It was one of those late-in-the-evening accidental encounters on a satellite TV station that made it worth fighting off sleep.
There have been times when something that happens abruptly jolts a drowsy viewer wide awake (the 1982 row between Any Kaufman and Jerry Lawler on David Letterman’s show is exemplary), but sometimes a program has a subject that’s intriguing enough to mandate continued viewing right then and there, instead of setting the DVR to record the remainder of the presentation.
The program was a 2011 documentary on the Science Channel titled “Trek Nation,” and anyone who is even remotely familiar with the history of television would quickly surmise (accurately) that it’s a reference to the decades-old Star Trek phenomenon.
However, this particular profile was unique in more than one way, not the least of which was because it was primarily addressed from the perspective of Eugene Roddenberry, Jr., son of the founder of the original TV series and everything else that came afterward.
Born in 1974 to Gene Sr. and Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, “Rod” Roddenberry’s role in this effort includes a perhaps-expected quest to learn more about his father, since the elder Roddenberry’s workaholic proclivities meant that he and his son didn’t particularly have a strong bond.
The elder Roddenberry had a pretty raucous lifestyle, and it’s hinted that Junior was a wild child himself; however, extensive details aren’t divulged or exploited, which is probably for the better.
Instead, details of what Gene Sr.’s pre-Star Trek experiences are cited, including stints as a combat pilot in World War II, as a commercial airline pilot, and as an L.A. cop before he began writing television scripts.
Majel Barrett, Gene Sr.’s second wife, portrayed Nurse Chapel in the original Star Trek TV series, and would also participate in every other TV series (even animated versions) or movie that the original show beget. Sometimes such efforts included doing voiceovers as a computer.
Curiously, the on-camera interview between mother and son comes across as somewhat strained, which seems to underline the documentary’s effort to be honest.
Actors from every series in the Star Trek series offer recollections, as do actors from many of the movies, as well. Some of the subjects they discuss are historical clarifications and comments about legendary episodes, incidents and portrayals on television and in movies. They all seem to agree that what Roddenberry was envisioning from the outset of the original show was egalitarian and laudable.
Movie directors George Lucas and J.J. Abrams are interviewed, and Lucas’ eloquent comparisons of Star Trek and Star Wars, that other great multi-faceted, decades-old sci-fi phenomenon, make sense.
Of course, the rabid legions of fans known as Trekkies are also profiled, and Rod is shown visiting a Star Trek convention, where otherwise seemly-normal human beings schmooze with each other while dressed up as Klingons, Romulans, and goodness know what other species (and a devoted Trekkie could probably identify every alien encountered in every TV episode or movie…or Trekkie convention).
However, what’s profoundly interesting to see and hear are the recollections and, well, testimonials of scientists and other (real-life) whiz kids who were inspired by Star Trek (or its offshoots) to pursue a career in cutting edge technology. One wonders how far along the human species would be regarding communication, space travel, etc. (or what would be different) if Star Trek hadn’t motivated certain individuals in a certain way.
Rod Roddenberry was 17 when his father died in 1991.
His mother died in 2008. He spent ten years making “Trek Nation,” which ultimately comes across as honest and slightly wistful, without becoming maudlin. It’s a well-made documentary about a popular subject that has been around for decades, and its honest approach makes for worthwhile viewing…at any hour.
