The original “Star Trek” series only ran for three years (1966-1969).
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Creator Gene Roddenberry pitched his show to NBC as a “Wagon Train” to the stars, but his hopeful view of the future delighted viewers.
The original show was often chided over its cheap sets and not-so-special special effects. The crew of the Enterprise was a diverse band of brothers and sisters working together to boldly take humanity to the stars.
This is Trekcetera Museum’s last day in Vulcan which just happens to be Star Trek’s 50th Anniversary. Anybody want to wager on who would get the better of a deal if it was Donald Trump versus the Ferengi. Countless books, video games and internet sites are devoted to it. The conventions have played a huge role in keeping “Star Trek” going for all these years, she adds, saying conventions are attended by a cross-section of people, and the atmosphere is accepting of everyone. That tour visited the Cleveland Playhouse this past March. For some, it’s about groundbreaking cultural diversity; milestones like the depiction of the first interracial kiss on television and a Russian navigating the Enterprise during the Cold War.
During the 50 years that have elapsed since its premiere Star Trek has become an iconic cultural phenomenon that no one at the time could have foreseen.
“I just loved ‘Star Trek, ‘” Hunt recalls of her then-14-year-old self. But perhaps that optimistic vision of the future that underlies the Star Trek universe is achievable, if we ever decide to put our minds to it.
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As for the line, “Live long and prosper” uttered by Capt. James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner in the original series, he didn’t think it sounded quite right.
