There were Star Trek fans at the time screaming from the rooftops about how TNG would ruin Star Trek. Before TNG even aired. But, there were also Star Trek fans who, while disappointed to not have the TOS crew back, were curious about what TNG was going to bring to the table. And, really happy to have a Star Trek series again. But, “Curious Trekkies Wait to See What’s What with TNG” wasn’t going to sell as many papers and stir up as much drama.
A lot, I think. At the time of TNG’s initial broadcast, TOS was omnipresent in syndication. And outside of TAS, the only Star Trek series at the time. Star Trek fans watched the heck out of TOS. Then, the Star Trek movies with the TOS cast. The first four films were released before TNG first aired.
Yeah. The TOS cast did movies, but there’s a difference between doing a film and doing a weekly series. TOS was comfort viewing, and fans were going to fan in wanting more of the same.
By that I mean that the basic premise being: that the means of (re)creating new technology is lost, the current technology around is treated as sacred and the function marred in elaborate rituals or prayers because they don’t know how to otherwise operate it, and to a lesser extent that new ideas or (often xenophillic)...
Yonadans in “For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky” s3e8.
To a lesser extent the people on Beta III in “The Return of the Archons” s1e21. They don’t know how to work the technology, but they fear more than worship Landru.
Maybe the people on Gamma Trianguli VI in “The Apple” s2e5, although I don’t remember whether or not they were descendants who lost knowledge of technology and just started worshiping Vaal.
Mr. Olyphant was great as Cobb Vanth in The Mandalorian. Vanth standing in the entrance to the bar in the Mandalorian armor is such an amazing moment. It’s burned in my brain.
I like Chris Pine’s Kirk, but I can imagine Mr. Olyphant as Kirk in the Kelvin films and doing a great job at it. I get that the Kelvin films Kirk was set when he was closer to Mr. Pine’s age. Still, I can’t help but wonder what a Timothy Olyphant Kirk might have been like.
I was born in 1989, so I grew up with the TNG era and ENT, and I always dismissed TOS as a kid as the cheesy 60s original version that TNG remade and left in the dust. It wasn’t until high school that I actually sat down and watched TOS and fell in love with it. I even now wonder if Kirk is better than Picard, it’s a debate...
I went to the Star Trek Convention last week - it was my first time there and I had a blast. Overall a great experience and it’s safe to say I have some new friends that I’m looking forward to seeing again next year. At the same time, I found all of the cash-only photos and signatures with the actors to be pretty...
I’m surprised by how similar your convention perception is with mine, as the last time I attended a science fiction convention was in the early 1990s. The conventions I went to were always a mix of all the scifi out by that time. I’ve never been to a Star Trek only convention. I always had a grand time with other convention goers. We were all there for a shared love of science fiction. It was like being with a huge group of friends, where you could start a conversation with anyone. The cosplay was varied and wonderful. It was a chance to shop with non-local vendors. Some selling unusual, hard to find pre-Internet, scifi themed mass produced items, and some artists selling their own creations.
I did have chances to meet some Star Trek stars. In 1970-something – before TMP was released, I met George Takei when I was heading towards a hall for a panel, and noticed someone sitting at table in the large hallway outside. It was Mr. Takei! I was so shocked, I babbled. He was so nice and charming, and he didn’t call security on me, lol. I met Nichelle Nichols at another convention. The line to meet her was crazy long. The event coordinators said that she was leaving at a set time, no matter how many were still waiting to meet her. Ms. Nichols said that she wasn’t leaving until everyone who was waiting in line met her. That fans helped her get to where she was, and she was going to meet those fans. Kind to everyone, and took photos. Absolutely a class act. I had a chance to briefly meet DeForest Kelley not long before he passed. He was obviously ill, but still was there for the Star Trek fans, talking and telling anecdotes about TOS. A wonderful person who is still missed.
I saw Sir Patrick Stewart, Mirina Sirtis, and Micheal Dorn at a convention not long after TNG was first out. I actually met Micheal Dorn by being in line for an autograph. I didn’t want an autograph, I just wanted to meet Micheal Dorn. Based on the crowd’s reaction and comments when Mr. Dorn spoke early that day, I wasn’t the only one who was surprised by just how good looking that man is under the Worf makeup. Sir Patrick and Mr. Dorn seemed shocked by the size and enthusiasm level of the crowd. Ms. Sirtis was just amazing and loving it. Funny, charming, and delightfully loquacious.
