Betrayed by a kiss? *Movie Spoiler alert*

[ShimmeringFacet]

Spock is less devoted to the Entperprise than Kirk is? Spock is less devoted to his duty?...

As I said, that doesn't follow. Spock's reasons for not getting tied down were not the same as Kirk's.

Fair enough.

"One more game of 3D chess, Mr. Spock?" Kirk asked.
"No, captain," said Spock. "It is 22:30. Uhura was expecting me at 22:00." He paused and added, "It is plomeek soup night."
"Ah, yes. Enjoy your plomeek soup, Mr. Spock." Kirk made a motion in the air like he was cracking a whip.
"She's taking shore leave in two days to visit her mother," said Spock.
"Who do you think got her out of here?" said Kirk quickly while grinning.
"Captain," Spock spoke in measured tones, "do you still have that box of cigars from Cygnus 3, that bottle of Saurian brandy, and -- "
"Those movies from Orion?" Kirk interrupted.
"Yes. The movies." Spock stood up straight at the door. Did he smile? "Senior officers meeting in two days, captain?"
"As soon as her shuttle leaves, Mr. Spock."
Walking out, Spock turns back to Kirk and says, almost cheerfully for him, "I will inform Dr. McCoy and Mr. Scott."

Let me tell you something, nothing throws a monkey wrench into a bromance quicker than when one of the guys gets a girlfriend.

I've been mostly lurking, but I thought I'd stick a toe in this thread. It seems like you have shifting arguments. First your concern seemed to be that Kirk should have a romantic relationship. Then it seems like you are concerned that Spock having a relationship interferes with the "bromance" aspect. Then it seems like you'd prefer neither of them have a relationship with a woman or perhaps the Spock/Uhura relationship turns you off.
So I'm not sure which is your main concern.
But I think that the writers wouldn't engage in mundane, meaningless scenarios with Spock/Uhura- especially in this genre with just 2 hours of time. On one thread a few people were even talking about them getting in arguments over cabin cleaning. From interviews I've read it appears that the writers were quite deliberate, thoughtful, and reasoned about why they did what they did and it served a particular purpose. And I think they are capable of finding the right balance, context, emphasis and right place for all of the relationships within the overall plot if they continue that way of working. I don't see why they have to completely kill off Spock/Uhura in order to have a bromance or build Spock and Kirk's relationship.

 

[Franklin]

It seems to me that Kirk's evolution is going in the other direction. It's the Enterprise, not a woman, that is providing him with the stability and direction he needed. He could have had a steady girlfriend at any time before that, but when he gazed at the ship being built at the shipyard, there was more longing there than he had for any woman we saw in the film...

This point was nicely made; missed that first time.

Did anybody but me notice they put a reflected light in Jim's eyes while he was gazing at the Enterprise?

Oh, the lens flare?

I think ShimmeringFacet has it right regarding my opinion. I don't know what I want. As an old fart, maybe I wanted the TOS characters as I remembered them and identified with them thirty years ago. That makes me a fool. Hey, I enjoyed the movie. There were a couple of weaknesses that held it back, but beyond that, the characters are in pretty good hands. I guess I'll keep an open mind about the Spock-Uhura relationship. Won't like it, but I'll keep an open mind.

 

[Rackon]

Er, no, we're going back to the pre-TOS area to see our favorite characters in new situations. That's how it's always been advertised.

And what is the time frame between when we see Spock sucking face with Uhura and the beginning of where TOS commences - The ManTrap? Many of us think that the change Spock will have to undergo to result in Spock as depicted in TOS is not plausible in the time frame. We were looking for the Spock who would become TOS Spock. This one is different.

I thoroughly disagree -- there's nothing about Quinto's Spock that's lacking in "psychological masterpiece"-ness. It's the same character, the same soul, same essence. And I for one would be interested in seeing in Spock what we only caught a glimpse of in Sarek -- the details of a Vulcan-Human relationship and why its participants would enter such a thing.

Didn't care for Sarek. Too human for my tastes. Liked him better in TOS. Nonetheless, Spock is not the same character. No turmoil, no repressed emotions, no loneliness, no self-deception etc.

