The REAL 50th at last!—and if in L.A., come toast with us

After all the big conventions and events, after all the special merch, after all the other hoopla... it finally all comes down to Thursday....THIS Thursday, Sept. 8...at 8:30 pm Eastern*... at the hour when "The Man Trap" first flickered across NBC's airwaves.

So where will YOU celebrate Star Trek's actual 50th anniversary of its aired debut?**

Lots of folks are having get-togethers in their homes ... or nearby watering holes, or pop-culture storefronts: many will be screening "The Man Trap" at its debut hour—all over the world, actually. Feel free to take snaps of your own celebration and share with us on the Trekland Facebook page that night! 

But IF you're in SoCal with no prior plans and want to share the night with Trekfans... please do so! Here's an invite to join us that night to toast Star Trek's 50th at Lucy's El Adobe, right across the street from Paramount Pictures and a onetime watering hole of Gene Roddenberry and friends. You can check out his autographed photo to the joint (right)!

Together with co-host John Champion of Roddenberry's Mission Log podcast, my Portal 47 will be lifting a toast at 6:30 pm* to the debut of Star Trek on the equivalent of its premiere in Eastern time—and then twice again on the half-past hour for Central/Mountain and Pacific times. 

You're on your own for drinks, and some of us are getting dinner around 7:00.

 

But we'll have a giant 50th Anniversary card to sign ... and some other fun and a surprise or two as well. Most of all, we're coming together to mark this landmark that has meant so much to so many.

And for those around the globe not with us in person, you can join us in spirit: I plan to film each toast, and any fun surrounding subspace chatter, all live on Facebook Live online at my Trekland Facebook—again, at 6:30, 7:30 and 9:30 PDT.*

For a Thursday night, and after all the big extravaganza of the past few weeks, I just wanted to do something relaxed, in an LA venue of even a tenuous Star Trek connection... with a vibe where folks with no plans otherwise could come for fan fellowship and fun. There may even be recent tales of Vegas, New York and elsewhere...or memories from further afield in fandom, back further on the timeline.

Hey, we only get one shot at the true golden anniversary moment for Star Trek—just make you sure to mark it somehow, somewhere, with fans you love and enjoy. Maybe that means we'll see you at Starbase Lucy's!

If you do plan to come by... PLEASE just help us keep tabs on turnout and click the "Going" button on the Facebook Event page—thanks!






*As my talented buddy and fellow STC'er James Kerwin pointed out, Daylight Savings Time was not created until 1967—so, techincally, celebrants this year ought to mark "The Man Trap"'s 1966 debut at *9:30* PM EDT—an hour later—to compensate.

**And yes, we all know by now, thanks to the wackiness of younger-brother sales and marketing, Star Trek actually flashed on-air before an audience the TWO DAYS before NBC's Sept. 8 premiere— on the CTV, in Canada!

Happy 94th, Gene: Would you have been @trekmaker?

Gene Roddenberry would have been 94 today. I could just leave you here with this simple, backyard LA Times photo I came across (at right, with the now-missing three-foot 1964 Big E).... or reiterate some thoughts I had a few years back about "GR" and me and us ...

We've had so much fill in in recent years for rank-and-file fans on the full story of the "godhood" versus all the man's human's foibles.... much less the workhorses who also brought the Star Trek vision about: Bob Justman, Dorothy Fontana, Gene Coon, Matt Jefferies, and more ... then Harve Bennett and Nick Meyer who popped up the movies so that Rick Berman and Michael Piller could come along and restart the sequel machine...and many more with them all.

But I've been thinking lately about Gene, and what he would have been like living in a 24/7 social media world. I think he would have loved the chaos and messiness, but most of all loved the empowerment of fans, the increased communication and the increasing channels of fan creativity—even as the holders of the copyright deal with it as a monster of popularity and thoughtfulness and try to let that leashed beast run as freely as possibly.

He may have been a visionary, but he did know how to access and wield some pretty powerful hands-on tools. He saw a paradigm or two come along in his own life as media monopoly power broke up for TV content and delivery, and would be delighted that even so many more options exist now for producers and their ideas.

Most of all, I believe the vibrant, sprawling geek-is-mainstream sensibility he helped ignite would just tickle him. I'm betting.

What about you? How do you see Gene Roddenberry today, after all we now know and measure since the early days?

Remembering Gene...and Oct. 24, 1991

I remember where I was when we heard Gene had died.

