Part II : Spock The Comedian

Photo by Gage Skidmore

All the logic, facts and dispassion, Mr Spock still knows how to deliver a punchline, and we shouldn’t forget what he’s meant to the funny part of our franchise. Here’s more of Spock’s best work.

The Corbomite Manuever

You know, Spock is only human. So even the Vulcan can succumb to impatience and a dose of xenophobia. But at least Spock can get us laughing to deflect his rarely seen downside. Mr. Bailey is a bit of Reginald Barclay and goes full on human as the menacing alien ship bears down on the Enterprise. Of course, Mr Spock notes the outburst so Bailey obviously feels the need to defend himself. “Raising my voice back there doesn't mean I was scared or couldn't do my job. It means I happen to have a human thing called an adrenaline gland,” the navigator reasons.

Spock is not all ears, and neither is his cultural sensitivity. “It does sound most inconvenient, however. Have you considered having it removed,” he condescends.

What a burn and chalk one up for the human side.

Devil in the Dark

Why let the facts get in the way of a good story (or joke). I think that’s what’s in play for this episode of Spock dropping the mic. Unfortunately, the joke does get away from him, and Kirk turns the tables on his first officer. But Spock does have a good point in regards to the human prejudice of judging a book by its cover.

So he quickly calls out the human race. “Curious. What Chief Vanderberg said about the Horta is exactly what the Mother Horta said to me. She found humanoid appearance revolting, but she thought she could get used to it.”

Unfortunately, McCoy misses the subtext. “Oh, she did, did she? Now tell me, did she happen to make any comment about those ears,” the doctor responds

Deaf ears, what better way to drive the meaning home than with a little humorous interplay. “Not specifically, but I did get the distinct impression she found them the most attractive human characteristic of all. I didn't have the heart to tell her that only I have…”

Really, Spock - I’m not buying it, and neither is Kirk. “She really liked those ears,” the captain poses.

Now on the defensive, Spock still thinks he can contain James T. “Captain, the Horta is a remarkably intelligent and sensitive creature, with impeccable taste,” Spock deflects. 


The First Officer just has no shame here so Kirk makes sure the science officer must dig deeper. “Because she approved of you,” Kirk queries hard.

It’s not so funny anymore. “Really, Captain, my modesty,” Spock fails to slow the train. 


And now the screws get their turn. “Does not bear close examination, Mister Spock. I suspect you're becoming more and more human all the time,” Kirk twists the irony. 


Completely taken aback from the innocent point he was trying to get across, Spock does at least allow himself to retain some dignity. “Captain, I see no reason to stand here and be insulted,” Spock tries to maintain.

He still loses but credit is given for initiating another round of Star Trek laughs.

Shore Leave

When Enterprise personnel are not performing at peak efficiency, the safety of the entire crew is at risk. Yes even the ole NCC could fail to measure up, but the mostly likely cause will always be overwork and a lack of rest and relaxation.

Thus getting crew members to consent could be a problem, and Spock is not above some humorous change of direction to drive home the point. “We have a crew member aboard who's showing signs of stress and fatigue. Reaction time down nine to twelve percent, associational reading norm minus three,” Spock is so sly.


Of course, Kirks takes the bait. “That's much too low a rating,” Kirk agrees. 


Spock continues to reel. “He’s becoming irritable and quarrelsome, yet he refuses to take rest and rehabilitation. Now, He has that right, but we've found…”


The Starfleet insignia now on full alert, Kirk takes command. “A crewman's right ends where the safety of the ship begins. That man will go a shore on my orders. What's his name.”


Gotcha.

“James Kirk,” Spock deadpans like he knows the drill.

The rest is just fodder. “Enjoy yourself, Captain. It's an interesting planet. You'll find it quite pleasant.”

Yeah, he’s good and our captain has no recourse.

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