No, guys, really. This is a crucial part to the story.
This is the typical, “Dad doesn’t approve of his son’s choice of partner and blames him for his untimely death” scenario. And this is Jim attempting to convey that although on the outside he appears cool and collected, he is extremely shredded and hollow inside, and that Sarek doesn’t need to blame him because he already blames himself. And that’s why Jim immediately accepts the meld Sarek requests, because he knows that will be the only way he’ll be able to prove that his words are genuine. Which leads to Sarek’s apology, his eyes downcast as he realizes Jim would have happily charged into the chamber if it meant Spock would have lived. Which leads to the reason Sarek begs Jim to save Spock. As though he’s testing the depth of Jim’s love for his son.
Later, we all observe as Sarek’s nearly cold demeanor toward Jim changes the instant Jim brings Spock to Vulcan. Telling Uhura, “Tell the capt—….Tell Kirk he has permission to land.”
DING DING DING! Daddy finally approves! And what’s the first thing he decides to do other than soften a bit towards his son-in-law? That’s right, he rushes to Earth to defend him and possibly prevent any serious consequence to befall him.
This scene tells it all. No one can convince me otherwise.