When “pay for a picture or autograph” became the norm was when I stopped going to conventions. I’m not big on autographs, and I wasn’t interested in paying for photos. The fans at the convention were still great to be with. I do miss that part of attending conventions, the being with other fans.
What a great first peek. I love seeing the Doctor. I’m happy to see this clip’s release, but I’m staying with cautiously optimistic about the where and when of Prodigy’s future home and seasons, and the availability for viewing of season 2. Leaning towards optimistic because someone had to give permission to release the clip. Paramount+ maybe? Until Prodigy has a new home, I’m guessing that Paramount+ owns the rights to Prodigy.
I don’t doubt that there are parties interested in carrying the show. They would gain a show with a preexisting, supportive fan base and become a part of the Star Trek realm.
All in all, an impressive response by Star Trek fans to Prodigy and the creative team’s poor treatment by Paramount+. Go team Star Trek fans!
I worked hard at imitating the Leonard Nimoy Spock’s raised eyebrow for quite a while. I don’t regret the time spent practicing that in front of a mirror. I never mastered a fully raised eyebrow, but I can do a slight eyebrow raise....
Oh my gosh, yes. “Oh my” is great. I’m laughing at the thought of using “fascinating” as shorthand for, “Whatever, I long since stop listening, but I’m too polite to ask you to stop talking.”
Hey, someone’s got to be there for the Star Trek fans when the situation needs a non-Star Trek response. IDIC. Thank you for expanding the definition of “what is a Star Trek fan.” 🖖
Nice! That reminds me of, “resistance is futile.” I am seldom in a situation to use it, though. Which is probably a good thing. Last time I regularly used it was when my cats were kittens and I needed to clean their faces. Now that they are grown, yeah, their resistance isn’t futile when it comes to cleaning their faces.
Some interesting reflections on how the live action writers’ strike may improve the marketability of Prodigy to a new platform, as well as enable work to begin on a third season....
“If that happens, not only will Prodigy keep Star Trek alive in the hearts of fans, any work it brings other writers, or live-action actors could help them, too.”
I hope the fan support for Prodigy factors favorably for the show getting a new home and season sooner rather than later. Being able to provide income for writers, actors, and others in the industry during the strike would be great. I think the first part of the above quote is a bit of hyperbole.
I think that Prodigy is a different situation from TAS in that there isn’t a lack of Star Trek available for viewing at this time, and fan support of Star Trek is ongoing. I think it’s possible that TAS saved Star Trek by igniting a fresh wave of letter writing campaigns by fans calling for more Star Trek. At the time, there was only TOS and then TAS. Prodigy doesn’t stand alone in a near empty void of any other Star Trek offerings like TAS did. Any support of Star Trek is wonderful.
I do think Prodigy is much more successful than TAS in being tailored for very young viewers, and open for older viewers to enjoy as well. I was a teen when TAS was first broadcast, and I watched the show because I was already a Star Trek fan. Nothing about TAS struck me as being targeted for children. It seemed like it fell to a general idea of the time that animated = for children. TAS was parked with Saturday morning cartoons.
So, I have two hopes for Prodigy during the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike. One, that it gets a new home soon with a new season that provides income for the Prodigy creative team. Two, that Paramount+ is kicking itself for how badly it treated Prodigy.
Greetings fellow DSC fan. I like the show, too. Considering that Paramount+ kept it going for 5 seasons, a lot of other people watched it. While I’m a fan of the show, I don’t think it’s perfect, and I can respect other folks critiques of the show. But sometimes the vitriol generators go so long and strong, it can be difficult to separate the signal from the noise with DSC criticisms.
I hope that the series finale is satisfying, too. Jonathan Frakes and Olatunde Osunsanmi as directors of it is a good sign. Jonathan Frakes + Star Trek = awesome. I enjoy a lot of Olatunde Osunsanmi’s Star Trek work as a director, including one of my favored DSC episodes, “What’s Past Is Prologue” (s1e13). That episode has everything. Action, drama, pathos. I love Saru’s delivery of, “That is all I needed to see. Fire!” Fabulous spark igniting the action of that scene. I enjoy DSC.
For what it’s worth, indeed. I’m glad that Prodigy, and its fan and creative team support, were acknowledged. The most heartening part of the comment for me was, “They are part of the canon.”
