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Part I : Kirk versus Spock - The Captain of the Enterprise Always Wins the Episode

The interpretation of events usually has Kirk coming out on top.

By Rich MonettiPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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Photo by Gage Skidmore

One of the things that has made Star Trek endure is the duking it out that takes place between Kirk and Spock at the end. The successful formula always had the two giants trying to gain the upper hand in the interpretation of events. So in case you hadn't noticed, the winner usually lands Kirk in the win column, while Spock can't figure out why he's typically the one walking away and licking his wounds .

Here is the first installment of my series.

'The Galileo Seven'

Spock in command in "The Galileo Seven," our favorite Vulcan really plays the prime directive to the hilt. I’ve alway thought he overdid the drama, and poor Lt. Latimer pays a pretty high price. I guess the red jersey should have clued us, but Spock ultimately plays his only card and saves the day.

“It's like sending up a flare. Mister Spock.” Scottie clearly approves the fuel jettison as the craft’s last hope.

Unfortunately, rescue means Spock must defend his command decision, and what it implies about his split origins. “When you jettisoned the fuel and ignited it, you knew there was virtually no chance of it being seen, yet you did it anyhow. That would seem to me to be an act of desperation.” Kirk inquires.

Nonetheless Spock doesn’t see anything that is out of line with his cultural precepts. “I examined the problem from all angles, and it was plainly hopeless. Logic informed me that under the circumstances, the only possible action would have to be one of desperation. Logical decision, logically arrived at.” The first officer counters.

Kirk’s not done so he turns the Vulcan’s words back on him, “I see. You mean you reasoned that it was time for an emotional outburst.”

Of course, Spock sticks to his guns. “Well, I wouldn't put it in exactly those terms, Captain, but those are essentially the facts.”

On paper and logically Spock is winning this one. But Jim Kirk knows how to get us to read between the lines and give the lessons in humanity for free. “Mister Spock, you're a stubborn man.”

Too bad for Spock, his agreement only serves to undue him. “Yes, sir.” Spock falls into the trap, and the bridge crews’ amusement gives Kirk the win.

'Devil in the Dark'

In "Devil in the Dark," Mr. Spock’s mind melding abilities save the day. His telepathy also provides an insightful exploration into the dangers that frequently arise when cultures suddenly find themselves occupying the same space. So clearly, Spock must come away with the upper hand, and he fires the first phaser blast to do the besting.

Spock clues us that the Mother Horta found the human reform revolting, but the creature held out hope for Spock’s distinguishing characteristic. “I did get the distinct impression she found them the most attractive human characteristic of all.” Spock refers to his Vulcan ears.

Really Spock?

Our intrepid Kirk sees the opening. “She really liked those ears.” Kirk counters subtly.

But Spock doesn’t see the balance of power shifting. “Captain, the Horta is a remarkably intelligent and sensitive creature, with impeccable taste.” Spock reasons.

So Kirk quickly pounces on Spock’s poor attempt at logic. “Because she approved of you?”

At a loss, Spock is now on the defensive and Kirk gets out the incisors. “I suspect you're becoming more and more human all the time.” The captain implores.

And Spock is then left in full flight mode. “Captain, I see no reason to stand here and be insulted.”

Nothing left to do but take his smirk back to his station, and off camera, we know Spock’s sulk says one thing. “How did I come up short again.”

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About the Creator

Rich Monetti

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