Happy 50th Anniversary to Star Trek

When Gene Roddenberry’s new show came out, it was a revelation. In a time where the threat of nuclear annihilation was an all too real possibility, a new science fiction television show came out that envisioned a future where humanity was united in the common goal of moving forward as a species. Enter the Enterprise, a spaceship tasked with exploring the cosmos. Amongst its crew was James T. Kirk, an America; Spock, a half-human, half-alien; Montgomery Scott, a Scot, appropriately; Hikaru Sulu, a Japanese man; Nyota Uhura, a black woman; and Pavel Chekov, a Russian. It was remarkable to see people of such diversity working alongside each other, where problems facing the real world–problems of racism and nationalism seemingly didn’t exist in the future.

Since then, Star Trek has captured the imaginations of fans. While the original series was unfortunately cancelled, it was followed up by a series of movies of varying quality. Amongst them was Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, which is considered to be one of the greatest science fiction movies, ever. The series longevity and the success of the movies would lead to a new series, Star Trek: The Next Generation.

After nearly twenty years without any new syndicated television Star Trek, the franchise found its way back home. Since The Next Generation, three more series released, but following the cancellation of Enterprise, it seemed that the franchise might once again be dead.

That all changed when a new Star Trek film released in 2009 directed by JJ Abrams. Designed as a reboot for the franchise, the movie marked a departure in tone from previous Trek media, with an emphasis on action and bid budget effects. The follow up film, Into Darkness, carried on with its focus on visuals and intensity, though to say that the story was convoluted would be an understatement. The most recent reboot film released just this year. Beyond featured a new director, Justin Lin, known for his work on several Fast and Furious movies. The movie was a marriage of the highflying action of the reboot and the more serious themes of the original continuity.

Now, fans can look forward to the first new TV series since Enterprise’s cancellation in 2005. Set to debut this coming January, the new series, Star Trek: Discovery, is set in the old continuity, ten years before the events of the original series. Between the success of the new movies and the revival of the franchise for television, times are good for fans.

In its fifty years, Star Trek has had one hell of storied history. So, happy fiftieth anniversary. Boldly go and live long and prosper.