Each season on The Trek Files, we take a break from the interdepartmental memos and deeply technical discussions behind the scenes of Star Trek in order to check in with the fans. Specifically, we peruse Gene Roddenberry's mail bag from the mid 1970s to see what had fans excited a generation ago. This time: graduation wishes, praise for Trek's humanity, and, of course, more requests for any props that may just be laying around...

Document and additional references: Fan Correspondence - ca. 1975

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Science fiction requires a certain amount of science fact to make the stories believable. In the lead up to "The Next Generation," Gene Roddenberry sent a memo to the production team expressing frustration over the balancing act between the two. Jeff Stepp returns to The Trek Files to talk about the similarities in writing for drama and scientific documentary and the possible coolness of "deathstrings."

Document and additional references: Warp Speed Cellular Plasma "Deathstrings" Gizmos - April 28, 1987

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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In the last years of his life, Gene Roddenberry continued to address audiences with thoughts about science fiction and the intersection of humanity and science. In this speech from 1989-1990 given to an audience of Jungian psychologists, he explored the ways technology and storytelling illuminate the human experience. The Trek Files again welcomes Dr. Barrett Caldwell to share his thoughts on Gene's speech.

Document and additional references: The Shape of Tomorrow - ca. 1989

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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In a speech to the Fourteenth Space Congress in 1977, Gene Roddenberry laid out the three arguments for human space exploration. Now, we revisit his words with Barrett S. Caldwell, PhD, Professor of Industrial Engineering (and Aeronautics and Astronautics) at Purdue. He reflects on Gene's visionary take on the space program and the inspiration that keeps us returning to the stars.

Document and additional references: Beyond the Near Term - April 27, 1977

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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David Gerrold joins The Trek Files again for a fun look behind the scenes of Deep Space Nine's 30th anniversary Star Trek episode, "Trials and Tribble-ations." Hear about the painstaking details to recreate 1960s television in the '90s and how returning to tribbles 30 years later was a career highlight.

Document and additional references: Trials and Tribble-ations call sheet - August 22, 1996

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Phil Weyland returns to The Trek Files with more stories from the set of Star Trek III. As stand-in for DeForest Kelly and, later, William Shatner, Phil had a front-row seat for the extremes from excitement to boredom of making Trek's epic big-screen stories.

Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - August 31, 1983

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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The title says it all. David Gerrold shared his parting words with Gene Roddenberry upon leaving production of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It was a bittersweet moment preceded by conflict. David joins The Trek Files to talk about the state of TNG's production at the time, his frustrations with backstage politics, and the desire to leave on a high note. Don't miss our deep look into the tumult of Star Trek's return to TV with one of the insiders who was there from the start.

Document and additional references: Gerrold's Last Memo - May 22, 1987

Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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

Between Star Trek the Motion Picture and The Next Generation, Gene Roddenberry was still at work crafting new TV show concepts. In 1981, he turned his attention to a melding of real world science and speculative futurism with "Breakthrough." We welcome producer/documentarian Jeff Stepp (The UnXplained: Mysteries of the Universe with William Shatner) to the Trek Files to help determine where Gene was on the right path and if his idea could breakthrough the TV landscape today.

Document and additional references: Breakthrough TV Format - October 7, 1981

Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Laurence Luckinbill continues his conversation with The Trek Files, reminiscing about Star Trek V and sharing a passage from his new book, "Affective Memories." Hear about his friendship with William Shatner and DeForest Kelley, the trouble with alien horses, and why "The Final Frontier" is one of the great Star Trek movies.

Document and additional references: Star Trek V call sheets - 1988 part 2

Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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The Trek Files gets a look inside the production of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier with none other than the man who brought Sybok to life, Laurence Luckinbill. The multi-award winning actor shares his insights into his spiritual connection with Sybok, competing angles on the character, and the difference between Star Trek and Star Wars.

Document and additional references: Star Trek V call sheets - 1988 part 1

Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill

The Trek Files Season 12 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.