Trip and T'pol
We now know that things didn't quite work out for this couple, but it was an interesting journey along the way. Coupled with T'Pol's stoic Vulcan nature and a traditional marriage and eventual divorce, there was always some obstacle to her and Trip's relationship. Even so, the tension and repartee of this pairing was often reminiscent of classic screwball comedy couples like Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, or Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. We could point to the long and rocky courtship of Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres for inspiration, but these two turned out to be entirely different. The two marriages of Spock's father Sarek to human women could have proved an accurate antecedent, but it didn't quite turn out that way. There will always be unanswered questions: What would a Vulcan possibly see in a human? And how could a human fall in love with a being that is incapable of reciprocating the very emotions on which humanity thrives? Now, with Trip's subsequent demise, we may never know how things could have worked in the long run.
Christopher Pike and Vina
This touching pairing, first presented in the original pilot "The Cage," was re-packaged and given something of an epic feel in the classic two-parter "The Menagerie." Though Vina was presented in a series of disguises — Rigellian princess, Orion slave girl — it was her human form that Pike found most appealing. And though they were separated when she revealed she could not leave Talos IV, their happy reunion at the end of "The Menagerie" hinted at an idyllic future where neither would be hampered by physical constraints. Though one might guess that Pike was merely infatuated by her at first, there's no denying that he returned for true love in the end.
James T. Kirk and Edith Keeler
Sure, Kirk had an alien gal in every port, but his experience with meaningful romantic relationships on TOS was decidedly limited. How brilliant, then, that he should discover the love of his life in the rather un-exotic setting of 20th century Earth. Good-hearted social worker Edith Keeler sparked immediately with Kirk, and their relationship had a poignant undercurrent of tenderness. Of course, the outcome is legendary, and rightfully so, as Kirk learned that Edith must die in order to preserve the timeline. Thus, he was forced to choose between love and a greater good. He did — and the results are still some of the most gut-wrenching moments to grace Star Trek.
Spock and Zarabeth
Spock's a tough one to crack when it comes to romance. Most of his entanglements involve the influence of some kind of spore ("This Side of Paradise") or deception ("The Enterprise Incident") or the inability for him to return someone else's feelings (Christine Chapel). And yes, he was affected by other influences when he encountered the lonely, delicate Zarabeth, but there was a definite emotion to their interactions that seemed unique, and gave them distinctive chemistry together. Sadly, just as the stoic Vulcan seemed to have found someone he genuinely cared about, he was forced to leave her.
Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher
Yes, they both enjoyed romantic entanglements with others, and yes, Beverly was once married to Picard's best friend. Still, there was always an obvious, potent chemistry between the captain and his doctor, and it manifested itself in an intimate, wonderfully watchable friendship throughout TNG's seven year run. Occasionally, we even got a glimpse of something more — particularly in the excellent season seven episode "Attached," wherein the duo was telepathically joined by an alien race and forced to confront their true feelings for each other. Perhaps one day, they will act on them — certainly, "All Good Things…" hints as much.
Deanna Troi and William Riker
This one carried with it not only the chemistry, but also the sort of twisted, tangled history that makes for great romance. From their first moment onscreen together (wherein Troi telepathically greeted Riker as "Imzadi") to stolen kisses along the way, they teased us with an ongoing flirtation that always posited them on the verge of finally getting back together. Sure, they had their share of obstacles (including Deanna's near-romance with Worf), but their relationship always had a cosmically fateful feeling. Screenwriter John Logan has indicated the Riker/Troi wedding in "Star Trek Nemesis" was meant for the fans, and we couldn't agree more — somehow, we always knew they'd end up together.
Worf and K'Ehleyr
Love has never come easy for tough guy Worf, but one couldn't help but feel that he truly met his match in ferocious half-Klingon, half-human K'Ehleyr (who would go on to have a child by him, Alexander). Their passionate scenes together provided for some of TNG's most explosive romantic fireworks — most notably in the scene in which the duo uses a rigorous calisthenics holodeck program as foreplay. Suzie Plakson brought a sly wit and dazzling charisma to the role, resulting in a truly emotional bond between the characters. It's a shame she was killed off after only two episodes, for one senses that these two could have had a long-lasting relationship together.
Jean-Luc Picard and Vash
Yes, the wily, devil-may-care Vash is the last person you'd expect buttoned up Picard to go for — and that is precisely what made it so delightful. When Picard first met Vash in Risa, we all just knew she'd get him into trouble somehow. She does, naturally, and yet … Picard can't help but be attracted to her scheming, adventurous nature. "Captain's Holiday" is a fun, flirtatious episode, but the true topper is the Vash sequel "QPid." Watching Picard-as-Robin-Hood dash to Vash's rescue is touching and hilarious … and the look on Picard's face when his Risa girlfriend finally meets Beverly Crusher? Priceless.
