One of the most controversial episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation aired 36 years ago today. Star Trek has always been political (albeit sometimes with pretty mixed messages). Writer Melinda Snodgrass originally intended this to riff on the American Revolution, with Picard forced to realize he was on the wrong side of the battle, but a rewrite caused problems for Star Trek. The High Ground Became All About Irish ReunificationPlay video“The High Ground” shifted to a different approach, paralleling the campaign for Irish reunification (against Snodgrass’ wishes). British viewers didn’t get their chance to see “The High Ground” until 1992, when satellite broadcaster Sky cut the key scene.