User reviews

I think it's impressive enough that a respected character was borough onto TNG as a bridge to the Original Series, but the execution thereof just raises it to a whole different level. Sarek is losing control of his emotions on the eve of his crowning diplomatic achievement - which is shattering to a Vulcan and an interesting way to see the effects of dementia. Picard says it best: "It's ironic, isn't it? All this magnificent technology, and we still find ourselves susceptible to the ravages of old age" But it's also Picard who ends up coming through in the end, and the scenes with Stewart and Lenard are both powerful and heartbreaking.

Honestly, before watching this, I'd just expected to see Sarek show up as little more than a nod, like DeForest Kelley in 'Encounter at Farpoint'.

But this was a surprisingly considerate story.

9/10

"Sarek" marks the second to last appearance by Mark Lenard as this Vulcan character. A year later he'd reprise the role in "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" and Lenard would die a few years later. Interestingly, later the character would reappear--with Ben Cross playing him in the reboot of the series, "Star Trek" (2009).

When the ancient ambassador arrives on the Enterprise for some important negotiations, the Captain is surprised at Sarek's handlers. Despite his looking amazingly good for a being over 200, his wife and assistant treat him as if he's very frail and are protecting him from others. Why? At the same time, strange things begin happening on the ship. Crew members start acting VERY emotional towards each other-- with angry outbursts, near fights and worse. Could it be that Sarek is somehow responsible for this? And, if so, how?! And, how can they hold an important conference is Sarek makes those around him enraged?!

All in all, a very sad episode of the series, as you see a beloved character succumbing to the sad effects of aging. Now I am NOT complaining about this--it is good to talk about dementias and other types of geriatric illnesses. But it is still quite sad. Well worth seeing.

By the way, Picard makes a brief comment that made me take notice. He indicated that he'd briefly met Sarek before...at his (Sarek's) son's wedding! Did this mean that Spock marries or that he has a sibling who married? I am sure the real die-hard Trekkies could answer this one.

Showing continuity with the original Star Trek series, this TNG episode has Mark Lenard returning as Sarek the great Vulcan ambassador and negotiator of countless treaties that made the United Federation Of Planets the force that it is. Of course he's also the father of Spock from the original series.

Because Vulcans have a few centuries of lifetime it is highly logical that Sarek return to this new Enterprise and its crew. Mark Lenard is about to cap off the final triumph of his career, a treaty with a race that's been most reluctant to participate in the universe within the Federation.

Unfortunately because of a Vulcan malady he is losing the great emotional reserve that Vulcans prize as the key to their way of living. The strain on him and his aides in keeping his emotions in check is being passed on to the crew. Can you believe Wesley Crusher and Geordi LaForge in a brawl?

It's up to Patrick Stewart to work out a solution for Sarek and get that treaty signed. The solution chosen is as much a strain on Captain Picard as on Sarek.

Scenes with Stewart and Lenard are some of the best in the TNG series. And the scenes with his new wife Joanna Miles are also wonderful to see.

Amazing performance by Stewart that grabs you by the throat a forces you to look into a tortured soul. Do not miss this one.

Enterprise hosts a peace conference where Ambassador Sarek is to mediate.

This is a strong character episode that should please fans and has great performances from Patrick Stewart and Mark Lenard.

The plot is fairly good with a great theme relating to the ageing process. Anyone who has witnessed the failing health of an elderly person should be able to relate to what happens, particularly how it's handled by close family or friends who like to protect an individual from having to acknowledge or reveal a condition such as Alzheimer's disease.

Sarek and Perrin have a number of great moments, particularly Sarek who lives up to the aura that exists around him. His interactions with the Enterprise crew are compelling, particularly Captain Picard.

Picard has one of his most memorable episodes where he takes on a number of very difficult responsibilities and one for which he has to suffer greatly.

It is entertaining to watch the remainder of the crew with the aggressive symptoms as they fight and behave in a confrontational way toward each other. The only issue I have with this aspect of the plot is that it reduces the impact of some of Sarek's outbursts because we have been presented with so much anger already. Personally I think the plot would have been strong enough without the sci-fi aspect of Sarek's condition affecting other crew members.

Mark Lenard gives another excellent performance, showing good range as this plot calls for much emotion.

All the regular cast are great as a lot of them play against type with their angry outbursts.

Patrick Stewart treats us to some of the finest acting of the series during one epically tense scene near the end.

A major treaty is about to be forged and it will be the crowning achievement of Sarek, the father of Spock. When he arrives on the Enterprise, it is obvious that his entourage is being incredibly protective of him. His second wife, once again an Earth woman, is privy to a situation that is changing the great man for the worse. He has a condition that often comes to Vulcan men when they reach their 200th birthday and beyond. He has begun to lose some of his basic faculties and she is aware of this. He is determined to put this negotiating feather in his cap, however. Unfortunately, because he has powers of telepathy, the disease is causing disarray on the Enterprise. Crew members get into fights. They are edgy and angry. There's even near fisticuffs with Geordi and Wesley, pushing and shoving until Riker breaks it up. It's obvious that Sarek is in no condition to carry on with this effort because he, himself, is also showing a violent streak. What will they do? This is a very good episode during a really impressive season.

Spock's ailing father and legendary Federation ambassador Sarek boards the Enterprise on his way to conclude long-running peace talks with the Legarans. However, Sarek's ill-health puts the mission in jeopardy and forces Picard into an unenviable position.

A powerful episode that brings together the original series and TNG in fine fashion. The story may be a thinly disguised look at the ravages of dementia but thanks to Lenard's presence and an astonishing performance from Stewart (reminding us again how great an actor he really is), this sensitive episode is well worth watching and handles its subject matter and characters with dignity and grace.

Vulcan alzheimers is nothing to gloss over, and the show does an excellent job with the disease, the fallout, and an excellent (if temporary) treatment. If only more episodes dealt with flaws in such manner, rather than abandon all logic in order to put forth a shallow, lazy short story. The arguments and fights shown were all excellent as well, with some refreshing violence to break up the monotony inherent in the mythos.