We have a thing for '60s television shoes, apparently, as all three of us - me, hubby, and our 11-year-old daughter really enjoy Hogan's Heroes. And naturally, as I'm a World War II historian and novelist, that works nicely with my interests.
But how is it that now I like Star Trek? I did terrible in science classes at school, and I don't ever read science fiction. Ever. So why do I now look forward to relaxing in front of the t.v. to watch Spock say, "Fascinating" or see Captain Kirk seduce a green woman or hear Scotty's cool accent or watch Bones (aka Dr. McCoy) use his little analyzer thingamabob to see if the creature is a humanoid or not?
And it's not just me. My daughter loves it, too. We're currently in the second season. Of course, one of my favorite episodes of all time, "A Piece of the Action", set on a planet whose people live like the gangsters of the 1920s, is included in this set. Hilarious.
As a writer, I've also noticed how they continually raise the stakes. For the majority of the episodes, the problem keeps getting worse and worse, and no matter what they try, it doesn't work. That keeps you glued to the screen.
Unfortunately, this is also a flaw, as it feels like in the last five minutes, they come up with a rather convenient solution. I saw this most noticeably in the episode "The Deadly Years" where the crew is exposed to radiation sickness that rapidly ages them. With literally hours left to live, they figure out that the only reason one of the crew members was immune from the radiation was because he had an adrenaline reaction - i.e. he was scared at the time of infection. So they came up with some kind of antidote based on this theory. I really wanted to roll my eyes at that one.
Fortunately, the good usually outweighs the bad in this series, and I really enjoy the banter between Spock and McCoy, Scotty's affection for scotch (naturally), and Captain Kirk's dedication to duty. The characters are well-rounded and fun to watch as they react to different situations.
And ok, ok, I have to admit it - I also enjoy watching William Shatner's acting abilities. According to IMDB: "His clipped, dramatic narration, peppered with dramatic pauses, is often referred to as "Shatnerian."" Imagine, coming up with your own style of acting!
I don't think I'm anywhere close to being a Trekkie (I don't even know if that's spelled right!), but I admit it: I'm hooked.
And that's just not logical.
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I don't know, Melissa. I just had Scotty beam me up to your blog post, and this reads like a Trekkie post to me. The next thing we know, you'll have The Enterprise as your blog background ;)
ReplyDeleteAh, this is such a cool post. How neat that you, your hubby, and your daughter watch Hogan's Heroes and Star Trek together! I was talking to my brother the other day and Hogan's Heroes came up and I said, "I wonder if the old reruns are on," and he said, yes, he watches them all the time.
ReplyDeleteStar Trek was great. Still is. I love your last line, "And that's just not logical." LOL!
Joanne's comment is pretty darn funny, too! Haha!
Haha. I LOVE that pic of Spock - who knew he could look so dapper! ;-) Capt Kirk always did it for me though, I have to say.
ReplyDeleteHappy writing this week!
Yes great pic of Spock. Long time since I watched Star Trek but talking of upping the tension, I saw the new film of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy last night adn the tension at theend of that was INCREDIBLE! Brilliantly done and excellent resolution.
ReplyDeleteI had to smile; Star Trek TOS is my least favorite of the bunch. But due to my husband, we seem to watch far more than is good for, well, me at least.
ReplyDeleteMy fave Star Trek, especially satisfying the writer in me, is Deep Space Nine. I think there is no better writing in TV, not in the depth of character, the story lines, the plotting; especially in the last three seasons, in the middle of a vast, dimension-spanning war, there is more tragedy, heroism, wonder and thrills than, well, than just about any other series made. A sweeping statement, but let me tell you, once you get watching DS9, oh goodness! Then you will be a Trekkie, no going back! :)))
Joanne - LOL! Gosh, I hope I don't put the Enterprise as my background! If I do, then we may have to stage an intervention...
ReplyDeleteLyn - Oh, Hogan's Heroes is such fun. My daughter told me last night that she likes it better than Star Trek because of Schultz.
Talei - I have to admit, Capt. Kirk was a handsome guy!
Flower - I think I've seen the previews for that film and you're right - it looks fantastic!
Anna - I never could get into the Deep Space Nine series, but then again, I didn't try too hard. May have to give it another shot!
I knew a guy once who was such a Trekkie that he learned to use his mom's sewing machine and sewed literally dozens of fake fur tribbles and scattered them all over the house.
ReplyDeleteAnd then-a couple years later when I was in high school and taking a class called "Sewing for Profit" we had to make these silly stuffed things called "Super Critters." I remember thinking to myself-these are tribbles-nothing but tribbles!! Red, white and blue hideous tribbles!
Not only was it not logical-it wasn't profitable either!
Valerie - This is HILARIOUS. I can't believe he put tribbles all over his house! hahaha! But this is even funnier: "Red, white, and blue hideous tribbles!" You should write a poem!
ReplyDeleteI love the more recent Star Trek shows, never have tried the old original ones, but I simply must make the time for them!
ReplyDeleteMargo - Oh, you have to give them a try. :-)
ReplyDeleteI did get caught up in the new Star Trek series back in the 80's. And I have friends who are such fans of the old Star Trek that they would go to a Trekkie convention in a heartbeat! The super fans are just as interesting as the show, I think!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved Star Trek and other SF shows, yet have never been all that interested in science...I think it comes down to characterization :) Oh, and in the case of Star Trek TNG, Jonathan Frakes (after he grew the beard *g*).
ReplyDeleteWe grew up watching Star Trek; I feel like it's in my bones! My dad liked it because he said it's an old-fashioned morality play, like a lot of Westerns, only set in space. And my dad does love him a good morality play. :)
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's the characters and the really cool concepts--as a kid, I was enthralled. Still am, to tell the truth. Am currently rewatching ST:Voyager on Netflix. Janeway lives! ;)
Lynn - I have never been to a Star Trek convention, but I bet it is something to behold!
ReplyDeleteTess - I'd have to agree with you on Jonathan Frakes... :-)
Christine - You're absolutely right. It IS an old-fashioned morality play. To tell you the truth, I wish more shows were like this today. I think our lapse in morality has created some problems for society. Bring back Captain Kirk passion for freedom and Spock's logic! ;-)