A Legacy
More than a generation ago, Star Trek was a unique idea that captivated the hearts and minds of millions of people. This idea showed a possible future where humanity had not only reached the stars, but had finally put an end to prejudice, war and poverty. But, mainly, it explored what it meant to be human. Week after week, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy were thrust into extraordinary situations, challenging them to learn and grow into something better than they were. This triumvirate achieved iconic status?—"Americana"; heroes inspiring millions worldwide.
Fanning the Flames
The Original Series (TOS as it is referred to in Trek circles) only had three television seasons. It was nearly only two, except a grassroots letter writing campaign by fans convinced the network to bring Star Trek back for a third season. So how did Star Trek become a global phenomenon? Dedicated fans. Industrious fans organized conventions and wrote books, and loyal fans supported them.
TOS became more popular in syndication than it was in Prime Time. And fans continued to multiply, demanding the return of Star Trek. And return it did, with a vengeance: four new television series, a Saturday morning cartoon, ten motion pictures, countless novels, and a worldwide fan base of millions.
Whither Star Trek
Now, with over forty years having passed, many fans have begun to re-examine TOS and what it means to them. And they?’ve discovered that they want more; more of the unique challenges, more of the opportunities for growth, and more of the compelling stories that created a worldwide phenomenon.
Many realized that while the science in Science Fiction is interesting, it really only provides another medium for telling good stories; the science provides the backdrop, not the story. And TOS told excellent stories without the excessive ?‘technobabble?’ we?’ve seen in many episodes of other Star Trek iterations.
An Unorthodox Fan Gets to Thinking
In 2004, inspired by the success of Jonathan Demme's The Manchurian Candidate, one particular fan Jeremy Grunloh began considering the same potential for reinterpretation as regards to Star Trek; and by 2005 (still well before anyone knew the intent of J. Michael Straczynski's pitch or JJ Abrams' film), he acted upon this notion, setting out to craft a new vision (or 're-imagining') of TOS in the form of a web-based 'virtual series'. His goals were simple and lofty:
- Treat it like an occupational drama, not a sci-fi piece
- Exhibit characters that have flaws, that grapple with their demons
- Use the ?‘future technology?’ to facilitate the stories, not be the stories
Sound familiar? They should, since they?’re similar to the goals that defined TOS. And that?’s the point. The original Star Trek set the standard for which all subsequent sci-fi/fantasy would be judged (including its own posterior incarnations); and this re-envisioning of The Original Series meets it's goals faithfully and sincerely, because it?’s about human drama, not space ships and technology.
Not Your Father?’s Science-Fiction
Some may feel this new version is edgier than The Original Series. Some might consider it 'low-tech', more realistic ("earth-tones" was a phrase coined by one fan), while still others may just believe it's simply different. And they?’re all right. It is different. But rest assured, it's Star Trek, from stem to stern.
Reborn
Most importantly, this new vision manages to capture the soul of Star Trek. It takes to heart the best of what makes this modern myth so compelling, and showcases it for all to re-experience through a new prism. The result is what numerous fans have already called the best new Star Trek in years. It honors The Original Series, but it takes it in a different direction. And different is good. Come explore this new universe with us...as "The Human Adventure" begins again.
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