Why The Undiscovered Country Is Actually Star Trek's Best Series Finale

[@graemebart6818]

I think the Peter Pan quote was a great way to end the run. It's the perfect lead-in to that shot of the Enterprise "riding off into the sunset" while calling back to a story about eternal youth. Kirk struggled with middle age and desk duty in the Wrath of Khan. Now he's allowed to end his adventure on his own terms, with a blend of acceptance and nostalgia. There is no fan service to beat us over the head with call backs and references. Merely a subtle hint of the youthful, adventurous spirit that still resides within him as he flies of into retirement is enough for the audience to understand his emotional state.

[@henryplantagenet219]

What a great comment ! Spot on!

[@coasterblocks3420]

The finale of Voyager has one redeeming moment for me after Kim proposes his insane plan to Paris: Kim “Where’s your sense of adventure?” Paris “I left it in that nebula and I’m NOT going back for it!” Gives me a good laugh every time.

[@GeoffreyToday]

I was 12 when Star Trek VI came out. I had just started attending a new school, and was in this period where I didn't have many friends. I had never been a popular kid at my old school, and that trend continued at my new school. I remember waiting in line for the premier of STVI with my parents at the local shopping center. I saw a couple of other kids from my school there, and I worked up the nerve to go say hi. That was how I found my people in my new school. One of them became my best friend, and still is today. We even had a Star Trek podcast once upon a time. I loved STVI, and still do. Next to TWoK it's my favourite Trek movie, and the two often trade spots depending on my mood any given day.

[@OpinionsNoOneCaresAbout]

"I can't believe I kissed you!" "Must have been your lifelong ambition!" I mean...

[@nystria_]

Undiscovered Country has long been my favourite Star Trek movie. Also, pretty sure Kirk is a veteran of the Klingon war, which would've happened when he was a much younger officer. Plus all the times they tangled throughout the original series. David's death either pushed him over the edge or is just a convenient excuse for already lingering hatreds.

[@ttintagel]

Indeed, only Nixon could go to China.

[@paulnicholson5997]

Yeah, Kirk wasn't too fond of the Klingons, to be sure.

[@DarkRanger1975]

It's my favorite of the original series cast films.

[@DavidAtwell]

People want to crow so much about "Wrath of Khan," and I always want to tell them, "WoK is a great film, no doubt about it, but it's not the best Star Trek film. It's not even the best TOS film." For my money, "First Contact" and "Undiscovered Country" are tied at the top, with "Wrath of Khan" and "Voyage Home" tied for a very close second. Then "Beyond" is right there in the hunt, but everything else is a notch or two (or more) below.

[@nuanil]

@@paulnicholson5997 He was popular enough with them, they consistently sought out battle with him....

[@st.anselmsfire3547]

Colonel Worf was the right way to do fanservice. He made sense, and you didn't actually need to know anything to see what was going on. On top of that, he was his own character, not simply, "hey, look, it's Worf's grandfather." The new creative team needs to take notes.

[@DrewLSsix]

Oh please, if the Picard writers "took note" of what the fans wanted there would have been dozens more pointless cameos and memberberries, no matter how nonsensical it would be for them to show up. For the rest of new trek, at least the callbacks and cameos are either unobtrusive (like Worfs grandad) or they do something substantial with them.

[@thork6974]

The revelation that the talks would be held on Khitomer is another graceful TNG tie-in. Although I was expecting an actual depiction of the Khitomer Massacre referenced so often in early TNG seasons.

[@camortie]

​@@thork6974the problem with doing the massacre was that it happened roughly 20 some years before tng, where the movie took place between 30 an 50 years after the movie.

[@LanceVanceDance84]

@@alejandronopasanada5302 The deluge of garbage writing and higher-ups forcing their ideas/ideals into the mix in recent years has certainly been rampant, but it's not like there _isn't_ anything good being written or released by major studios. However, it does seem as though television has overall been getting the better scripts and creative minds who are willing to take risks. Fargo on FX, which was created and is primarily written by Noah Hawley (who was given the job to write and direct the next Trek film before the pandemic hit -- his script involved a brand new crew on a new ship encountering a virus in space, so it was scrapped), has been consistently great (if at times wildly ambitious, i.e. season four) since its premiere in 2014 and its upcoming fifth season looks like it'll be quite good as well. He also created a show called Legion in 2017 that ran for three seasons and is quite possibly the most unique and "out there" series to have aired since the premiere of Twin Peaks. Due to his work on both, I'm very excited for his upcoming Alien series; I genuinely feel that if there's anyone who can "right the ship" in regards to that franchise, it's him. I would've loved to see his take on Star Trek, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Perhaps someday he can develop a Trek series instead. Better Call Saul is another example of incredible and consistently excellent writing, as well as how to do "fan service" without cheapening or undermining the story it's trying to tell, even though it ended last year.

