10 False Star Trek Facts You Probably Still Believe

Anyone who has seen the J.J. Abrams reboot films will know that Vulcans most definitely do feel emotions. Some might say, in the case of Star Trek Into Darkness, far too much emotion. However, to be fair to those films, this is not the first time that Vulcans have been on the emotional side by a long shot.

Vulcans have long been established as having the ability to feel emotions. Their culture is based around controlling and suppressing those emotions, not letting emotion cloud their logic. This dogma came into being through the teachings of Surak, the father of modern Vulcan logic. Though explored many times in the franchise, the Enterprise fourth season arc surrounding the Kir'Shara best depicts the differences between pre and post logical Vulcans.

Spock has also often been the best example of an emotional Vulcan. While he is the quintessential cool headed figure, he gradually mellows. There are overt lapses, such as the Original Series episode Amok Time. His reaction to finding Kirk alive and well was no symptom of the Pon Farr - this was just a man delighted by his friend's well-being. Though very rarely depicted, Spock is also capable of expressing anger.

In Star Trek VI, Spock is faced with the betrayal of his protegee, Valeris. Rather than speak on her actions, he slaps the phaser out of her hand with a pure rage in his eyes. This one moment shows that yes, Vulcans very much do have feelings. Their control over those feelings can slip, just like any other person.