‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Unification II’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

These days, crossover events in film and television, are no big deal. In fact, they’re outright expected. Because now we want to see superheroes share the screen and we love the idea of other corners of a particular franchise coming together and that has led to some powerful and epic storytelling for certain, the kind that has satiated the imagination of fans who always wanted to see Superman and Batman team up, or watch Luke Skywalker train a new Jedi. But there was a time when the crossover was more or less taboo in television and seen as a gimmick. But they did happen from time to time, and they were quite the event for certain and one that is of note, was the moment when Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation came together in a beautiful manner.
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For ‘Unification II’ was the moment that fans had been waiting for, especially after watching the first chapter in this saga. For this was when Ambassador Spock, played brilliantly once again by Leonard Nimoy, shared screen time with Captain Jean-Luc Picard and well, before we dive into the nit and grit and importance of this episode, the epic nature of this team up has to be discussed. Because it was and remains quite amazing to see these two heroes work together to expose a dastardly plan on Commander Sela’s part to gain an Imperial foothold in the Federation. Because that’s what you want from a crossover, big stakes, action and adventure and iconic heroes working toward a cause and we get that here, and it does leave one wondering if this episode served as the blueprint for the crossovers, we enjoy today, since this episode made it clear that good writing is the true foundation to making a crossover work. 

But while watching Picard and Spock and Data save the Federation and the galaxy once again is indeed satisfying, to the point where a smile is plastered on your face throughout this entire episode, we would be foolish to not examine the significance this episode had upon the future of the franchise. For so many important moments are present in this story, such as the fact that Spock’s mention of the events of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, serves as the true birth of the Star Trek Universe. Because in that moment these two franchises were now interconnected and sharing history and it is incredible to see that moment play out during a re-watch and the impact of this particular episode on the STU doesn’t end there (spoilers from here out). After all, the seeds that Spock plants in this episode and after Picard has departed, eventually comes to fruition in Star Trek: Discovery. Since season three introduced us to Ni’Var, a reunified Vulcan and Romulan world… making this episode both beautiful and bittersweet. In part because Spock would never live to see the unity he worked for.

But it is also bittersweet, simply because… a lot of dark moments are set in motion here as well. For Picard’s interest in making peace with the Romulans would put him on their radar from now until the Empire’s end, which in many ways allows for this story to lay the groundwork for Star Trek: Nemesis and the backstory for Star Trek: Picard, since Jean-Luc would be instrumental in trying to save the Romulan people from the forthcoming Hobus supernova and of course, that same supernova would lead to Spock’s eventual deposit in the Kelvin Timeline, and well… knowing where the story is headed for those two men really does add some serious gravity to this tale. Since we now know the cost for peace in the late 24th Century will be quite high since it is a galaxy without Spock and Data and Romulus for that matter as well, and it is also a universe where Jean-Luc is but a shell of himself for part of 2399.

However, all of that aside, this is a wonderful episode through and through. Because you simply cannot go wrong with Spock getting involved in galactic affairs and doing right by the Federation, despite their worries. Plus, it is simply wonderful to see Leonard Nimoy play the role of Spock once again and as an added bonus, there’s also some quality comedy to be found in this tale. For the entire sub-plot involving a hunt for a fat Ferengi brings about perfect levity and well, in the end, this really is one of those iconic Star Trek episodes. For not only did it create the STU and feature an incredible crossover, but it also served as a fine reminder that TNG was indeed at its apex here, and respected and beloved by fans everywhere and what’s truly wild is that while one would think it would be tough to top this one or match it, season five still had some powerhouse storytelling, waiting in the wings for us. Until next time.

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