‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Sarek’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One thing that is truly amazing about the Star Trek Universe as a whole, is how well each and every series in this sprawling saga, connect to one another. Something that the franchise has accomplished by either featuring moments in the ‘past’ that directly impact the shows of the ‘future’, or by outright having characters from older shows guest spot on newer ones. Which are of course, acts that lend credence to the notion that this is one sprawling timeline, one that is as organic as our own and what’s truly fascinating about this particular aspect of the STU, is that for a little while there… this connectivity simply didn’t exist in the slightest.

In some cases, for obvious reasons. After all, the original Star Trek was its own thing, and Gene Roddenberry and the cast and crew of that intrepid series hadn’t a clue that fifty-plus years later the saga would stretch as far as the 32nd Century. But even with the arrival of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the powers that be, specifically Gene Roddenberry, made an effort to have TNG steer clear of the past. Despite the fact that it is a direct sequel to TOS. But eventually, some fine writing and outright time, allowed for this silly rule to finally begin to fade away and that brought about some powerful storytelling. The kind that allowed for the connective tissue of the STU to finally come together and it just so happens that the moment when this barrier finally fell, came about during the next episode of this iconic series. 

For ‘Sarek’ is a tale that brings Spock’s father aboard the Enterprise-D to facilitate a supremely important peace treaty and well, make no mistake about it… having Mark Lenard reprise the role and interact with new icons of the franchise, allows for some serious geek-out moments to happen. Because this really is it, this is the moment when the collective STU is born, and it doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. Because there are all kinds of shout-outs to The Original Series in this episode, including a direct reference to ‘Journey to Babel’ and there’s even mention of Spock himself. Making this episode a fan’s dream come true for certain, since the only real TOS reference in this series prior to this tale, was a quick cameo from DeForest Kelley as Admiral Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy and a sequel episode.

But while it is indeed wonderful and titillating to see Sarek in action once again, this episode does offer up way more than mere fan service. In fact, it becomes quite the sobering tale once we come to learn that Sarek is suffering from the Vulcan equivalent of Alzheimer’s Disease. Because it humanizes Sarek in a way that the movies or TOS never could, and it also offers up a powerful message to the audience as well. In that, it is only a matter of time before old-age and the ravages of time catch up with us and when they do, they will hammer us hard and we have to be prepared to deal with that as the moment comes. And one thing that definitely helps with that unfortunate transition, are good people that stand by us and recognize that we haven’t failed or faltered, we’ve simply entered a new phase in our lives. 

If anything, that is one stunning message to send the audience’s way, but it is handled with such dignity and class that it never once engenders fear, instead it engenders hope that we will indeed be lifted up by those we love and what’s truly amazing, is that the gravity of this tale doesn’t end with its message. Because it also serves to remind us to cherish those we love, as evidenced by Sarek’s regrets in this tale and it also moves you by way of some powerhouse performances from both Mark Lenard and Patrick Stewart and really in the end… this is quite the important episode for certain. Because not only did it break down quite the barrier for the franchise, but it was also designed to help everyone involved with TNG, to cope with an unfortunate reality happening behind the scenes. For Sarek’s decline was written to mirror Gene Roddenberry’s, giving this story incredible depth since it marks the first time that the franchise paid tribute to one of its own in such a sobering manner. Until next time.

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