10 MORE Star Trek Moments That Broke Our Hearts

3. Live Long And Prosper - Unification, Part 1

Death, when presented in all of its stark truth, is never an easy pill to swallow. Sometimes, it can be as part of a heroic action. Sometimes, it's an evil outcome from a dangerous enemy. Still other times, it is the inevitable end of a long, storied life.

Sarek of Vulcan, father of Spock and Sybok, adoptive father of Michael Burnham, finally dies after more than two hundred years of life in Unification, Part 1. This death occurs in the shadow of Spock's disappearance, amid rumours of defecting to the Romulans. Sarek never wavers in his support of his son, believing above all else that there is a logical explanation.

That the man is suffering from Bendii Syndrome, an illness that affects Vulcans of advanced age, does nothing to dim one of the brightest minds in the history of the Federation. Sarek's deterioration and demise mirrored the real-life passing of franchise creator Gene Roddenberry.

When one of the original stars passes, it is also a sad moment. Mark Lenard would pass away a few short years later, making this moment full of pathos. It was a bittersweet tribute to the end of an era.