Farewell Leonard Nimoy

One of our Star Trek Commemorative Plates of the man or should I say Spock himself

Being an avid Science Fiction (sci fi)  fan, I have read many novels seen moves and TV and radios  series of the genre.

I prefer to read, watch or listen to sci fi that has potential to become science fact and indeed has happened!

One such TV series is Star Trek. I grew up in the 1960s and there was not much sci fi on TV. I listened with my parents to some sci fi plays such as  the classic ‘Quatermass’ on BBC radio every Sunday evening. When ‘Dr Who’ came along on BBC TV in 1963  (now the longest running continuous sci fi tv series in the world). I was so happy and despite the black & white viewing  and sometimes wobbly stage sets and  minimal primitive special effects (sfx), the excellent actors and stories ultimately enchanted millions of viewers.

With the advent of colour viewing TV in the mid 1960s, more  sci fi  Tv series were produced, many from the USA.

One such was, of course,  ‘Star Trek’. Created by Gene Rodenberry, it introduced the crew & their weekly adventures in a faster-than-light travelling space ship called the ‘USS Enterprise’.  There were  British sailing ships called HMS Enterprise AKA ‘Enterprize’)  in the 1700s and one in 1800s.

In the pilot episode (1964) of Star Trek, one of the crew was referred to as a ‘Vulcanian’ a humanoid from from the Planet Vulcan orbiting the star 40 Eridani,  which is a real star  about 16 light years from earth.  Vulcan could be reached in a few days with the ‘warp’,  anti mattered powered engines of the  Constitution class star ships such as the Enterprise.

The ‘Vulcanian’ science officer was called ‘Mr Spock’, as apparently his Vulcan name was unpronounceable to humans!

From the beginning actor Leonard Nimoy was chosen to play Spock.

The Vulcan race looked human except for pointed ears, arched eyebrows, distinctive hairstyles, a slight green skin pallor due to green blood.

Vulcans were stronger and faster than humans, due to the higher gravity, less oxygen rich atmosphere and heat on Vulcan. Vulcans were extremely long lived too – up to 300 years. They exercise extreme control over their emotions as taught by  a venerated philosopher named Surak. as early in their history Vulcans were prone to violence.

To make the character more interesting Mr Spock was also  half human, with his father being the renowned, Vulcan statesman and  ambassador, Sarek (well played originally by actor Mark Leonard). His human mother is Amanda Grayson ( played by Jane Wyatt in the original series).

This early Mr Spock looked rather severe and shouted a lot!

 

After the pilot show, Gene Rodenberry was not satisfied and made big cast changes for the series proper in 1966. A new captain of the Enterprise was brought in ( William Shatner as Capt Kirk), A new ships doctor, actor Deforest Kelly as Dr (Bones) McCoy.

Leonard and his distinctive appearance as Spock now generically known as a Vulcan as opposed to Vulcanian, was retained and he became the science officer and second in command to Kirk.

Spock’s appearance was softened, as was his voice and manner, becoming calmer and most logical as befits a Vulcan.

Spock’s  ‘bantering’ and put downs with Dr McCoy with Kirk often acting as referee were brilliant. However,  the trio’s underlying loyalty and friendship to each other shone through as the series progressed; His Vulcan catchphrase and hand gesture became legendary too!

Off course, all of the main Enterprise crew became legendary in TV,  sci fi  & the motion picture history.

Leonard Nimoy was also known to me as I enjoyed the  early  ‘Mission Impossible’ TV shows. He played  ‘Paris’, a master of disguise brought in to the later  ‘Impossible Mission Force’ 1969-1971.  Mission Impossible was made at the same studios (Desilu) as the classic Star Trek series and so Leonard could swap pointy ears for various disguises!

Leonard was also a guest villain in one of my favourite detective series ‘Columbo’.  Spock’s logic was no match for Columbo’s detective ability & own brand logic 🙂

Mr Spock appeared in the various Star Trek sequels  and movies including the excellent 2009 reboot of the franchise under J.J. Abrams.

In the reboot, Zachary Quinto’s likeness as the young Spock although in a different time line captures that essence of Nimoy.

Spock and then other characters live on in the Star Trek novels I enjoy reading.

Leonard  Nimoy crafted and evolved Spock into one of the most popular, recognisable & iconic characters in entertainment.

Where ever you are now in that ‘undiscovered country‘ Leonard,  “Live Long And Prosper…”

 

The main original crew of the Enterprise

 

 

Spock in his second Century                             A young Spock (Zachary Quinto)

Paris in Mission Impossible                 A baddie in Columbo

Farewell Leonard Nimoy