Leonard Nimoy

 In a recent interview before his death, Leonard Nimoy said that his favorite Star Trek episode was "Amock Time". I agree that Amock Time is one of the best episodes of the series, but my favorite "Spock" episode of the original Star Trek series would be "This Side of Paradise"

 While checking on the health of colonists trying to develop an alien planet, Spock comes under the influence of plant spores that cause him to lose his rigid control over his emotions. Spock eventually falls in love with one of the colonists (Jill Ireland) but Kirk comes along to spoil things.

 Kirk discovers that strong anger nullifies the power of the plant spores and he goads Spock into a fight. Just as the much stronger Spock is about to kill Kirk, the power of the spores is gone and Spock once again regains control of his emotions.


Leonard Nimoy's acting was terrific throughout this episode and I could almost feel the regret Spock has in choosing duty over love.