Sarek "too human"? Hmm...Cross's portrayal didn't strike me that way at all. Different from Mark Lenard's Sarek, but quite Vulcan IMO.

Of course, I adored Lenard's Sarek, and I'm not as thrilled with Cross as I am with the other casting. But based on TOS and the novels I've read (Spock's World, Sarek et al) nuSarek seems very much in line with the character to me.


I confess I do like the Spock Uhura romance. Honestly, as a Spock fan from 1966, I would've liked to have seen a little more restraint with that last smooch in the transporter room. It's a very entertaining moment, and sets up a great line. But less is more in Spock's case. However, I loved giving Spock and Uhura a realtionship. So shoot me.

I quite understand some people's issues with it, and I do agree that this hot eyed young Spock defying the VSA shows a somewhat different fellow from the Spock we saw on the original series on the bridge of the Enterprise. (Although, we know he had to defy his father and Vulcan tradition even in the original timeline to end up at Starfleet.) He's *younger* for one thing. And he experiences devastating trauma - destruction of Vulcan, loss of his mother - far different personal tragedies than Spock Prime faced in TOS. These events precipitate a personal crisis that brings Spock to a place he doesn't reach until much much later as Spock Prime, teriitory not even covered in TOS TV. So yes, in that sense, this nuSpock is different. And personally, I find him just as...erm, fascinating...as Spock prime.

But I believe Spock is very similar in character, in essence - I still see inner conflict, supressed emotions, the search for identity etc. We definitely see different aspects of the character and he may develop with a different emphasis in nuTrek. But the conflict within has to be the core. I predict that not all will go smoothly in the romance department next time out, the tensions between duty and personal issues will be seen, Spock will still wrestle with his divided nature.

 

[StarTrek1701]

I just saw the movie yesterday and I did found it entertaining and "hip", but I do have reservations. I do this because I'm interested in what some think about my ideas here. I do not believe a disagreement with the majority needs to cause a "rift" in the ST community. Some don't like DS9 or Enterprise or whichever movie and that's OK. I just didn't like everything about the new one and this is my attempt to explain why.

I can see why the numbers are there and I can see why this will go down in history as a successful "reboot" of the series. It will make tons of money and that's just the way it is: I get it. I'm going against the grain by writing this, but Star Trek was supposed to be about going against the grain and perhaps it never should be "new, hip and uptodate." However, I can't get past the feeling that this is not really a "reboot" as others have been done. Let me try to organize my thoughts and explain why. I will also warn anyone out there that there will be spoilers coming. See the movie first and then come back to this.

Batman, Battlestar Galactica and James Bond have also done the "reboot" thing and started anew, but none of them betrayed their roots like this movie has done. All three of these franchises had something in common: they all kind of fell into "campiness" and silliness at some point and people just lost interest in the goofiness of it all. All three reboots did the same thing, though: they looked to the roots of the stories, stripped them to essentials and began again. The basic story of all three - the foundations of all three - stayed the same. This is important because it is in the foundations that we discover what brought us to these stories in the first place.

About the "nuTrek" as some are starting to label this movie: it has done what no other "reboot" has done - attacked and destroyed foundations (literally) by destroying Vulcan and betraying Vulcan culture with a kiss. It basically has eliminated all the TV series and movies that have gone before it with its time travel plot. It is an alternative universe, which is fine with some, but not with me.

Spock's character as revealed during the movie is not Vulcan in his behavior, which is just not consistent with who Spock and Vulcans have developed into over the course of the many shows and movies. Vulcans never - repeat NEVER - display affection in public. It is completely alien (drum riff) to their way of life - it would never even occur to them it is so distasteful. I have no difficulty with Spock/Uhura having a relationship, but openly kissing in front of not only others, but a superior officer is not going to happen. This single event took me out of the movie and wrecked that "suspension of disbelief" that others keep talking about. It is especially unrealistic in light of the destruction of Vulcan and the death of Amanda, Spock's mother. If I have learned anything about "human" nature, it is that in times of extreme crisis we tend to cling to what we know and even have a tendency to become more fundamentalistic about our beliefs. Spock would not kiss Uhura in public - that is not Spock.

