Most of Spock's romances on Star Trek: The Original Series only lasted for one episode, with his relationship with Joanne Linville's Romulan Commander in "The Enterprise Incident" being the most complex. The second episode of Star Trek: The Original Series season 3, "The Enterprise Incident," features Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and his crew embarking on a covert mission to steal a Romulan cloaking device. As part of this plot, Spock feigns interest in the Romulan Commander, as he appears to consider betraying Starfleet and Kirk.
Spock Had A Great Romance In Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3 - But The Vulcan Was Lying
Spock & The Romulan Commander Had A Real Connection, But It Was Based On A Lie
When Captain Kirk takes the Starship Enterprise through the Neutral Zone into Romulan space, he and Spock are invited aboard the Romulan flagship, where Spock meets the unnamed Romulan Commander. After Kirk is hauled away to the brig, the Commander chats with Spock, pointing out that he is superior to humans and that they do not appreciate him. The Commander tells Spock that she could get him his own ship among the Romulans, and Spock pretends to be tempted by her offer. The two then sit down for a romantic dinner, and it's clear that the Romulan is attracted to Spock.
Although Spock is secretly working with Kirk the entire time, he has a real connection with the Romulan Commander. Spock remains loyal to Starfleet and the Federation, helping Kirk to successfully steal the cloaking device. Still, Spock expresses regret about deceiving the Commander. When she bitterly states that all Spock left with was the cloaking device, the Vulcan responds: "You underestimate yourself, Commander." In another universe, Spock and the Romulan Commander could have had an epic love story, but their romance in "The Enterprise Incident" was never truly real.
Spock Says Vulcans Don’t Lie, But They Do
Spock Even Lies About Being Able To Lie
Soon after Spock and the Romulan Commander begin talking, the Commander asks Spock about the myth that "Vulcans are incapable of lying." Spock confirms that this is true, saying, "It is no myth." Ironically, this is itself a lie, as Spock spends the rest of the episode hiding his true intentions. Spock spends most of "The Enterprise Incident" lying to the Romulan Commander, and it's certainly not the first or the last time the Vulcan withholds or misrepresents the truth. Spock values logic above all else, and sometimes, lying is the most logical course of action.
By the time of Star Trek: The Original Series, Spock had become quite adept at lying, as he and Captain Kirk often get involved in missions that require subterfuge of some kind. However, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 5, "Charades," revealed that Spock (Ethan Peck) wasn't always that good at lying. When Spock is inadvertently turned fully human, he must conceal the truth from his Vulcan fiancée, T'Pring, and her parents. Spock's human mother, Amanda Grayson (Mia Kirshner), saves the day, as she teaches her son how to hide his new human emotions and lie convincingly.
Why Spock & The Romulan Commander Was More Interesting Than The Vulcan’s Other Star Trek: TOS Romances
The Romulan Commander Was A Fascinating Character
Throughout his Star Trek journey, Spock often struggled to reconcile his more human tendencies with his Vulcan logic. The Romulan Commander in "The Enterprise Incident" appealed to Spock's Vulcan side, which must have been refreshing after he had spent so much time among humans. While viewers know that Spock will not betray the Federation, the possibility still exists that he could. Spock was likely at least a little tempted to join the Romulan Commander, even as he knew he would never betray his friends. Spock is incredibly convincing throughout the episode, and his attraction to the Commander adds a tragic complexity to his mission.
As revealed in the Star Trek: The Next Generation season 5 two-parter, "Unification," Spock will spend the later part of his life working to reunite the Vulcan and Romulan peoples. It's possible the seeds of this idea were planted in "The Enterprise Incident," as Spock sees firsthand how similar Vulcans and Romulans are. While Spock's dream of unification will not be realized for centuries, the Vulcans and Romulans do eventually settle together on Ni'Var (formerly Vulcan). Joanne Linville's Romulan Commander remains one of Spock's most interesting love interests, and it's a shame their Star Trek: The Original Series romance was built on a lie.
