UNCUT REACTION - Star Trek TNG S3E23 - Sarek

This is why TNG should have been nominated for acting Emmys, but was snubbed of course. Picard might be the greatest character in all of television.

“Regret is one of the strongest emotions, and one of the saddest.” – [SPOILER REDACTED], [SPOILER REDACTED]: "[SPOILER REDACTED]" No other Star Trek episode justifies your decision to avoid learning episode titles in advance as well as this one, with the father of all spoiler titles. As ever, things were different on the original broadcast: of course TNG wanted people to know Mark Lenard was back so they would tune in. Also, the cold open is less than ideal for 21st-century reaction channels: while Sarek beaming in with his back to the camera and then lowering his hood exploits the audience’s eagerness to see him (and is a possible callback to his entrance in Search for Spock), if this were a 2024 episode the other characters would likely have refrained from mentioning Sarek’s name before he appears. Tantalizingly and frustratingly, this is indeed the case in the episode’s Final Draft script, available on the Star Trek Minutiae website: Picard’s opening Captain’s Log refers only to “the Federation ambassador that has made this historic event possible.” Unspoiled viewers would have been teased with the fact that the Enterprise is orbiting Vulcan and Riker’s reference to “the Coridan admission to the Federation,” asking themselves, “Could it be…?” before seeing Sarek’s face. I presume this was changed to incorporate the explanation that Perrin, “like his first wife, is from Earth,” thus explaining Amanda’s absence by implying that she has died by this time. The line, of course, completely ignores Sybok’s mother; at the time of this episode, Gene Roddenberry was encouraging Star Trek fans and writers to regard Final Frontier, released only a year earlier, as non-canonical. However, it makes sense in any case that Sarek’s first marriage would not be widely known outside of Vulcan circles. Peter S. Beagle, this episode’s scriptwriter, is a slightly unusual name to see in Star Trek’s writing credits. He is best known as a fantasy novelist, the writer of "A Fine and Private Place" and "The Last Unicorn," the latter of which was adapted into a popular animated film with a screenplay by Beagle. He was also the co-screenwriter of the 1978 animated film of "The Lord of the Rings," which was successful at the box office but is unpopular with fans, especially in comparison to the Peter Jackson films. This episode’s depiction of Sarek’s illness mirrored Gene Roddenberry’s declining health in real life. It was, however, Roddenberry himself who made the phone call to Mark Lenard inviting him to appear, saying something to the effect of, “Don’t you think it’s time that Sarek came back? Vulcans age more slowly than humans.” Lenard was touched and flattered that Roddenberry put it that way, rather than saying, “Vulcans live longer than humans.” Believe it or not, the first time my late mother and I saw this episode, which was early in our Star Trek fandom when we were still discovering the world by watching alternating episodes of TOS and TNG, I was uncertain that she would remember who Sarek was and felt the need to interject the explanation, “Sarek is Spock’s father. Vulcans are much longer-lived than humans,” after the cold open. There is a tragic parallel between “Journey to Babel” and “Sarek.” In both episodes, Sarek boards the Enterprise with his wife intending to retire after one final achievement: in “Journey to Babel” because of an illness he is keeping to himself, but which McCoy treats successfully, while in “Sarek” he is suffering from an illness that his wife and advisors are keeping from him, and which is untreatable. “Sarek” establishes the timeline of the Star Trek universe more firmly than ever before. Since “The Neutral Zone” specified the current year as 2364, “Sarek” presumably takes place in 2366. Sarek is 202 in this episode, whereas he was 102 in “Journey to Babel,” so it is now clear that TOS takes place in the late 2260s. On a rewatch, Picard’s description of his “expectations of this voyage,” “Sharing [Sarek’s] thoughts, his memories, his unique understanding of the history he has made…” comes across as rather hilariously on-the-nose foreshadowing. Wesley’s taunt to Geordi that “At least I’m not spending the night with a good book like some people” is an in-joke (what the TV Tropes website calls an “Actor Allusion”), referring to LeVar Burton’s role as host of "Reading Rainbow." The cleanup after the bar fight is the first time we have seen Ten-Forward brightly lit other than in the alternate timeline in “Yesterday’s Enterprise.” Note that Picard seemingly refers to Spock in the past tense during the mind-meld. However, Spock himself referred to both Sarek and Amanda in the past tense on multiple occasions during TOS Season 1. This scene is, of course, the first mention of Spock by name in TNG. (McCoy alluded to him in "Encounter at Farpoint," but did not mention him directly.) Like Josh, I could not stop thinking about Joe and Jill Biden while rewatching the episode this time, although I would not have said something so potentially controversial if Josh had not mentioned it. At the present political moment, “Sarek” feels like a “ripped-from-the-headlines” episode that somehow aired 34 years early. Joanna Miles (Perrin) is an Emmy Award-winning actress, recognized for her portrayal of Laura in the 1973 TV movie of "The Glass Menagerie" starring Katharine Hepburn. Given that Perrin is Spock’s stepmother, Miles and Laurence Luckinbill (Sybok) are the only members of the original group of actors to play Spock’s family who are still living. (Mark Lenard died in 1996, Jane Wyatt in 2006 and Leonard Nimoy in 2015. Arlene Martel passed away in 2014, if we must count T’Pring as Spock’s first wife.) Sarek comments to Picard at the end of this episode that “We shall always retain the best part of the other inside us.” After “Sins of the Father” and “Sarek,” I instinctively think of Jean-Luc Picard as being a Klingon and a Vulcan as well as a Human, representing the best part of each. [SPOILER REDACTED]