Star Trek, ultimately, is about characters and challenges to our ways of living and thinking. It is not a space opera like Star Wars. It is a way of exploring what it means to be human and the alien races on the series were ways of exploring different parts of human nature. I feel that this movie gave up on the thought and character development in favor of the quick joke, the grand special effects, and something that would appeal to a wider audience. The question that I have then is: Was Star Trek ever supposed to appeal to a wider audience? Maybe not...

 

[seniorsleuth]

I've been mostly lurking, but I thought I'd stick a toe in this thread. It seems like you have shifting arguments. First your concern seemed to be that Kirk should have a romantic relationship. Then it seems like you are concerned that Spock having a relationship interferes with the "bromance" aspect. Then it seems like you'd prefer neither of them have a relationship with a woman or perhaps the Spock/Uhura relationship turns you off.
So I'm not sure which is your main concern.
But I think that the writers wouldn't engage in mundane, meaningless scenarios with Spock/Uhura- especially in this genre with just 2 hours of time. On one thread a few people were even talking about them getting in arguments over cabin cleaning. From interviews I've read it appears that the writers were quite deliberate, thoughtful, and reasoned about why they did what they did and it served a particular purpose. And I think they are capable of finding the right balance, context, emphasis and right place for all of the relationships within the overall plot if they continue that way of working. I don't see why they have to completely kill off Spock/Uhura in order to have a bromance or build Spock and Kirk's relationship.

Absolutely agree! Here's a thought, why not have Uhura, Spock, and Kirk develop strong friendships with each other? I thought Spock was the alien, but this idea that a woman is this alien being who comes between righteous males if she doesn't stay in her place is neanderthal.

But I think there something else going on here. It's not just Kirk and Spock's friendship some people are concerned about, but maintaining the ability to imagine them as more than friends. As I've said before, if that's the issue, then lets discuss it forthrightly in terms of the marketability of the new film(s).

 

[pookha]

<snip>

Spock's character as revealed during the movie is not Vulcan in his behavior, which is just not consistent with who Spock and Vulcans have developed into over the course of the many shows and movies. Vulcans never - repeat NEVER - display affection in public. It is completely alien (drum riff) to their way of life - <snip>

Heh, good one.

I'm reminded, however, of an interview Quinto gave a year ago, more or less, in which he offered the then-somewhat-cryptic explanation that the story takes place at a time when Spock "is not in control of his balance," which suggests that it was intended to be seen as atypical Vulcan behavior.

this side of paradise comes to mind.

and really the vulcan finger thing is in its own way a sign of affection.

 

[Akalabeth]

He's also betraying his arranged wife, since Amok Time hasn't happened yet...

Uh, dunno if anyone pointed this out later on but . . . .his arranged wife is dead. What does it matter?

 

[Sci]

He's also betraying his arranged wife, since Amok Time hasn't happened yet...

So what? Spock was forced into that commitment; he wasn't given a choice. It was coerced. Why should he feel any hint of loyalty to T'Pring?

 

[Akalabeth]

Well some of us found this Spock less unique and likeable. Doesn't bother me, just disappointed. Didn't care for lots of Trek in the recent years, so writing it off entirely is not a big deal for me. Didn't provide the same satifaction and degree of entertainment for me as TOS and TOS Spock did for me. Enjoy the nuTrek!! I've got TOS on disc if I need a fix of it. Thought I'd get new adventures with the old crew but like most things, you can't ever go back. Lightenening doesn't strike twice.

As a point of interest, what disc do you have exactly that you'll be watching TOS from?

Personally I find the so-called "remastered" Star Trek DVDs, with new special effects to be more distasteful and abhorrent than any "reboot" Star Trek movie could ever be. Yet I take it that many Trek fans are eating it up.

I personally love the new movie, if people are disappointed with it then be disappointed for what it is not for what it fails to be. The movie should be able to stand on its own without people trying to connect 40 years of irrelevant baggage to the thing. God forbid I have to watch Voyager or some pile of crap like that to appreciate a movie.

 

[Sci]

Personally I find the so-called "remastered" Star Trek DVDs, with new special effects to be more distasteful and abhorrent than any "reboot" Star Trek movie could ever be. Yet I take it that many Trek fans are eating it up.

