There is a reason Vulcans in Star Trek appear emotionless (& the reason will surprise you)

Spock (played by Leonard Nimoy) in the Star Trek universe would often share his logical thinking in critical situations without a hint of emotion. The celebrated science officer on USS Enterprise belongs to the species known as Vulcans who give great significance to their ability to reason and often appear emotionless. But Vulcans have emotions, which we would often see in Star Trek. They deliberately suppress these emotions to keep their mind free of interference.

Vulcans are an advanced humanoid species from the plant Vulcan. Their aspiration to attain enlightenment and intellect makes them one of the more intelligent species in the galaxy. They are quite distinct with their pointed ears, slanted eyebrows and expressionless demeanor.

Vulcans believe that emotions are illogical and have no place in their society if they want to progress. Vulcans use mind conditioning from a young age to resist their emotions and train themselves to be more analytical. With their green blood and the remarkable ‘Vulcan nerve pinch’, Vulcans have a fan following of their own.

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Logic over emotions in Star Trek

In ‘The Cage’, the first unaired pilot of Star Trek: The Original Series, Spock would display his emotions. Nimoy chose to do so as he felt Captain Christopher Pike (played by Jeffrey Hunter) was a more subdued character and Spock needed to liven up the act. But that changed when USS Enterprise got a new Captain in the form of James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner).

For ‘Where No Man Has Gone Before’, pilot episode for The Original Series, creator Gene Roddenberry decided to make the Vulcan species more analytical, relying on logic and suppressing emotions in turn. Spock’s direct and expressionless approach to Kirk’s energetic and lively outlook, made them an impressive duo.

During one of the scenes in the episode Kirk is trying to tell Spock that a fellow crew member doesn’t sense the danger. Their dynamic sums up in these lines:

Captain Kirk says,

“Dr. Dehner feels he isn't that dangerous! What makes you right and a trained psychiatrist wrong?”

To which Spock answers,

“Because she feels. I don't. All I know is logic.”

Nimoy’s portrayal of Spock gave the character and his species a backstory that would become a compelling part of Vulcans in future storylines.

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When Vulcans showed emotions in Star Trek

Spock remains the most admired Vulcan, and the popularity of the character created a path for many more Vulcan characters in the Star Trek Universe. Every time the crew is in trouble, we see Spock’s emotions cracking up. Vulcans would time and again downplay their emotions and stay expressionless.

In the episode ‘The Naked Time’ we see the crew on board the USS Enterprise catch a virus that makes them lose their inhibitions. As things start to go out of control on the starship, we see Spock losing his composure and trying desperately to regain control over his emotions.

In Star Trek: Discovery Captain Michael Burnham (played by Sonequa Martin-Green) would often struggle with suppressing her emotions. She is the foster sister of Spock. Though Captain Burnham is a human and not a Vulcan by birth, she was raised by Vulcans and is well acquainted with the idea of logical thinking above all. She was even trained to condition her mind accordingly. But as the commander of the USS Discovery, she would often showcase her emotions.

In the movies set in the Kelvin timeline, Spock (played by Zachary Quinto) would display emotions as he is put through some challenging situations from losing his Vulcan home to losing his mother tragically. Even in Star Trek: Into Darkness he is seen going after Khan Noonien Singh (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) after he kills Captain Kirk (played by Chris Pine). A far cry from the ever-stoic Spock.

In Star Trek: The Next Generation we see Vulcan Ambassador Sarek, Spock’s father, (played by Mark Lenard), showcase the Vulcan logical and restrained emotions. In the episode titled ‘Sarek’, he has Bendii Syndrome that affects his emotional abilities. He is no longer unable to suppress his emotions and ends up showcasing it by openly crying.

Science officer T’Pol (played by Jolene Blalock) in Star Trek: Enterprise is the first Vulcan to take on the role in the Federation’s Starfleet. In the series, which is set about a century before the events of The Original Series, T’Pol will showcase emotions in a subtle manner. In Season 3 episode ‘Impulse’, she is exposed to Trellium-D, which removes Vulcan’s ability to control their emotions. Even though she is no longer exposed to the chemical, she finds it hard to keep her emotions in check completely.

Star Trek: The Original Series, produced by Gene Roddenberry and broadcast between 1966 and 1969, was cancelled based on low ratings. Nevertheless, the series later acquired a cult following. Subsequently, the Star Trek universe diversified with comics, animated series, films, and spin-off television shows.

ALSO READ: These 7 Star Trek references in The Big Bang Theory are a treat for fans

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