Tidbits from Star Trek's many iterations
Interracial kissing on television was unheard of
The sci-fi show “Star Trek” broke barriers when it premiered the episode “Plato’s Stepchildren” on NBC in 1968. Capt. Kirk and Lt. Uhura share the first scripted interracial kiss ever shown on American television in the episode. That act helped to destigmatize interracial relationships on- and off-screen.
1966: Star Trek (1966–1969)
- IMDb rating: 8.3 - IMDb user votes: 64,611 - Stars: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols “Star Trek” debuted in 1966 and ran for three seasons, but no one could have anticipated that it would go where few TV shows have gone. The enormously successful franchise for both television and film even generated its own demographic, otherwise known as “Trekkies.” Starring William Shatner as Captain Kirk, the crew of the Starship Enterprise explored the galaxy and interacted with the various inhabitants they found. Episodes of the original series are available on Netflix and CBS All Access.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Released: 1982 Stacker Score: 78.25 IMDb Rating: 7.7 Metascore: 71 Tomatometer: 88% Typically considered the best of the original arc of “Star Trek” films, “Wrath of Kahn” stars William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley. Gene Roddenberry was removed from a central role in the film because producers attributed the previous “Star Trek” films’ lack of success to his shortcomings. Despite that, the movie seemed to please hardcore and casual fans alike. In it, Admiral Kirk (Shatner) must thwart his longtime adversary Khan (Ricardo Montalban) who seeks to use the Genesis Device as a destructive weapon.
1987: Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
- IMDb rating: 8.6 - IMDb user votes: 83,728 - Stars: Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton A continuation of the "Star Trek" franchise, "Star Trek: The Next Generation” made its debut in 1987. It starred Patrick Stewart as the fearless Jean-Luc Picard, leading his crew on new adventures aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. The series ran from 1987 to 1994 and is currently available on Netflix.
William Shatner
While many sci-fi fans still associate William Shatner with “Star Trek,” the veteran actor has become equally identified with bargain-hunting travel site Priceline, where he’s served as a pitchman since 1998. Shatner is now 87, and is still associated with the brand as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The delta symbol was first used by the U.S. military in 1942. But this new version seems to boldly go where one logo has gone before, don't you think?
For decades, Jean-Luc Picard of "Star Trek" has largely been presented as genteel and at times buttoned up. Now he's someone who has uttered the F-word for the world to hear. A healthy online conversation followed.