I would, too, except that it's important to bear in mind that the creators of TOS Remastered went and created remastered versions of every episode with their original visual effects, too. There are basically two TOS Remastereds -- one with new visual effects, and one with the original.

 

[Akalabeth]

I would, too, except that it's important to bear in mind that the creators of TOS Remastered went and created remastered versions of every episode with their original visual effects, too. There are basically two TOS Remastereds -- one with new visual effects, and one with the original.

So if a person buys the remastered DVD sets are both episode versions available??? Or are the remastered versions minus special effects in the original season sets (which I have)

 

[Sci]

I would, too, except that it's important to bear in mind that the creators of TOS Remastered went and created remastered versions of every episode with their original visual effects, too. There are basically two TOS Remastereds -- one with new visual effects, and one with the original.

So if a person buys the remastered DVD sets are both episode versions available??? Or are the remastered versions minus special effects in the original season sets (which I have)

The standard TOS DVDs currently available were released before the TOS Remaster project began.

So far as I know, the only TOS Remastered DVDs available are the ones with the new visual effects. Mike Okuda and others have, if I'm not mistaken, indicated that they hope to have remastered-without-new-visual-effects DVDs available, too. Either way, it's good that they went and remastered the episodes to save them from the degradation of the original film.

 

[Anticitizen]

Well some of us found this Spock less unique and likeable.

I am one of those people. I don't want a more emotional Spock this time around. It defeats the purpose of the character.

As for Uhura, well, it just shows that they didn't have anything to do with her character, so they made her the love interest (tm).

 

[seniorsleuth]

Well some of us found this Spock less unique and likeable.

I am one of those people. I don't want a more emotional Spock this time around. It defeats the purpose of the character.

As for Uhura, well, it just shows that they didn't have anything to do with her character, so they made her the love interest (tm).

Well, it would be hard for Uhura to be less central than she was in the original series. This one is at least identified as a scientist, and in a specialty that is critical to the Enterprise's mission. I expect to see her play a more pivotal role in future installments.

I found this Spock to be very much a precursor to Spock Prime in his old age. Events have just accelerated the pace at which he is arriving at that place. I guess I don't think the purpose of any character should be to stay the same despite the impact of experiences.

 

[seven14]

As I said, that doesn't follow. Spock's reasons for not getting tied down were not the same as Kirk's.

Fair enough.

"One more game of 3D chess, Mr. Spock?" Kirk asked.
"No, captain," said Spock. "It is 22:30. Uhura was expecting me at 22:00." He paused and added, "It is plomeek soup night."
"Ah, yes. Enjoy your plomeek soup, Mr. Spock." Kirk made a motion in the air like he was cracking a whip.
"She's taking shore leave in two days to visit her mother," said Spock.
"Who do you think got her out of here?" said Kirk quickly while grinning.
"Captain," Spock spoke in measured tones, "do you still have that box of cigars from Cygnus 3, that bottle of Saurian brandy, and -- "
"Those movies from Orion?" Kirk interrupted.
"Yes. The movies." Spock stood up straight at the door. Did he smile? "Senior officers meeting in two days, captain?"
"As soon as her shuttle leaves, Mr. Spock."
Walking out, Spock turns back to Kirk and says, almost cheerfully for him, "I will inform Dr. McCoy and Mr. Scott."

Let me tell you something, nothing throws a monkey wrench into a bromance quicker than when one of the guys gets a girlfriend.

I've been mostly lurking, but I thought I'd stick a toe in this thread. It seems like you have shifting arguments. First your concern seemed to be that Kirk should have a romantic relationship. Then it seems like you are concerned that Spock having a relationship interferes with the "bromance" aspect. Then it seems like you'd prefer neither of them have a relationship with a woman or perhaps the Spock/Uhura relationship turns you off.
So I'm not sure which is your main concern.
But I think that the writers wouldn't engage in mundane, meaningless scenarios with Spock/Uhura- especially in this genre with just 2 hours of time. On one thread a few people were even talking about them getting in arguments over cabin cleaning. From interviews I've read it appears that the writers were quite deliberate, thoughtful, and reasoned about why they did what they did and it served a particular purpose. And I think they are capable of finding the right balance, context, emphasis and right place for all of the relationships within the overall plot if they continue that way of working. I don't see why they have to completely kill off Spock/Uhura in order to have a bromance or build Spock and Kirk's relationship.

