Star Trek: The Original Series is beloved for many reasons, from its positive portrayal of the future to its often-unintended campy moments.
However, one of the reasons it has endured so long is the way it handles very human emotions and the struggle to navigate them. The Enterprise’s bridge crew members have each had his or her share of moments of sadness and grief, so let’s take a look back at three of the moments Star Trek’s original series had us reaching for the Kleenex on their behalf!
1. Spock’s mother tells him, “I’ll hate you for the rest of my life!”
The episode “Journey To Babel” (S02E10) is a fan favorite because not only do we meet Spock’s parents, Sarek and Amanda, when they visit Enterprise, but we learn that he and their son are estranged because Spock chose to join Starfleet rather than the Vulcan Science Academy, as per his father Sarek’s wishes. Their visit is difficult for Spock, as Sarek doesn’t wish to speak to his son.
As difficult as this is, it becomes even more complicated when McCoy discovers that Sarek’s heart isn’t functioning correctly and he needs a blood transfusion only Spock can give him. With the ship in danger and Kirk wounded from an assassination attempt, Spock tries to explain to Amanda where he believes his duties lie. With tears in her eyes, Amanda tells him, “If you’re going to stand there and quote rules and regulations to me, and let your father die, I’ll hate you for the rest of my life!” Spock’s defeated and emotion-filled expression in response is difficult to watch, especially because only the viewers see it, as Spock has his back to Amanda at the time.
2. Rojan turning Uhura and Chekov into essence cubes
In “By Any Other Name” (S02E22), the antagonist, Rojan, and his Kelvan companions take over the Enterprise to search for and conquer a new planet on which to live. Before they embark, Rojan and his people use a device on their belts to reduce humans to essence cubes, as most of the personnel are not necessary.
When Rojan reviews the bridge crew, he targets Uhura and Chekov because neither is deemed necessary for a long space voyage. Uhura appears shocked and frightened, but it’s Chekov’s expression that’s truly a gut punch! He looks bewildered, as if he can’t believe the senior officers he trusts, especially his captain, have no way to stop Rojan.
3. Kirk deteriorates from rapid aging/radiation poisoning
In “The Deadly Years” (S02E12), Captain Kirk and a landing party that includes Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Chekov, and a Lieutenant Galway beam down to check on a scientific expedition, only to find that all the young scientists there had aged rapidly. They die shortly after, and every member of the landing party except for Chekov begins to age as well. Lieutenant Galway is the first to die, which is sad, considering how young she was originally.
Kirk ages quickly, and his mental faculties start to fall off even further. He forgets that he’s given orders, and the saddest moment is during a competency meeting, where Kirk tells the assembled group to “ask him anything,” only to get most of the questions wrong despite acting confident. It is rough to see our young captain age and forget himself while the rest of the crew can only look on.
These are only a few of the saddest moments involving the bridge crew of the Enterprise. There are many more we'll revisit, so stay tuned!