I am the kind of person who enjoys “big weird” scifi like Stanisław Lem. Stories about trying to relate to and find common ground with something so alien that the prospect of even understanding is basically hopeless. Star Trek usually doesn’t do stories that, which makes sense as it often uses alien races as allegories or...
I thoroughly enjoy most everything about DSC Klingons. With their appearance, I didn’t like or dislike their look when I first saw it so much as I was surprised. Klingons have a history of looking very different throughout Star Trek. I’ve rewatched DSC so many times, I’m used to how the Klingons look. However, I absolutely love the depiction of Klingon society. I still marvel at the Klingon armor and sets. The dichotomy of such a combative society and the intricate beauty of their ships, armor, everything. Their artistry goes beyond simple functionality. I think it adds depth to the Klingons.
Interesting snippet. A lot of action. It does look like Burnham has relaxed into her captaincy. And, continues the tradition of Starfleet captains putting themselves in harm’s way. No sign of Book in this clip, but Burnham sure has picked up Book’s, “come on!” expression when things are going sideways. I am perplexed by one thing – who is Gallo and why are they in Owosekun’s bridge position? Where is Owosekun? Argh. I just have to be patient and wait until season 5 is out.
Thanks for the info. I miss seeing regular characters in episodes, but I can’t fault Ms. Oladejo and other actors for working on other projects. I’m hoping all the characters are there for the final episodes of the series. Including Tilly. Michelle Paradise previously said, “I can’t spoil anything into season five, except to say that we love Tilly. I expect that we’ll have her in the world and all of those things. She’s not going anywhere,” so that’s encouraging.
I am so looking forward to Lower Decks season 4. That screencap breakdown is great. So. Much. Goodness! I love the poster artwork. I’m going to watch this preview umpteenth times until the new season starts. Lower Decks! Lower Decks!
The linked video is part four, where Jim gets into the first scene of the game. Thought anyone else who’s anticipating this solo expansion for STA might find it interesting....
I’m in the U.S. and had pre-ordered the volume 2 DVD from Target. I got an email notification today from Target that there’s a delay in the delivery date, and requesting that I approve the delay to keep my pre-order. I went to Target’s site (not using the link in the email, of course) and gave my approval, so I still have the pre-order with them. The email confirming my approval gave a delivery date of mid-September. I just checked and Target’s still accepting pre-orders for season 1 volume 2 for DVDs and for Blu-rays again. Blu-ray pre-orders were sold out before. I’m not finding pre-order options for volume 2 offered elsewhere. Why it’s just available on Target, I don’t know.
The Directors’ Guild of Ontario hotlist is a fairly reliable source for production guild news. Star Trek preproduction in the Greater Toronto Area usually shows up there before any official announcements of production dates....
Cautious optimism fits my thoughts. With the Section 31 movie, I’d welcome Shazad Latif returning as Ash. I think Georgiou and Ash have potential for an interesting (non-romantic) dynamic.
I think of Section 31 as the Federation’s dirty little secret, operating off the books, weapon of last resort. I wasn’t surprised that the Federation was capable of things that didn’t fit its public doctrine when the utter destruction of the people of Federation by an outside, more powerful force was nigh. The Federation leans into diplomacy, but I never thought it impossible for them to have bag of tricks – Section 31. To me, the Federation would let the Federation fall because, say, member worlds left. But, not when something is about to destroy most or all of the people of the Federation.
When I first saw this episode of TNG, I thought that such a language was impossible. Without even thinking about how often I hear and use phrases that likely make zero sense to someone who doesn’t know the same context as myself. Like dealing with someone who lies all too often, “they are the boy who cried wolf” gets used. Meaning, one of these days they are going to tell the truth but no one will believe them. Or saying, “we need to touch base” to someone who isn’t familiar with baseball. Sometimes I understand the meaning of a phrase, like “the proof is in the pudding,” without knowing what that phrase originally meant. I still wonder what pudding? every time I hear it. So, yes. I can believe the Tamarian language. Because context is important.
I don’t think the Tamarian language as a whole is represented in the episode. I can’t imagine “Temba, his arms wide”-ing a way to warp capabilities. I think of the Tamarian language shown as a universal shorthand for the Tamarians. Like their society has different languages, but the Tamarian we hear is the common language. That Tamarians specializing in a field of study have their own words and phrases, much like on Earth of today. For example, if I listen to a lecture on biochemistry, I wouldn’t understand most of it because I don’t speak (understand) biochemistry. I have no context.
