The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

The journey through Samuel A. Peeples' early story treatment for Star Trek II continues, and this week, we're venturing into some of the most imaginative territory yet. Long before the final script for The Wrath of Khan took shape, Peeples envisioned a film that introduced entirely new characters to the Trek universe. There's a brilliant young doctor with unorthodox methods and a bold romantic interest in Dr. McCoy. Then there's Sub-Commander Thal Arctos: a towering, genetically engineered officer who's all Starfleet and part polar bear. These ideas never made it to screen, but they offer a fascinating look into the creative what-ifs of Star Trek's cinematic future. Returning guest Ben Robinson helps us unpack these bold swings, what they tell us about the era, and why some of Trek's most intriguing concepts are the ones fans have never seen... until now. Document and additional references: Samuel A. Peeples' Star Trek (The New Movie) – July 30, 1981 (excerpt, part 2) ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 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!

Before The Wrath of Khan became the fan-favorite sequel we know today, Star Trek II went through multiple story pitches, including one from original series contributor Samuel A. Peeples. In the summer of 1981, Peeples outlined a new character: Commander SsAVIK, a half-Vulcan, half-Romulan officer with a sharp intellect and complex heritage. This week on The Trek Files, Ben Robinson joins Larry to discuss Peeples' early concept for SsAVIK, how it evolved into the Saavik we met on screen, and the wider creative tug-of-war between Gene Roddenberry, Harve Bennett, and Nick Meyer as the sequel took shape. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, featuring two more unused characters from Peeples' draft! Document and additional references: Samuel A. Peeples' Star Trek (The New Movie) – July 30, 1981 (excerpt) ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 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!  

We're back with Ronald D. Moore for part two of our dive into the wonderfully strange 1976 spoken-word album Inside Star Trek. This time, things get weird... in the best way. From Sarek (Mark Lenard) debating Vulcan mating rituals with Gene Roddenberry, to William Shatner performing a time-bending double act as both himself and Captain Kirk, the album takes some truly unexpected turns. Ron shares his favorite moments, what they say about Trek's early self-awareness, and how even the quirkiest bits helped shape his own fandom. Document and additional references: Inside Star Trek album and liner notes (1976) ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 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!

Before he was a celebrated Star Trek writer and producer, Ronald D. Moore was a fan, just like so many of us, watching reruns, devouring The Making of Star Trek, and listening to Gene Roddenberry's 1976 spoken-word album Inside Star Trek. In part one of our two-part conversation, Ron reflects on how that Columbia Records release shaped his early views of the franchise. We explore the stories that resonated with him most, including Gene's candid recollections of his own childhood challenges, and how those moments helped inspire Ron's own journey into the Star Trek universe. Document and additional references: Inside Star Trek album and liner notes (1976) ENTER TO WIN - The Borg Queen Skull Signature Edition prop replica from Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 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!

From its earliest concept stages, Star Trek: The Next Generation set out to break new ground, including the intentional addition of a disabled crewmember to the Enterprise-D. Inspired by and named for a real fan, George LaForge, this character was part of a push for greater representation and inclusivity on screen. This week, The Trek Files welcomes actor and artist Bruce Horak, known to fans as Hemmer from Strange New Worlds. Bruce shares his personal journey as a blind actor stepping into Star Trek's universe, the impact of authentic representation, and his new documentary Boldly Going, where he paints portraits of people who have overcome significant challenges in their own lives. Content note:  The historical document featured in this episode contains outdated language and descriptions of disabled individuals. While we do not endorse these terms, we present the full text in the interest of transparency and historical context. Document and additional references: Memo exchange discussing the inclusion of a disabled crewmember in TNG – October 1986 Support Bruce's documentary: Boldly Going on Indiegogo The Trek Files Season 13 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!

It wasn't just the series finale of Star Trek: Enterprise. “These Are the Voyages” marked the end of an 18-year era of continuous Star Trek on television, dating back to The Next Generation in 1987. Emotions ran high on set, and not all of them were celebratory. Returning guest Mike DeMeritt, First Assistant Director on Enterprise, brings us a candid look behind the scenes of Trek's broadcast-era farewell. From dismantled sets to discarded call sheets (but not underwear), we explore the atmosphere and aftermath of one of Trek's most controversial finales. Document and additional references: "These are the Voyages" shooting schedule and strip board - February 25, 2005 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

May 2001 marked a major transition as Star Trek: Voyager had just wrapped, and Enterprise was ramping up production. With little time to exhale, the crew jumped into a new era: new cast, new look, even new tech (farewell, hand-written call sheets!). But as always, the most revealing stories live between the lines. First Assistant Director Mike DeMeritt returns to The Trek Files to help decode a pair of call sheets and share what they say about how Trek kept boldly going behind the scenes. Document and additional references: Voyager and Enterprise call sheets - May 2001 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

One of TV's most iconic set designs didn't just look futuristic—it functioned like the real thing. Matt Jefferies' vision for the U.S.S. Enterprise bridge was both cinematic and sensible, blending style with storytelling utility. This week, Ben Robinson returns to The Trek Files to explore two of Jefferies' original design documents and reveal the real-world engineering and aviation influences that helped shape Star Trek's most legendary interiors. Document and additional references: Matt Jeffries bridge designs - 1964 Sponsored by  - Bold Bubbles The Trek Files Season 13 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!

