20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Trek III: The Search For Spock (1984)

17. Why Did You Leave Him On Genesis?

Star Trek Sarek
CBS

Mark Lenard's return to Star Trek, though having appeared in The Motion Picture as the Klingon Commander, was something that appeared in Harve Bennet's earliest story ideas for the Search for Spock. In his treatment entitled Return to Genesis, Sarek and Kirk meet early in the film, but on Vulcan, rather than Earth,

Here, we learn that Sarek has been elected Prime Minister of a planet that is wracked with chaos. The news of the Genesis Device has deeply shaken Vulcan, with many young Vulcans fearing the power that Starfleet now wields. As they see it, they are facing galactic Armageddon, and many are revisiting the teachings of the old ways - i.e. the teachings that led to the birth of the Romulan Empire.

The conversation in which the audience learns about the existence of Spock's katra is still present in this version, yet Sarek displays far more hostility and anger toward Kirk. He maintains that as Spock's closest friend, Kirk should have been aware of this.

As the Enterprise leaves for Genesis, Sarek warns them that he may not be in power when they return.

Contributor
Contributor

Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"