Kirk vs. McCoy vs. Spock?

Question

Of the Star Trek trio: humans Kirk and McCoy, and the Vulcan Spock, who was your favorite character and why?

I like them all, almost equally. Almost...

Kirk is clearly important and charismatic (also, the most likely to get in trouble and survive ... very much like 007) -- he can be annoying but he fits the role, Spock is logical and robot-like (but lacks intution and emotions ... the best episode is when he shows his human side), and McCoy's medical knowledge was very useful and his amusing criticisms of Spock highlighted the fact that Spock was not perfect either (but could he fight?) ... yes, I think I often liked McCoy more than Kirk.

On any given day, I would pick any one of them over the others because, clearly, none of them was perfect. However, for my spouse, I would pick Spock (I prefer him in EVERY way), because I like to torture myself emotionally. ;-) McCoy would be my best friend. Kirk I would keep away from my daughters (if I had any) ... he has no power over me.

Not to try to sway your opinions or anything, but here is how I see them:

(1) Kirk: human, all too human (though logical at times, Kirk is an adventurer and womanizer... very typical hero figure -- someone you want to be or have a crush on)
(2) Spock: logical so painfully logical(Kirk's foil; mysterious and unflappable, but more than just an android, he's a living being too)
(3) McCoy: merciful and fatherly (the man with a warm heart and "empirical mind") -- how empty the show would be without his input... he's impatient but he is also very amusing... he's got a great sense of humor and he likes Spock even though he pretends not to... (not everyone likes Spock on the Enterprise)

Answer 1

I like your take on McCoy, we need that fatherly influence which he has. But I see him less foiling Spock than Spock foiling McCoy, Spock's skepticism is also so important that I see Spock's foil as more important; humans are easily controlled because they're emotional, controlled by fear, greed, aggression, etc. Spock and Vulcans in general are not easily controlled beause they can't be swayed this way. You can't appeal to their sense of nationalism or fear of "aliens" or wish to go back to a comfortable, familiar past. They will never be the unthinking "mob" with self-righteous hatred or grievances. There, Spock is a tremendous asset and counterpart to McCoy's emotion. Kirk (I think) counterbalances both with both logic and emotion and befriends both easily, there's the trio.

Answer 2

That's a hard one, but I guess I'll have to go with Bones. His flaws made him one of the most likeable characters on the show - his emotionlism, his downhome attitude, the whole country doctor thing. Don't get me wrong - I loved them all, but Bones was probably nearest and dearest to my heart.

Answer 3

I've always loved Spock the most. I love his intelligence, logical thinking, and envied his lack of emotion at times of my own emotional extremes.

Kirk is a great character, but Shatner's line delivery always made me cringe just a bit.

McCoy always seemed to me to be angry and unhappy all the time. I just feel like he was always yelling his lines!

Answer 4

Spock - his character got to grow the most across the span of the character. And also had one of the best actors playing him.

Kirk - perhaps young Kirk will be interesting but Shattner's - I hate my Trek fans - no wait give me more attention & $ spiel is really old.

Answer 5

I'd say all 3. as you've said they are each different and helpful in thier own ways.