Leonard Nimoy’s Positive Reaction To Star Trek: DS9’s ‘Trials and Tribble-ations’

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Ira Steven Behr, an executive producer, shared how Leonard Nimoy reacted to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine‘s homage to the classic Star Trek: The Original Series episode, “The Trouble with Tribbles.” The Deep Space Nine episode, “Trials and Tribble-ations,” which aired in November 1996, was created to celebrate Star Trek‘s 30th anniversary.

The Deep Space Nine episode “Trials and Tribble-ations” cleverly brought the look and feel of the original Star Trek episode “The Trouble with Tribbles” back to life. Using digital technology, the crew of Deep Space Nine, led by Captain Sisko, were seamlessly added into the classic Star Trek footage. The episode quickly became a fan favorite, successfully combining elements from both shows, and famously featured a meeting between Captain Sisko and Captain Kirk.

Trek Talks 5, a fundraising event that collected over $86,000 for the Hollywood Food Coalition, reunited Ira Steven Behr and Terry Farrell with Larry Nemecek to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode, “Trials and Tribble-ations.” Behr shared the story of how Star Trek executive producer Rick Berman instructed him to ask Leonard Nimoy for permission to include original footage from the 1960s Star Trek series.

Rick asked me to reach out to Leonard, which felt odd. Apparently, they weren’t seeing eye-to-eye on something at the time, and Rick wanted to confirm Leonard was comfortable with us using his footage. That’s why Rick specifically asked me to call him.

I called Leonard, and Rick had really warned me it wouldn’t be an easy conversation. He’d made me think Leonard would be upset! So, I cautiously brought up the idea of doing an episode that combined elements of ‘Trouble with Tribbles’ and our show. There was this long silence, and then Leonard just said, ‘What took you so long?’ I was completely thrown – Rick had me bracing for a fight! But it turned out Leonard was totally on board, enthusiastically saying yes. Honestly, I’d braced myself for a huge argument, so it was a wonderful surprise.

Watch the entire Trek Talks 5 9-hour marathon below:

Larry Nemecek explained that Rick Berman was worried about how Leonard Nimoy would react and wanted his approval. Nimoy was considered to direct Star Trek Generations, but he wasn’t offered the job until after Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga had finished writing the script, which Paramount had already dictated certain plot points for.

Leonard Nimoy apparently disliked the script for Star Trek Generations. He also believed that, as the director, he should have had more input during the writing process, similar to his involvement with Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Nimoy was particularly unhappy with how small Spock’s role was in the beginning of Star Trek Generations.

Leonard Nimoy chose not to be involved in Star Trek Generations, both as director and actor, due to disagreements with Rick Berman and Paramount. David Carson was brought in to direct the film, and William Shatner agreed to reprise his role as Captain Kirk, with a storyline that involved his character’s death.

Following the disappointing reception of Star Trek Generations, Rick Berman warned Ira Steven Behr to expect a negative reaction from Leonard Nimoy. However, they were happily surprised by Nimoy’s positive response. Although he didn’t work with Rick Berman on any further Star Trek projects, Nimoy later reprised his role as Ambassador Spock in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness.

You don’t need to know this to appreciate the episode, but it’s nice to know that Leonard Nimoy – the original Mr. Spock – liked “Trials and Tribble-ations” and its affectionate tribute to the classic Star Trek: The Original Series.

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2026-04-01 12:08