[@StormsandSaugeye]

It also kind of low key explains why words father was claimed as a traitor. After all, he defended the *enemy*

[@tyson31415]

“Second star to the right, and straight on till morning” was the perfect last line.

[@ProxyExpy]

I rewatched TOS, TAS and the TOS movies earlier this year, and I teared up a bit during Kirks final log entry at the end of Star Trek VI. It was an amazing capstone, and I loved it.

[@madmen2288]

Let's not forget the really iconic credits with the main cast signatures... It really was a perfect send off despite the Scooby Doo ending. Nothing wrong with a little camp in a trek movie.

[@marocat4749]

i mean scooby doo is a classic for a reason. Also its theatralic enough to fit. plus it makes sense, they had to expose the conspirasy somehow and theatralic, why not.

[@RomanMitz]

Those credits literally make my heart physically ache every time I watch them. It hits so hard.

[@holofish]

And the theme music of the end credits. So good.

[@MauriceHines-nh6tn]

Signatures

[@ssosmcin]

To be fair, the Scooby Doo ending is only in the directors cut. Back in 1991 we only had the far superior theatrical edit.

[@OpinionsNoOneCaresAbout]

Damn straight Uhura's saved the day. And the galaxy. And the future of the Federation. RIP Nichelle.

[@marocat4749]

Yep, good iots shown sh is tha important and way better than any translator.

[@thork6974]

Here's the thing about Uhura's insight though. The ship outfitted with special equipment for studying gaseous anomalies was Excelsior, not Enterprise. As I understand, it was a last-minute production change to give the inciting Praxis encounter to Sulu.

[@ZuluRomeo]

​@@MathToolboxChrisI'm reminded of the Chewin' The Fat episode with the Star Trek audition: "I've got the Borg on the phone for ye" 😂

[@angelwithinthebayarea]

ST Cannon now has a ship NCC Uhura, but I missed the call number. Pretty sure it was referenced in Disco

[@luvmenow33]

That's why Spock is the best first officer of all tibecause.He's always prepared like a boy scout with a pocket full of things like veridian patches

[@HeffeJeffe78]

I saw ST VI with my father on New Year’s Eve 1991 when I was 13. It was a pivotal moment of my youth which opened up a love of the “future promise” of Trek. I remember returning to middle school from Winter break and being told, “The maps will look different now.” For those who didn’t live through the fall of the USSR, you can’t imagine how important December 1991 was in the history of the world.

[@randyohm3445]

The Undiscovered country has long been my favorite Star Trek movie. The writing is immaculate. The acting is great. It's a great story, told well.

[@bobcarn]

This was always my favorite Trek movie. It has everything in it that made Star Trek great. I think it holds up as well today as it did then.

[@TightPantsJack]

It always bugged me that this movie was the one and only instance where Klingons had Pepto Bismol flowing through their veins. I wish Star Trek kept that canon. Aside from helping the film avoid an “R" rating, it was an important tidbit for the deleted “Scooby Doo" twist at the end.

[@BS-vx8dg]

@@richardvinsen2385 I think TPJ was referring to the small energy cannon that was used to shoot the Klingons and chemically altered their blood to the color of Pepto Bismol. 😏

[@kaitlyn__L]

Lower Decks honoured it in wejduj ;) “Klingon blood runs reddish-pink!” I believe was the line.

[@Qba86]

The Klingon FMV game (titled simply 'Star Trek: Klingon') also had purple-ish blood. As far as I know, it's also canon. It certainly felt like a full-budget production for its time.

[@flyboymb]

Klingons as a race have really bad acid reflux. The crew got wicked bad heartburn from the human food at the banquet. They had chugged pepto by the gallon when the two attackers beamed in.

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

"Hey, you can laser someone's arm off, no bother, and do a shitload of murder. But no red blood, that's bad"

[@deadstrobe]

You brought back some good memories here! I played hooky the day Star Trek VI premiered. It was my freshman year of high school. My older brother took me to the theater for the first showing of the day. And the line around the building was truly a sight to see! This was an event film in the best way. And, when I got back to school the next day, I was berated by my math teacher for taking a sick day … just to see Star Trek VI. But it was worth it. ;-)

[@CannedFishFiles]

So important to let the original cast set up Klingons-as-allies on screen! This was the first Trek movie I saw in the theaters, a friend's birthday. I must have been 9 or 10. I don't think I was sophisticated enough to even follow the plot very well, but it was still a satisfying watch, all us little nerds were buzzing about Chang's final moment walking out of the theater. My favorite Trek film, for sure.

