10 Star Trek Moments That Always Make You Smile

William Shatner was Captain Kirk from 1966 to 1994, though that’s not to say his presence isn’t still felt. Chris Pine and Paul Wesley are on hand to offer worthy versions of the captain, but there is a scene in the mid-90s that encapsulates so much of the joy that Kirk brings to the screen. And it involves another Starfleet captain while we’re at it. 

Star Trek: Generations may be the first cinematic outing for the crew of The Next Generation, but it also serves as the last outing for the cast of The Original Series - some of them at least. Walter Koenig and James Doohan are wonderful in their short scenes, but all eyes are on Shatner here, delivering the last original Kirk day.

And what a day it was. 

Beautiful Day, he says, as Captain Picard approaches him by his cabin. Kirk chops wood, then smells some burning eggs. In he runs to his kitchen, inviting Picard in - why not, it’s his house, after all. There are trinkets on the wall, and toast is quickly brewing. Picard may be all business, but the famous captain has other things on his mind - after all, he was out saving the galaxy when your grandfather was in diapers. 

The entire scene is pure joy, even tinged with sadness from knowing it may be an end of an era. Between the clock, Antonia, and Butler - it was a good day for those who felt human feelings.