Ah, 1991. It was a time before the internet, before we shared everything via social media, and the way we watched television was nothing like it is today. Back then, we Star Trek: The Next Generation fans had to wait a week to see how a cliffhanger or a two-part episode would conclude (or, at the end of the season, the entire summer!)
Next Gen offered several two-part episodes during its seven-year run, but "Unification II" truly earns its title of "can't-miss TV." Emotional callbacks to Star Trek: The Original Series certainly help, but here are the five reasons this episode still endures and must be seen almost 35 years later.
1. A stellar appearance by Leonard Nimoy as Spock returns!
While "Unification I" teased the appearance of the late, great Leonard Nimoy as Ambassador Spock, we didn't get to actually see the venerable Vulcan until his reveal at the end. "Unification II" picks up from there, and what a delight it was back then to see Nimoy slip right back into Spock like a well-worn and much-loved robe. It warmed my heart back then, as it likely did other fans of TOS.
Patrick Stewart and Nimoy create both chemistry and tension during their first few moments together after meeting, especially when Captain Picard tells Spock that his "Cowboy diplomacy" won't be tolerated by the Federation, despite his years of service. Spock mentions that offering Captain Kirk as an olive branch during initial peace talks with the Klingons almost got him and others killed, so he'd risk only himself now. It's very much in character, which makes for beautiful continuity.