You know that other than Spock or Sarek, who have extensive life spans, some member of the old cast had to show up at some point. Due to time manipulation (which is seldom really explained) our boy, Scotty, James Doohan, finds himself aboard the newest incarnation of the Enterprise. He is utterly fascinated by the advanced technology and begins running around, literally pushing buttons, to the chagrin of Jordi LaForge (the chief engineer). Of course, Picard knows that there is nothing worse than an old man who feels he has no purpose in life. Of course, we know that his machismo and expertise are going to come into play at some point. While it's fun to see him running around the ship, telling war stories, trying to find true Scotch whiskey, there are times when old characters should be left to their series. It's worth watching for sentimental reasons, and Doohan does a fine job recreating his role as a stranger in a strange land.
