Unification, Parts I and II
Ambassador Spock appears to have defected to the Romulans, a world enemy of the Federation. Will the peace movement in which he is involved be outed by a treacherous government plot?
At last, Spock presents himself to Picard and crew, and a new generation of viewers. A two-part episode is cause for excitement, but we do not see much of the Vulcan in part one. The Enterprise officers piece together a puzzle involving stolen ships, and gather information in a roundabout way from colourful guest characters. Picard and Data's Romulan disguises are clearly a nod to The Enterprise Incident in TOS. Once we get to Romulus and meet those in the underground movement, interest peaks considerably. Spock is as gracious and wise as we remember, and as stubborn and self-determined. He's a little too eager to spring a well-laid trap. Then again, since Sela's plot is foiled with a few holograms, it couldn't have been terribly sophisticated. Political schemes and comedic filler aside (Klingon opera, anyone?), it's great to see Picard and Data interact with the venerable ambassador. Nimoy saw these episodes as an opportunity to bridge the remaining gap between old and new Star Trek fans. While Vulcan and Romulus remain apart, viewers are united as ever.
Spock Saves the Day: Spock aids an underground political movement, with the goal of galactic peace. His intentions are good.
Oops: Our Vulcan suffers from more errors in judgement that usual: trusting Pardek for eighty years, not alerting the Federation to his mission, not seeing Proconsul Neral's red flags. He is lucky the calvary arrives when it does!
Developments: Spock finds Picard reminds him of two towering figures in his life: his captain, James T. Kirk and his father, Sarek. The first is natural given the captains' shared traits and "best in the fleet" reputations. The second, as hinted, may be the result of Picard and Sarek's mind meld. (Though Picard customarily dispenses fatherly advise to anyone in range.) Picard, for his part, sees a man not acting from logic but a newfound idealism. Spock's characterization here, with logic and emotion balanced, is carried over from The Undiscovered County. He tells Data his human side is a source of extraordinary strength. Data, then, is not entirely correct in assuming Spock has rejected the humanity the android seeks.
It is puzzling that this episode, and Sarek, reopen old wounds between Spock and his father. Their differences were set aside in a satisfactory way in The Voyage Home. Still, it isn't surprising that they return to arguing as life goes on. We must consider the set-up worthwhile for the pay off: Spock's final, ecstatic expression as he touches what remains of Sarek in Picard's mind. Sarek might be gone, but Spock remains, working toward a more understanding universe.