[@kwaktak]

ST VI not only brought closure to TOS for me, but it also brought closure to the Cold War in a way. I was born the year TOS was canceled so my first memories were of it in syndication while at the same time the Cold War hung over our way of life. I came to see that the Klingons were the interpretation of the Soviets and it was nice to see a futuristic society that still clung to hope. When I graduated high school I joined the Navy and was immersed in that Cold War mindset for a time, until one day the Berlin wall fell and while on deployment to the Mediterranean our president met with Soviet Premier Gorbachev and glasnost came to be. I recall there being a sense of accomplishment and when I went home ST VI came out soon afterward. As a child I was always made aware of how TOS was topical for the 1960s and much like that, ST VI brought the TOS era to a close in a similarly topical way.

[@PantherMom512]

Spot on! 🎉 And, Thank you for your Service too. 🖖💖

[@ttintagel]

The Undiscovered Country was the first Star Trek film I saw in the cinema. I was recovering from surgery, running a fever, and supposed to be in bed taking it easy, but no way was I going to miss this movie I'd been waiting for. It's hard to convey to younger people just what it felt like for the Cold War to finally be ending and to have that mirrored up on the big screen.

[@Shasta--1]

Great episode. You are a good writer. :)

[@VariusMayhem]

The Undiscovered Country was the last bow on stage for most of the old original crew in the world of Star Trek. One last adventure with the old generation with a bittersweet taste, since all good things do come to an end. For several movies and episodes the crew of the classic Enterprise have stood with us. The ending of this movie was a good farewell to the old crew.

[@ErekLich]

This movie is, in fact, really good overall! Sulu is more badass in this one movie than most Captains manage in an entire season!

[@hancocki]

at least Sulu didnt have to wait until Tuesday

[@LLemon_Pepper]

"Come on! Come on!" "She'll fly apart!" Then fly her apart then!!" I always loved that exchange and delivery.

[@time391]

Plus, we got our first introduction to Ensign Tuvok, who would have guessed the stoic black vulcan background character (the first in franchise history) would become a main character in a future series.

[@sollustyavin]

I wish that someone could have made a series about Captain Sulu and his crew. That would have been amazing. He was already such a great "round" character; seeing him grow and learn ... ah well...

[@bemasaberwyn55]

The thing that I like most about Undiscovered Country is that it explains how the peace is achieved which was alluded to all the way back in the original series episode that established the Klingon neutral zone(because of the Organians) and the pilot of next-gen which had debuted four years earlier( with a junior officer on the bridge who was a Klingon). So it would not only connects first series to the new series but it also was eluded to years before

[@luvmenow33]

McCoy's line "What is it with you!" Will always be my absolute favorite

[@firefly4f4]

Kirk: I can't believe I kissed you! Martia (still looking like Kirk): Must have been your lifelong ambition!

[@Spacegamejunkie]

I never considered Undiscovered Country (my favorite Trek movie) to be a finale to the original series, but it makes perfect sense. Wonderful video, as always!

[@st.anselmsfire3547]

I know people get weird about Spock quoting Sherlock Holmes as "an ancestor of mine," but the actual person who wrote that was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who very well could be an ancestor of Amanda Grayson. Or maybe Sherlock Holmes is a real person in Trek and Data is playing fan fiction with the life of an actual dude. Or maybe "is Sherlock Holmes a real person?" is a weird question to ask when the guy that says it is half-alien.

[@BS-vx8dg]

Very nice observation, Amanda. (You could actually have stopped at the word "Grayson".)

[@josephheston9238]

I often wonder if Robin is an ancestor of Amanda.

[@Trevin_Taylor]

It’s a joke. At this point Spock is joking. He’s reconciled his humanity and understands humor. It’s not to be taken literally. See also “old Vulcan proverb, only Nixon could go to China.”

[@davidkaminski615]

@@Trevin_Taylor Vulcan humor. Gotta love it!

[@LJsReactions]

there is also a lot of evidence to support the theory that Sir Author Conan Doyle may have been none other than Jolly Jack...widely known as Jack the Ripper...After all Jack the Ripper did write that one day men will look back and say I gave birth to the 20th century and Holmes certainly did just that...inspired the creation Spock and Data as well perhaps one could be bold to say that Ripper gave birth not to just the 20th century but to the 23rd century as well as the 24rth and the early 25th century as well

[@hibiscusman]

Undiscovered Country is my low key favorite film in the series. Wrath of Khan is certainly a favorite and objectively amazing, but the dark tone and music of Undiscovered Country made it amazing. I always felt like this was the most adult Star Trek film, then and now. Ah! And I'm so glad you mentioned the score. The overture during the credits for this film is *incredible* and one of my favorite pieces of film music. It's so different from previous scores, and yet fits the film perfectly. Again, similar to James Horner creating an entirely original theme and score for WoK. Excellent stuff.

[@PantherMom512]

All of the Best ST films (II, IV, VI) fixed disappointing stories of the prior very odd film (I, III, V). The ONLY "Good Line" of V, for Me was the vinegar in Kirk's koolaid: "Wait. What does God need a ship for? My Ship?!!!"

