In “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,” Robin Curtis assumed the role of Saavik. Leonard Nimoy, who also directed the film, advised Curtis to strip away the emotional nuances present in the previous portrayal. As the original Vulcan figurehead of “Star Trek,” Nimoy’s guidance was compelling, and Curtis adhered to his vision, reshaping Saavik into a character defined by pure logic.

“Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” saw actress Robin Curtis step into the role of Saavik, and according to Curtis, it was Nimoy who suggested that Saavik lose what little emotion she’d displayed in the previous film. Nimoy, of course, was more than just the actor who played the first and definitive Vulcan in “Star Trek” — he was also the director on “Search for Spock.” So Curtis wasn’t about to doubt the actor’s instructions.

Saavik’s involvement was crucial in “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,” where she played a significant role in the rebirth of Spock on the Genesis Planet. Initially discovered as an infant, Spock rapidly matured, and Saavik assumed a maternal role. As Spock progressed through childhood and adolescence, eventually reaching maturity, he entered the life-threatening Vulcan mating cycle known as Pon-Farr. Saavik became his mate to ensure his survival, but her storyline was abruptly discontinued without further development.

Lt. Saavik had a key role in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” but perhaps an even bigger part to play in the sequel, “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.” In that film, the body of Mr. Spock is found reborn on the Genesis Planet — as a baby, in fact — and it’s Lt. Saavik who suddenly finds herself playing the role of mother. But as Spock begins to rapidly age, becoming a child, then a teen (Carl Steven), and eventually the adult Spock we all know, Saavik is more than a mother. Because when Spock reaches the age of maturity, he enters the life-or-death Vulcan mating cycle called Pon-Farr, and Saavik becomes his mate to ensure his survival. Unfortunately, plans for Saavik’s. future became a storyline that disappeared without explanation.

As Robin Curtis told Star Trek.com in a 2012 interview, the plan was to have Saavik return, pregnant with Spock’s child. But when the time came to sign her deal for a role in the fourth film, Curtis says that she suddenly realized there would be no continued story for her. “That was just such a weird left curve, to be honest. … [the studio] kept putting us off. That, of course, raised a flag.” Curtis says that the lateness of their offer suggested that, perhaps, they were changing the plan for her character. And she was right, as the character only wound up appearing in a glorified cameo. “Lo and behold, all this hope that there might be greater involvement for the character turned into those few lines.”