[net.startrek] Spock's Character Weakened

knudsen@ihnss.UUCP (06/15/84)

<Vger droppings>

In a way, the Spock character may be less interesting now than in the TV series
and in ST:TMP.  Why?  Because the old SPock was always in conflict between
his human emotions and his VUlcan upbringing that made him ashamed to admit
them even to himself.  Several TV episodes make this clear: that Spock HAS
feelings, but hates to admit them, and shows them only when drugged/sick,
in Pon-Far heat, or overwhelmed by surprise (eg, end of Amok Time).

In ST:TMP, which could be subtitled "Spock in Search of SPock'",
Spock gives up on pure logic and affirms the value of openly emotional
relationships.  Thus his "you are and always will be my friend" talk in
ST:TWOK does not seem out of character.

Trouble is, now that Spock is just on of us humans (admittedly with superhuman
powers), will he be as exciting?  Conflict, especially within one person, is
what makes for good literature.  There IS a way out of this...se next posting.
	mike k