One of my all-time favorite episodes of not just Trek, but all of TV. Some of it just that I seem to love Mark Lenard's acting, anywhere. His Romulan captain was compelling, but his characterization of Sarek from what is really just a few TV episodes, one a cartoon, feels so real and lived in. He adds to weight of my "belief" in Vulcans almost as much Leonard Nimoy does and with much less material. All kudos to Patrick Stuart for a bravura performance of an intensely written scene, but when an actor has little and makes such an impact... (Stewart does that often by the way, it is just this script lobs it right over the plate for him!)

I was watching with my whole family and it was incredible

I've seen this episode so many times but this time I had a whole new experience because I just kept saying to myself OMG this is Biden...omg. So I'm SO glad you guys mentioned it! Great episode :)

That Patrick Stewart will be a big actor one day

The episode where they unleashed Patrick Stewart. He's got a few more of these performances down the road. incredible actor. Loved Gates sharing that moment with him.

OMG! I kept thinking Joe Biden too!

LOVED the groovy ‘60s Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass! 🖖

An observation; when my playback audio and your playback audio were in sync, you seemed to react to Sarek's name BEFORE it was mentioned. Maybe your own video and your playback were out of sync this time? It's not happened before.

I remember showing a close friend TNG for the first time and I was always talking up Patrick Stewart as an actor. And she remarked on this episode, "Oh okay, I get it now." I also like the little detail that earlier on in the violin performance, you can see Deanna in the background suddenly snap her head in Sarek's direction because she is so shocked to be sensing a strong emotion from a Vulcan.

I knew you guys would love this episode! This is one of those episodes that I appreciate a lot more now as an adult. For one, I have more context for Sarek now, but also I have more life experience that relates to the theme of this story. Though not exactly the same, I can totally understand the anger and frustration, but more so the denial. It's so easy to pretend someone you love is just fine, or that things will get better, despite neither being true, and I think this episode really explores that well, without villanizing anyone. And that Patrick Stewart scene is top-tier obviously.

At least Sarek didn’t try to shake hands with someone who wasn’t even there.

I'd love to see a few more clips of the episode sprinkled in when you guys "pop" (for instance, when Beverly slaps Wesley or the logical Picard/Sarek argument). That scene where Patrick Stewart portays Picard, but with Sarek's emotions finally unleashed is so beautifully acted. Brilliant!

Just when you are sure you won't cry, you see them hold hands before transporting, oof.

Was that Mass Effect 1 music during the intro bit?

I'm about to watch this - I didn't get a chance to do a patron take. I'd put this episode OVERALL into a solid B+/A- tier, but there are a couple of individual moments/scenes within the episode that are ABSOLUTE PEAK TREK (and television in general). Moments that just don't leave you, the ones you find yourself watching again and again 10, 20 years later.

Not to be offensive, but punny ... Was glad you addressed the Donkey in the room, in that last 30 seconds. Wonder if he is a Patron here because the news says that he "could drop out as soon as this weekend." I can hear it now, in an interview he's asked why he dropped out, "Well, I was watching this reaction to a Next Generation epis... epis... ep... Well, anyway."

