Dr. Leonard McCoy always stuck out from the rest of the crew aboard the U.S.S Enterprise. Serving as the ship's surgeon on Star Trek: The Original Series, "Bones" McCoy's gruff personality often chafed against the reckless adventures of his captain, James T. Kirk.
Whether he was speculating about the universe or quibbling with Spock, Dr. McCoy was one of the most quotable characters in Star Trek history. Ranging from the hilarious to the poignant, Dr. McCoy's sharp-witted quips never failed to be memorable.
Rewriting History
"According To Myth, The Earth Was Created In Six Days. Now, Watch Out! Here Comes Genesis. We'll Do It For You In Six Minutes."
Though the good doctor lives in an advanced future, he is nothing if not old-fashioned with his approach to life. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is filled with great quotes, and it sees the introduction of the terraforming machine, Genesis, that can completely change a planet's surface.
What makes the quote interesting is that, though he admits that creation myths are merely myths, McCoy is also reticent to accept something new to replace them. Revealing his traditional ways, McCoy is the first of the crew to deny the validity of the Genesis device--ultimately he was proven right.
Sympathy For The Captain
"You've Got Your Problems, I've Got Mine. But He's Got Ours, Plus His, Plus Four Hundred And Thirty Other People."
While Kirk and Spock's friendship is legendary, McCoy often plays third wheel to the captain and his first officer. Despite this, McCoy shows in the episode "Shore Leave" that he fully comprehends the weight of responsibility that is placed on his captain's shoulders.
Even though he often bickered with his freewheeling captain, McCoy obviously has nothing but respect for the man. Kirk may not always listen to McCoy's advice, but the doctor fully understands that Kirk's position comes with both great power, and great responsibility.
Stuff And Things
"Why Is Any Object We Don't Understand Always Called 'A Thing'?"
Exploring the outer reaches of the galaxy has put the crew of the Enterprise in close contact with exciting and strange alien species. In Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the mysterious cloud that threatens Earth is speculated about by the crew, and McCoy weighs in with his unique opinion.
Dr. McCoy may not be the most forward thinking member of the crew, but he often offered a cynical wisdom that could surprise even Captain Kirk. In his quote, he isn't necessarily defending Vger, but he is showing that he refuses to classify it as a thing, and therefore rob it of its autonomy as a potential life form.
What Are The Odds?
"In All The Universe, Three Million Million Galaxies Like This. And In All Of That...Only One Of Each Of Us."
As a doctor, Leonard McCoy often showed a unique appreciation for the sanctity of life. In one of the most re-watchable episodes, "Balance of Terror", the ship is threatened by a rogue ship of Romulans that aim to destroy them after encountering humans for the first time.
In his sage words to Kirk, McCoy warns his captain to take things easy. He reminds Kirk that, though they are very small amongst the universe, they are also incredibly unique. Eschewing the logic of Spock, McCoy instead advocates that every life is important and that any loss of life would be a complete failure of their mission.
McCoy's True Occupation
"I'm A Doctor, Not A Bricklayer!"
Though the crew was well aware, Dr. McCoy never missed an opportunity to remind them just what his speciality was. Many episodes featured one of McCoy's famous catchphrases, but it was "Devil in the Dark" that was one of the most memorable.
Upon learning that the beings they are dealing with are living creatures made of stone, McCoy drops one of his funniest quotes. Being a doctor in Starfleet is an already taxing proposition when considering the variety of alien anatomy he has to contend with. However, the introduction of a rock-based creature was just too much for the simple country doctor to bear.
True Feelings
"I'm Gonna Tell You Something I Never Thought I'd Ever Hear Myself Say. But It Seems That I've Missed You. I Don't Think I Could Stand To Lose You Again."
Spock's death at the end of Star Trek II was a defining moment in Jim Kirk's career, but the emotional effect it had on the rest of the crew is often overshadowed. In Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, McCoy gets to have a touching moment with his old friend, even if it is a one-sided conversation.
While Spock and McCoy often bickered, they obviously developed a professional respect for each other that eventually blossomed into friendship. Faced with losing Spock again, McCoy couldn't keep his true feelings hidden anymore. Not usually one for sentimentality, McCoy delivered one of the most touching moments in the franchise.
Final Farewell
"Treat Her Like A Lady, And She'll Always Bring You Home."
Introducing fans to Star Trek: The Next Generation, the first episode, "Encounter at Farpoint", also featured the sendoff of a beloved Trek character. Though it isn't one of the best episodes of TNG, the episode includes Dr. McCoy's final appearance in the original Star Trek universe.
While walking with Data, the aged doctor waxes philosophical about the vessel that contained the best years of his life. Though McCoy was always anti-technology, he couldn't help but speak about the Enterprise like a dear old friend as he said his final goodbyes to her.
Come To The Darkside
"We All Have Our Darker Side. We Need It; It's Half Of What We Are. It's Not Really Ugly, It's Human."
If there was one word to describe Dr. Leonard McCoy, it would certainly be 'human'. Embodying the best and worst of humanity, McCoy showed in the episode "The Enemy Within" that the duality of mankind is one of its strongest assets.
McCoy is known for his gruffness, but he also shows on many occasions that he is capable of incredible forgiveness as well. Helping his captain deal with emotional trauma isn't part of his job description, but he would often offer sage advice to help ease Kirk's conscience, especially when a mission went wrong.
There Be Monsters
"Monsters Come In Many Forms. You Know The Greatest Monster Of Them All? Guilt."
The thread of most TOS stories were carried by the emotions of Captain James T. Kirk. Few episodes showed the duality of Kirk quite like "Obsession", where he uses his position to pursue revenge against a being that attacked him in the past.
McCoy, being wiser than most, sees right through Kirk's desire for revenge and understands that it comes from his own sense of guilt. While Kirk may seem brazen, he is shown to be incredibly sensitive, and McCoy understands that better than anyone else. Ultimately, McCoy helps Kirk slay the biggest monster he has ever faced, his own guilty conscience.
One Step Ahead
"Compassion: That's The One Thing No Machine Ever Had. Maybe It's The One Thing That Keeps Men Ahead Of Them."
McCoy's anti-technology stance is not without its merits, and he has never struggled to justify his humanistic approach to life. "The Ultimate Computer" seemed to prove all of McCoy's beliefs correct when the Enterprise is hijacked by a new computer that has a mind of its own.
The doctor puts more emphasis on heart than mind and it serves him well as a character. The quote shows that McCoy's fear of technology comes not from a misunderstanding of it, but of a deeper understanding that there is no feeling within a computer's perfect logic.