The purely logical Vulcans have been an integral part of the Star Trek universe since the very beginning of the franchise. With notable names like Mr. Spock amongst their ranks, there is no denying that the pointed eared aliens are an instantly recognizable piece of pop culture history.
From the early days of Trek in Voyager, the Vulcans have always provided memorable moments. While they may not take center stage often, when they do, the Vulcans deliver fan-favorite episodes.
Take Me Out To The Holosuite (Deep Space Nine)
Like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day, "Take Me out to the Holosuite" was a refreshingly light episode of Deep Space Nine in the middle of the dark days of the Dominion War. When a former classmate of Sisko's arrives on DS9, the logical Vulcan challenges the captain to a friendly game of baseball on the holodeck.
Vulcans are not known to participate in such frivolous games as baseball, and that's what makes the story so interesting. With the Vulcan approaching the game logically, it is fun to watch both teams devise a strategy to beat the other. While it doesn't rank among the best episode of Deep Space Nine, it is a great use of the characters, and it shows a different side of Vulcans that isn't often displayed.
Meld (Voyager)
The Vulcans posses several mental abilities that set them apart from humans, and one of their most powerful skills is the mind meld. "Meld" is an episode of Voyager that sees Tuvok use a mind meld to investigate a murderous crew member's motives. After completing the meld, Tuvok begins to find that he is losing his highly trained emotional control.
While Vulcans spend their entire lives suppressing their emotions, they do still possess them, and occasionally they break free. Seeing Tuvok's feelings get the best of him is an interesting turn for the stoic Vulcan, even if he nearly turns murderous.
Fallen Hero (Enterprise)
Vulcans act based on a strict code of logic, and occasionally those decisions can seem strange from a non-logical, human perspective. The Enterprise episode "Fallen Hero" sees the Enterprise sent to pick up a disgraced Vulcan diplomat who was removed from her post. En route to returning her to her people, the Enterprise is intercepted by a Mazarite warship that wants to take the Vulcan.
Though they may seem infallible, "Fallen Hero" shows that even Vulcans are capable of making bad choices. It is fascinating to see the logic of the Vulcans twisted in such a way, that it actually goes against what they stand for. Enterprise was a unique series because it showed a lot of the Vulcan culture that was only hinted at in other shows.
The Andorian Incident (Enterprise)
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Star Trek franchise is the complicated relations between different alien cultures, and "The Andorian Incident" put one conflict on full display. While visiting an ancient Vulcan monastery on the planet P'Jem, several Enterprise crew are taken hostage by a band of Andorians who believe it is a secret spying post.
Featuring Jeffrey Combs in one of his many Trek roles, the episode introduced the Andorians to Enterprise and set up a lengthy, ongoing storyline. The episode is not only a thrilling story, but it also elaborates on Vulcan emotional suppression practices, as well as their longstanding conflict with the blue skinned Andorians.
Unification (The Next Generation)
Spock is one of the most beloved characters in all of Star Trek, and fans were given a special treat when he appeared in The Next Generation. The two-part episode "Unification" follows the Enterprise as it tracks ambassador Spock, who has gone into Romulan territory to negotiate a peace deal.
Not only is "Unification" a great Vulcan episode, but it is also one of the best Romulan episodes in Star Trek history, and really shows off both cultures. While they are essentially cousins, the two species couldn't be more different with their approaches to life, and Spock attempts to use logic to persuade them.
Yesteryear (The Animated Series)
Though it is often ignored because it isn't canon, The Animated Series attempted to further flesh out the Enterprise's five-year mission. The episode "Yesteryear" finds Spock discover that he has been erased from recent history, in order to stop his complete erasure, he must save himself as a child.
Giving the audience its first view of young Spock, "Yesteryear" provided more information about Trek's most famous Vulcan. While the show was often sillier than its live action counterpart, it was still fun to see Spock go on a time travel adventure to save himself. has had many great time travel episodes, and "Yesteryear" is one of the best.
Sarek (The Next Generation)
Making his debut in The Original Series, Spock's father Sarek is an important Vulcan figure in the Trek universe. "Sarek" is a TNG episode that revisits the legendary diplomat as he attempts to conduct peace talks between warring cultures. Because of his advanced age, Sarek's suppressed emotions begin causing strange outbursts amongst the Enterprise crew.
The episode is a perfect continuation of the Sarek character from the feature films, and further explores his complicated relationship with his work. Still dedicated to diplomacy, the aged Vulcan also struggles with coming to grips with his own advanced age. Ironically, the logical Vulcan is still subject to a small amount of vanity as he refuses to step aside and retire from active duty.
Journey To Babel (The Original Series)
Showing off the incredibly longevity of his career, Spock's father Sarek made his debut in The Original Series episode "Journey to Babel". The Enterprise plays host to several quarreling diplomats, including ambassador Sarek from Vulcan. Meanwhile, a conspiracy of murder threatens to derail the entire conference.
Vulcans' interactions with humans is a common part of Trek, but "Journey to Babel" added further context to their place amongst other alien races. Not proving to be the most popular, the episode shows the somewhat condescending nature of Vulcans, and it is reflected through Spock's frayed relationship with his famous father.
Carbon Creek (Enterprise)
While the Vulcan first with humans in Star Trek First , is an integral part of the Trek timeline, "Carbon Creek" highlighted an unknown piece of history. On the first anniversary of her tenure on the Enterprise, T'Pol regales the crew with the true story of the Vulcan's true first with humans.
Apparently landing in 1950s Pennsylvania, the Vulcans try to escape from the planet without violating their strict non-interference policy. Enterprise often played fast and loose with the Star Trek timeline, but it also offered a unique view as well. Seeing the Vulcan's attempt to understand 1950's America is reminiscent of the humor of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and is a funny diversion from the usual plot of the show.
Amok Time (The Original Series)
During The Original Series, less was known about the Vulcans, and writers introduced a lot of what has become the established canon for the race. "Amok Time" sees Spock enter his time of Pon Farr, a Vulcan mating period in which he must return to Vulcan to meet the woman that he has been betrothed to since childhood.
For the first time, fans were given a glimpse of Spock's home planet, and they got to see a bit of the Vulcan customs. While it is one of the best episodes of The Original Series, "Amok Time" is also an important piece of Trek history that would be referenced later on in the franchise. Seeing Spock act very un-Vulcan was a fascinating change of pace, and further fleshed out the usually tight-lipped Vulcans.