Paramount Plus is STUPID Glitchy on my TV, I have to cast most shows from my phone. I finally tested if I could watch with you guys at the same time. It worked, for the most part. I think you'll like the next episode. You might not like the one after that. But you'll probably fall off your chairs for the finale. Good Biden analogy!

You noted the lighting, and how it was unique , I’m pretty sure That was done for emotional effect especially in the conference room also there is something meta about the multi-colored swirling pool that Geordi and Wesley are working on in the beginning seems to represent the chaotic nature of emotions while there is an area of the pool that appears to be abstract in one area and another, covered in a largely uniform color the control of emotion a weird yin yang if you will,

My whole face leaked the entire time. DAMN.

Love the opening with the game show music pauses! Another S-tier opening (for an S-tier episode?)!

Announcing the return of the sex scoreboard. After more than a season of cell-a-bit vacation the bedboard-scoreboard makes a come back. For those new. It is a count of the times the shields were lowered but the phasers fired. It includes TNG crew members and an honorable mention board for guest/recurring characters as is interesting. A notch on the bedpost counts if it clearly happened; it looked like it is reasonable to think it did. The hook-up must have been in the ep or created directly by the ep. This up date will have quite a few updates to explain as the unbored board catching up with the last time it was posted. The sex scoreboard Riker 6 - 4 new Troi 3 - 1 new Data 1 Picard 1 - 1 new Worf 1 - 1 new Wesley almost 1 - new Broccoli 2 i - both new Jordy 1 i - new Hon board - X or (xxx) Tasha 4 - 1 new Sarek 2 - 1 new Notes Riker adds 4 from the last board. An Irish lass, a serial killer and 2 Klingons. I'm counting the two Klingons in matter of honor because 1. how does Riker say no and 2. it brings my joy to think of it. The “i” is for imaginary number aka holo-hook-up. I can't be sure of Jordy and Virt-Dr. Brohms but given his comments about Barklay and his holo-bangin I am saying he visited holo-Brahms more than just the once. Tasha is not exactly on there because not on show but just was in yesterday enterprise and I'm assuming her and Lt castile went out with a bang. so.... another one for tOsha. Sarek is on this ep board because it is clear that there is flushed cheeks on his new wife so you know Sarek proved why they call him: the BILLY GOAT. ( I have no idea what that means it just sounded like porn in my mind) That is it for this ep. See you next ep when Red Alert turns into the Red light discrict.

I’ll say this …. As a causal observer of your comment section . Ignore it . It seems u guys may say it doesn’t bother but I’ll let it . In a way …. Just literally completely ignore it and only talk about it in a section of discussion. Screw everyone else just like basically say in your disclaimer mostly every episode. Legit .

I remember the first time seeing it and seeing the writer’s name and wondering if it was fantasy novelist Peter S. Beagle. We didn’t have phones to check IMDB or other sources so I had to confirm that after getting the show on video. (I can’t recall if Season 3 episodes were initially on VHS of if I had to wait for the season-long DVD). Showing my age again!

Riker: "Have you noticed that people have been more aggressive?" Worf: "I haven't noticed." I've watched this episode for years and never noticed that small joke lol

I've always chosen to believe that the "Ten seperate incidents." Troi meant was ten additional people struck Wesley that day. Sarek's disdain of him is powerful that whole crew is just beating on him.

I’m just being a language nerd, but it’s interesting how Patrick Stewart uses the American pronunciation of “privacy” and the English pronunciation of “scheduled” in the same scene.

There's so much that is wonderful and humane about this episode, reflective of the sad truth not all heroes get a noble end, some dwindle and fade. Favourite moments are the bar brawl and the reaction of the bridge crew, especially Data when Picard and Riker argue. I remember watching this with my parents and my Mum saying, "Oh, it's like they're little and Mummy & Daddy are arguing." As a side note, considering the only people we're aware of who know about Geordi's holodeck romance are Picard, Barclay and himself who blabbed to Wesley?

This is an episode I can enjoy repeat watches of, like Yesterday's Enterprise. It has a great mix of drama, wit, superb acting from everyone, and all of the cast has something to contribute. Best bar fight in Trek since The Trouble With Tribbles.