We, of course, were still back "home home"...in what they call flyover land: Janet and I had been married just four months and two days... we had just moved to Midwest City to be near her college, and I was commuting to the Norman Transcript... the phone call from Pocket Books to do the first TNG Companion was a month away... and on this day, at this moment, the old-style, REAL Headline News was on TV. And broke the story.

I had to sag into a chair at the kitchen table when I heard. I called Janet over. We immediately began to try to tape off CNN—back when it was real news, and the *only* 24-hour news. It's all we could do. As with millions of others worldwide, that instant would become a flashpoint of memory—and a trigger, in that moment, to realize what the Great Bird had meant to us, even subconsciously. Even before my career went to Trekland. If nothing else, Gene's creation was why and how Janet and I had even met.

I met him only once... a bit more than a year earlier... to thank me (!!??) for doing my self-published TNG concordances that the writers had been using. As a first-time tourist, I'd actually paid attention to the Paramount signs and not brought a camera on-lot. To my everlasting regret. But that moment, that image is etched into my memory, as well.

And, of course, of the headliner names of Trek... not to forget Gene Coon or Bill Theiss... Gene was also the first to go. Our immortal little universe would become all too mortal, and it's been increasingly so. In hindsight, I think the biggest insight into what "GR" was all about... was realizing later that Majel decided to go on with their annual Halloween party that year a week later, knowing that's what he'd want.

He lived a big life, he lived a hard life, and it certainly wasn't a perfect life...or done all by himself. But oh, what Gene Roddenberry wrought.

Happy "May the Fourth Be With You" Day, from OUR side

Hey, sure I celebrate. I liked the REAL trilogy....

...And if not for Star Wars, who KNOWS when we might have ever seen a Star Trek—The Motion Picture?

The date... was 1987.

TREK NATION: First Thoughts

Wow. Didn't see that comin'.

I mean, I had not asked for a press screener for Rod Roddenberry's TrekNation, premiering Wednesday night on SCIENCE Channel. I wanted to wait and see it "live." I'd read critical positive acclaim by mainstream reviewers, though, and knew it would be pretty good.

That I knew.

I'd also known how Rod has struggled to get this project just done... to find the right voice, even as director Scott Colthrop and crew went through many iterations—originally with an eye to being a theatrical documentary. They kicked off filming back in 2002, and as the Aughts unfolded I'd hear once a year or so from Rod about the new angle or tone, until he just wanted to stop talking about it with the time lag.... which was all about finding what he wanted. Of course, in hindsight we can see how that delay allowed the doc the scope to take in the post-2005 earthquake in Trekland—from the downer of cancellation, to the vaccum of the Trek future's void, to the questions and then triumph of "JJ Trek" in 2009.

(Spoilers below. Really.)

So making the deal with Science Channel and getting a deadline and a format, albeit for TV with commercial breaks, at last provided some structure and a solid floor to get TrekNation over the finish line. As you could see in any of his recent comments, including our chat for TREKLAND, Rod was visibly relieved to be able to give birth to this baby at last.

What I didn't know ... was that a couple thoughts of my own 2002 interview, done in the first wave of filming at Creation's first Vegas convention, was actually in this. No one tipped me off... so I had an all-too-rare attack of jaw drop, right there Wednesday night on the couch: Gobsmacked, as Marina would say. I just know that I was not only in good company, but—thinking of where I thought I was—I was happy being in equally good company with all those you didn't see, in that great unused pile of footage. I know for a fact that widely different versions, and lists of speakers, have been in play over the years. I can see the time compromises made, too—including the "seated Rod" narration

But, even apart from those 45 mighty seconds, it was a grabber work. In fact, I felt TrekNation actually grew deeper as it went along. In this format there was a lot of TV exposition to get through, a lot of it handled by the "seated Rod" direct-to-camera bits which thankfully subside as it progresses. There's so much of past Trekland tales that fans know—the common history of the show, the fandom and of Gene—but this was on a mainstream channel, even among science geeksters, so a rehash with attitude is a needed, okay thing. The doc got a lot of mainstream media play as well, and I know gave a lot of varied context to the newer JJ-era fans, as well as lay viewers.

Reflecting on it now, I also think that the years-long "delay" even helped the focus—perhaps contrasted best in the highlight "icon" chats—first with George Lucas and then JJ Abrams more recently. From George to JJ you can literally see Rod grow as an interviewer, as a seeker ... especially in the comfort zone of talking about his own father/son dynamic and vibe—one which JJ picks up on, as the camera catches Rod's reaction. That fits a pattern of TrekNation's coverage of the more recent Trek years--by definition, not yet as "examined" as the older golden times past—being some of the most interesting here. Quite unintentionally, the film's personality grows even as the years go by.

