Star Trek episode banned after controversial prediction | UK News

Star Trek is healthier identified for its outlandish science fiction plots than for dabbling in politics – however one scene had TV bosses anxious.

The 1990 episode, which was screened within the USA however banned from Britain and Ireland for 17 years, noticed Starship Enterprise character Data predict that Ireland would obtain “unification” by 2024. However, he steered that it could be achieved by means of bloodshed.

Sinn Fein’s new Northern Ireland chief, Michelle O’Neill, has made her own prediction, insisting that a referendum on Irish unity might be held within the following decade. However, on the time Star Trek broached the thorny subject, there was a brutal battle afoot involving the IRA.

The paramilitary group have a historical past of fierce opposition to British rule in Northern Ireland – and TV bosses had been reportedly fearful about how viewers would react if the scene had been screened. Some felt it may have incited additional violence, particularly with The Troubles nonetheless contemporary in lots of people’s recollections and the IRA’s ceasefire nonetheless 4 years off.

Rather than risk making waves with Data’s chilling prediction in regards to the “Irish unification of 2024,” the episode cut the scene when it aired in Britain on Sky in 1992. The BBC did decide to screen a model in 2007—however simply on one single event, which has not been repeated.

The futuristic episode, The High Ground – filmed back when 2024 was a long approach off – noticed Data focus on how to make use of violence to attain political goals

“I’ve been reviewing the history of armed rebellion, and it appears that terrorism is an effective way to promote political change,” Data advised Jean Luc Picard.

Jean, portrayed by Patrick Stewart, replied: “Yes it can be, but I have never subscribed to the theory that political power flows from the barrel of a gun.”

Data continued: “Yet there are numerous examples of when it was successful.

“The independence of the Mexican state from Spain, the Irish unification of 2024, and the Kenzie rise up,” he suggested, rhyming off a few examples.

The issue of terrorism had arisen after the Starship Enterprise’s chief medical officer Dr Beverly Crusher was abducted by Ansata – a murderous and violent group intent on achieving independence.

Data quizzed: “Would or not it’s correct to say that terrorism is appropriate when all choices for peaceable settlement have been foreclosed?”

Jean replied: “These are questions that mankind has been scuffling with all through historical past. Your confusion is simply human.”