One Star Trek episode proved so controversial it was banned from television in the UK.
The sci-fi sensation drew millions of viewers when it first hit screens in the 1980s. Focusing on the far future, when things such as space travel and alien life are all but confirmed, the show proved to be a turning point in television, launching the careers of some of the biggest names, including Sir Patrick Stewart, George Takei and William Shatner.
However, in 1990, one episode caught the attention of TV bosses, due to its chilling prediction of what might happen to the world in the near future. The episode proved to be so controversial that censors in the UK took it off the air for 17 years.
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In the episode, The Higher Ground, character Data revealed that Irish reunification between the North and the South would come in 2024. However, giving more detail about the story of the “unification”, he explained that this would come with immense bloodshed.
(Image: Getty Images)
Data explained: “I’ve been reviewing the history of armed rebellion, and it appears that terrorism is an effective way to promote political change.” Jean-Luc Picard, played by thespian Sir Patrick responded: “Yes it can be, but I have never subscribed to the theory that political power flows from the barrel of a gun.”
Challenging him on this, Data went on to explain there had been “numerous” examples of when armed rebellion had worked. These included: “The independence of the Mexican state from Spain, the Irish unification of 2024, and the Kenzie rebellion.”
(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
While the prediction on the show may be proven untrue, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has confirmed she is expecting to see a referendum held on reunification in the next 10 years. However, at the time of the episode’s initial air date, the issue proved to be a much more controversial take.
In 1990, Northern Ireland was gripped in the violence of The Troubles, which saw nationalists – who wished to rejoin with Ireland – fight unionists, those who wanted remain a part of the UK. The fighting caused immense suffering, with paramilitaries on both sides – including the IRA and the UVF – going all out to fight for their causes.
(Image: Paramount Television/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
With the IRA recently beginning another bombing campaign at the time of the initial broadcast, bosses at TV stations were weary of including an episode involving Northern Ireland’s status. Many were fearful on how viewers would react if the episode had aired, and the impact the show could have on the already high tensions.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ also opted to ban the episode for fear of stoking tensions, while in the UK, Sky did air the episode, but with the offending scene cut from the show. It was not until 2007, when power-sharing in Northern Ireland was restored, that the episode was aired in full.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