I think the Tamarian language is fascinating, and possible.
That sounds interesting. Do you have a link to that discussion? I don’t know anything about music theory, but connecting it to the Tamarian language could be a fascinating read.
I saw someone on Reddit wondering why the community was so sure of Trek going dark again with Paramount not doing so well financially. Seeing the response was unfortunate as most people feel that it might be a bad time for Trek. And I guess it makes sense with the Hollywood strikes as well....
Sometimes I’m surprised I don’t have a Starfleet emblem-shaped knot on my face from banging my head on the desk from frustration with how Star Trek gets treated by those in control of it.
My experience with Star Trek's treatment by TPTBThe Powers That Be (TPTB): TNG was a syndication ratings success. It even beat out some network shows.
Star Trek fans: Yes!
TPTB: DS9 and VOY did well in syndication, too. And, TOS is the Star Trek OG of being well received in syndication.
ST fans: That’s right!
TPTB: ENT did good, as well. Also syndicated.
ST Fans: You bet!
TPTB: But, we weren’t rolling in the dough with Nemesis.
ST Fans: We’re talking about series. That’s a film.
TPTB: Maybe fans are burned out on Star Trek.
ST Fans: Never!
TPTB: We’ll leave the property alone.
ST Fans: unhappy noises
– After the Kelvin films –
TPTB: Hey, there are still fans of Star Trek.
ST Fans: Been here since 1966.
TPTB: Happy 2017! We’ve made a new Star Trek series.
ST Fans: Yay!
TPTB: Syndication of prior Star Trek shows worked out well, so … ST Fans: yesss
TPTB: … we’re going to shorten what’s a considered a season and gate this new series behind a paywall on a new streaming platform.
ST Fans: Wait, what?
– Later –
TPTB: This streaming thing is working out okay. We’ll make some more Star Trek shows.
ST fans: confetti and cheers
TPTB: But, we aren’t making as much money as we’d like.
ST fans: There’s also syndication. Broadcast TV, and you do own Pluto TV which is making bank.
TPTB: If only there was some way to better monetize the IP.
ST fans: More collectibles, toys, plushies, books, comics, calendars.
TPTB: Yeah, we can’t think of a way.
ST Fans: frustrated sighs
I think Star Trek is not doomed. I think Star Trek will continue, and be awesome. I think waiting on TPTB to figure it out will be frustrating. Until then, I’m going to keep on keeping on with Star Trek.
Star Trek’s level of medical care is far more advanced than today’s. As Beckett says in LD, “Doc will wave a light over it.” Yet, in Star Trek people aren’t shown doing hobbies and pastimes that are much different from what’s done now. Still, I wonder about differences in a society where people know they won’t be...
That would be great fun, doing holodeck combat simulations. With me having the danger level set very, very low. Like when I’m new to a combat video game. I start with the difficulty level as low as possible. Enemy NPCs are whaling away on my character, doing little to no damage while I try and remember which button does what in the game.
I think access to holodecks is a huge factor for that vs. doing a pastime in the real world. Because of what you said about being accessible to all vs. only to certain elites. Also because I wonder about the availability of holodecks for those not on starships or in Starfleet. I don’t remember if that’s mentioned in the various series and movies since they are typically centered around being on a starship. Transport tech is shown as being publicly used on Earth. I’d imagine that there would be holodecks available on Earth (maybe other planets), or at least holosuites like in Quark’s. Access to pastimes in the real world, without using holosuites, might be commonplace. Maybe trying something new in a holodeck/suite where serious injury is less likely before trying it in the real world.
Fans reacting to the announcement of Star Trek: The Next Generation ( lemmy.world )
It’s so bizarre to read this in the present, knowing how incredible TNG was, but I get it - the original crew WAS Star Trek to them....
What's a faction/group/alien race in Star Trek most similar to the Tech Priests / Mechanicus in Warhammer 40,000?
By that I mean that the basic premise being: that the means of (re)creating new technology is lost, the current technology around is treated as sacred and the function marred in elaborate rituals or prayers because they don’t know how to otherwise operate it, and to a lesser extent that new ideas or (often xenophillic)...
Timothy Olyphant Reveals Why He Didn’t Get The Role Of James T. Kirk In ‘Star Trek’ Films ( deadline.com )
Did anyone else dislike TOS in their youth but came around to it when they got older?
