The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

What if Star Trek The Next Generation had an android character as a regular? The idea was on Bob Justman's mind in October 1986 when he sent a memo to Gene Roddenberry suggesting they get in touch with Gene's old friend Isaac Asimov. The Trek Files welcomes back Dr. Erin Macdonald to talk about AI, science and robotics in Trek!

See the original document: Isaac Asimov and the Laws of Robotics - 1986

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Two letters - separated by a few years - aimed at Star Trek fans who wanted to see The Original Series resurrected. While the approach for each is a little different, they are notable for being written by David Gerrold and Andrew Probert (before his Trek career started). Hear what each proposed on this week's show.

See the original document: Star Trek Cancelled - letters from Probert and Gerrold

The Trek Files Season 5 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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Remember when the people of Earth faced down an environmental disaster... and did something about it? It wasn't science fiction, it was our concern over the disappearing ozone layer, and it grabbed the attention of Star Trek's producers in 1987. The Trek Files welcomes back Dr. Erin Macdonald to talk about the relationship between science advisors and science fiction.

See the original document: Hole in the Sky - 1987

The Trek Files Season 5 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

An early merchandising deal comes to Star Trek when Sawyers, Inc. (maker of View-Master) approaches the show. They sent a photographer to set in December 1967 to capture scenes from "The Omega Glory" and launch a line of TOS reels. At least that was the plan. This week, Larry Nemecek and John Champion talk toys on The Trek Files.

See the original document: Sawyers Inc View-Master memo - December 19, 1967

The Trek Files Season 5 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Going back to the very roots of Star Trek, we revisit one of the earliest documents, "The Star Trek Format," to examine what works and doesn't work about the "parallel worlds" concept. Special guest Rod Roddenberry discusses Trek's philosophy and legacy of crafting a future based on inclusion and curiosity.

See the original document: The Star Trek Format - Parallel Worlds - March 11, 1964

The Trek Files Season 5 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Keeping the science in "science fiction" is a challenge whether it's for an adult or children's audience. In 1973, physicist Harvey Lynn was consulting The Animated Series just as he had done for Star Trek originally. The Trek Files is pleased to welcome Trek's newest science advisor, Dr. Erin MacDonald, to talk about keeping it real on the Enterprise.

See the original document: The Lorelei Signal science notes - May 1973

The Trek Files Season 5 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

A straightforward story to introduce audiences to the new Enterprise crew is what Dorothy Fontana had in mind in late 1986 when she drafted "Encounter at Farpoint." It would change many times before premiering nearly a year later - not the least of which was the addition of "Q." The Trek Files unearths a document this week from TNG's earliest days.

See the original document: Encounter at Farpoint story draft - December 1986

The Trek Files Season 5 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

What does it take to get a show nominated for an Emmy award? Not solely concerned with production, Michael Piller sent a memo to Gene Roddenberry and Rick Berman in April 1990 about which episodes had the best chances of getting some prestigious recognition. If only they could find a way to get Patrick Stewart in the running! The Trek Files welcomes back Eric Stillwell to discuss another one from Gene's archive...

See the original document: TNG Emmy plans - April 28, 1990

The Trek Files Season 5 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

At the end of season three of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the crew decide to have some fun by distributing a parody call sheet. Special guest Eric Stillwell sheds some light on the backstage atmosphere while The Trek Files boldly goes "where every man has been by now."

See the original document: TNG Parody call sheet - April 20, 1990

The Trek Files Season 5 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

A 1965 letter to Gene Roddenberry from TV Guide features an interview excerpt and an invitation to participate in a promotional film. Gene's words reveal his lifelong interest in tackling important issues and pushing the social and political boundaries of the medium.

See the original document: TV Guide letter to Gene Roddenberry - December 1965

The Trek Files Season 5 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!