Why Captain Kirk Called Spock by His First Name in Star Trek

In the naval services, it's not uncommon for junior officers to be referred to as Mister rather than their rank. In the original series of Star Trek, the creators eyed this tradition and used it to give the show a unique flavor. Roddenberry employed the same protocol in his scripts, where the first officers were called Mister by their captains as a sign of respect and friendship.

This tradition in the original series stems from the old naval tradition where the first officer, who is typically outranked by the captain, was often referred to as "Mister." The officers junior to the captain and the first officer, of course, would not call the first officer "Mister"; they would just call him "sir."

In Star Trek: The Original Series, Captain James T. Kirk refers to Spock by his first name, rather than his rank or formal title. This decision was based on the close, long-standing friendship between the two characters. Throughout the series, almost all the men on The Enterprise, with the exception of Kirk and McCoy, were addressed as "Mr." For instance, Mr. Spock, Mr. Scott (Scotty), Mr. Sulu, and Mr. Chekov were commonly seen this way.

It is assumed that because Spock was the first officer, the correct title for his rank would be "Mr." This decision made Spock a bit more accessible and relatable to the audience, and it highlighted the unique dynamics between him and Kirk. Even his friends on the ship called him "Spock," and as he himself once said to Jill Ireland, "You couldn't pronounce it." This personal touch helped humanize a character who is often portrayed as a logical and stoic alien.

When characters are of a higher rank or addressing Spock in a formal situation, they refer to him as "Commander Spock" rather than "Mr. Spock." For instance, his family name is implied to be pronounceable by other species, meaning the universal translator might not have been programmed to pronounce it correctly. In other Star Trek shows, captains usually address their crew by surname, such as the captain calling Mr. Sulu or Mr. Chambers.

Kirk, as captain, has much more leeway in how he addresses his subordinates. For example, technically, Spock isn't supposed to call him "Jim," but the fact that Spock occasionally does this and Kirk allows it shows the unique and close bond between them. This relationship is also highlighted in the scripts for scenes where Spock calls Kirk by his first name, often indicating high emotional scenes where Spock’s human side is showing itself.

The character of Dr. McCoy, although a senior officer, addresses Spock as "Spock" most of the time. Only occasionally does he use "Mr. Spock," and rarely "sir." The relationship between them is one of two peers, reflecting their deep respect and trust, even when Spock commands the ship and Kirk is trapped in another universe. McCoy's frequent criticism of Spock, such as "Spock, you idiot, your Vulcan logic has utterly failed," underscores this peer relationship, creating a dynamic that’s been a cornerstone of the Star Trek series.

The Significance of Rank Titles in Star Trek

The designations of "Mr." and "Commander" in Star Trek serve as a subtle yet powerful tool to convey character relationships and the dynamic between characters. It adds depth to the series, making the interactions between characters more nuanced and relatable. Understanding the significance of these titles helps viewers appreciate the complex and evolving relationships within the Star Trek universe.