10 Star Trek Moments That Broke Our Hearts

Brent Spiner famously was not a fan of his feline friend in Star Trek. Spot, the cat, was a constant during The Next Generation, and despite Spiner's personal feelings, it was clear that Data would suffer no harm to the wonderful furry fiend. After all, he is a good cat. A pretty cat. Star Trek Generations saw the destruction of the drive section of the Enterprise-D. At the time, it was believed that the damage to the saucer section was too severe to bother with a salvage. So, Data and Commander Troi searched the wreckage for survivors, with Troi's tricorder pinging one lifesign, very faint. 

Data tore the debris out of their way and discovered Spot, tucked into a barrel, a bit shaken but otherwise none the worse for wear. This led to the immortal scene of Data crying yellow tears, struggling to understand why he was crying, despite being happy. While that alone could secure an entry on this list, it was another surprise appearance by the four-legged feline that truly hit the heartstrings. 

While battling Lore for control of the new golem body in Star Trek: Picard, Data elected to use tokens from his past as markers for a life well lived. This, he believed, would help Lore understand what it was to be good. Sherlock Holmes' pipe, along with Data's violin, then the small hologram of Tasha Yar. These all failed to stir Lore. And then - the purring began. Seeing Spot appear in Data's arms, a moment of frozen time, for this cat was all but identical to the one we knew and loved, was unexpected and heartbreaking. It was a scene of warmth, even as Lore faded away. But Counsellor, we do not understand. We are happy to see Spot, but we are crying? 

Perhaps our emotion chips are malfunctioning?