Is the ‘Star Trek’ Short Film ‘Unification’ Canon?

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765874 – Unification might decide to include this short as part of the Star Trek canon, and even if it never officially canon, it remains a beautiful tribute to the spirit of Star Trek fans, then it is to say otherwise? It’t contradict anything that came before; currently, nothing contradicts it. The nature of the story takes place outside of space-time, meaning it can be both canon and not at the same time. It doesn’t have to contradict anything that came before; currently, nothing contradicts it.”/>

On November 17, 2024, Star Trek enthusiasts were thrilled by an unexpected short film titled “765874 – Unification,” which was dropped by The Roddenberry Archive. This film was strategically released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Star Trek: Generations,” a movie that premiered in cinemas on November 18, 1994. As the seventh installment in the Star Trek series, “Star Trek: Generations” served to connect the original Star Trek series by having Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) encounter Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), and concluded with Kirk’s demise. Thirty years later, “765874 – Unification” aims not only to serve as an epilogue for “Star Trek: Generations” but also mirrors the role of that film by bringing together different aspects of the Star Trek universe, such as The Kelvin timeline films and Star Trek: Discovery.

The short movie is about the soul of Captain James T. Kirk, posthumously, and was developed by VFX studio OTOY. William Shatner once again takes on the role of Captain Kirk, with digital aging technology from OTOY being utilized to make Shatner appear younger, much like Mark Hamill in “The Mandalorian” or Harrison Ford in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Actor Sam Witwer steps in as William Shatner’s stand-in.

In this short movie, Kirk encounters several characters from the afterlife and even journeys through different dimensions to be with his companion Spock (Leonard Nimoy’s reused footage paired with Lawrence Selleck as a stand-in). This reunion takes place before Kirk meets his end in the Kelvin Timeline, as hinted at in “Star Trek Beyond.” The short film has been applauded by fans, but due to its Star Trek origin, the debate over its validity within the series’ continuity has arisen.

‘765874 – Unification’ Connects Various Corners of Star Trek Canon

765874 – “Unification” bridges the narrative gap between “Star Trek: Generations” (1994) and “Star Trek: Beyond” (2016), connecting both the Prime Universe and the Kelvin Timeline. It seamlessly integrates with numerous existing stories, featuring Captain Kirk’s conclusion after “Generations” and a prelude to Spock’s end before “Beyond”. The short film is rich in references to the broader “Star Trek” universe. A remarkable scene even brings together three distinct versions of Kirk on screen, representing different stages of his life: the young Captain Kirk from “Star Trek: The Original Series”, Admiral Kirk from “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”, and finally the late Captain Kirk from “Star Trek: Generations”.

In the film “765874 – Unification,” Kirk encounters an older version of Saavik, played by Robin Curtis who had taken over the role from Kirstie Alley. Saavik appeared earlier in “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” and “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.” Notably, this version of Saavik is also seen with her and Spock’s adult son, Sorak (Mark Cinnery). This plot point, where Saavik and Spock have a relationship, was previously introduced in “The Search for Spock.

In the initial plan for Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Saavik was supposed to remain on Vulcan to raise her and Spock’s son, but this idea was ultimately abandoned. This concept of Saavik and Spock having a child together was introduced in the 1999 novel “Vulcan Heart”, however, it hasn’t been addressed in any live-action series or films, leaving its validity unclear. The fact that both characters, Saavik and Sorak, are included in this story is certainly a delight for fans.

In this story, we encounter more figures hailing from the Star Trek universe. The narrative opens with Gary Mitchell (Gary Lockwood), a character introduced in Kirk’s debut episode of Star Trek titled “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” This suggests that he is witnessing these events during that episode because he was granted extraordinary powers to perceive across time and space. Simultaneously, Kirk crosses paths with Yor (Gordon Tarpley), a character hinted at in Star Trek: Discovery Season 3 Episode 9 “Terra Firma Part 1.” This episode indicated that Yor journeyed forward in time and traversed from a parallel universe caused by the intrusion of a Romulan mining vessel.

In simpler terms, this statement is referring back to a pivotal event in the 2009 film “Star Trek,” known as the Kelvin incident. This marked the beginning of the Kelvin timeline and was the initial introduction of the revised timeline within the primary “Star Trek” narrative. This means that when Yor and Kirk exchanged places between their respective universes, an alive Yor moved from the Kelvin timeline to the Prime timeline. Simultaneously, Kirk’s spirit managed to traverse from the Prime timeline to the Kelvin timeline.

