When television viewers first met Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) in the 1966 premiere of Star Trek, reactions ranged from interest and curiosity to hesitancy. However, as the weeks went by and more episodes aired, Spock became a beloved character to many people for his logical ways, his struggle with being half-human, and his dry, sometimes off-the-cuff sassiness in response to the many unusual situations the Enterprise crew often found itself in. Let's look back at 3 times Spock was the absolute admiral of sass during his career in Starfleet and on Enterprise.
1. Freshly-roasted squire, anyone? (Or, is that squire on the fire?)
When Kirk and a few of his crew meet General Trelane in "The Squire of Gothos," (season 1, episode 17,) Trelane takes an instant dislike to Spock because he was the one who beamed Kirk and the others back onto Enterprise before he could "dismiss them." When Trelane faces off against Spock, he tells the Vulcan he doesn't like his tone and then asks whether Spock is challenging him. (in a tone that suggests he's hoping Spock is,) Spock only gazes at him. After a moment, he says, "I object to you. I object to intellect without discipline. I object to power without constructive purpose." Objecting to a being's overall matter of being, delivered in dry, mildly disgusted tones, is one of the best lines in this episode!
2. Minus a musketeer
During "The Naked Time," (season 1, episode 4,)Sulu succumbs to the spores that rip away inhibitions and turn him into a swashbuckling legend in his own mind. He chases crewmembers around with a fencing sword and finally makes his way to the bridge, where he sees Uhura as a fair maiden who needs his protection. Kirk disarms him and Spock applies the Vulcan neck pinch, which sends Sulu to the floor, unconscious. Before the action continues, Spock says, "Take D'Artagnan here to sickbay!" His tone is so annoyed and sarcastic that one wonders if the alien spores aren't affecting him already or if he's just irritated at all the illogic going on around him.
3. Spock told the witch doctor . . .
In the episode "I, Mudd," (season 2, episode 8,) Dr. McCoy remarks to Spock that their new crewmember, Mr. Norman, never smiles, chats with his coworkers, or talks about his background. When Spock seems to take offense, McCoy says Vulcans are the exception and that "the ears make all the difference" before complaining that Norman won't come to sickbay for a physical. Spock remains deadpan before replying, "I am not at all surprised, doctor, he is probably terrified of your beads and rattles!" Spock enunciates every syllable of this comeback before walking away and leaving McCoy there, his quip bank burnt beyond recognition. As for Spock, he knew that line was funny enough to leave on.
For a character who claims that logic is everything, Spock has the kind of dry, sarcastic-yet-devastating wit that most Romantic Era poets would envy. What's your favorite witty/amusing Spock line? Visit our Facebook Page and let us know!