12) “The Transporter Malfunction” – The Big Bang Theory (2012)
In his final TV appearance, Leonard Nimoy would confront Dr. Sheldon Cooper, a man whose rigidity and logic would infuriate even Mr. Spock. But it’s not logic that drives Sheldon’s impulses in “The Transporter Malfunction,” it’s pettiness and immaturity that causes him to replace Leonard’s pristine transporter toy with his own toy that he broke. In the end, there’s only one person who can set Sheldon straight again, and that’s Nimoy. Or rather, a plastic Mr. Spock figure with Leonard Nimoy’s voice.
The “appearance” on Big Bang was the last, great transition for Nimoy as Spock, displaying the same dispassionate honesty and logic using only his voice and the limited range of motion of the action figure. In a weird way, you could say this episode of Big Bang presaged Nimoy’s passing. He is now merely a voice in our head and the image of his 1960s self, with eyebrow raised and hands clasped behind his back, ready to be the calm, clear voice of our better nature. A final check on ourselves to make sure that we’re not acting rashly, but instead are pursuing the logical course.
Leonard, you have been and always shall be our friend. Live long and prosper.