Of course, there's double poignancy here for a lot of us: Too bad the mainstream TV audience isn't really informed, I believe, how many of those faces besides Gene are also gone. I wish even a tad more context could have somehow mentioned that those like Bob Justman, Michael Piller and even his own mom Majel were no longer with us—which makes their moments all the more special. Adult Rod's onscreen chat with his mom also hits home with anyone who's tried to talk to a parent as a third party about family mega-history, but can't quite get out of the "just us" family vibe. It was also an odd bird that Michael's beloved University of North Carolina "UNC" logo was CG'd off his ever-present baseball cap. (Did you notice that slightly grayer area over the bill? Legal—go figure.) Another quirk, purely in transmission: our onscreen cable TV guide had TrekNation logged as only an hour long. Don't know how widespread that was, but I hope a zillion fans didn't DVR the show and only come away with the first half!

Even with the evolving twists and turns, everyone involved with this long trek has done themselves proud, and the franchise to boot. I know there will be lots of unused bonus footage coming in the already-promised DVD, and a lot of it is already online at Colthrop's online sites. The many reels of Roddenberry home movies with young parents and little Rod was amazing, too. In fact, snapshot of the night: The original Enterprise two-footer model (now lost), snugly embracing the swaddled newborn Rod right between the nacelles like big protective arms.

I know, too, that tonight's viewing been another inspiration for my own documentary in process, The Con of Wrath, to bring along a solid layer of humanity as well as the narrative story at hand—even in a documentary. Thanks to director Scott and all of the crew for that.

Most of all, I know Rod is proud and relieved to have it out there—and I salute him for even taking on his dad's infidelities and other "warts." As long as it's taken to get here, Rod, TrekNation has been a journey of discovery worth taking. And how much more Star Trek can you get?

Thanks for sharing.

STV: Rod previews Nov. 30's 'Trek Nation' on SCIENCE—and chats about even more

I'm so glad that, after a decade in development, Rod Roddenberry's Trek Nation has finally found its final voice and a home—broadcast to a huge audience via the SCIENCE Channel on cable. As you surely know by now with all the great buzz and promotion, it debuts THIS Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 8 & 11 ET/5 & 8 PT.

I'm also glad I had the chance this summer to sit down with Rod for a chat at the Vegas Khhaaann... where we talked about this, and even more changes at Roddenberry Inc, including the new namesake foundation that has already made its first potentially life-changing award. Oh, and the fun and exploratory stuff is all still there, too.

I remember going in with Dan Madsen at the first Creation Vegas mega-convention in 2002 and meeting Rod, director Scott Colthorp and their crew when they first began, becoming one of the first of what became hundreds of hours of interviewees ... part of the mass of footage behind Rod's apologies to fans for the delay in getting to a final product the past few years.  But it is, premiering at last and well worth the wait.

Take a listen to his story of the process... and then tell him "hi" at the next big convention where he and partner Trevor Roth are on hand. Meanwhile, the good reviews are already pouring in for Trek Nation, but we'll wait til after Wednesday to weigh in. For now, take a listen to our chat ...and Rod's thoughts on his other projects:



The official Trek Nation promo is up everywhere now, too...

But don't miss this, either: a lot more Trek Nation from Scott Colthorp's short-form "Director's Log" series of unused footage and personal thoughts on Trek and the whole project, on YouTube and via the Facebook page... plus Twitter, too!

STV: Happy 45th, Star Trek—your gift: a rare video of your 20th!

So yes, to finish up your annual dilitihium-powered birthday candles: Happy Birthday, Star Trek! Although, as I always say, never forget we're merely marking the first airdate, not the pilot conception or even filming of "The Cage" over two years earlier. In fact, It's a good time to celebrate with a look back at Star Trek's SECOND-most important year...

I'm talking about 1986, When Everything Changed. Thanks to Star Trek IV having such early buzz (later fulfilled in acclaim and box office alike) ... which helped answer the ongoing clamor of local stations for "more Star Trek"  with the bold move to finally make a TV spinoff (what became The Next Generation, of course). With all that, someone figured out it might be time to finally mark the anniversary with an "official" blowout. And even a logo!