Franklin, I think you are joking with your K/S scene so I guess there is no reason for me to get my bun in a twist. (I would only be getting it in a twist if you were actually suggesting that it is funny and cute for a man secure in a happy and mature relationship to be happy to have his woman gone so that he can sit around drinking and watching Orion porn (yes porn or is there some other type of movies from "Specifically" Orion these 4 grown men would be watching so eagerly?)..of course since you are joking, then my bun can stay untwisted and loose!

Shimmeringfacet I so agree with your words here...

While the relationship was kept a secret, and was a surprise to us, I DO NOT believe the writers developed this as an actual relationship if they simply wanted to shock and upset the core trekkies.

I would like to say, and honestly, I am not trying to be condescending eventhough I believe as I write this, that I may come off sounding that way regardless, but Please folks this was a covert relationship..the only people on the Enterprise, so far who know what is going on is Kirk and Scotty and his engineering assistant who was sitting next to him. There must be people back at StarFleet who know or suspect since Spock was concerned about Uhura's assignment appearing to show favoritism on his part, but this doesn't necessarily have to be true.

The same way the relationship was kept For Uhura and Spock alone (they embraced in the Turbolift in private and on the Transporter pad insular and speaking very low words meant just for one another) this first movie back, shows that a loving relationship can be realized and as a secondary plot point, it can be replicated again. Not once, did they hold hands with one another, kiss on the bridge, make doey eyes at one another etc...they were professional with one another as this type of relationship calls for...

And Honestly, what is so great about, for the second go around, seeing these people relive the same existence for the next 40 or so years...alone! I suppose my feelings on this is clear...there is nothing whatever great or even entertaining about that state of being.

Someone above said it so well, but I did not write down their name unfortunately, but these writers are capable of deepening Spock and Kirk's friendship as well as continuing to develop the relationship between Uhura and Spock...most desperately, for me so that Uhura will have more to do then sit at her desk and Open or Hail Frequencies...

There is no reason on Earth surely and in Space definitely in the 23rd century(let me know if I have my centuries off) that women and men, Human and Alien/Vulcans living and existing on a StarShip can't conduct themselve like adults. It's fiction people...the slate, while not wiped clean has been restructured (I was going to go with "tidied up" but I think this may upset some people)...so lets enjoy new adventures and relationships....I know, I will be the better for it...I wish everyone felt the same, but they don't...but I sure wish the writers do---as they are the ones making the decisions!!!!

 

[indranee]

Fair enough.

"One more game of 3D chess, Mr. Spock?" Kirk asked.
"No, captain," said Spock. "It is 22:30. Uhura was expecting me at 22:00." He paused and added, "It is plomeek soup night."
"Ah, yes. Enjoy your plomeek soup, Mr. Spock." Kirk made a motion in the air like he was cracking a whip.
"She's taking shore leave in two days to visit her mother," said Spock.
"Who do you think got her out of here?" said Kirk quickly while grinning.
"Captain," Spock spoke in measured tones, "do you still have that box of cigars from Cygnus 3, that bottle of Saurian brandy, and -- "
"Those movies from Orion?" Kirk interrupted.
"Yes. The movies." Spock stood up straight at the door. Did he smile? "Senior officers meeting in two days, captain?"
"As soon as her shuttle leaves, Mr. Spock."
Walking out, Spock turns back to Kirk and says, almost cheerfully for him, "I will inform Dr. McCoy and Mr. Scott."

Let me tell you something, nothing throws a monkey wrench into a bromance quicker than when one of the guys gets a girlfriend.

