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STAR TREK: TOS Second Season DVD Beams Down With Classic Episodes and Balanced Extras

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By BWilliams / 00:00, 22 October 2004 / Reviews - Products

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It was a major struggle to bring the original STAR TREK to television, but when it came to staying on television, it became an even bigger struggle. The first season of Gene Roddenberry's bold attempt to produce a continuing weekly science fiction television series with maturity and seriousness resulted in some of the series' -- and one of television's -- finest hours altogether during the first season. With a level of quality shown in the production, and in the capable hands of some of science fiction's top writers, STAR TREK should have been a colossal hit across the board. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Even at its height, it could only muster a 52nd place rating in the Nielsen ratings system. That kind of rating didn't completely translate to instant renewal for most television series of the time. But behind the scenes at NBC, something deeper was occurring.

Even while the first season was still in production, talk was brewing of replacing Roddenberry with another writer/producer, one who could degenerate the series into standard science-fiction cannon fodder of ray guns and aliens by removing Roddenberry's forward-thinking themes, thereby reducing it to a substandard "kiddie" program to compete with CBS's more "sophisticated" fare, LOST IN SPACE. Furthermore, talk brewed of cancelling the series altogether. It didn't matter how word got out to the fans who watched STAR TREK, what mattered was that it did -- and this was years before the advent of instant computerized communications via the Internet. The first campaign to go out was a much quieter one, spearheaded by some of science fiction's top writers of the day, some of whom contributed scripts to the series. Under the collective banner name of "The Committee", letters were sent to NBC petitioning the network to keep STAR TREK alive and going for a second season. Obviously, the network listened, and STAR TREK returned for a second season of adventures in the final frontier in the fall of 1967.

Gone from the first season was Grace Lee Whitney, whose character of Yeoman Janice Rand was, in the eyes of NBC executives, too much of an emotional distraction for the non-committal Captain James T. Kirk. Also considering leaving was Nichelle Nichols, whose role of Lieutenant Uhura had been reduced from a rich character with potential in some of the early first season episodes to little more than a glorified telephone operator saying, "Hailing frequencies open, sir." As she has stated over the years, it was her fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King in 1967 during the series' hiatus that convinced her to remain on the series.

With the start of the second season came a new cast member to the series: Walter Koenig as Ensign Pavel Chekov, the ship's navigator. Chekov's inclusion into the series is equally divided into two camps, both solidified in fact yet mired in personal choice. On the one hand, Roddenberry had read a Russian newspaper article in which the series had been faulted for not including a Russian crewmember on board the U.S.S. Enterprise, since the Russians were indeed the first citizens of Earth to send men into space. On the other hand, STAR TREK had developed a strong following among the youth, and during the 1960's the Beatles reigned as the kings of rock and roll, even spawning the comic spin-off "Pre-Fab Four" group known as the Monkees. In Chekov's first appearances on the bridge of the Enterprise, Koenig could be seen sporting a large Beatle/Monkee-style mop top wig; it would be abandoned only two or three episodes later. I had the pleasure of meeting Walter Koenig, who personally related this entire latter story to me in 1990, which I had not known about. Either way you look at it, Chekov was a welcome addition to the STAR TREK family.

Roddenberry and company rose to the challenge of telling strong character-based tales in this new season that rivaled the first season's episodes. This time around, more character-based moments permeated the series, largely due in part to the appeal of William Shatner's at-times campy, at-times driven portrayal of Captain Kirk, Leonard Nimoy's austere portrayal of the unemotional Mr. Spock, and DeForest Kelley's often-humorous yet humane portrayal of Dr. McCoy. But STAR TREK was not just about the lead trio but also about the other cast members as well. Each one of them merited an equal turn in the spotlight, though ultimately Shatner, Nimoy, and Kelley would carry the bulk of the episodes. Later autobiographies by Koenig, Nichols, and James Doohan would all point the finger at Shatner for unjustly stealing the spotlight from them, a sentiment echoed in Shatner's two STAR TREK MEMORIES books.