Thus, herewith we present—"fresh" from some old VHS tape from some dealer at some con back in the mists of time (and thus, apologies for its quality)—a very rare glimpse of the 20th anniversary Star Trek bash at the studio on Sept. 8, 1986. In context, the announcement of TNG was still a month away, while just five years and a month later Gene Roddenberry himself would be gone, after a series of strokes.

Still, the vindication in his voice here is palatable...

Happy Birthday, Gene: You look much younger than 90!

Gene would have been 90 today.

I call him Gene, sure. Although, unlike so many other Trekland friends and colleagues I've met and worked with since moving to L.A. in 1994, I only met him once. On my first visit to Paramount, ever...and when, so naively, I still took the "no cameras" studio signs seriously. I can recite the memory, and his graciousness in thanking me for my concordances for the writers, like it was yesterday. But I will never have the cool "Gene and me" pic to post here. Today, this one will have to do (from a pre-TNG film start party.)

But through all of my Trek buds who were there every day, before he passed ... and their stories ... and through Majel, and now Rod ... I can call him Gene.

Not in a name-dropperly way, but in a purely familiar way: Ironic, given my earlier statement. But he has shared so much, and inspired so many, that I think I can claim it. As can you. We all "know" Gene—from both his words and his actions. And yes, some of them proved he had only too-human failings, as well.

And, yes, so much of Star Trek has been written and developed by others ... from Dorothy Fontana and Gene Coon to Matt Jefferies and Bob Justman, Bill Theiss and Wah Chang, Fred Phillips and Jerry Finnerman, Vince McEveety and Marc Daniels ... and Herb Solow's salesmanship, yep .... and oh yeah, all those actor guys and gals, too.  And all their descendants. But none of it would be here, in this way ... inspiring still-record passion from cosplaying con-goers and armchair fans alike ... without Gene.

Remember too that he was a decorated Army Air Force B-17 bomber vet, a PanAm pilot who saved his passengers after crashlanding in the Syrian desert, and an LAPD cop—field, motorcycle, and desk. Much less a guy who tried to "grow up" television—where of course I'm talkin' 'bout a controversial little show called .....

The Lieutenant.

(Gotcha! Look it up.
And only later came Pike, a Martian named Spock, and the notes from Harvey Lynn at JPL ...)

So for all that, we all say: "Happy 90th birthday, Gene! You look young as ever!"

(I could repeat McCoy's penultimate line from The Wrath of Khan, but I'll let you silently recall it and smile to yourself. Or look it up—as you should, if reading this!—and then smile to yourself.)

History for Haiti: Rod Roddenberry's online "garage sale," through Friday 1/29

Here's another example of how the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree. Even if it's a Kaferian apple.

Rod Roddenberry is having a virtual "garage sale" online at his Facebook page to clean out Gene and Majel's longtime Bel-Aire house ...

And everything goes to Haitian relief, via HaitianHero.com.

Knowing so many might like a memento from their favorite Star Trek creator, he's got a photo gallery of items and a simple online auction going.

But hurry, the auction ends this Friday, Jan. 29, at 11:59 PM. Rod has a long background of the project on that Facebook page, and roddenberry.com has it up as well.

But on the side, Rod told me a little more about it: a great win-win-win that started when he sold the house—the end of an era in itself—and had to have it totally emptied of "stuff" by the end of this month. And thee was a lot:

Rod says: "How else to get rid of things that I felt were of some value, but not something I wanted to keep? Give it away! And to who else but ... the fans." He started on Twitter last weekend, but the 140-character limit was too much—and then came the Facebook idea, a perfect auction forum.

"I had been wanting to so something for Haiti and figured I'd just donate personally (which I'm still doing)," Rod says. "But then with the help of a friend, it dawned on me that I could 'auction' the family items and send all proceeds to the Haiti relief. This way everyone would win: I'd see that these items got a good home and were not trashed; fans would get some cool Roddenberry family stuff; and most importantly, the people of Haiti would get at some help. Everyone should feel good about what they've done in the end."

The first 24 hours raised $3,000, and he's hoping to hit $20,000 by Saturday.

Now, Rod does promise a big estate sale of major items (like Gene's desk) in July in Las Vegas. But for everything made from the Facebook auction, Rod has pledged to match 1:1 for HaitianHero.com.

Rod calls this part of his legacy "The Roddenberry Effect." He already has the Roddenberry Dive Team so fan divers can explore that final frontier, and protect it.
to work
So, like I said: like father, like son. Rod's putting another great aspect of his family's "effect" on millions of people, and giving them a chance in turn to spread the caring.

Boldy bid!