I was born in 1989, so I grew up with the TNG era and ENT, and I always dismissed TOS as a kid as the cheesy 60s original version that TNG remade and left in the dust. It wasn’t until high school that I actually sat down and watched TOS and fell in love with it. I even now wonder if Kirk is better than Picard, it’s a debate...
Reflections on my first Star Trek Conference ( medium.com )
I went to the Star Trek Convention last week - it was my first time there and I had a blast. Overall a great experience and it’s safe to say I have some new friends that I’m looking forward to seeing again next year. At the same time, I found all of the cash-only photos and signatures with the actors to be pretty...
WOW - Prodigy Second Season Sneak Peek! ( ca.startrek.com )
Didn’t see this coming. Prodigy EPs the Brothers Hageman have dropped a scene from season two, episode one....
What Star Trek Mannerism or Phrase Do You Often Use
I worked hard at imitating the Leonard Nimoy Spock’s raised eyebrow for quite a while. I don’t regret the time spent practicing that in front of a mirror. I never mastered a fully raised eyebrow, but I can do a slight eyebrow raise....
Analysis - can Prodigy benefit from the writers strike the way TAS once did? ( www.cbr.com )
Some interesting reflections on how the live action writers’ strike may improve the marketability of Prodigy to a new platform, as well as enable work to begin on a third season....
'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: A Stitch in Time' Audiobook, Narrated by Andrew J. Robinson, Now Available ( startrek.com )
This article features a message from Andrew J. Robinson, along with an excerpt from the audiobook.
"We Didn't Know It Was The End": Jonathan Frakes On Directing Star Trek Discovery Series Finale ( screenrant.com )
Anyone else out there who actually really loved Discovery's S1 style of Klingons?
I am the kind of person who enjoys “big weird” scifi like Stanisław Lem. Stories about trying to relate to and find common ground with something so alien that the prospect of even understanding is basically hopeless. Star Trek usually doesn’t do stories that, which makes sense as it often uses alien races as allegories or...
A British ‘Star Trek’ fan is building a massive USS Enterprise model ( wapo.st )
Save Prodigy petition update from EP Aaron Waltke ( mastodon.social )
@GoodAaron is boosting the news that the Save Prodigy petition has crossed 29k signatures....
Star Trek: Discovery | Fifth and Final Season - Extended Clip | SDCC 2023 ( startrek.com )
Star Trek: Discovery | Fifth and Final Season - Look Ahead | SDCC 2023 ( startrek.com )
Official Trailer | Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season 4 ( startrek.com )
Star Trek Adventures project manager, Jim Johnson, plays the Captain's Log solo game ( www.youtube.com )
The linked video is part four, where Jim gets into the first scene of the game. Thought anyone else who’s anticipating this solo expansion for STA might find it interesting....
All 20 Episodes Of ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ Season 1 Now Available Digitally ( trekmovie.com )
‘Dovercourt’ - perhaps aka Section 31 movie event - hits the ‘Rumoured’ portion DGC Ontario Hotlist ( trekcentral.net )
The Directors’ Guild of Ontario hotlist is a fairly reliable source for production guild news. Star Trek preproduction in the Greater Toronto Area usually shows up there before any official announcements of production dates....
How realistic is Star Trek’s Tamarian language? - Darmok and Jalad ( www.youtube.com )
I thought this video was absolutely fascinating throughout, even the ad....
Reddit seems all doom and gloom on the topic but what about Lemmy? And the future of Star Trek?
I saw someone on Reddit wondering why the community was so sure of Trek going dark again with Paramount not doing so well financially. Seeing the response was unfortunate as most people feel that it might be a bad time for Trek. And I guess it makes sense with the Hollywood strikes as well....
Portrait of Dal removed from SDCC2023 promo wrap after Prodigy got canceled. He got replaced by Emperor Georgiou, who doesn't even have a show yet. ( nitter.unixfox.eu )
Also missing is the catchphrase “Every series. Every episode.” I wonder why, Paramount?
Would You Try New Pastimes If Star Trek Level Medical Care Was Available?
Star Trek’s level of medical care is far more advanced than today’s. As Beckett says in LD, “Doc will wave a light over it.” Yet, in Star Trek people aren’t shown doing hobbies and pastimes that are much different from what’s done now. Still, I wonder about differences in a society where people know they won’t be...