[@DonaldWalker-su8nj]

I'm a TOS fan from the get-go. I watched the first run series when it premiered (yes I'm THAT old) and haven't missed an episode since-- including all spin-offs and associated movies. The Undiscovered Country is all you say and properly a fitting send-off of the TOS cast. Just a couple personal reflections from seeing this movie its debut week in theaters. Firstly one of my favorite lines is Sulu commanding "Fly her apart then!" and secondly that gorgeous score which at the end of the film-- coupled with the signatures of each of the original cast scrolling across the screen pushed my emotions over the edge. I don't know if any other movie before has used the signatures of the cast over the final moments before the credits roll or not, but it was a perfect and dignified nod to each of these actors who has brought their characters to life over the course of time.

[@T0ghar]

The credits with the casts signatures are also just beautiful.

[@gordon1891]

This was my first Star Trek film I saw in the cinema at 9 years old. My Grandma took me to see it . It was amazing! I don't remember even blinking much .

[@Bridget108p]

I know I watched Star Trek 6 as a kid because I have vage memories of it. But I haven't seen it for a long time. Star Trek 4 was my favorite of the older movies. You have inspired me to go back and re-watch all of the TOS movies. Thanks for the shout-out!!!

[@nytwyng491]

Way back in my college science-fiction films class, I did a paper comparing and contrasting Meyer's ST II and VI. There are a lot of thematic similarities (insert "It's like poetry; it rhymes" joke here). Both deal with the crew coping with growing older in a changing galaxy, and coming out the other side with a renewed sense of youth. (In II, Kirk explicitly states, "I feel young," and in VI, he quotes Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up.) One thing that fits with some of what you talked about - and maybe I've been reading too much into this for the 30 years since I wrote that paper - is that if you add an "E" to the end of the primary antagonist's name, the crew spends the movie learning how to overcome the fear and obstacles that are put in their way by change. I don't know if that was intentional in the writing of the movie or just a happy accident, but it struck me all those years ago and has stayed with me.

[@thedoctor4269]

The main reason I find VI to be a better Star Trek film that II is that its bigger theme of moving past one's prejudices for the betterment of all is a core concept that, in my mind, makes Trek Trek. Whereas I find one of II's bigger themes to be about living one's life so one's past doesn't come back to haunt you, which is one that doesn't *need* to be told in the Star Trek universe.

[@marocat4749]

Its also having all that charactr moments and humor, but still nails the theme with good character arcs. plus kirk the klingon hatr being the ambasator of peace, goated on by spock, is so good. And even uhara gets done justice. And that tey ar a product of thir time but even klingon hater kirk can become the ambassor of unity and peace. Honstly di think archr, i cant ddeside if kirk or archer has the better arc there.

[@susansantoro6876]

Your message in this video is immensely essential and relevant in today’s world. I can’t believe it took me this long to get to this video and I’m so glad I did. This last movie with the original cast is a hopefully a reality slap to all of us that if we (the ones with intelligence and common sense) don’t pull together…. We are headed into a very dark place. I just hope it’s not too late 🖖

[@openmoose]

I remember my mom taking me to the theater to see this. Core memory.

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

The battle with Chang's ship is reminiscent of Balance of Terror where the Enterprise battles a cloaked ship -the Romulan Bird of Prey. Kirk fighting himself (the shapeshifter) reminds us of the two Kirks fighting each other in The Enemy Within. So, there were some references to earlier episodes, but not overtly done and only known to those who watched the original series.

[@Krunnky]

What a great jog down memory lane. Thanks for this.

[@KrooTon]

Your breakdowns on these more than once have touched nerve enough for me to get misty-eyed. Thanks for the always interesting & entertaining essays on Trek and life.

[@EchoJ]

I see a video with "Undiscovered Country" and "Best" in the sand sentence, I click and like, no questions asked😌😉

[@Corpo_Recruiter]

Great video. I've always liked Star Trek, but have never been a huge fan; but I love your videos breaking things down and shedding new light on old episodes. I need to go rewatch DS9 because of you. Who has that much time? Screw you man. 😉

[@thedoctor4269]

The way this movie honours the TOS cast and what Star Trek stands for better, in my mind, makes it the best Trek film. As it's smartly written enough to give enough context to the characters' motivation within it (like reminding us of David's death) I also, oddly enough, use it often as the on-ramp to get friends into Star Trek. Thank you for your solid, well thought-out and passionate essay.

[@TheSuperhomosapien]

10:21 "Amazingly his climb on top of him and club him in the chest technique does not stop Gorkon from bleeding to death..." All the Klingons in the room watching this scene: "How is this human so knowledgeable in the pinnacle of Klingon medical techniques?"

[@AndrewD8Red]

I have three films tied for best Trek movie, and this is one of them. It's superb.

[@Dave175]

And the third one is Beyond?

