Journey to Babel

Plot

Vulcan ambassador Sarek boards with his human wife Amanda, ignoring Spock's greeting; Kirk learns Sarek is Spock's estranged father, who disapproved of Spock joining Starfleet. At a reception, Tellarite ambassador Gav demands Sarek's position on Coridan; Sarek mentions protecting Coridan from unauthorized mining, implicating Tellarite ships. Gav takes offense, and a physical confrontation is stopped by Kirk. Uhura detects an encoded transmission from the Enterprise to a fast-moving vessel.

Gav is later found murdered by an ancient Vulcan execution method, casting suspicion on Sarek. During questioning, Sarek suffers a cardiovascular event; McCoy determines he needs immediate surgery but lacks his rare T-negative blood. Spock volunteers to donate using an experimental stimulant. Thelev, an Andorian, stabs Kirk, who subdues him but is seriously wounded. Spock, citing regulations and the critical situation, refuses to serve as blood donor and turn over command.

Production

Jane Wyatt was known for the 1950s sitcom Father Knows Best, where she played Elinor Donahue's mother; Donahue had guest-starred in the prior episode "Metamorphosis." This episode introduced the Andorian and Tellarite species. John Wheeler, playing Tellarite ambassador Gav, had difficulty seeing through his prosthetic eye holes and raised his head to see other actors. Andorian antennae, shown sprouting from the back of the head here, were later depicted as coming from the forehead in Star Trek: Enterprise.

Reception

In 1996, TV Guide ranked "Journey to Babel" No. 5 on its list of the 10 best Star Trek episodes. Io9's 2014 top 100 list placed it 39th out of over 700 episodes, noting the introduction of Spock's parents and a focus on diplomacy. In 2015, SyFy ranked it among the top ten essential original series Spock episodes; the next year, they ranked Mark Lenard and Jane Wyatt as the third best guest stars on the original series. The Hollywood Reporter rated it the 15th best original series episode in 2016.

The Washington Post ranked it the ninth best live-action Star Trek episode in 2016, citing the politics and Lenard's performance. Business Insider ranked it the 7th best original series episode in 2016. Newsweek called it one of the best original series episodes, noting the presence of Vulcans, Andorians, and Tellarites. Vox rated it among the top 25 essential Star Trek episodes in 2016.

Inverse recommended it as essential watching for Star Trek: Discovery in 2017. Nerdist included it on a "Best of Spock" binge-watching guide in 2019. ScreenRant ranked it the 8th best original series episode in 2020.