Star Trek is better known for its outlandish science fiction plots than for dabbling in politics - but one scene had TV bosses worried.
The 1990 episode, which was screened in the USA but banned from Britain and Ireland for 17 years, saw Starship Enterprise character Data predict that Ireland would achieve "unification" by 2024. However, he suggested that it would be achieved through bloodshed.
Sinn Fein's new Northern Ireland leader, Michelle O'Neill, has made her own prediction, insisting that a referendum on Irish unity could be held within the next decade. However, at the time Star Trek broached the thorny subject, there was a brutal conflict afoot involving the IRA.
The paramilitary group have a history of fierce opposition to British rule in Northern Ireland - and TV bosses were reportedly fearful about how viewers would react if the scene were screened. Some felt it could have incited further violence, especially with The Troubles still fresh in many people's memories and the IRA's ceasefire still four years off.
Rather than risk making waves with Data's chilling prediction about the "Irish unification of 2024," the episode cut the scene when it aired in Britain on Sky in 1992. The BBC did opt to screen a version in 2007—but just on one single occasion, which has not been repeated.
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The futuristic episode, The High Ground - filmed back when 2024 was a long way off - saw Data discuss how to use violence to achieve political aims
"I've been reviewing the history of armed rebellion, and it appears that terrorism is an effective way to promote political change," Data told 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 persisted: "Yet there are numerous examples of when it was successful.
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"The independence of the Mexican state from Spain, the Irish unification of 2024, and the Kenzie rebellion," 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 it be accurate to say that terrorism is acceptable when all options for peaceful settlement have been foreclosed?"
Jean replied: "These are questions that mankind has been struggling with throughout history. Your confusion is only human."
