First-Time Watch – Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Our release-order journey brings us back to the original crew for Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.
After spending so much time with The Next Generation, returning to Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the rest of the Enterprise crew feels a little different than it would have if we had simply watched all of the original-series movies together. The release-order approach continues to reveal connections between eras of Star Trek and makes the franchise feel increasingly like one large, interconnected world.
This week, we get
Another bridge between the TOS and TNG eras
Political intrigue, assassination, and conspiracy
One final adventure with the original Enterprise crew
We covered
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
One of the most interesting things about watching Star Trek in release order continues to be seeing how the different pieces of the franchise fit together.
This time, that includes another connection between the original crew and The Next Generation. We meet Colonel Worf, grandfather of the Worf we already know, while the events surrounding Khitomer add even more history to the universe we’ve been exploring.
The movie also gives us a surprisingly layered conspiracy. There is clearly more happening than what we initially see, raising questions about who is actually behind the assassination attempt and how much of the larger plot the movie has time to reveal.
Things we discussed
Release-order viewing
Additional connections between TOS and TNG
Worf’s grandfather… Worf
Camp Khitomer
Adding to the overall Star Trek worldbuilding
Dozing off while watching but still enjoying the movie
Why the movie works for diehard and casual Star Trek fans
Why parts of the movie seemed familiar
Deleted scenes
Who is really behind the assassination attempt?
Whether the ending feels rushed
What kind of draw the movie had for non-Star Trek fans
Jackass 3 and reaching a sense of finality
Why movies don’t have to be made for everyone
Kirk surrendered himself — not the Enterprise
Spending time with the original crew again
Complex, well-developed characters
Literary references
A Lieutenant Commander Random sighting
Spock and Saavik’s child?
Suspension of disbelief in science-fiction stories
Final Thoughts
Star Trek VI feels like a movie made for the fans — and that isn’t a criticism.
Not every movie needs to be designed to bring in everyone. There is something satisfying about a story that understands its audience, knows why people care about these characters, and gives them another opportunity to spend time together.
After moving deeper into The Next Generation, it was especially fun to come back to Kirk and the original crew. These characters now have decades of history behind them, and that history gives even small moments additional weight.
It also reinforces one of the things we’ve enjoyed most about watching Star Trek in release order: instead of experiencing each series or film as an isolated block, we’re watching one universe gradually build on itself.
Where we are on our Trek:
Last week we covered:
Next week we will continue with:
If you want to see my journey from the very beginning, start here:
Also, be sure to check out Nate’s and my other podcast – The In Lap with Aaron and Nate – to listen to us discuss all things Formula 1 on race weekends, wherever you listen to your podcasts.