[@BS-vx8dg]

WoKhan, this, and First Contact?

[@ProxyExpy]

I go back and forth on if I like The Undiscovered Country or The Wrath of Khan is my favorite. Honestly, 2-4 and 6 forms a tight unit if you watch them without stopping for 5. TMP doesn't really fit in with that story arc but is good in its own right. (The Directors Cut is good anyway)

[@time391]

@@ProxyExpy Wrath of Khan is great, Star Trek 4 Voyage Home was a fun action adventure, Star Trek 6 Undiscovered Country was topical and deep, and Star Trek 8 First Contact had everything we loved about TNG era without being too draggy.

[@Yora21]

@@BS-vx8dg Those are my three.

[@rossy9095]

Undiscovered Country is a masterpiece. I don’t mind Easter eggs, but I feel like they should be a reward for the long term watchers, fleeting references that a new viewer wouldn’t feel disconnected from.

[@jessejeffries7883]

Fantastic review of Star Trek VI and I completely agree with everything you said . In an age of endless nostalgia and reboots , it shines as a magnificent gem from a bygone era . A fitting conclusion to TOS and the best final chapter of any Trek thus far. I own one small piece of it ; one of the Klingon mining rifles , possibly held by Kirk and McCoy while they are imprisoned on rura penthe . It came from the collection of Greg Jein ; who made props for the film. It’s a good example of how well this film was made ; it appears on screen for less than a minute, yet it’s immaculate in its design, absolutely believable to be a relic from a Klingon prison. This entire film was crafted in such a fashion , from everyone involved . That is why it has and always will stand the test of time as a historic piece of cinema.

[@AMaxMusic]

Star Trek VI is the best Star Trek movie of TOS era. Great film, great story, great music (theme is absolutely stunning during the opening). Thank you for this video

[@kbrock9146]

I had to watch the Kirk/Spock paraphrased convo twice because, damn, having just watched this scene and remembering what was said and then hearing it paraphrased...... so spot on and I laughed when I looked down and saw the clips picked for it. Well done. 😂

[@air1fire]

Finally an episode of Trek Actually I can watch without spoilers 😊

[@DawnStaceyEnnis]

Steve, while I am grateful you graciously allowed those of us who loved Picard S3 to have our opinion, I strongly disagree with you - not on your assessments of STVI - but on your dismissal of Picard S3. But just as you did, I shall permit you to have your opinion! Thanks for the video. I’m a loyal viewer of your reviews with your friend and even when I disagree with you (which is often) I enjoy your videos. Keep doing them. Who knows? Maybe someday you’ll like something without any quibbles. Unlikely tho, right?

[@BS-vx8dg]

Steve, I would have been content with you just giving us the movie's plot and paralleling it to the Cold War. It's all stuff known (and comfortable) to those of us who have been watching Trek since TOS aired on NBC. But then, in the second half, when you relate to us that *this* is how you close a series, by abjuring fan service and instead providing us a truly new story that makes great use of beloved characters, well, this was something I had never really thought about (even though your opinion of fan service is hardly something unfamiliar to viewers of your videos). I have loved ST:6 since it came out, and now I have an intellectual framework to explain to people who Klingon to one lesser movie or another as their favorite, that even if they can't agree that this is the best ST movie, it is the best finale in the franchise. Great video, sir.

[@OpinionsNoOneCaresAbout]

Klingon law apparently doesn't have a problem with conflict of interest...If the guy prosecuting you also arrested you for the crime, there's probably a liiiiittle bias there.

[@buglepong]

i love the line spock makes about "having faith" to valeris, that not everything can be logically reasoned to a machiavellian end

[@winstonp.prescott3845]

Without a doubt, I have said that for years..."Prick us do we not bleed" Oh my gawd what a movie!

[@dredd1761]

This is why I still love yah Steve. You keep doing you. Wish others would be the same.

[@maundamartin59]

Awesome movie. I was 18 yrs old, and in the U.S. NAVY,CULINARY SPECIALIST SCHOOL SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. I unexpectedly saw a preview of ST6 in the lounge of our barracks. I went to the movies opening day. At the end of ST6 when the Excelsior and the Enterprise both fired on the Bird of Prey, the audience started to CLAP AND WHISTLE LIKE WE JUST ALL HIT THE. LOTTERY. IT WAS A MOMENTOUS OCCASION!!!! GOD BLESS 1991.

[@Tigershark_3082]

I think The Undiscovered Country was my first experience with Star Trek, besides the 2009 JJ Abrams movie (and a few assorted TNG episodes I would watch at my Grandmother's house when we'd go up for Christmas) so it holds a pretty special place in my heart. A little later on, my dad and I wpuld always sit down every Friday or Saturday night to watch some Star Trek TOS on MeTV. I love your breakdown of these ST episodes They're funny, well put together, and just generally fun to watch.