I've been mostly lurking, but I thought I'd stick a toe in this thread. It seems like you have shifting arguments. First your concern seemed to be that Kirk should have a romantic relationship. Then it seems like you are concerned that Spock having a relationship interferes with the "bromance" aspect. Then it seems like you'd prefer neither of them have a relationship with a woman or perhaps the Spock/Uhura relationship turns you off.
So I'm not sure which is your main concern.
But I think that the writers wouldn't engage in mundane, meaningless scenarios with Spock/Uhura- especially in this genre with just 2 hours of time. On one thread a few people were even talking about them getting in arguments over cabin cleaning. From interviews I've read it appears that the writers were quite deliberate, thoughtful, and reasoned about why they did what they did and it served a particular purpose. And I think they are capable of finding the right balance, context, emphasis and right place for all of the relationships within the overall plot if they continue that way of working. I don't see why they have to completely kill off Spock/Uhura in order to have a bromance or build Spock and Kirk's relationship.

Franklin, I think you are joking with your K/S scene so I guess there is no reason for me to get my bun in a twist. (I would only be getting it in a twist if you were actually suggesting that it is funny and cute for a man secure in a happy and mature relationship to be happy to have his woman gone so that he can sit around drinking and watching Orion porn (yes porn or is there some other type of movies from "Specifically" Orion these 4 grown men would be watching so eagerly?)..of course since you are joking, then my bun can stay untwisted and loose!

Shimmeringfacet I so agree with your words here...

While the relationship was kept a secret, and was a surprise to us, I DO NOT believe the writers developed this as an actual relationship if they simply wanted to shock and upset the core trekkies.

I would like to say, and honestly, I am not trying to be condescending eventhough I believe as I write this, that I may come off sounding that way regardless, but Please folks this was a covert relationship..the only people on the Enterprise, so far who know what is going on is Kirk and Scotty and his engineering assistant who was sitting next to him. There must be people back at StarFleet who know or suspect since Spock was concerned about Uhura's assignment appearing to show favoritism on his part, but this doesn't necessarily have to be true.

The same way the relationship was kept For Uhura and Spock alone (they embraced in the Turbolift in private and on the Transporter pad insular and speaking very low words meant just for one another) this first movie back, shows that a loving relationship can be realized and as a secondary plot point, it can be replicated again. Not once, did they hold hands with one another, kiss on the bridge, make doey eyes at one another etc...they were professional with one another as this type of relationship calls for...

And Honestly, what is so great about, for the second go around, seeing these people relive the same existence for the next 40 or so years...alone! I suppose my feelings on this is clear...there is nothing whatever great or even entertaining about that state of being.

Someone above said it so well, but I did not write down their name unfortunately, but these writers are capable of deepening Spock and Kirk's friendship as well as continuing to develop the relationship between Uhura and Spock...most desperately, for me so that Uhura will have more to do then sit at her desk and Open or Hail Frequencies...

There is no reason on Earth surely and in Space definitely in the 23rd century(let me know if I have my centuries off) that women and men, Human and Alien/Vulcans living and existing on a StarShip can't conduct themselve like adults. It's fiction people...the slate, while not wiped clean has been restructured (I was going to go with "tidied up" but I think this may upset some people)...so lets enjoy new adventures and relationships....I know, I will be the better for it...I wish everyone felt the same, but they don't...but I sure wish the writers do---as they are the ones making the decisions!!!!

I kind of assumed that the transporter room scene was about a bit of desperation on Uhura's part (Spock may not have come back from that mission) and vulnerability on Spock's part. he realized what she was feeling and gave in to the PDA.

I'm pretty sure that Scotty and his assistant (that's Chris Doohan, btw -- the real Scotty's son IRL) have by now sent out a shipwide romance alert

I don't see Kirk doing so. Kirk's surprise was very well played, I thought. and the ensuing Kirk/Spock dialogue hilarious.

I don't want the romance to become the focus in the next movies, but I wouldn't mind seeing it as nuance in terms of the relationship between all three of them (Kirk, Spock and Uhura).

As for NUhura, as long as she doesn't say "Captain, I'm frightened" like the TOS-Uhura did every once in a while, I'm happy.

 

[seven14]

Well some of us found this Spock less unique and likeable.

I am one of those people. I don't want a more emotional Spock this time around. It defeats the purpose of the character.

As for Uhura, well, it just shows that they didn't have anything to do with her character, so they made her the love interest (tm).

