Trekking the Love: My Top Ten Star Trek Romances

Throughout 50+ years, the "Star Trek" franchise has granted its audience a vast array of relationships and love in space. From passionate courtships to ceremonial weddings, many couples brought out the best in a series. In celebration of the "love month", here is a list of my favorite Star Trek pairings:

#1: Commander Chakotay and Seven of Nine (Star Trek: Voyager)

Reason? From the start, the two characters connected in a unique, yet touching way. With one electrical surge, Chakotay was able to see Seven's past as he disconnected her from the Borg Collective. As the series went on, the softening of both characters towards eachother was sweet, alongside their shared knowledge of childhood aspirations and love for exploring the unknown. The subtle glances, smirks and eventual romance showed that a spiritual person as Chakotay and a logical scientist as Seven can be a perfect fit.

Notable episodes: "Scorpion: Part II", "One Small Step", "Human Error", "Natural Law", "Endgame"

#2. Worf and Jadzia Dax (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

Reason? From their first meeting, the two shared a special bond. He loved the Klingon tradition and she appreciated his proud culture. She was the dynamic beauty, he was the noble beast. Their wedding vows spoke to the unbreakable unity of the "hearts" that beat inside them. The adorable bickering and loving eyes spoke volumes to this couple. Although Jadzia's fate would end tragically, the moments she shared with Worf were unforgettable as they encompassed the fabric of Star Trek. 

Notable episodes: "Looking for Par'Mac in all the Wrong Places", "You Are Cordially Invited...", "Change of Heart" and "Tears of the Prophets"

#3. Odo and Kira Nerys (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

Reason? The tender looks, moonlit dates and understanding of the past captured Odo and Kira. Through think and thin, betrayals and sadness, these two came together, separated and came together again. The ultimate respect they had towards eachother was a vital part of their relationship and love they had for eachother. Their goodbye left the audience with a finality that they would always be together in spirit and "never" forget eachother. 

Notable episodes: "Necessary Evil", "His Way", "Chimera" and "What You Leave Behind"

#4. Elim Garak and Tora Ziyal

Reason? From the start, I always felt Garak deserved someone who truly understood him. Having Ziyal coming aboard Deep Space Nine gave Garak a purpose and she felt accepted for who she was. She was a simple woman and he, a simple tailor. The final scene they shared together showed how much Garak had grown as a character to find love and be appreciated for himself. Even though the fate of Ziyal would lay a sadness in his heart, Garak finally knew what it was like to be loved. 

Notable episodes: "For the Cause", "In Purgatory's Shadow", "By Infernos Light" and "Call To Arms"

#5. Tom Paris and B'elanna Torres:

Reason? As Voyager began, the tension between Tom and B'elanna was evident. Over time, the two grew closer, eventually giving into their passion half-way through the series. From passionate fights to tender hugs, this couple grew dependent on eachother as a working team. Through their relationship, both characters matured and eventually became a family.

Notable episodes: "Day of Honor", "Drive", "Lineage" and "Prophecy"

#6. Charles "Trip" Tucker III and T'Pol (Star Trek: Enterprise)

Reason? Throughout four seasons, the characters of Trip and T'Pol started out as opposites, but grew to have common ground. The frequent stares and eventual love they shared gave the characters inner peace. Both found solace in eachother. Their final arc was a poignant part of Enterprise, especially the child they were forced not to have.  

Notable episodes: "Strange New Worlds", "Home", "Bound" and "Terra Prime"

#7. Captain Benjamin Sisko and Kassidy Yates (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

Reason? Following the death of his first wife, Captain Sisko showed himself to be a great single father. Through hardships and war, Sisko devoted himself to his son, while he had no one to devote to him. This all changed when Freighter Captain, Kassidy Yates stepped into his life. Together the pair was inseparable and a great match. From their wedding to announcing a future child, the couple was Star Trek's example of a Captain's family.

Notable episodes: "Family Business", "Call To Arms", "Badda-Bing Badda-Bang" and "What You Leave Behind".

#8. Rom and Leeta (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

Reason? Although the common phrase is beauty is in "the eye of the beholder", Rom and Leeta showed that true beauty comes from within. The devotion Leeta had towards Rom and visa versa made the pair a great match. This couple encompassed that it's not the looks or personality that matters, but the heart that beats from within. As Leeta would say...."Oh, Rom!"

Notable episodes: "Bar Association", "Ferengi Love Songs", "Dr. Bashir, I Presume?" and "The Dogs of War".

#9. Captain James T. Kirk and Edith Keeler (Star Trek: The Original Series) 

Reason? Like that of an Old Hollywood romance, the relationship between Captain Kirk and Edith Keeler was classy and sentimental. Their nighttime strole captivated the essence of the era and the stars they admired. Although the fate of this couple would not last long, the bond they shared made their sole episode one of the finest in the franchise. 

Notable episode: "City on the Edge of Forever"

#10. Deanna Troi and William Riker (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Reason? The chemistry and relationship was a vital part of both characters. In the midst of  being together, breaking up and falling in love again, Riker and Troi showed that second chances are worth the effort. No matter the time or place, they were meant to be together. Her Betazoid tendencies and his human nature mixed well, as true love always finds a way.

Notable episodes: "Haven" and "Ménage à Troi"

Notable film appearances: "Insurrection" and "Nemesis"

Honorable mention:

Worf and K'Ehleyr (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Reason? Given the characters individual stories, they made for an excellent pairing. Her witty rhetoric and his proud nature complimented eachother. Following the demise of K'Ehleyr, Worf would be left with their only child Alexander. He would share many of his mother's attributes, reminding Worf of the woman he lost too soon.

Notable episodes: "The Emissary" and "Reunion"

Wishing all my readers a very Happy February! 

All pictures belong to Paramount/CBS studios. No copyright intended.