[@seantlewis376]

If The Undiscovered Country was your first Star Trek experience, did you have any trouble understanding the background that set us up for this?

[@Tigershark_3082]

​@@seantlewis376Not really I was pretty darn young at the time, and both my dad and mom always made reference to tge Klingons or Borg as the enemies of the Federation. I ended up getting more into ST as I got older, but for the most part just didn't really question things.

[@henryplantagenet219]

2024 - being one of the old weirdos that have seen this film in the cinema when it aired …. This in my favorite of them all. There is nostalgia, there is humor and a glimpse of the fire 🔥 of the old days. In my friends family so many phrases from this film (and wrath of khan) have become winged words over time. Thank you Steve for having looked at this. Add on - Picard series I have not seen all, haven’t seen any of the new series to the full. I am not triggered to. 1988 no week went without the heat what this bold (sic!) Frenchy would do next week with his spocky Datastick. When I was 5,6,7 yrs old i remember to have sat with a couple of friends in front of a TV during a birthday watching TOS, there already 10-15 yrs old. And it was a big deal. Nowadays the „new“ series feels very flat and I feel sad for it. I want Star Trek to be great, to endure and my kids loving it the way I did. Unfortunately they don’t do. Add on 2: one of the best scenes - DS 9 - forget the episode - Quark and an alien weapons seller find during a fight a non exploded Torpedo head in the wall „maybe we should offer a discount for these“

[@allmachtsdaggl5109]

When Star Trek 6 came out i was 13 and on a ship from Calais to Dover. Back in the day those rides took longer that today, the ship had a cinema on board and my friend and I were excited to see, that they showed Star Trek 6. So I have this very special and dear memory of my young days, watching Star Trek on a real ship.

OMG! This review, synopsis, or however you elect to frame it, took my heart on a very nostalgic journey through Trek's past that has left me utterly breathless! I agree with everything you said up to about 95%. What I do not agree with you is so minuscule that it is barely worth mentioning. I have followed you for a time and truly enjoy your perception of many things within your KZbin channel. I am old enough to remember seeing Star Trek's first airing on September 8, 1966, and have met some of the TOS stars by happenstance! My daughter looking over my shoulders has reminded me not to make this a novel, just because I have a journalism degree, so I will end it here and wish you well going forward, for I will be watching!

[@neesi1570]

(I'm Kris Bluth; posting under my wife's account). I'd personally put VI just under IV as my favorite Trek film ever. I remember seeing it with a girl I was dating and I don't know if we had stumbled onto a screening booked by hardcore Trekkies or what, but I've probably never been in an audience that had been so into a film as this one. They laughed, they cried, they applauded uproariously more than once, and they just made what would have been a great time ever better. Nostalgia aside, though, the movie just works. It's a clever premise that really moves all of Trek forward, the mystery is intriguing, the character moments are earned and feel natural, the humor feels organic and isn't at the expense of anybody, the thrilling parts are actually thrilling, and yeah, if they wanted the TOS crew to go out on a high, they couldn't have done better.

[@davidawimsett]

Your are right on when you say Star Trek 6 is a great wrap up a long running franchise. Writers need keep the flavor of a show and present us with new material as they explores the characters and the world in further complexity instead of rehashing the past. Let Captain Kirk grow as a character with the realization of his mistakes so we see deeper into him. Let the Federation and Klingons discover a new relationship and a road to enhance both cultures with mutual respect, a theme Gene Rodenberry instilled in the series from the beginning. That’s what Star Trek 6 did. Thank you for pointing this out.

[@joeykahn]

So well said. Indeed. Thank you for translating our feelings into coherent thoughts. Who knows, perhaps a future producer, show runner, or director is already subscribed, and taking notes.... Best Regards.

[@pacer2165]

Christopher Plummer as General Chang and Kim Katrall as Valeris were amazing. Also agree about the score and the plot. Was a treat then and still stands up today. One of the few Star Trek films I've watched multiple times.

[@jameschandler9581]

That was an amazing video!! Love your perspective!!

[@krim7]

I cannot think of a better finale than the undiscovered country.

[@tedstahl3794]

Steve - I don’t agree with you all the time, but when you’re right, you’re RIGHT. Your observations and insights about The Undiscovered Country are marvelous and truly spot on. I also agree with your praise for TNG’s finale and the resounding WTF?!? for Enterprise’s. Thank you for acknowledging the importance of “story” and for serving as its champion. Peace to you and yours. Thank you for insightful and engaging content.

[@dmac7128]

One other aspect of Star Trek VI is the completion of Kirk's character arc. It started in Star Trek II when Kirk's son is introduced and is killed at the hands of Klingons in Star Trek III and Kirk is hunted in Star Trek V. And it is brought to a close when Kirk recognizes his prejudice, comes to terms with it. For me the themes of reconciliation, personal development, the idea that people can come to terms with their weaknesses and shortcomings and change for the better are what Star Trek is all about.

