From humans and Vulcans to ex-Borg drones and holograms, Star Trek has been home to some of the most enduring, fulfilling friendships in all of science fiction. Starfleet is essentially a military organization, with ranks and procedures that sometimes require a certain professional distance, generally for the captain. And yet in virtually every iteration of the franchise, deep bonds of friendship take hold and define some of Star Trek's most celebrated characters.
The strongest friendships in Star Trek often occur between characters who don't immediately have much in common, overcoming some sort of social or professional barrier to become close. The relationship between Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Spock (Leonard Nimoy) in Star Trek: The Original Series set the tone for friendships where each character's life becomes richer and more interesting due to forming a bond with someone fundamentally different. It's yet another way Star Trek bridges the unknown, always aiming for empathy and understanding in its explorations of space and the human condition.
