Tossing & turning late last night, I found myself taking a brisk stroll down memory lane. For the first time in many years I recalled with unexpected detail & delight the moment I caught a glimpse of the teaser for Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s pilot ‘Encounter At Farpoint’ which would soon air on September 28th, 1987. I remember, the promise of this potentially momentous television EVENT dominated my young mind in the weeks leading up to the premiere; a brave, updated extension of the classic science-fiction staple that helped define an entire generation.
My imagination turned feral at the possibilities of a optimistic marvel of our not-too-distant future; a vision of Humanity unitied, boldly exploring the vast reaches of deep space. The idea that quality science fiction would be ‘beamed’ into my living room week after week, with immense spectacle & wonder tethered by the intricacies of the Human Experience, opened up an extraordinary new world for me. It showcased a future where Humanity would not only survive, but flourish! This grand,
visionary entertainment gave me license to begin creating on my own; to envision extraordinary new civilizations out there, entrenched in the Cosmos. I wrote my very first short story after that. I was on my way.
Mr. Roddenberry serves as an inspiration & role-model, now & until my dying breath. For while the chaotic, socio-political climate of the Sixties was tearing culture down, this maverick cop-turned-scribe was building it back up with his singular vision of a brave new world where bigotry, poverty & disease are placed on the endangered list. I bow down to his greatness, his creative genius & unwavering faith that humankind shall NOT destroy itself. A conviction, an ideology for the ages. Roddenberry is MY religion.
Considering the sheer size of our own galaxy, to say nothing of the Universe as a whole, the possibilities are truly limitless. Thank you Mister Roddenberry for being brave enough to bringing to the World a future that Humanity should indeed strive for, at a time when Man’s future seemed rocky at best. Humanity shall indeed outgrow its infancy, of that, I am certain.
The Great-Bird-of-the-Galaxy’s extensive BIO can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Roddenberry
JPabes X
Hi, I’ve ended up a lurker around your site only a few months. I adore this article and your entire web site! Looking in front to reading more!
Thanks so much for your support… I’ll be publishing 5 more posts this week, including one about my favorite Trek episode ever: ‘City On The Edge Of Forever’…stay tuned!