[@RonJomero]

I grew up in the TNG era and my parents were never much into Trek, so I never was exposed to TOS much. I have a hard time getting into it, even today, and generally just appreciate it from afar. But I will say that out of all the TOS movies, ST6 is definitely my favorite of them all and one I'll rewatch again and again.

[@seantlewis376]

I agree for the most part. ST VI is my favorite of all the movies. I disagree when you wander into some of the other series enders, but I do agree about ST VI. I was in the US Army during the collapse of the USSR and the end of the Cold War, which I lived with growing up. The allegory of The Undiscovered Country was obvious, and not lost on me. Thanks for putting it all together. "Second star to the right, and straight on 'til morning." is one of the best lines ever in Star Trek History, then the visual of them sailing into the sunset. Perfect. The entire franchise could have ended there, and fans would have been satisfied.

[@dorgfanger]

I loved VI as a kid because General Chang was an excellent villain, Sulu was awesome as Captain, and the final battle is so fun to watch. The political scenes were there and I understood they were important (mainly setting up where characters would be in the plot later), but the action stuff was fun! As an adult, I watch it more FOR those scenes that I skimmed over so much as a wee lad because, like II, it shows the age of our heroes and showcases how imperfect they all are BUT that they work to overcome those imperfections, those little flaws that grow to destroy who we are if we don’t nip them in the bud, to uphold not only the tenants of the Federation that they serve but to be BETTER people than the caricatures they would become in these difficult times. I grew up with the Klingons as the enemy. I then saw how people can choose to change and grow and try to make the “Undiscovered Country” of the future better for those that come after. It really showed me the optimism of Star Trek - no, the world is not perfect. We aren’t perfect. But we can TRY to be better. We can work together to BE better. No matter how many General Changs or Admiral Cartwrights there may be to hold us back, we have the ability, nay the responsibility, to overcome those biases and help those who need it, to look past borders and cultures to see those who aren’t “us” as people that deserve the same respect and care we do. Nicholas Meyer and Leonard Nimoy truly crafted not only a classic piece of cinema worthy of saving, but absolutely the best send off and finale to a crew we could’ve asked for

[@reedy9333]

I like you and your take on things and your presentation and your thoughtfulness... I understand comments help out KZbinrs, so there you go.

[@boratekin67]

I remember watching this for the first time in a movie theater. I was 24 years old and had watched TOS and the previous movies. It felt like a farewell to the original characters. And it was bittersweet.

[@gregorythughes]

My personal headcanon is that Romulan Ambassador Nanclus and, more broadly, the Romulan Empire (Tal Shiar) were the originators/instigators of the conspiracy to prevent peace talks in the first place. Nanclus has almost nothing to do in the film except delivering a cryptic line and getting arrested at the end, but his inclusion is a perfect nod toward the type of Romulan behavior depicted in TNG (the Redemption two-parter came out the same year as ST VI) and later in Enterprise's fourth season. I mean, Romulans do seem to default to "let's execute a secret plot to divide our enemies and keep them from uniting against us" (only to have said plot fail spectacularly), and through that lens Star Trek VI could easily be viewed as just another attempt. What are your thoughts?

[@TheGerkuman]

It works, but it relies on the modern interpretation of the Romulans. (Given that the Romulans and Klingons kinda swapped MO's between TOS and TNG)

[@StormsparkPegasus]

Absolutely. And totally in character for the Romulans. The Romulans have ALWAYS been trying to set the Federation and Klingons against each other. The Romulans didn't necessarily have to start the conspiracy, but they certainly would've done their best to further it if they discovered it.

[@time391]

Make sense, but the Romulans met their match in the 24th century with adversaries like the Dominion and Federation's own secret intelligence agency, Section 31. Of course, I think out of all the scheming powers, the one that probably had the most lasting impression on the Romulans is the Cardassians via Garak's ploy that caused them to enter the Dominion War, thus destabilizing their political, military, and social institutions to the point where they couldn't evacuate their own citizens off Romulus, their government was infiltrated by Federation agents, and ultimately collapsed their nation state. While the Romulans like to use the ploy of "Divide and Conquer", I prefer the Cardassian adjustment to their own gambit.

[@berthulf]

I believe most of the politicians were originally supposed to have a bigger role in this, but they were all cut back for time and to favour the crew's story.

[@cajltd1737]

Couldn't agree more, the best ST movie of them all. I mostly watch this channel because I think you're funny and clued-up, but his analysis was spot on!

[@8cupsCoffee]

My favorite movie, thanks for covering it!

