PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG - Season 3 Episode 23
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Comments (84)
I think it could go either way on this episode if they like it or not. I know they’re going to really enjoy seeing Sarek but I believe they’re going to figure out what’s happening way before the crew does and that’s an aspect of an episode I believe they don’t care for. The mystery of what’s happening is part of the main intrigue of the episode. But seeing Sarek again is a definite plus and channeling Sarek’s inner emotions so Sarek doesn’t have to feel them is a great acting job by Patrick Stewart.
Sarek had a special bond with Kirk, given what Kirk went through to search for Spock…but what Sarek shared with Picard was an even greater bond…and in the end, Picard knew Sarek perhaps better than anyone! Alex and Josh…can you believe the MOTHER of all bangers is yet to come?!
This is the episode that basically told you that Patrick Stewart would win an Emmy, cause if he didn’t for this he never would
Can’t wait to see your reaction to this one! This is in my opinion is the 2nd best episode of season 3. The acting in this one is off the chain especially for the guest stars. I also wanted to let you know how what you guys are doing is very cool. I grew up with TOS in reruns every Saturday and later TAS first run. Watching TOS in reruns was very different than what you are experiencing. Every market was different but one getting one episode a week, it took about a year and a half to get through the series. Point is, there was not other way to watch it and if you missed an episode it took awhile to see it. Also there was no broadcast order, totally random in reruns in my market.
Pop
Wesley and Geordi arguing about their success with women (or lack thereof). Gotta love it.
What the hell happened to the captain since his visit to Risa? Where's the Ferengi-punching, dame-saving, time-and-space-swashbuckling-archaeology-adventure-man?! Crying like a bitch because of some EMOTIONS and FEELINGS?! ...not my Indiana Picard!
I could be wrong, but I understood this episode as Picard channeling what is going on inside Sarek, the emotional turmoil, not his (Picard’s) feelings. Picard is bearing Sarek’s inner turmoil and we are seeing what is going on inside of Sarek so that Sarek doesn’t feel his emotions and can carry on his duties.
It's so sad to see an aging political figure in such obvious mental decline that even his closest aides can't cover for him anymore. Oh, and Sarek's story isn't very cheery either.
Two is even worse!
And of course, this is the return of the same actor for Sarek from TOS, so this is the... second case in which a character from the Original Series gets a cameo? First one since the Pilot with DeForest Kelley, I think. I love this episode. You get top tier acting from Patrick Stewart and Mark Lenard in particular. If you don't love this, I'll be EXTREMELY surprised.
I'll be shocked if you don't like this one. I think it's one of the better episodes of the season.
If you guys don't like this one immensely I'm doing to give up on trying to predict your reactions
They won’t like it because the story gives it all away to the audience and they dislike that obvious “we know but the cast doesn’t” trope. Hopefully the acting shines through for them.
Star Trek has a ton of amazing recurring guest actors. Not all of them get the opportunity to go out with performances like this.
Hey guys! NEW here to Patreon, though I’ve been watching you since The Motion Picture. Here is another time with Mark Lenard/Sarek facing off against another captain of the enterprise AND mind melds with them. Thought the scene with Picard and Beverly was top notch and never forgettable.
Great episode, very sad, but well done. NAME DROP: Spock got married at some point!
Unless he just had another son that we also didn't hear about not killed by a fake god. Lol
Seeing your reaction to this one is going to be priceless. This is one of those episodes that will surprise me greatly if you don't love it.
Okay, for this one I will, for the first time, try to predict your reactions. My guess is, S-tier banger supreme. Why? It's a character focused episode, so we're off to a good start already. It's a focused episode with a singular interconnected plotline. And of course, what matters most to both of you, EXECUTION. Writing, S-tier Acting, God-tier Direction, A+ (a few pacing issues for me but still good). This episode features some of the best acting I've seen... anywhere. Patrick Stewart is a legend and now you'll understand why. Mark Lenard playing Sarek is as well.
Opinions are like a$$holes, everyone's got one and they all stink. Here mine: This is a case of an exceptional guest performance. Mark Lenard brings the heat. My favorite episode of this season, by a long ways.
It's a gutwrenching episode that hits so close to home for so many people. For trek fans, there's another layer of sadness to it, because deep down this is an episode about Gene Roddenberry.
Never thought about this episode that way, but, you are so right.
I really wish the opening captain's log didn't immediately spoil Sarek's presence, because I would have loved to watch what your reaction would be when he shows up if it wasn't already announced. Of course, no one would have had the opportunity to react that way during the original broadcast. That's just not how they did things back then. Anyway, this is one of my favorite episodes of the series, with phenomenal acting and a very relatable story for anyone who has witnessed a loved one in cognitive decline. The line in the crying scene where "Sarek" speaking through Picard says he wanted to show so much tenderness to Spock and Amanda absolutely breaks me.
