (LeVar Burton) can investigate - "I suppose this is your first visit to a junkyard, isn't it"?
Disguised as Romulans, Picard and Data (Brent Spiner) quickly make their way to Romulus, prepared to meet with Romulan Senator Pardek (Malachi Throne), who may have been in contact with the missing Spock. When discovered by Pardek, they're brought to an undisclosed hidden location where the legendary Spock, now an Ambassador, makes his presence known. The following episode of this two-parter will flesh out Spock's mission, and he will also learn of the death of his father, which occurred during the interim.
Trivia note: The name of the destroyed Vulcan vessel in the story was the T'Pau, named after the legendary Vulcan leader who embodied the seminal logic and intelligence of the Vulcan race. Her character, portrayed by Celia Lovsky, first appeared in the Star Trek episode 'Amok Time". To this day, that episode remains my favorite of the original series.
With Captain Picard assigned the mission to locate Spock and find out what his motivation was, Commander Riker and the crew of the Enterprise head to Qualor II to find out how a stolen Vulcan ship and a salvaged deflector array wound up in the hands of the Ferengi. Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) is asked to use her charm to influence the Zakdorn quartermaster of the supply yard where the ruins are located so that Riker and Commander LaForge (LeVar Burton) can investigate - "I suppose this is your first visit to a junkyard, isn't it"?
Disguised as Romulans, Picard and Data (Brent Spiner) quickly make their way to Romulus, prepared to meet with Romulan Senator Pardek (Malachi Throne), who may have been in contact with the missing Spock. When discovered by Pardek, they're brought to an undisclosed hidden location where the legendary Spock, now an Ambassador, makes his presence known. The following episode of this two-parter will flesh out Spock's mission, and he will also learn of the death of his father, which occurred during the interim.
Trivia note: The name of the destroyed Vulcan vessel in the story was the T'Pau, named after the legendary Vulcan leader who embodied the seminal logic and intelligence of the Vulcan race. Her character, portrayed by Celia Lovsky, first appeared in the Star Trek episode 'Amok Time". To this day, that episode remains my favorite of the original series.
A Senior Trekker writes...................
celineduchain8 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Fifth Season of TNG contains some remarkably strong episodes while continuing to push the boundaries of what could be achieved within an episodic television format. It is notable for the tragic loss of its creator, Gene Roddenberry, who died on 24th October 1991 at the age of 70. His influence upon the positive depiction of humanity and diversity in Science Fiction endures to this day. Senior Trekker continues to score all episodes with a 5.
This is a very special two-part episode and not just because it marked the passing of Gene Roddenberry, who was known to be in poor health at the time. A number of elements came together to produce a well-paced and visually satisfying space adventure which both drew upon established Star Trek lore and added too considerably to it.
Mark Lenard produces a tour de force in his final portrayal of the Vulcan, Sarek, Graham Jarvis gives us a delicious cameo as the Zakdorn quartermaster, Klim Dokachin, and Picard and Data get into full prosthetics in order to infiltrate a rebellion on Romulus.
These two spies need a cloaked ship in order to do so and for that they have to ask for the assistance of the Klingons. I'm not quite sure how such grubby and uncomfortable looking ships possess a type of technology still beyond the reach of the Federation but I wouldn't have missed the scene where Picard tries to sleep on his shelf under the uncomfortable gaze of a wide-awake android for the world.
Once they reach Romulus, a minimal but skilfully executed scene ("....eat your soup, courtesy of a LOYAL subject") sets up the meeting with our most important guest actor to date..........
............to be Concluded.
This is a very special two-part episode and not just because it marked the passing of Gene Roddenberry, who was known to be in poor health at the time. A number of elements came together to produce a well-paced and visually satisfying space adventure which both drew upon established Star Trek lore and added too considerably to it.
Mark Lenard produces a tour de force in his final portrayal of the Vulcan, Sarek, Graham Jarvis gives us a delicious cameo as the Zakdorn quartermaster, Klim Dokachin, and Picard and Data get into full prosthetics in order to infiltrate a rebellion on Romulus.
These two spies need a cloaked ship in order to do so and for that they have to ask for the assistance of the Klingons. I'm not quite sure how such grubby and uncomfortable looking ships possess a type of technology still beyond the reach of the Federation but I wouldn't have missed the scene where Picard tries to sleep on his shelf under the uncomfortable gaze of a wide-awake android for the world.
Once they reach Romulus, a minimal but skilfully executed scene ("....eat your soup, courtesy of a LOYAL subject") sets up the meeting with our most important guest actor to date..........
............to be Concluded.
Fitting --- As boring and drawn out as the classic TOS episodes.
amusinghandle9 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
You go in prepared for an edge of your seat enthralling experience full of drama and impassioned acting performance .... ... and we end up with ---
A glacial paced episode about Spock mentoring an underground group of Romulans who dream of unification with Vulcan.
Break out the smelling salts because this episode pays tribute to the horrendously padded scene structure of TOS and will have you practically begging for the scenes on the Klingon ship to move forward.
Come on guys ---- You got the A-TEAM of writers/producers available and the star trek creative engine is firing on all cyclinders. THIS? This is what we get?
A few thousands Romulan soliders are going to infiltrated Vulcan? A world of billions? What is the timeline for takeover here? 10,000 years?
Spock's friend betrayed him despite knowing him for 80 years? Why? Gun to his head? Dramatic effect?
Maybe they didn't want to overshadow the vastly superior 'Undiscovered Country' movie ----- Well, mission accomplished.
A text book example of a poorly paced episode and a true waste of potential.
A glacial paced episode about Spock mentoring an underground group of Romulans who dream of unification with Vulcan.
Break out the smelling salts because this episode pays tribute to the horrendously padded scene structure of TOS and will have you practically begging for the scenes on the Klingon ship to move forward.
Come on guys ---- You got the A-TEAM of writers/producers available and the star trek creative engine is firing on all cyclinders. THIS? This is what we get?
A few thousands Romulan soliders are going to infiltrated Vulcan? A world of billions? What is the timeline for takeover here? 10,000 years?
Spock's friend betrayed him despite knowing him for 80 years? Why? Gun to his head? Dramatic effect?
Maybe they didn't want to overshadow the vastly superior 'Undiscovered Country' movie ----- Well, mission accomplished.
A text book example of a poorly paced episode and a true waste of potential.
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