## Spock is written as ineffective when confronted with his charismatic, rule-breaking half-brother, Sybok##

Spock is humiliated twice in confrontations with Sybok, making him look naive, vacillating, and ineffective.

                                           SPOCK
                             You are under arrest for violating 
                             seventeen counts of Neutral Zone 
                             treaty.

                   Sybok is incredulous. There must be a hundred guns 
                   pointed at Spock's heart. Sybok can't help it. He 
                   chucles. The chuckle becomes a full rich laugh. The 
                   soldiers join in and soon their laughter is ringing 
                   through Paradise.

He can't even handle Sybok when armed:

                   Spock raises the weapon as Sybok advances.

                                           KIRK
                                     (desperate)
                             Spock -- shoot him!

                   But Spock can't shoot. The emotional price is too great. 
                   He lowers the weapon in shame and defeat. Sybok takes 
                   it from him with a smile.