Kirk and Spock's friendship

[Trekfan12]

I was watching tonight's episode, "Obsession" and saw how Spock was confused by Kirk's obsessive behavior that he goes to McCoy for advice.
When he later tries to console Kirk for feeling guilty for not killing the creature 11 years ago, Kirk admonishes him and tells him to go counsel someone else.

Later when he stated to Kirk that he should be the one to go be bait for the creature, since they found out his copper-based blood didn't appeal to the creature. Kirk tells him he needs to stay on board the ship (which I know Spock and I found to be a highly illogical decision)

There are other episodes where Kirk and Spock clash about decisions and actions being made. But I wondered, given the dynamic makeup of their personalities if they would have actually been friends. Or if Kirk's stubbornness and ego would have created a wall between them and they would have had a strictly working relationship, like Spock had with Captain Pike, and not become friends/brothers.

 

[UnknownSample]

It just wasn't a simple, easily predictable friendship, that's all.

 

[Timo]

...Also, Spock and Pike weren't friends? "The Menagerie" would suggest otherwise.

The 2009 movie merely reinforces the obvious point that Spock with his perfect politeness and sad puppy ears is very good at making friends, of all genders. And he's especially easygoing with figures of authority who aren't his dad, so Chris and Jim are obvious choices both.

Timo Saloniemi

 

[Trekfan12]

...Also, Spock and Pike weren't friends? "The Menagerie" would suggest otherwise.

The 2009 movie merely reinforces the obvious point that Spock with his perfect politeness and sad puppy ears is very good at making friends, of all genders. And he's especially easygoing with figures of authority who aren't his dad, so Chris and Jim are obvious choices both.

Timo Saloniemi

I don't know if you could call that act out of friendship or a sense of duty and loyalty that Spock had for his previous commander.

 

[urbandefault]

I was watching tonight's episode, "Obsession" and saw how Spock was confused by Kirk's obsessive behavior that he goes to McCoy for advice.
When he later tries to console Kirk for feeling guilty for not killing the creature 11 years ago, Kirk admonishes him and tells him to go counsel someone else.

Later when he stated to Kirk that he should be the one to go be bait for the creature, since they found out his copper-based blood didn't appeal to the creature. Kirk tells him he needs to stay on board the ship (which I know Spock and I found to be a highly illogical decision)

There are other episodes where Kirk and Spock clash about decisions and actions being made. But I wondered, given the dynamic makeup of their personalities if they would have actually been friends. Or if Kirk's stubbornness and ego would have created a wall between them and they would have had a strictly working relationship, like Spock had with Captain Pike, and not become friends/brothers.

Friends can disagree and argue and clash and still respect each other (look at the Spock/McCoy dynamic). Even if one is officially subordinate, and knows that the other's decision is final.

 

[TLOZ Lover]

Kirk's guilt over what had taken place years before causes him to lash out both irrationally and uncharacteristically at Spock and McCoy, but he still has deep respect, admiration and love for both of his friends which can be seen throughout the series.

I don't believe the personality differences between Kirk and Spock would have ever prevented them from being friends, but it's doubtful they would have ever met and become friends outside of their service together on the Enterprise.

 

[JonnyQuest037]

I don't know if you could call that act out of friendship or a sense of duty and loyalty that Spock had for his previous commander.

Spock risked his career and life to give Chris Pike a chance at happiness. That sounds like a lot more than just duty and loyalty to me. Kirk even teases him about it at the end of the episode.

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

People can be good, dear friends and constantly disagree, or be snippy with one another. Just because two people are friends doesn't mean that they'll always get along like the crew of TNG.

 

[Nyotarules]

A good friend is one who will call you on your shit..who wants a yes man for a friend unless your name is Khan Noonian Singh.

 

[Trekfan12]

A good friend is one who will call you on your shit..who wants a yes man for a friend unless your name is Khan Noonian Singh.

true

 

[cgervasi]

People can be good, dear friends and constantly disagree, or be snippy with one another.

If find people have very different levels of "snippy" behavior they'll tolerate. I sense that Spock knows when Kirk does it it's because something's bothering him, not out of disrespect.

 

[Balok's Decoy]

I think it's not so much about them constantly agreeing as it is about bringing out the best in each other. Kirk helped Spock get in touch with his human side, to understand the value of emotion and instinct. Spock helped Kirk see things more clearly, to restrain impulse. They're yin and yang, in a way. Their friendship is based on the balance they achieved, with McCoy of course. I think it's beautiful. Who wants a friend who just agrees with everything they say and never challenges them to be better, to think differently?

 

[Trekfan12]

I think it's not so much about them constantly agreeing as it is about bringing out the best in each other. Kirk helped Spock get in touch with his human side, to understand the value of emotion and instinct. Spock helped Kirk see things more clearly, to restrain impulse. They're yin and yang, in a way. Their friendship is based on the balance they achieved, with McCoy of course. I think it's beautiful. Who wants a friend who just agrees with everything they say and never challenges them to be better, to think differently?

I know I wouldn't want a friend who was like a bobble head, always agreeing with me. I thought their friendship was a beautiful thing

 

[Spock's Barber]

From 'The Empath'......

Lal : (Referring to the friendship between Kirk, McCoy and Spock) "Each of you is willing to give his life for the others."

 

[Shawnster]

...Also, Spock and Pike weren't friends? "The Menagerie" would suggest otherwise.

I don't know if you could call that act out of friendship or a sense of duty and loyalty that Spock had for his previous commander.

Wonder if Pike/Spock was more of a (surrogate) father/son relationship. Have any of the novels explored the Pike/Spock relationship?

 

[geotrek]

I thought their friendship was a beautiful thing

Me too. One of the reasons that his show was so compelling.

 

[johnnybear]

It was a great friendship between all three of them!
JB

 

[Spock's Barber]

It was a great friendship between all three of them!
JB

I really liked the verbal conflicts between McCoy and Spock. Even though they had their petty differences, they were still friends.

Spock to McCoy in 'I,Mudd'....."He's probably afraid of your beads and rattles."

 

[Trekfan12]

I really liked the verbal conflicts between McCoy and Spock. Even though they had their petty differences, they were still friends.

Spock to McCoy in 'I,Mudd'....."He's probably afraid of your beads and rattles."

I've watched their banter on you tube videos It is so funny. There are also videos of Spock's funny lines. The Vulcan definitely has a sense of humor

 

[Spock's Barber]

I've watched their banter on you tube videos It is so funny. There are also videos of Spock's funny lines. The Vulcan definitely has a sense of humor

One of my favorite Spock jabs at McCoy is from 'The Apple'.

Spock : "Dr. McCoy's potion is acting like all his potions...turning my stomach."