[@acm4147]

It WAS a great movie. RIP David Warner. A top notch actor. The soundtrack is one of my favorite movie soundtracks (along side "Last Temptation of Christ). It was a superb production of music. Dark, somber, epic. Somewhat Wagnerian; yet soaring and optimistic at the end. Great writing, and acting! I saw this and had lunch out two Sundays straight. Two of my best Sundays ever..🤣👏Great vid, as always Steve. Whatever support your members offer you, its so well deserved. I regret i can't at the moment. For folks supporting Steve, thanks! 👍

[@tomjares7559]

Thanks Steve. Well done!

[@BobSperber]

This was twice as good as I expected!

[@kaladyn]

You nailed it in this breakdown. My favorite as well. Christopher Plummer as Chang is still my favorite 2nd favorite villain in all of Trek for his phenomenal portrayal.

[@TimeKitt]

Now I can only reconsider my "they shouldnt have brought the borg back a third time in a row" of season 3 of Piccard. Now it's "they should have built off of the previous two experiences with the borg, and had Piccard offer piece."

[@rhikkha]

This one comes right after my favorite ST-Film.... *humming row row row your boat gently down the stream....*

[@BubblegumCrash332]

I was 11 years old when i saw this in Theaters. What great me memories. That final battle was amazing

[@MCMcommunications]

Couldn't agree with you more. Good insights, including an interesting spin on the fact that 4 composers scored the 6 movies. You might like to consider an advanced grammatical point: at 3 minutes and a bit before 22, you say "one of the events which IS often cited..." and "one of the things that MAKES the story of STVI so powerful", but those should be plural to describe and limit the events/things.

[@cptnmus8996]

Eleven thirty at night, need to work in the morning, just about to lock the screen when new video alert comes up...... Bastard... Beautiful bastard *taps play*

[@michaeledwardharris]

Damn, well done! I agree with all of your points. Superb analysis.

[@berthulf]

My favourite Star Trek film, and one of my top five films of all time. Since the first time I saw ST:VI (in the cinema no less) it has been entrenched as my most favourite. I remember that not being even remotely the case with many in the fandom, and was used to people denigrating and misunderstanding it, but fortunately, the fandom seems to have come around over the last few years to see what I do in it: even if most people don't rate it as highly as I do, it's still rated in most people's top few, which is incredibly validating. Cliff Eidelman's theme is also incredible, so different and yet somehow familiar at the same time, and very powerful; a perfect complement to the acting and themes of the film.

[@MrAngryThing13]

Beautifully said, had a tear in my eye towards the end

[@glamourweaver]

It’s interesting to me how the final TOS movie covering the creation of peace with the Klingons was super timely with 91, but also something set up already by the existence of said peace on TNG. So it created a bridge between the eras narratively, and was already an event established to have occurred in some form.

[@levgoldiner3098]

Great video. ST VI is one of my favorite movies

[@andrewshandle]

I remember seeing this in the theaters and it was just really, really enjoyable. It just worked.

[@jeromethiel4323]

This movie is just a huge moment of growth for Kirk. It shows that he wasn't just "Torn shirt macho" Kirk, but someone who can actually realize that a long held belief is wrong, and he can at least start to move in a healthier direction.

[@JRcomments]

Fondness for this movie grew over time. I remember seeing this with my buddies in the theater when it premiered. They were so fat at this point we dubbed this movie, "The Undiscovered Country Chicken".

[@stephanietory5619]

This was my favorite Star Trek movie. I liked the signatures at the end before the closing credits. Thanks for the video.

[@markwilliams2620]

"I'd give real money if he'd shut up." Spoken like only a genteel Atlantan could do.

[@LeKittyGoesClang]

Great episode, so many things explained that I never would have thought of or read into. I loved all the shows no matter how they are liked or disliked.

[@Myrdden71]

Always been my favorite Trek film. So many good points to it, such fond memories.

[@CaptainAndy]

‘The Undiscovered Country’ shows us that the utopian future of Star Trek is possible, but also that it won’t come easily. It will require us to confront our prejudices and actively build bridges.

[@Kevinardo]

I saw Walter Koenig speak at a Fan Convention recently, and when asked about Shatner he said something mildly defensive of Shatner. I thought it was rather diplomatic considering in the hour after George Takei was not as kind. I got a good laugh at your comparison to what Chekov would have done to what Koenig would have done!

[@jeromethiel4323]

I was at a convention where Nichelle Nichols was a guest. At the dinner, she spontaneously got up and sang to the attendees. Class act for sure, and a lovely person. And it was a SMALL convention, not more that 1500 people. Having dealt with other "talent", having one be actually appreciative of the fans is just nice. Some are total a-holes.

[@matthew.datcher]

I'm so glad to finally hear you gush about my favorite Star Trek film.

[@spacemanspiff3052]

Great post! Totally agree. All things said, the TOS characters are still the ones that give me that warm tingly feeling . . . Honestly, there is a part of me that would really like to see the DS9 crew get another chance at bat . . . BUT my reason immediately kicks in and foot stomps that sentimentality. Some things are best left alone.