10 Star Trek Episodes That Are Perfect For A Good Cry
3. Similitude
It would almost be easy, in the years that have passed since the episode's release, to consider Similitude as a bit of a melodramatic episode. The entire plot revolves around the death of a main character - sort of - and so it was always going to be a bit maudlin. What truly sells the episode is the performance by Conner Trinneer.
Sim effectively is Trip, so as the audience is watching him struggle to come to terms with his fate, really they are watching one of the main characters offer themselves up as the sacrificial lamb. The escape attempt only dials this up to eleven, but it is delivered in such a pitch-perfect way that it's hard not to be affected.
The episode's score goes a long way toward breaking hearts as well, with that lone woodwind melody ringing through the silent halls of Enterprise. Archer's determination, Phlox's grief, T'Pol's realisation of Trip's true feelings - everything just lands in the episode.
Be wary of pairing this episode with a good bottle of wine, because it's likely to leave you bawling into your glass.