Love this episode and the reaction..saying that, there are far too many commenters who don’t seem to understand the difference between dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any neurological disease that affects the mind, and just getting older. If you’ve actually seen it or lived with it, you will understand.

I've watched these episodes dozens of times by now, but during these rewatches, I can still manage to catch something new. Notice Sarek says "Spock, Amanda, did you know....?" and "Perrin, can you know...?". Interesting verb tense usage there.

I love this episode, it's one of the best of the show. Now do you understand? NOW do you understand that one comment about The Defector? Season 3 has some incredible episodes... and we're not finished yet.

This is probably Joe Biden's least favorite episode

The music that brought Sarek to tears: https://youtu.be/u_e86keYgfc?t=740 or https://youtu.be/XzIVl_0u3ms?t=875

49:50 ROTFL! Thank heavens Ol' Joe isn't telepathic...

This episode really is a masterpiece. The subject matter touches almost all of us in one way or another. Even those of us in our 20s and 30s have almost certainly seen time tear down someone we know, whether it's the mind or the body that fails, or both, it's still heartbreaking to watch. Not only does it mean watching someone we love and respect be reduced to a shadow of what they were, but it reminds us that we too will one day likely face the same fate. Seeing that Star Trek can handle this subject matter so skillfully just makes Deadly Years even more embarrassing in retrospect. Early in the episode Picard voices regret that he wouldn't get to connect with Sarek the way he had hoped on this voyage, talking about sharing Sarek's thoughts & memories. If only he knew. As JD said in a patron take, Picard didn't just end up learning more about Sarek on account of the mind meld, but also about his feelings to those that had been closest to him in his life. The comedic elements of this episode have been meme material for years. That brawl in 10 Forward is not only hilarious for Worf and Riker to walk into, but the stunt coordinator really brought their A game as well. The real props goes to Wesley for that line about Geordi finding his women on the holodeck😂. La Forge is gonna need to spend a week in sick bay after that burn. It's a testament to the strength of both the writing and the performances that you can laugh out loud at those parts of the episode, and still be fully invested in the dramatic elements minutes later. Speaking of performances, Lenard and Stewart dominate the screen in this episode. As many have said, the scene of Picard breaking down should have won Stewart an Emmy. Lenard was only 16 years older than Stewart but the characters are about 140 years apart, and he really sells that. By this point as an audience we had come to know Sarek, seen his relationship with Spock go from adversarial in Journey to Babel to almost openly expressing pride and love for his son in the movies. We respected the character, and it tore us apart to see him losing the discipline and dignity that had defined him, and desperately trying to hold on to what he was for this one last mission. As I said in my patron take, Picard is around 61 at this point. Not very old especially by 24th century standards, but certainly not young either. For all he knows, in 20 or 30 years, he could find his own mind failing him the same way Sarek is. And yet he volunteered to experience that first hand in order to help Sarek. It is in my opinion one of the bravest things Picard has done. Sarek is a wonderful episode that ties 2 eras of Trek together in a memorable and impactful way.

46:23 It's clear you guys just couldn't wait to show this reaction to us. 😂

You know, I wonder what would happen if I said to my wife "Wife, you will leave me now. I require solitude". I have a funny feeling it wouldn't go very well.

I think this is the most engaged I've seen you two while watching TNG!

Josh, I thought the same thing, someone needs to show this to Jill Biden.

Not to get political...but it was already mentioned so I'll to into it... I'm probably to the left to a lot of people; but yeah I was wondering if anyone would mention Biden, definitely some parallels regardless of what you might think of where he is at, or how he stacks up to the alternative. Having said that...I suspect the writers were actually influenced by the Reagan situation. Plenty of rumors were going around in his second term of Reagan having "episodes" and falling asleep or forgetting basic things...and Nancy and others were very protective of him...and of course a few years after leaving office he officially announced he had been diagnosed with alzheimer's. There was a study done that showed how each year of office Reagan used few "big words" and that is a sign of oncoming dementia. I suspect that the same would be found with Biden (although again, to keep it non partisan, a study was done that found Trump uses fewer words then he did in the past as well). Might be a good idea to put a age limit of say 65 for President... But ultimately regardless of politics it's something that many of us will have to deal with personally if we live long enough. I have done contact sports like boxing and have a grandmother who got alzheimer's so I'm kinda expecting it if I make it into my 70s and almost definitely if I make it into my 80s. Sucks regardless...

