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SYFY WIRE Warp Factor

This classic Star Trek episode gave us so much Vulcan lore for the first time [Warp Factor 2.3]

By Brian Silliman

Welcome back to SYFY WIRE's Warp Factor, where we are diverting from our intended course and spending a little more time exploring Star Trek: The Original Series.

When you think about Vulcan lore in Star Trek, you most likely think of the famous Vulcan hand salute and the words "Live long and prosper." When thinking of the planet Vulcan itself, you may see yourself surrounded by red skies and a lot of rocks.

All of these things were given life in the episode "Amok Time." It was the first time that we ever saw Vulcans other than Mr. Spock, and it was the first time we'd visited the planet itself. The remastered version of the episode gave us an upgrade and made the location feel more like it does in future Trek films, but it's still a hot and rocky place no matter what version you're watching. The salute, and the catchphrase, both make their debut here.

"Pon farr" also makes itself a thing, something that future Trek stories would return to — Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise all make the condition a story point. The latter show also features a young T'Pau, a formidable Vulcan who makes her debut in "Amok Time."

Throw some soup at the wall, get those emotions in check, and get ready to talk about what must never be discussed. Watch as we break down all of the Vulcan madness below.