This episode wraps up the series and brings the Enterprise's five year mission to a close with Kirk donning an Admiral's uniform, Spock heading off to Vulcan to complete the Kolinahr and the Doctor quitting Star Fleet to be reunited with his daughter. It's all cleverly constructed to give everyone enough screen time while keeping the story rolling on to a satisfying conclusion. Without disclosing too much, I can admit that there are some moments that had me reaching for a handkerchief and I found myself viewing some of the behind-the-scenes footage to join in with the cast farewells.
Many of the people involved with these productions are professional voice actors and a considerable amount of donated funding was invested to help achieve the polish of the finished product. However, it is also plain that, for most people involved, it was a labour of love to which they gave up a great deal of their free time and creativity. I'm sure that legions of Trekkers worldwide will continue to be grateful to them for many years to come.
Following a legal case by the studio, effectively shutting down all fan-made productions, these full-length episodes were hastily concluded in 2017. The creator, Vic Mignogna, subsequently became embroiled in a series of personal law-suits concerning his behaviour towards female cast-mates. Claims and counter claims abounded and, as of 2022, no effective conclusion has yet been reached.
WHATEVER THE REAL NARRATIVE BEHIND THEIR FALL FROM GRACE, THIS PARTICULAR GROUP OF STORIES REPRESENTS SOME OF THE BEST STAR TREK FICTION EVER BROUGHT TO LIFE.
In true Roddenberry fashion, the "message" episodes covered such subjects as: inter-cultural marriage, child abuse, human (or alien) trafficking and the promotion of women to positions of high office. Actually Senior Trekker thinks that last one was a dud but does this really seem like the oeuvre of a man who disrespects women? Best watch for yourself.
Live Long and Prosper.