'Bones' McCoy

Doctor McCoy is the foil to Spock's logic and reason. Emotional, passionate, and sensual, 'Bones,' as Kirk calls him, brings a human aspect to the show that might otherwise have be lost behind the seemingly superhuman Kirk and Spock.

McCoy is often seen as just an old country doctor. Though he is a great friend to them both, McCoy has particular fondness for Spock, or rather, a fondness for teasing him. The Vulcan's controlled, rational manner irritates McCoy to no end. He resorts to calling Spock things like "you pointy-eared hobgoblin." Even more annoying to McCoy is the fact that Spock usually outsmarts him during their arguments. Most often these are light-hearted banters, but sometimes these arguments turn more serious. McCoy often objects to Spock's efficient but dispassionate style of command, as seen in The Galileo Seven and The Tholian Web. The two are able to put aside their differences and work together when their captain is in danger, as shown in episodes like "Court Martial" and "The Conscience of the King." McCoy is also there to support Spock in "Amok Time."

Kirk and McCoy form a more clear-cut relationship. McCoy is there to console and inspire Kirk when the captain is in need of such things. Sometimes McCoy's best prescription for these ailments is a stiff drink and a kind word. This dynamic is best shown in "The Ultimate Computer," when Kirk begins to feel a computer might replace him and perhaps even do a better job running the ship. McCoy lifts his friend's spirits and inspires him to save the day yet again. McCoy offers Kirk a compassionate, human perspective to counterpoint the outlook of Spock.

Bones is probably the most compassionate character in the series, but you wouldn't know it walking into his sickbay. McCoy is famous for his cranky, cantankerous bedside manner. Outside of work (and contact with Spock), McCoy is the perfect Southern gentleman. He has a laid-back, easy-going attitude and is kind and charming to almost everyone. McCoy is also very charming towards women, but in a more gentle, genuine sense than Kirk.

A skilled doctor, McCoy has made many impressive 23rd century medical discoveries. Other than dust busters and mysterious salt shaker-like objects, McCoy uses medical tricorders, hyposprays that eject medicine into the body with less pain and more convenience than needles, and sickbeds, which display patients' vital readings, in his sickbay. McCoy finds effective antidotes for diseases quickly in "The Naked Time" and "The Tholian Web" as well as "Journey to Babel," we see he is a proficient surgeon.

Doctor McCoy is a vital member on the Enterprise crew. He adds a human dynamic to the series through his relationships with Kirk and Spock and his charm and compassion.