Such a great episode with excellent performances. Feel the performance of Perrin often gets overlooked. She deeply cares for her husband. I’ll always remember this episode as the one TNG episode that ended the ban on TOS references and reminded us that TNG is indeed a piece of the same universe as TOS. An excellent tie-in.
It's another banger, and Josh and Alex will love this one. I'm hoping for a skit where Riker and Worf discuss everyone's increasing tempers and ten forward's doors open to one of Alex and Josh's old wrestling videos. Make it happen, Josh! And now when people make suggestions, all you have to say is: DON'T YOU TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!
TV vs. Streaming, a quick commentary: This is not a spoiler. The series we have on streaming today are 8 to 10 episodes. Not just with Star Trek, all kinds of series. Marvel, Star Wars... And this episode right here would be a casualty of that model. This episode advances no overarching plot. It serves no purpose other than to tell a hugely character driven narrative incorporating a legacy character. The acting this episode achieves, were it not for the 20-24 episode season, would never have existed today. We don't get episodes like this in 2024. For that, let's take a moment to truly honor an episode like Sarek. I'm not sure we deserved you.
While I enjoy serialized storytelling when done right, this shows the power of episodic storytelling. You can create a fantastic standalone story within a familiar setting.
the scene with Picard just in a room experiencing Sarek emotions, is for me a definition of what great trek is, you dont need fancy special effect or big space battle, just talented actors giving there all
The older I get the sadder this episode becomes, the performances are first rate. One of the seasons best episodes. The concert is an amazingly done scene…
I think this is a great episode. I saw it back when originally broadcast (because Mark Leonard) but it wasn't until the second viewing now that I realized you never saw the cool alien species that they did quite a bit of set-up for. Normally, this would have really pissed me off but, it took me a second viewing to notice and the reason is the power of the story and acting. If Patrick Stewart did not get an Emmy nomination for this episode he was robbed.
Love this episode and really think you guys will too! They do a good job at not explaining the emotional outbreak mystery to us before the rest of the crew, and it has some great performances from all parties involved. It’s nice to see a ToS character’s return to TNG as a full episode over a short cameo or otherwise. Also very fun to see the characters arguing with each other! Loved the twist that Sarek had no idea what was happening. The scene after really showed his emotional range as an actor, which is super exciting to see from a Vulcan! This is one of those episodes that makes me really anxious to be honest, the pacing in this episode feels like a ticking clock the entire time and I love for it. I’m probably wrong about this, but this may be the first real mind meld in TNG which is kinda nifty I would say. Having Beverly there is a nice touch, just kinda makes sense. Though I think you’ll find her framing between the two of them funny haha. The hard cut between Sercard to Picard just screaming and acting his heart out always gives me a bit of a jump scare. All and all I really like this episode and think y’all really will too!
Might have been cool to see Sarek engaged in negotiations with some slime creatures, being Sarek but also dropping some Picardisms...maybe pulling down his shirt at one point. But ultimately not needed...
Star Trek treats its legacy with respect where many reboots today might just write a lazy "Sarek is a villain now" story.
"The good of the one! The good of the two! The good of the MAAANNYYYYY"
Best episode yet. The frustration that Sarek feels at his cognitive decline is perfectly acted, and seems even more real now that I have seen similar things in real life. But despite showing him in such a vulnerable state, the writers still treat the character with all the respect he deserves, and that is something that can't be taken for granted these days.
It makes sense Amanda was replaced with Perrin - given the life spans of Humans vs Vulcans - and Sarek definitely “has a type.” Too bad the Sarek pop was spoiled by the Captain’s Log voiceover… would’ve been a great reveal on the transporter pad.
Agreed..
It was a fight just to get the single "Spock" reference into the episode. A combination of Berman and/or Roddenberry were adamant that no references to TOS characters could be made. Ira Steven Behr fought and won to get the line in there. Odd considering the second episode of the show directly referenced Kirk.
And McCoy's in the pilot.
Script by Peter S. Beagle ... author of the book The Last Unicorn, and screenwriter on the 1978 Lord of the Rings animated film
Gene Roddenberry went back and forth. Originally he didn't want any ties between old and new series, so no stories about Vulcans, romulans, etc. later, the producers wanted to bring spock back for an episode, but gene thought he would be too expensive and suggested Sarek instead.
After watching this episode back in the day, I was of the opinion that Patrick Steward was pretty much the best actor on the show (although every one else does a pretty good job :) ).
-Then tell him that there is no way! -DON'T YOU TELL ME WHAT TO DO!
I will also add that rewatching this episode made me think about it having some similarities to current events.
200-odd years and Sarek is still keen for Earth booty. Good man.
Obviously Patrick Stewart's acting in this episode is awesome, starting with the argument on the bridge! Picard's voice went up to 11 out of nowhere, he bellowed at Riker with an intensity that actually scared me when I listened on headphones - he's SO PISSED OFF.
