Gene Roddenberry interviews Spock’s father, Sarek

Gene Roddenberry asks the personal questions in this interview

In a rare one-on-one interview, Gene Roddenberry talked with Spock’s father, Sarek (portrayed by Mark Lenard), asking questions that some would describe as “deeply personal.” The Vulcan, in his stoic manner, maintained his composure and answered in a way suitable to his species.

Roddenberry tells Sarek there are some things he must know in order to continue Star Trek journals. He asked Spock’s father how he was able to overcome the Vulcan Pon farr mating drive. To which Sarek replies “Roddenberry, are you asking if we coupled?” And there is more discussion about the “animal madness” Vulcans must endure because of seven years of sexual repression. It’s a bit weird at the start, but fortunately, the conversation moves on quickly.

The interview between Gene Roddenberry and Sarek also discusses Spock

The interview does take a detour into a discussion about Spock’s birth wherein Sarek reveals the details, specifically that his son had to be removed from Amanda’s (Spock’s mother) body and gestated in a test tube for two months. During that time, scientists had to make chemical adjustments to ensure Spock’s survival. Then he was returned to Amanda’s body to complete the nine month birth cycle. After that, he had to go in an incubator for four months as Vulcans have a longer gestation period than humans. This was the only way Spock could survive as a mixed-species.

Then Sarek discusses Spock’s tortured childhood and why he and Amanda decided to remain on Vulcan even though Spock was being treated cruelly by other children. They wanted Spock’s life to have a purpose, their marriage to have a purpose. And maybe that’s what this interview was supposed to be about all along—sharing the purpose of Spock’s life.