Well, it would be hard for Uhura to be less central than she was in the original series. This one is at least identified as a scientist, and in a specialty that is critical to the Enterprise's mission. I expect to see her play a more pivotal role in future installments.

I found this Spock to be very much a precursor to Spock Prime in his old age. Events have just accelerated the pace at which he is arriving at that place. I guess I don't think the purpose of any character should be to stay the same despite the impact of experiences.

I agree here with Seniorsleuth.

I believe many of us could probably have benefited from our older selves giving advice to us...Now, why would they have Prime Spock give words of wisdom to NuSpock at the end if his fate was to go on and repeat the same life and behaviors of his older self....Young Spock is already making different choices then Prime Spock..I hope the writers continue Spocks growth..continue his Vulcan ways, but Now, include a little more of his Human Side...he is both after all...not just one and I hope he never eschews one part of himself over another ...which frankly I feel the Spock of the original series did too much (more Vulcan behaviors exhibited over his Human side and nature)...but I know this is my opinion only.

 

[Minuialeth]

Someone above said it so well, but I did not write down their name unfortunately, but these writers are capable of deepening Spock and Kirk's friendship as well as continuing to develop the relationship between Uhura and Spock...

I've read several posts here and there complaining that the friendship between Kirk and Spock wasn't there.
They've just met and frankly, the way Kirk acts for the most part of the movie must seem highly illogical, dangerous, stupid and narcissic to Spock. In other words, he thinks Kirk is an incompetent jerk. As for Kirk...well, the first time he's face to face with Spock, the latter accuses him of cheating and rather coldly remind him of the way his father died.
If they had been fast buddies then I would have wondered what the writers had smoked!
What we see, once Spock has vented a bit of his anger on Kirk (ie wiping the floor with him), is two men coming to at least respect each other and ear out each other's ideas. I don't know about you, but in real life that can be a solid basis for a friendship.
Sure, Prime Spock tells to nuSpock that he'll benefit from staying close to Kirk, sure, Prime Spock also said to nuKirk that he had been friends with him for many long years but do you really think they would give it a try after some old crazy Vulcan's words if they still hated and despised each other? Given their personalities, I think not. Prime Spock just give them an occasion to perceive the other differently.
They recognize their respective qualities by the end of the movie and that's why Spock asks to Kirk to be his first officier. I think he's fascinated with Kirk's gut instinct and his bold and out of the box ideas. And Kirk accepts because it's plain to see that, though he's going to be a pain in the ass, Spock is highly gifted and will be an invaluable asset to the Enterprise.
I'm confident that we'll see that friendship in STXII and I can hardly wait.
And I think I've gone a bit off topic.

 

[indranee]

I've read several posts here and there complaining that the friendship between Kirk and Spock wasn't there.

then they need to go back and watch Where No Man Has Gone Before. Spock and Kirk weren't "friends" there, either.

it's amazing to me how much people want instant karma and absolutely hate the journey. they don't want to watch HOW we get there, they want to see it all ONCE we are there. for chrissakes, people, it's a goddamn story! it's ABOUT the journey. keep reading, keep watching. the frickin' fun is IN THAT.

this was exactly some viewers' complaint about Archer on Enterprise. they didn't want to watch a neophyte captain making mistakes, they wanted him to be Picard/Kirk/Sisko right away.

it's just amazing to me -- this attitude. I'll never understand it.

 

[seniorsleuth]

I've read several posts here and there complaining that the friendship between Kirk and Spock wasn't there.

then they need to go back and watch Where No Man Has Gone Before. Spock and Kirk weren't "friends" there, either.

it's amazing to me how much people want instant karma and absolutely hate the journey. they don't want to watch HOW we get there, they want to see it all ONCE we are there. for chrissakes, people, it's a goddamn story! it's ABOUT the journey. keep reading, keep watching. the frickin' fun is IN THAT.

this was exactly some viewers' complaint about Archer on Enterprise. they didn't want to watch a neophyte captain making mistakes, they wanted him to be Picard/Kirk/Sisko right away.

it's just amazing to me -- this attitude. I'll never understand it.

Not to mention that the film explicitly telegraphed that the friendship between Kirk and Spock would be significant in this film series by having Spock Prime pretty much announce this to Kirk.