The story goes like this...Before Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry was at one time a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department where he began writing scripts for television. His early work includes Highway Patrol, and Have Gun - Will Travel before creating and producing The Lieutenant (1963) whose main character is Second Lieutenant William Tiberius Rice. (hmm, makes me wonder if he had a fondness for the name Tiberius...?) In 1964 Roddenberry created Star Trek and although the show only lasted for three seasons, syndication found the show a wider audience and the rest, as they say is history. I have watched all the shows - from the original Star Trek to Star Trek: Enterprise (my least favorite) - to every single movie, and I am greatly looking forward to Into Darkness, which releases next month.
He began as a cop? That is really interesting. And quite the career change!
ReplyDeleteI know! I had no idea either until I read...
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting, as both those shows enjoyed a good run. Many spin-offs came from Paladin (the cultured gun for hire).
ReplyDeleteI didn't know he was a cop, either. ENTERPRISE really was a bit boring thanks to Bacula and to all the episodes which were set in the present times (I mean who wants a present time STARTREK?). I did adore Hoshi Sato, though :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I only watched a few episodes. Hoshi is pretty cute though :)
DeleteI recently exchanged a few Roddenberry quotes with someone online and was fascinated *raises one eyebrow in Spock fashion* just how forward thinking the guy really was. And I can't wait for the new Star Trek movie. Soon, soon, soon!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait either :)
DeleteI love Gene Roddenberry! Interestin tidbits about him.
ReplyDeleteHe was responsible for a great many of my favorite shows so he's on my 'A' list!
DeleteYay for Gene Roddenberry! He's a super-star in my book for creating Star Trek, and I can even forgive him for "Genesis II" which was a disappointment after ST. Yes, a very great man! Thanks for reminding me the debt all us geeks owe him. (Remember "The Trouble with Tribbles"? Loved that one!)
ReplyDeleteGenesis II...apparently it was so forgettable I forgot about it. Loved the tribble episode - especially the part in the bar when they start insulting the Enterprise - too funny!
DeleteKnew the bit about the cop. But I'm one of THOSE fans...
ReplyDeleteI had no idea.
DeleteWell, now there's a life change! Love this story. We have the entire first rendition my husband taped on VHS tapes...probably decomposing, I'm sad to say. My husband and I still stop any time we are clicking through and find Jean-Luc Picard!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have the whole collection of the original and Next Gen.
DeleteSomething else you didn't have to explain tome.
ReplyDeleteLOL.
DeleteI love this one! I grew up with Star Trek... :D
ReplyDeleteFond memories of being beamed to new planets via friends and my brother the alien, lol.
I had no idea...
Gene rocks!
I too can't wait for the movie~
Looking forward to May
;D
I grew up with it, too.
DeleteMy older siblings really liked Have Gun Will Travel. The theme song was the first time I heard the word Paladin.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the new Star Trek.
Now there's a show I don't remember. Except...wasn't it mentioned in the movie Stand by Me?
DeleteMe too, me too! Wish we could go see it together. I just love all things Star Trek. Although I have to admit to never watching Enterprise and half of DS9. I got tired of fighting my family for TV time, but now I should check out some of them on netflix or something.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I didn't watch all of DS9 either. I wish I had though because I really enjoyed the show.
DeleteInto Darkness will be one of the highlights of the year for me!! :)
ReplyDeleteme too!
DeleteLove Star Trek but I can't say I fall into the category of 'Trekkie'.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
It's not for everyone and even I don't like everything.
DeleteHe definitely had a mind before his time.
ReplyDeleteRodenberry was a brilliant, brilliant man! I love his vision and his heart. Glad he got to space in the end! :)
ReplyDeleteYep Roddenberry was a genius. I never realized there were only 3 seasons of the original. Star Trek is def a staple for any sci-fi fan.
ReplyDelete