The series got off to a fantastic bang in its second season with the highly acclaimed episode "Amok Time", written by Theodore Sturgeon. Suffering from an intense salmon-like mating call, Spock convinces Kirk to take him back to Vulcan so he can bond with his betrothed T'Pring; otherwise, he will die in the process. "Amok Time" is filled with twists and turns at every corner that leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat until the very end. Of course, the Vulcan landscape is almost laughable by today's production standards; upon first glimpse sharp-eyed fans could spot the lighting lamps in the landscape -- but none of that got in the way of a first-rate tale. And who could forget Spock's near-emotional reaction at the episode's end that, according to McCoy, would have brought the house down? Strong episodes like these form the hallmark of a classic television series, and STAR TREK certainly delivered a classic.

Later in the season, we would be treated to another glimpse into Spock's background, in the classic episode "Journey to Babel", written by D.C. Fontana. What made this particular episode stand out on equal footing was not the first appearance of the aggressive Andorians and Tellarites, but it was the arrival of Spock's parents, Sarek (Mark Lenard) and Amanda (Jane Wyatt). During the midst of an important mission to transport Starfleet diplomats to an important conference, we learn of Spock's troubled background and the 18-year rift between father and son that drove Spock to enroll in Starfleet Academy. Of course, the mission is endangered when Kirk's life is on the line. But it's not just Kirk's life at stake, it's also Sarek, who is in need of a critical operation. Like any child caught in the middle of a dysfunctional family, Spock is faced with a difficult choice: fulfill his duty as a Starfleet officer, or fulfill his duty to his estranged father. The byplay among Nimoy, Lenard, and Wyatt makes this a fan favorite to this day.


Continued...
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Who acclaimed 'Wolf in the Fold?' | Report this post to moderator
By: who1 (Odo's file, contact) @ 11:31:25 on Oct 23, 2004

I'd love to have a chat with them - IMO that's one of the few first two season episodes that does not hold up at all.

Very good, thorough review. :)


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"Replacing Roddenberry"? Gimme a break! | Report this post to moderator
By: rabelais (Odo's file, contact) @ 23:49:57 on Oct 21, 2004

Nive review. This DVD set is clearly a must own.

Just one small question. You write:

"Even while the first season was still in production, talk was brewing of replacing Roddenberry with another writer/producer, one who could degenerate the series into standard science-fiction cannon fodder of ray guns and aliens by removing Roddenberry's forward-thinking themes, thereby reducing it to a substandard "kiddie" program to compete with CBS's more "sophisticated" fare, LOST IN SPACE."

I'd like to know where you obtained said information. I've read many books about TOS, from Ashwerman's compendium to several of the Roddenberry biographies, both slanderous and obsequious, as well as the very informative and balanced Solow-Justman "Inside Star Trek", and nowhere do I recall any mention of the possibility of Roddenberry being replaced.

To be honest, my first reaction is... "Gimme a break! Who believes this horseshit?"

As far as Solow and Justman are concerned, Roddenberry was treated quite fairly by NBC and Desilu, with the exception being the fellow responsible for language, dress codes and other "moral standards" (Apparently, he was new at the job and overstepped his boundaries, even going so far as recommending story changes!).In fact, Solow and Justman note on more than one occasion that Roddenberry, to excuse his own failings, would publicly antagonize NBC and management.

Somehow, this whole "Roddenberry coud have been replaced" story smacks of the kind of comment he was known to make in order to pass the buck and make himself look good.

I may be wrong, however. So I would just like to know where you got this bit of information.



--------

"Dieu fort, Père paterne
Qui mua l'eau en vin,
Fais de mon cul lanterne
Pour luyre à mon voisin."
- Panurge, dans le Cinquième Livre de Françoys Rabelais


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  • RE: "The Russian story is NOT TRUE | Report this post to moderator
    By: Aussie (Odo's file, contact) @ 02:35:06 on Oct 23, 2004

    The Russian story is not true.
    Gene Roddenberry made up that story of Russia complainihg about no Russian on the Enterprise as a publicity stunt.The Russians had never heard of Star Trek.
    Chekov was introduced to get some of the teenage audience and was based on The Monkees pop idol Davy Jones. Star Trek needed ratings like every other show.
    This was explained in the book Inside Star Trek by Herb Solow and Robert A Justman.
    To show how effective this publicity stunt was,I read it in an Australian newspaper at the time.


