What we can learn from the worst episodes of Star Trek

Spock’s Brain is probably one of the more ridiculous episodes in Star Trek history, but, surprisingly, it had an underlying point beyond the absurdity. As much as the focus is on locating Spock’s abducted brain, that’s not what the episode was really about at all. Sure, that was the plot, but underneath the unbelievable premise lay a story about the power of friendship and Kirk’s willingness to walk a bizarre path because he needed his friend and his friend needed him.

No matter how ridiculous the situation was, both Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy worked together to figure out a way to get their friend back. McCoy even risked his own life to gain the knowledge to help Spock which, in and of itself, is pretty incredible when you consider how he and Spock constantly bickered with one another.

None of us really believe that brains can be stolen, found, and reimplanted, especially not with help from the actual victim of the abduction. But we do believe that friendship can lead us in powerful directions. For those we love, we’re willing to walk down any path, no matter how ludicrous it looks and no matter what we may have to endure.