: The Original Series (1966-1969)

The cast of ST:TOS (L-R) 1st row- DeForest Kelley (Dr. Leonard McCoy), William Shatner (Capt. James T. Kirk), Leonard Nimoy (Lt. Cmdr. Spock). 2nd row- Majel Barrett (Dr. Christine Chapel), Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Nyota Uhura). 3rd row- James Doohan (Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery Scott), Walter Koenig (Ens. Pavel Chekov), George Takei (Lt. Hikaru Sulu); the USS Enterprise NCC-1701.
Summary

What is Star Trek? Hmm..... Star Trek started out in 1966 as a groundbreaking science fiction television show. It had a unique perspective, envisioned by its creator, the late Gene Roddenberry. This perceived the future as a time when mankind could unify and have good relations with its neighbors in the universe. Mankind's prime objective was to explore the unknown and to avoid galactic war, a theme which was virtually unknown in other sci-fi shows of the era, where most were built upon fears of aliens and the ensuing violence.

Star Trek showcased a realistic view of the future three hundred years down the road, and despite having been restricted to the limited optical special effects of the late 60's, not to mention a tight production budget, the producers and crew developed ingenius storylines (as well as props). The mission of the USS Enterprise was to "explore strange new worlds......(and) to boldly go where no man has gone before." Like its fictional creation, the show itself was a pioneer. Never-before-seen optical effects, props, storylines and even the indepth planning undertaken for six years before the show's premiere stood out as revolutionary. Star Trek influenced to some degree various elements seen in many TV shows today. Special is the case of the props used on Star Trek. In the years during Star Trek's development, Roddenberry and the other producers and writers took authenticity to a new level.

Roddenberry wanted a realistic view of the future three centuries from his time. He enlisted scientists to consult on every conceivable facet within the show, from the "development" of an engine suitable to propel the Enterprise at hyperlight speeds, which in this case, was settled on a fusion reactor, since only it, not nuclear fission or ion, could produce the kind of power that was needed, to the concept of how to keep track of time aboard ship while passing between various star systems since individual planets had different rotational cycles and therefore, had different day lengths, to addressing the need for a three-dimensional navigational coordinate system (remember, space is open, not on a 2-D plane), and so many other concepts that to continue listing them would be just too time-consuming. Star Trek's greatest gift however, was the opening of countless young minds to the wonders of the future (if not a fictional one), inspiring a new generation of real-world astronauts, scientists and engineers to work toward Mr. Roddenberry's vision.

Yes, the Original Series is where Star Trek all started. The other four spin-off series are based upon the fictional timeline that began in 2261. The Enterprise was to have a five-year mission. Unfortunately, the show lasted only three seasons. Star Trek was popular at first, a show ahead of its time...in fact, probably too far ahead for anyone to realize it at the time. For two years, it occupied the throne of primetime - Friday night following the six o'clock news. Eventually with ratings and viewership shrinking (due mainly to budget woes), Trek was reassigned on a later Friday night slot, left to compete with more popular shows. It was discontinued after its third season in 1969. Star Trek went off the air but would not stay dead for long. Syndicated reruns appeared on other networks in the early 70s, followed by a short-lived but popular animated series. A movie, "The Motion Picture" came out in 1979 in response to a new threat at the box office, "Star Wars". Since that time, another four series and nine movies have appeared. Star Trek is one of the longest-lived and popular series in the world. To me, and the other millions of other "Trekkies", Star Trek is no longer a television show. It is a much beloved cultural icon that will endure forever.







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