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    • RE: "The Russian story is NOT TRUE | Report this post to moderator
      By: BWilliams (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 09:31:36 on Oct 25, 2004

      As for the information on the "other" Russian story, Roddenberry had mentioned it in a 1988 interview on the TV special "The Star Trek Saga: From One Generation to the Next" (which was later repeated in 1991's "Star Trek 25th Anniversary" documentary).

      I'm more personally inclined to believe the Beatles/Monkees story because I met Walter Koenig in 1990, and he related that story to me directly. I never said that the Russian newspaper story wasn't true; I mention it strictly for documentation's sake.


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    • RE: "The Australian censorship story is also NOT TRUE | Report this post to moderator
      By: Aussie (Odo's file, contact) @ 10:04:45 on Oct 23, 2004

      The review has been entertaining but I don't know where the author gets some of his information.
      Star Trek debuted in peak time in Australia and certainly was not censored.
      How would you possibly cut a show running from 7.30pm to 8.30pm down to 20 minutes? The story is not plausible. I saw these shows and they were not censored.Indeed,Australia's censorship was far more liberal than America's at the time. Star Trek in the 1960's was very popular in Australia and was in the top 10 in the ratings at one stage. They would not cut up such a popular show.
      Twenty minutes?They would have to show a lot of adds to make up the time.That is simply not true.


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      • RE: "The Australian censorship story is also NOT TRUE | Report this post to moderator
        By: BWilliams (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 09:26:58 on Oct 25, 2004

        FYI, the information on the Australian story is mentioned on the DVD itself. I never stated that it wasn't true, I only mentioned it because it was mentioned on the DVD.


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  • RE: "Replacing Roddenberry"? Gimme a break! | Report this post to moderator
    By: BWilliams (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 09:18:58 on Oct 22, 2004

    This was already public knowledge, as it was previously written in Allan Asherman's Star Trek Compendium.


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    • RE: "Replacing Roddenberry"? Gimme a break! | Report this post to moderator
      By: JediFonger (Odo's file, contact) @ 10:58:00 on Oct 22, 2004

      plus gene wasn't even involved as exec producer in season3

      --------

      LET THEM DIE!!!


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      • RE: "Replacing Roddenberry"? Gimme a break! | Report this post to moderator
        By: rabelais (Odo's file, contact) @ 12:16:48 on Oct 22, 2004

        I'm aware of that.My comments were about the possibility of replacing G.R. at the tail end of season one, so that someone else would be running the show in season two.


        --------

        "Dieu fort, Père paterne
        Qui mua l'eau en vin,
        Fais de mon cul lanterne
        Pour luyre à mon voisin."
        - Panurge, dans le Cinquième Livre de Françoys Rabelais


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        • RE: "Replacing Roddenberry"? Gimme a break! | Report this post to moderator
          By: Jadzia-Dax (Odo's file, contact) @ 13:46:03 on Oct 22, 2004

          Quote:
          I'm aware of that.My comments were about the possibility of replacing G.R. at the tail end of season one, so that someone else would be running the show in season two.

          From my Sci Fi Channel SE tapes, I have an interview snippet from D.C. Fontana who mentions how she took over as Story Editor for season 2. I'm not sure how much of this really relates to what you are explictly talking about, but it did actually indicate some behind the scenes changes going on after season 1.

          I'm not home right now to give you the exact quotes, but I could dig them up if needed.

          --------

          "I think the show talked to people through the characters. They're stories that speak to the heart. They talk about love, they talk about friendship, they talk about loyalty, they talk about patriotism, exploration, curiosity, reaching out... And I think all those things still touch people. Even when you look at a 30-year old show, it still has something to say." - D.C. Fontana, Sci Fi Channel Special Edition TOS 1998
          ----
          "If the season finale involves the re-built USS Reliant coming back in time to the 21st Century crewed by Moogie, Dr. Selar, Morn, Transporter Chief Kyle, and the Salt Vampire, then we'll know that Coto has gone too far." - tomba1701


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          • RE: "Replacing Roddenberry"? Gimme a break! | Report this post to moderator
            By: rabelais (Odo's file, contact) @ 15:47:43 on Oct 22, 2004

            Thanks. It's not so much that I'm looking for exact quotes, just someone to point me in the direction of the info I'm looking for. I haven't had time to look it up in Asherman, but I will take a peek eventually.

