I always loved this episode, because Spock stays so true to his logical, unemotional core. I thought it was quite bold- they committed themselves to his character in a way that the TNG writers were almost never able to do with Data. They made him what an unfeeling person would really be- a bastard. Bravo.
Except Spock - and Vulcans in general - do not have a logical, unemotional core. They have a
very emotional core where they lock all those feelings away to show the world a logical, unemotional
exterior.
Sadly, a misperception many people make. Including some of the book writers and writers of later series.
This is noted by watching Sarek, or listening to Surak's, Spock's or Sarek's discussions on the matter. Sarek was definitely a highly emotional person, as evidenced from his playfulness and teasing in sickbay, the years and years of "disowning" his son (c'mon, that's not logical - that's purely emotional in this case), the obvious love in his eyes for his son and wife...
...followed by similar portrayals by Mark Lenard in the movies, such as the "I've just swallowed a mouthfull of poop" look on his face at Spock's line in this exchange:
Sarek:
"I opposed your enlistment in to Starfleet, that judgment was incorrect, your associates are of good character."
Spock:
"They are my friends"
Sarek (looking like he just ate a turd):
"Yes, of course..."
and then of course:
"Do you have a message for your mother?"
What I think we saw (in this episode) was Spock over compensating by trying to bury all emotion entirely and act entirely on logic - until the end of course.
My thoughts exactly...
