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SF and the 20th Century, Part 2: Star Trek

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Kirk. Spock. Scotty. Bones. These are not popular names given to children, yet they are names that almost every American knows. They, like the show that spawned them, have become an inextricable part of American culture. One doesn't need to be a fan of the show for these names to strike the chord of recognition when heard. One only needs to have been alive since the 1970s to tie them to the fantastic voyages of the Starship Enterprise.

When Gene Roddenberry first approached the network executives at NBC with the idea for Star Trek, a chain of events was set into motion that would forever change the face of SF in the public's eye. It was a long, hard road to get to where we are now, but it has been one more amazing than anyone could have imagined.

Originally rejected as "too cerebral," Star Trek was retooled in the mold of the Western, and was susceptible to the trends and culture of the day: a barroom brawl in almost every episode; women treated as sex objects.

Underneath that, however, it was cutting edge for its time. Star Trek was the first TV show to attempt to address the issue of racial equality; the first to feature an interracial kiss (Kirk and Uhura); and one of the few that challenged its audience to think. It had all the ingredients for a great program.

But sometimes even a dish made with the best ingredients doesn't make the cut, and after three seasons and constant threat of cancellation, Star Trek was laid to rest.

Now, everyone knows that a martyr can do more in death than they could ever do in life, and the cancellation of Star Trek would actually be the best

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