            I was merely a little suprised with this tidbit of info, that's all.I recently reread the Engel and the Alexander biographies of G.R., as well as the Solow and Justman book, and no one mentionned this.At least, not that I recall, and I'm usually pretty good with facts, especially having read this material so recently. Pretty fresh in my mind. If it's in Asherman, I certainly won't disbelieve it as he was solid in his research.

            --------

            "Dieu fort, Père paterne
            Qui mua l'eau en vin,
            Fais de mon cul lanterne
            Pour luyre à mon voisin."
            - Panurge, dans le Cinquième Livre de Françoys Rabelais


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            • RE: "Replacing Roddenberry"? Gimme a break! | Report this post to moderator
              By: Jadzia-Dax (Odo's file, contact) @ 08:14:38 on Oct 23, 2004

              Well... in a few of the Sci Fi Channel SE interview segments, it was emphasized just how many people have their own "books". I have Susan Sackettt's book and even that has a different take on stuff. Pretty much everyone involved in the show back then has penned a tome. So you will see many many points of view from cast, behind the scenes folks, even writers (eg., like Gerrold). I usually look for some consistencies between them but overall, take them ALL with a grain of salt as I know every one of them has an agenda. ;-)

              --------

              "I think the show talked to people through the characters. They're stories that speak to the heart. They talk about love, they talk about friendship, they talk about loyalty, they talk about patriotism, exploration, curiosity, reaching out... And I think all those things still touch people. Even when you look at a 30-year old show, it still has something to say." - D.C. Fontana, Sci Fi Channel Special Edition TOS 1998
              ----
              "If the season finale involves the re-built USS Reliant coming back in time to the 21st Century crewed by Moogie, Dr. Selar, Morn, Transporter Chief Kyle, and the Salt Vampire, then we'll know that Coto has gone too far." - tomba1701


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              • RE: "Replacing Roddenberry"? Gimme a break! | Report this post to moderator
                By: rabelais (Odo's file, contact) @ 00:18:57 on Oct 25, 2004

                Quote: "every one of them has an agenda."

                All too true.

                Which leads me to my original post. As you can tell, I never bought into the G.R. myth. You know the one: that he was some kind of "great" philosopher and writer (Hegel was a great philosopher, Camus was a great writer, but G.R.? Unlikely). At best, he was a great TV series conceptualist, having created a wonderfully elastic format and fun universe to play in.

                Unfortunately, many sources indicated that he had a bit of a dark side: major rewriting of others' work, credit stealing, defending his interests but rarely sticking up for those close to him, womanizing (from what I've read, G.R. would be the first to approve of T'Pol's behaviour and catsuits), running away from confrontations, especially if he had to be the bearer of bad news. And if you believe some writers, serious substance abuse issues. He certainly had his insecurities.

                Does this in any way deter from his accomplishments? No. but he certainly wasn't alone in creating Trek's finest moments.

                At any rate, I find G.R. a fascinating person, and I still await a really meaty, definitive biography of him. By that I mean one that isn't treacly or written by obsequious toads, or one that isn't a nasty "dirt" digger either. There would be a great biopic in there too, come to think of it.

                --------

                "Dieu fort, Père paterne
                Qui mua l'eau en vin,
                Fais de mon cul lanterne
                Pour luyre à mon voisin."
                - Panurge, dans le Cinquième Livre de Françoys Rabelais


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    • RE: "Replacing Roddenberry"? Gimme a break! | Report this post to moderator
      By: rabelais (Odo's file, contact) @ 10:57:37 on Oct 22, 2004

      Thanks!

      I'll look it up in the Compendium, to refresh my memory. You know, after 38 years of Trek, there's a LOT of info out there!

      --------

      "Dieu fort, Père paterne
      Qui mua l'eau en vin,
      Fais de mon cul lanterne
      Pour luyre à mon voisin."
      - Panurge, dans le Cinquième Livre de Françoys Rabelais


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uh... | Report this post to moderator
By: JediFonger (Odo's file, contact) @ 22:23:08 on Oct 21, 2004

why would fans want a "mono" mix when you can already simulate it from the Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0 downmix? duh!

--------

LET THEM DIE!!!


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