Never understood all the hate for this specific episode. It's true that it's the episode that comes closest to parody, but given the age of the actors, how else could they approach the material other than with a knowing wink?

If you like the characters, this film also allows you to spend a generous bit of time with them, and there are some genuinely funny lines ("I liked him better before he died"). And if the film ultimately bites off more than it can chew (it's a film about looking for God) then at least it handles the subject better than the ponderous Star Trek - The Motion Picture, which covered similar territory.

I also think it's a mile better than Part III, which one - lacked Spock - and two - had very fake-looking set design. Maybe the biggest problem this film had was that Part III was made in 84 when those flaws were acceptable. Star Trek V came out in the late 80's and was competing with a new type of blockbuster in "Batman". I suggest you ignore conventional wisdom and give part V a chance.