Dang..still brings the misty eyes every time..thank you for sharing your reaction with us..and..we will be right back dun na nun na naaa hilarious.

It was eery watching this one tonight. My stepfather is dealing with Alzheimers and we recently moved him into memory care. It is also eery because of what is happening with our president. Without attempting to get political (and please do not use the following comments as an opportunity to promote a political belief), it is still incredibly sad to watch a highly respected, great civil servant who has served his country for decades, decline while he is surrounded by people who are insulating him from the truth of his situation. Everything said about ‘respect’, ‘legacy’, and ‘dignity’ spoken by Perrin, Sakkath, and the chief of staff is so reminiscent of Biden’s situation. Speaking from experience, the hardest part of watching someone with cognitive decline is having to make decisions for them. Watching them take the car keys from Sarek hits home and hits incredibly hard. Watching it happening on the national stage is a brutal reminder that the most powerful among us are still vulnerable to their own physical limitations.

Thanks for putting this one up early... I thought you might enjoy the last 15 minutes. Good thing Data doesn't have emotions... his audiences always seem to "walk-out" on his performances.

I have been so incredibly excited for you to hit this episode ... waiting has been agony, even with as many great episodes there have been this season. Your reaction didn't disappoint. Truly amazing character work by Stewart and Lenard in this episode. One of my absolute favorites. As for the Joe Biden comparison, ignoring the politics of it, I was thinking the EXACT same thing while watching this.

And this is why they ask to be careful of spoilers. Though I could just see Alex swearing like a sailor behind the "We'll be back" screen.

There's a lot to like in this episode. Fantastic acting from Patrick Stewart. Looking forward to the discussion on this one. Trek gave us a lot of future predictions. Cell phones, voice commands... Joe Biden. (I hate you guys. Now every time I watch this episode, my mind is going to go to Biden).

What a perfectly crafted episode. Loved your guys' reaction. I really appreciate how you both connect with the big human moments in this show. It's a lot of fun to rewatch TNG with you guys.

This episode solidified that the Emmy’s robbed Patrick Stewart

Let the record show I had already liked the video

My mom has partial dementia it’s gard

I was at a convention with mark lenard as a guest and he actually sat in the audience to watch

Perfect reaction. I also have felt like Season 3 has been going forever. Going into TNG I had a list of the top 10 episodes I wanted to see you react to. Now you’ve seen 3 of them.

How Patrick Stewart didn’t get an Emmy for this I just don’t understand. I don’t know if anyone mentioned it, but hanging on the back of Picard’s chair in his quarters is the tapestry the Mintakans gave him at the end of episode 4. A great little piece of continuity popping up.

When you get older you’ll understand . It’s treks take on Alzheimer’s how it robs the person of theirs dignity

Mark Lenard didn't have the huge career he deserved. He just shows you don't need a bumpy forehead, you just gotta be good and people will believe you're Vulcan, Romulan, or anything else. . Patrick S it goes without saying he was slumming doing TV and comic book movies, but that's where the money was.

In the audience takes I mention how this now seems to parallel current events.

I upped my subscription to watch this one. I've been watching for awhile on YouTube. Consider me permanent.

To be fair, when this aired, everyone would have been thinking Ronald Reagan also

WE GOT AN S-TIER HERE BOYS

This was one of the big ones that I've been waiting for, I knew you guys would love it. Looking forward to the discussion!

This isnt even the best episode left this season. :-)

Been waiting patiently for this reaction. One of my favorite episodes. You guys didn’t disappoint. 🖖

Make sure to like it b*tches!!!

It got harder for me to watch this episode after my mother developed dementia, but I manage.

Patrick Stewart showing why you cast Patrick Stewart.

The fact the original actor was both alive and in good health to reprise a the roll of a beloved character for a new generation is awesome

Yeeeea early drop uncuts

Guess I'll watch it when I can, lol.

Charming editing this time around, fellas! Congrats on hitting your goal in such short time :D Thanks so much for the late-night treat!

I always go and like it on YouTube even when I watch it here (I even let it play in the background to make sure the algorithm counts it as a view). I do my part damnit.....

YAY

I dont even watch YouTube cuts so yeah. Lol Plus I don't know about others but I liked from 5 accounts.

Oh great, I'm already drunk for the night. Guess I'll have to watch this one twice.