Earlier today, a friend asked me to explain who ‘Spock’ was and why he is a universally beloved character.   The easiest answer is to say he is the glue to a franchise that has spanned generations.  Star Trek was a weekly event in my house, and with no DVR, we all sat together to watch.  (My dad even had a TV control fashioned after a phaser)  And I can actually remember when I was first able to separate my ring finger from my middle finger and proudly pronounce ‘Live Long And Prosper.”  So, the first part of my answer is nostalgia.  The thought of hanging a minituarized USS Enterprise on the Christmas Tree brings a flood of memories and warm thoughts.

Next, I found myself explaining the origin of Spock.  His Father is a Vulcan.  His Mother a human.  I think most of us can relate to what it means to be human.  Vulcan’s are a species that attempt to live by logic and reason without the interference of emotion.  He’s not as cold as a robot, devoid of emotion.  (Although that sounds wonderful sometimes doesn’t it)  He’s half human.  He’s subject to the same range of illogical (read: crazy) emotions that we all share.  Our emotional experiences are what shape us.  I mean, we even have a word for it ‘baggage.’  Spock has baggage.  Serious baggage.  (dying, coming back to life, having your parents and entire planet destroyed) OK, so reason #2 is envy.  Or admiration.  We admire the strength Spock has to handle his emotions and conduct himself in a logical manner.

Personally, my favorite part about Spock is his interaction with Kirk.  (quick catchup – James Tiberius Kirk is the Captain of the USS Enterprise.  He is cunning, courageous and confident.  Not to mention impulsive and seemingly ruled by his own emotions) Spock is Kirk’s second in command, a sounding board for ideas and an emotional anchor for the spaceship.  He was always there to sober his decisions and remind him of the logic or lack thereof of those decisions.  Don’t we all want that in a friend or loved one?  Someone to keep us on track, to remind of us of our own bullshit and at the same time love us unconditionally?  To have someone in your corner cheering you on, and pointing you in the right direction.  Someone to challenge us, to sacrifice for us.

Spock was a loyal friend.  He was brave without question.  And had the inner strength to tame the inner turmoil that haunts all of us.  He was beloved.