This might be your favorite episode so far.
Magnificent acting, mind-numbing story. Are you miffed that Crusher hasn’t been used more in season 3? Barely seen her lately, except for reaching first base with Barclay.
A few episodes ago you were wondering if Sarek was still around. There ya go. I predict this will tie the Yar reveal for pop-offs this season.
THIS episode is the first official bridge between generations!! Patrick Stewart’s tour de force (and single-take) performance established him as arguably the greatest actor in Star Trek history! And how did you guys feel about seeing the return of a BIGGIE?!
Fun fact: Patrick Stewart DID NOT want to do the mind meld onslaught of emotions scene. They convinced him, and I’m glad they did. One of the greatest TV performances I’ve ever seen. I cry every time.
I predict you're going to have mixed feelings on this one. You'll be excited to see Sarek, the extreme crew behaviour may cause some amusement but devastated to see a beloved character elderly, and in cognitive decline. It's a moving and humane episode that reflects the sad truth that not all heroes get a heroic end, some dwindle and fade.
Superb episode, everyone on top form and a great, pure Star Trek story that successfully brings us closer to the TOS movies. One of the top 5 of the season for me and I find it’s one I rewatch more than most. Mark Lenard as Sarek is perfection.
Huge TOS callbacks, a solid character-driven script, an acting masterclass, plus Wesley gets slapped. What's not to love... S-tier contender?
This is just a master class of acting from two amazing actors.
The tear scene. Show-don't-tell acting masterclass.
Thank God you no longer read the titles ahead of time. Back in the 80s it didn’t matter as much because we usually saw the trailer the week before.
This is the episode that just casually drops the lore that Spock finally got married at some point.
Not necessarily, the dialogue just says "his son's wedding." Sarek could have other children we haven't heard about before - it wouldn't be the only time Star Trek introduced a new Spock sibling out of nowhere!
SAREK!!!! There, that’s pithy.
I wonder if Sarek’s condition was an inspiration for Professor X’s condition in Logan where his powers adversely affect the people around him.
Possibly! But it's a natural consequence also if what happens when someone with mind power has seizures
Oh, and small trivia, you'll notice on the back of Picard's chair in his quarters (if you somehow manage to not be sucked into the performance) is a patterned cloth. That's actually the tapestry given to him by the Mintakens back in "Who Watches the Watchers" which is a nice bit of prop continuity.
Fun fact: the Picard scene was shot in a single take.
The first part was. There are a few cuts away to Beverly.
I really hope you weren't spoiled for this one.
Troi asks Beverly if Wesley said anything to provoke the slap, and she says no. Um, script, hello? Did you just forget that he yelled "to get away from you!"? It was literally the previous line.
Beverly wouldn’t slap him for that. He snapped at her in Evolution and she didn’t slap him.
I was told it would be a Mozart recital but it turned into Brahms. The bait and switch might make me cry too.
Geordie slipped the composition in while no one was looking, just so he could get wistful. Dammit Geordie, get over it already!
THIS is why I thought you may want to avoid episode titles, cause I predict the biggest of all pops at the name drop of Sarek. And I must say, Patrick Stewart has been killing it in S3. If rumors his contract was due for renegotiation were true, I totally buy him wanting to either show off why he deserved a raise, or to go out with a bang, cause this is a hell of a bang.
Your reaction: "djkjeiaphrihaptieajoojiojejao WHAT? WOOOOOOHHHHHH LET'S GO LET'S GO. LEGEND."
Of my many favorites from season 3, this is near the top. It is quite sad ultimately but great to see the return of an old friend, TOS continuity and superb acting.
The pop of all pops will be in this episode. The first true, complete and utter link between series. Yes, McCoy was the first, but this one utterly establishes Star Trek: The Next Generation in the timeline. The acting is superb, the story is great, and I think you will have a new favorite episode.
Riker’s reference to “the Coridan admission to the Federation” is a direct callback to “Journey to Babel.”
Luckily you don't see the episode titles in advance
I always wonder, how do they manage not to see the episode titles??? Aren't they right there or there's an option to hide them?
If you don't pop when you realize they are bringing in Sarek, I will suspect you have replaced by AI.
And to think Picard was bummed at first because he thought Sarek wouldn’t be sharing his thoughts and memories. Be careful what you wish for.
Gentlemen! Recent new Patron, overjoyed watching your sharp critiques and unique delight at Trek. Hope this one gives you all the sense of peace connecting ToS to TNG so firmly, and one of the few times that the incredible acting overcomes some execution issues in the story. Impeccable performance by Mark Lenard and Patrick Stewart. These linkages between series are the soul of Trek continuity to me.
Agreed - on this one, the acting makes the episode. Anything below the level they perform at, and the episode would not be good.
This one is, imo, some of the best acting Patrick Stewart has ever done.
I hope you guys go happily nuts on this one! 😃🖖