Miles and Keiko O'Brien
Sure, we've seen plenty of one episode flirtations and will-they-or-won't-they romantic tangos on Star Trek. But it wasn't until Miles O'Brien married Keiko Ishikawa that we finally got a glimpse of a long-term relationship and all the fascinating wrinkles and twists contained therein. Miles and Keiko can both be a little stubborn, resulting in various arguments — Keiko had a difficult time adapting when the couple transferred to Deep Space Nine, while Miles was anxious when she took on an assignment that kept her away for a long period of time. Still, they always worked it out, and their relaxed chemistry and interplay was a nice change of pace, considering all the other angst-ridden romances going on around them.
Kira Nerys and Bareil Antos
Sometimes, the unlikely pairings are the ones that result in the greatest rewards. Such was the case with the prickly Kira and gentle, soft-spoken Vedek Bareil. From the very beginning, their interactions had a beautifully-played chemistry to them, and it was especially nice to watch the relationship unfold in measured, tantalizing fashion over the course of a few episodes. When they finally shared their first kiss — after a series of stolen glances, sexy orb visions and one particularly vigorous springball game — we couldn't help but applaud. The relationship ended tragically with the death of Bareil, but the duo got something of a second chance when Bareil's mirror universe double romanced Kira in "Resurrection."
Jadzia Dax and Worf
After K'Ehleyr, it didn't seem likely that Worf would ever meet anyone who could take him on as easily as she did. Surprise — pairing Worf with the tough-as-nails Jadzia Dax proved a stroke of brilliance, and added new dimension to both characters. Despite various obstacles and personality conflicts, their coupling was always a passionate one, and culminated in marriage. And while "You Are Cordially Invited" was romantic, but perhaps even more so was "Change of Heart," in which the two go on a mission together and Jadzia is critically injured. Rather than complete the mission, Worf sacrifices his career and saves his wife. Sadly, as with some of the other relationships on this list, this one ended tragically, with the death of Jadzia.
Benjamin Sisko and Kasidy Yates
The painful memory of wife Jennifer's demise kept Sisko from developing a successful long-term relationship for quite some time. Thankfully, son Jake intervened, and DS9 fans got this subtle, multi-layered romance. Penny Johnson brought an immediate spark to the role of freighter captain Kasidy, but we could tell right off that it was going to be difficult for her and Ben — one sensed that both of them had endured more than their share of hard knocks throughout the years. Things got especially complicated when Kasidy was found guilty of smuggling weapons to the Maquis. Thankfully, Ben was able to admit he loved her anyway. They were married during the Dominion War (despite the warning of the Prophets).
Kira Nerys and Odo
When you watch the classic episode "The Collaborator," look for the scene where Kira tells Odo she's in love with Bareil. It's only a second, but the anguished look on his face says it all. From then on, it was apparent that Odo was going to pine for Kira, and the meticulous way in which this relationship evolved made its inevitable consummation all the more satisfying. It wasn't until season six that Odo (with a little help from Vic Fontaine) would finally have the guts to act on his feelings. When this prickly pair finally shared their first kiss in full view of everyone on the Promenade, it was a moment of deeply-felt satisfaction for fans.
Rom and Leeta
The pairing of a good-hearted Ferengi and a sexy Bajoran dabo girl seems about as unlikely as you can get, and that's exactly what made it so charming. At first, it didn't seem like Rom had much of a chance with the outgoing Leeta, who seemed to go for more traditionally handsome types like Dr. Bashir. But once Rom proved himself by organizing a labor union among the employees of Quark's Bar, Leeta was smitten. Their courtship was sweet and awkward, offering a big pay-off when Rom finally realized that he needed to declare his love for her.
Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres
Another case of opposites attracting, as relaxed ladies' man Paris found himself taken with hotheaded Torres. While it was enjoyable to witness their courting stage (culminating in that spacebound "Day of Honor" moment wherein B'Elanna finally uttered the words, "I love you"), it was perhaps even more so to watch them evolve as a couple living and working together on a starship. Over the years, we watched them squabble and bicker until they finally reached something of an understanding with each other, culminating in that memorable "Just Married" sign affixed to the back to the Delta Flyer. Voyager's return to the Alpha Quadrant marked the birth of their daughter.
The Doctor and Seven of Nine
This pairing was never fully pursued — and that's a shame, considering that The Doctor and Seven displayed some of the most off-kilter chemistry to grace Voyager. A pair of episodes are true stand-outs, and rank among the series' best. First up was "Someone to Watch Over Me," which had The Doctor instructing Seven on social graces. In an hour reminiscent of "Pygmalion," Seven and The Doctor engaged in dancing, singing and other lessons. Best of all was the moment that had the duo engaging in a surprisingly touching version of "You Are My Sunshine." The other episode, "Body and Soul," had the two characters switching bodies and adding yet another dimension to their relationship.
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