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9. 'The Menagerie, Part II' (TOS)
The concept of a court-martial for mutiny doesn't sound like a cheerful one, yet "The Menagerie: Part II" twists that idea into one of Trek's most touching tributes to friendship and loyalty. Spock puts his career and even his life on the line to give his sick former captain a chance to live a more peaceful life on Talos IV.
For the holidays, it sounds like a narrative about doing the right thing for someone you care about, even if no one else gets it. Spock's cool defiance, Kirk's growing understanding, and the last picture of Pike walking again in a happy state all give a quiet sense of comfort that sometimes breaking the rules is the right thing to do to give someone the respect they deserve.
