If you're a follower of mine, you know: I'm a moderately big fan of "Star Trek." Most people I know, if asked to describe me in five words, would probably include "Trekkie" somewhere on that list. I also happen to be a relatively emotional person, and that is a volatile combination. Because with a franchise that chooses to deal with the deeper, darker parts of the moral psyche, you're going to get some emotional moments. "Star Trek" is chock full of them, anywhere from death to moral dilemmas that drive both characters and audience mad. Here are the twenty moments that have made me cry the hardest, ranked from a few tears to bawling like a baby.
20. Natasha Yar's funeral
I was not particularly attached to Yar, but her messages left to the crew members were nothing short of touching. By the end of it, I'd definitely cried at least a little bit.
19. Riker's relationship with his father
That's usually how I feel when people bring this up. Granted, it's less of a moment than a concept, but it causes me pain nonetheless.
18. Spock crying
Okay, this one ranks slightly lower on the list because it's more of a humorous moment, but still, Spock cries, you cry. It's just a fact of life.
17. "Acting Ensign Crusher"
Wesley Crusher is one of my long list of "Trek babies." The moment these words were out of Picard's mouth the first time, my Trekkie heart burst with pride.
16. The mind meld
Okay, Spock's entire presence in the 2009 film gets me. But this moment especially, where we first get a glimpse of the friendship he and Jim are supposed to have, along with the anguish he feels at the death of his planet and people, tugs at my heartstrings - and my tear ducts.
15. Pike's death
Mostly what gets me is Kirk's reaction to Pike's death. This is the first one that has made me actually full-on cry.
14. "Wolf in the Fold"
Okay, I've seen Scotty punch a Klingon in the face, so I won't necessarily say he's harmless. But the man is still the Scottish equivalent of a cinnamon roll, therefore watching him on trial for murder may or may not break my "mom-instinct" heart in two.
13. Captain Sulu
Look at this adorable human and tell me that you didn't shed a few tears of pride when he shows up in the sixth film as "Captain Sulu." He's come so far.
12. Amanda Grayson
Everything about this scene is heartbreaking - especially if you're particularly attached to Amanda Grayson from the Original Series. The destruction of Vulcan. Spock. Sarek. Chekov. I repeat, there is no saving grace for this scene. It's fairly well drenched in my Trekkie tears.
11. Every single toast in "Beyond"
So, first there's Bones and Kirk at the beginning, talking about Kirk's father. And the fact that the third glass we see briefly is not there for George Kirk, as I believe is implied, but in fact there for the late Anton Yelchin... yeah, I'm crying. Then at the end of the film, when Kirk gives his toast: "To the Enterprise, and to absent friends." For similar reasons, I'm still crying,
10. "Amok Time"
Spock's quiet resignation when he thinks he's killed Kirk, just thinly masking the overwhelming grief gets me every time, but not nearly so much as when he discovers he was wrong. For some reason, Spock breaking the Vulcan stone face causes me to weep uncontrollably.
9. "When the Bough Breaks"
Okay, the GIF really has nothing to do with it. But the point is, Beverly Crusher's determination to get her son back throughout this episode, coupled with the equal determination of those on the planet below to keep the children they have stolen from the ship, once again, makes me blubber like a baby.
8. "Because you are my friend."
Confession time: I hadn't actually seen "Wrath of Khan" before I saw "Into Darkness." Had I had that prior knowledge of Spock's resurrection, I might not have leaped up out of my face, tears streaming down my cheeks, screaming, "YOU CAN'T KILL KIRK! HE'S THE CAPTAIN! YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" We've reached the point of angry crying now. There is no return.
7. "Charlie X"
I felt for this kid. Yes, he appeared slightly sadistic, and that was magnified by the strange powers he had, but he was just trying to fit existence among other humans into his limited experience. So, tears? Yes.
6. The end of "Beyond"
Let's all be honest: "Beyond" was essentially an emotional cataclysm in general. The ending did not help. The final shot of the entire crew, the Enterprise being rebuilt, and then that little part where all of them delivered the bloody ending... Put it this way, this girl was in tears by the end of the final scene. (Have I mentioned I'm a Chekov girl yet? No? Kind of necessary information at this point.)
5. "The Cage"/"The Menagerie"
Spock, you magnificent scalawag, you were just attempting to reunite Captain Pike with the woman he loved. And therefore, when success is attained, I cry.
4. "Let's call him Jim."
This entire scene tore my heart out and stomped on it. George Kirk pilots his ship into the enemy ship, never getting to meet his son, and yet getting to hear his first cries. The nobility. The sacrifice.
The TEARS.
3. "The Measure of a Man"
Data is wonderful. He very obviously has feelings, if not quite emotions, and I find the fact that he is put on trial to determine whether he qualifies as a sentient being just as revolting as whatever he is holding. What is even worse is that Riker has to prove that he is not.
2. Spock's death - "Beyond" edition
Can we talk about what a beautiful tribute all of this was to Leonard Nimoy? Yes, adding to the aforementioned emotional cataclysm that was "Beyond," the death of Spock Prime is dealt with, but it is done masterfully and causes mass amounts of tears in general.
1. "I have been, and always shall be, your friend."
I'm going to let this one speak for itself. Because why wouldn't you cry at Spock finally calling Kirk his friend - to his face, anyway?
