Forty-six
years ago on September 8, 1966, Star Trek premiered on NBC
television.
A franchise was born, and a
legend begun.
I
didn't come along until Star Trek had already ended, in late 1969, but the series remains
one of the most important and enduring influences in my life.
The stories were inspiring, exciting, and
often romantic. Most importantly they meant something.
The
episodes dealt with issues like brinkmanship (“A Private Little War”),
racism (“Let that Be Your Last Battlefield,” “Balance of Terror”), technology (“The
Ultimate Computer”), brotherhood (“The Empath”), the value of diversity (“Is
There in Truth No Beauty,”) and much more.
And
the resolution of each week’s story didn’t occur simply because of the phaser
banks. The answers to improving the
human condition weren’t just about people shooting each other. Strength was often defined by showing mercy, setting aside prejudice, or just looking at things in a new way.
Consequently, Star
Trek is now a philosophy, a way of life, an American institution, a multi-generational “myth”
and so much more. Happy Birthday!
(And today, incidentally, is also the 23rd anniversary of my first date with my beautiful wife.)
John nice thoughts about STAR TREK's beginnings. So perfect, from the 23rd century to your 23rd wedding anniversary, congratulations on this special day. Like you, as a boy I first encountered Star Trek the original series in '70s reruns along with first-run Saturday morning animated series. I am a Kirk era fan including the first seven Kirk movies and J.J.Abrams films too.
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Sorry about that John, substitute 'first date' for 'wedding'. :)
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