A banned 1990 episode of Star Trek predicting a united Ireland in 2024 has been beamed back into conversation. 

The January 1990 episode The High Ground features a conversation between two of the main characters, played by Patrick Stewart and Brent Spinner.

Discussing instances when terrorism has worked in the past, the robot Data noted that Ireland was unified in 2024. 

"Yet there are numerous examples of when it was successful," Data said. "The independence of the Mexican state from Spain, the Irish unification of 2024, and the Kenzie rebellion." 

This scene has been shared widely on social media – especially as 2024 got closer – but little is known about the controversy it generated. 

In an interview with the BBC, sci-fi writer Melinda M Snodgrass said she had no idea the backlash her episode would receive. 

"Writing for television is like laying track for a train that's about 300 feet behind you,” she said. “You really don't have time to stop." 

Troubles in Northern Ireland

When The High Ground first aired in the US in 1990, the UK and Ireland were still in the depths of the Troubles, with the 1994 ceasefire and the 1998 Good Friday Agreement still years away. 

While the episode was due to air in the UK in 1992, there was so much concern about the conversation between the two characters that the entire episode was not broadcast on BBC or RTÉ. 

Satellite broadcaster Sky reportedly aired an edited version in 1992, cutting out the reference to a united Ireland. 

The High Ground was not shown by the BBC until September 29th, 2007. 

I have a deep soulful need for the start of the political process of Northern Ireland leaving the UK, just to fulfil a silly Star Trek prophecy pic.twitter.com/2bGMQISO5l

— slosh maiden (@tallgaytay) May 17, 2023

This was not the only instance of censorship from the BBC at the time due to the Troubles. From 1988 to 1994, there was a ban on broadcasting the voices of certain Northern Irish people, particularly members of Sinn Féin. 

The voice of Gerry Adams, for example, was dubbed over by actor Stephen Rea, who later was nominated for an Oscar. 

This is also not the only instance a sci-fi show has inadvertently predicted political and national upheaval. 

The Beast Below, a 2010 episode of Doctor Who was set on a spaceship housing the entire UK.  

However, when asked where the Scottish people are, a resident of the space station said Scotland became independent and “wanted their own ship”. 

Many online have said this line predicted the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, although this referendum failed.