What the Title Means

To put it simply, the title itself provides a clue. The number 765874 refers to crewmember J.M. Colt from the original “Star Trek” pilot “The Cage,” a name often used in Roddenbery Archive Shorts. The term “Unification” is multi-layered; it brings together the Prime and Kelvin timelines, and serves as a tribute to a well-known “Star Trek” episode, but also symbolizes Kirk and Spock’s final reunion.

The two-part episode titled “Star Trek: The Next Generation – Unification” featured Spock attempting to bring Vulcan and Romulus together. This episode is highly praised within the Star Trek universe, with a follow-up titled “Unification III” appearing in Star Trek: Discovery Season 3. Interestingly, “Unification Pt. 1 & 2”, “Unification III,” and now 765874 – Unification all premiered during the month of November.

It’s undeniable that the concept of Unification has strong ties to the Star Trek universe, drawing from series like The Original Series, The Wrath of Khan, Generations, Beyond, Discovery, and numerous other sources. However, its status as official canon might be questionable, but it certainly stands out as an impressive fan production.

It Is Not Technically Canon, But Does That Matter?

765874 – Unification hails from The Roddenberry Archive, a joint venture between The Roddenberry Estate, OTOY, and esteemed Star Trek artists. As stated in their mission, The Roddenberry Archive aims to acknowledge the work and career of Gene Roddenberry by archiving, conserving, and showcasing crucial elements of his work, such as Star Trek and other projects. Their goal is to safeguard this data for researchers studying his career, admirers of his work, and to offer precise details to those involved in future productions or projects inspired by Roddenberry’s work.

Just like Roddenberry Entertainment, The Roddenberry Archive maintains a close relationship with the owners of the Star Trek franchise, Paramount. However, it’s important to note that Paramount holds the rights and ultimate authority over the Star Trek franchise. Therefore, the production “765874 – Unification” is not an official Paramount production and doesn’t fall under the franchise’s official canon, according to Paramount. Despite being a fan film, whether it’s high-budget or costly, it features key figures from the Star Trek series, including William Shatner and Robin Curtis.

765874 – Unification, while not officially deemed “canon” by Star Trek’s official authorities, can still be considered as such by fans who choose to imagine it so. Since the narrative occurs beyond the confines of space and time, it can exist simultaneously within and outside the canon. It doesn’t conflict with any preceding events; at present, nothing conflicts with it either.

What matters is if it means something to the individual viewer. If seeing this somehow enriches either Star Trek: Generations or Star Trek: Beyond or adds new meaning and context to Star Trek: The Search for Spock or Star Trek: Discovery, then that is what matters. Who knows, years from now, a writer on Star Trek might make this short film canon. Yet even if it is not made official by Paramount, if it is true in the heart of the viewer, then who is to say that it doesn’t count?

A Thanksgiving Miracle for Trekkies

The appearance of ‘765874 – Unification’ on the 30th anniversary of ‘Star Trek: Generations’ offers a fitting tribute to two iconic characters, Captain Kirk and Spock, providing them an ending that real-life could not. This is a delightful commemoration for ‘Star Trek: Generations’, marking a closure to the franchise’s last cinematic release, ‘Star Trek Beyond’. It has been eight years since a ‘Star Trek’ film graced the big screen, making it the longest hiatus in the series. Unfortunately, Paramount Pictures have faced numerous challenges with the production of ‘Star Trek 4’, including delays and cancellations, which have prevented its release.

As a dedicated Star Trek fan, I find myself intrigued by the current state of our beloved universe. The animated series, Star Trek: Lower Decks, is wrapping up its final episodes as we speak, and earlier this year, Star Trek: Discovery said its goodbyes. The upcoming year, 2025, promises some significant events for Star Trek enthusiasts on Paramount+. First, the franchise’s first non-theatrical film, Star Trek: Section 31, is set to debut on January 24, 2025. Later in the year, we can look forward to Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

It appears that the release of “765874 – Unification” in November, just before Thanksgiving, seems particularly appropriate. This is because it coincides with Generations’ 30th anniversary and follows the pattern set by the previous three episodes titled “Unification.” Furthermore, films like The Voyage Home were released in cinemas, while Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness became available on home video around the November holiday. Traditionally, Star Trek has a strong association with Thanksgiving, making 765874 – Unification a fitting treat for dedicated Star Trek fans.

Stream on The Roddenberry Archive.

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2024-11-23 06:32