The Trek Files returns to one of the most foundational documents in Star Trek history: the third revision of The Star Trek Guide from 1967. Author and “Trek Whisperer” Glen Henderson joins Larry Nemecek to explore the show's core creative philosophy—especially the idea that believability in characters and behavior matters more than technobabble. Together, they unpack a fascinating “test” Gene Roddenberry included in the guide, challenging writers to spot a major format error in a hypothetical teaser scene. Was it bad science? Clunky terminology? Or something more human at the heart of it? Discover what Gene thought really made Trek work—and what still resonates with fans and creatives today. Document and additional references: The Star Trek Guide, Third Revision - April 17, 1967 Visit Glen Henderson, The Trek Whisperer The Trek Files Season 13 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!

It's time for our seasonal dive into Gene Roddenberry's mail bag for a look at fan letters that were considered for publication in the book "Letters to Star Trek." Topics range from DeForest Kelley's southern accent to acquiring props and other leftovers from production to parents just not understanding Star Trek's appeal. John Champion joins Larry Nemecek for a peek into what has changed and what has certainly stayed the same in the world of fandom. Document and additional references: Star Trek fan letters - 1975 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

The crew of the Enteprise-D were taking shape in the earliest creative days of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Julian Picard, Commander Ryker, and Leslie Crusher all went through revisions to becomes the characters we know today. Deanna Troi evolved from a towering, large-brained, four-breasted telepath into, fortunatley, a character who was far more suitable for TNG's stories. The Trek Files is thrilled to welcome Nana Visitor to discuss the ever-changing roles of women in the Trek universe and the back-and-forth relationship between Gene Roddenberry and Dorothy Fontana in our amusing, revealing documents. Document and additional references: Star Trek: The Next Generation bible version 1 (excerpt) - November 5, 1986 Open a Channel: A Woman's Trek by Nana Visitor The Trek Files Season 13 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!

Star Trek fans already know about Voyager's "Year of Hell," but they may not know about the "day of hell" that plagued production in October 1995 while filming the second season episode "Death Wish." It would take more than the power of Q to rescue cast and crew from the multiple accidents and failures the threatened to derail the epsiode. That's where the power of an experienced Assistant Director is tested, and today we welcome back to the show Mike DeMeritt who was on set that day and guides us through how to "ride the chaos." Document and additional references: Star Trek: Voyager "Death Wish" call sheet and production report - October 17, 1995 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

One of the common threads the connects all Star Trek series is the role of the Doctor. Whether human, alien, or hologram, the Doctor often represents the compassionate, human heart at the center of Trek's stories. In an excerpt from the first season Star Trek writer's guide, Gene Roddenberry spelled out the special relationship Dr. McCoy has with his crewmates. Special guest John Billingsley drops by The Trek Files to give his own spin on how Dr. Phlox fits into the legacy and shares imporant updates about Trektivim in the real world by helping foster positive social change. Document and additional references: Star Trek Writer-Director Information (Excerpt) - August 30, 1966 Support TrekTalks and the Hollywood Food Coalition The Trek Files Season 13 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!

Star Trek's very first fans were made on the night of Septmeber 8, 1966 when NBC premired its newest primetime science-fiction show. The reviews may have been mixed, but a lifetime of influence and inspiration followed. We look back at a couple of Trek's earliest reviews and get to know one of the viewers from that night. Glen Henderson, author of "All I Need to Know about Success I Learned from Star Trek," joins The Trek Files to discuss the series' impact on his life and profession. Document and additional references: Reviews of New Television Shows - September 9, 1966 Visit Glen Henderson, The Trek Whisperer The Trek Files Season 13 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!

Continuing our conversation with Star Trek fan-turned-professional David Benjamin Tomlinson, The Trek Files focuses on a day of production from one of his favorite episodes, TNG's "Cause and Effect." The conversation sparks reflection on the intrigue of time-based stories, the challenges of working under alien prosthetics, and the special thrill of being directed by Jonathan Frakes. Document and additional references: Star Trek TNG "Cause and Effect" call sheet - January 23, 1992 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

Actor David Benjamin Tomlinson returns to The Trek Files for a look back at a single, pivotal page from the script of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. As a lifelong fan, David recounts the importance of the handoff from the classic series of feature films to a new generation of storytellers and his personal jounrey joining the production of Star Trek: Discovery. Document and additional references: Star Trek VI scene 202 - February 19, 1991 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

Continuing our celebration of Leonard Nimoy, we revisit a memo from 1967 in which he cheekily promised he had stolen enough pens to satisfy the needs of answering his fan mail. As our special guest to shed more light on his personality, The Trek Files welcomes Rich Michelson who was a collaborator, biographer, and long-time friend of Leonard. The two bonded over photography and literature and found delight in each other's humor. Rich shares poignant stories about talking to Leonard every day before his death in 2015 and carrying on to celebrate his creative work. Document and additional references:  Leonard Nimoy fan mail memos - June, 1967 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

In the collaborative, high pressure environment of film and TV production, tensions often flare between creative professionals. In the lead-up to Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Leonard Nimoy was preparing for his first outing as a feature film director when Gene Roddenberry sent a friendly, congratulatory letter to smooth over past disagreements. In a special episode of The Trek Files, we look back at Leonard's career ten years after his death, and we are delighted to welcome his son, Adam Nimoy, to share stories about the man, his talent, and what made him "The Most Human." Document and additional references: Gene Roddenberry letter to Leonard Nimoy - May 20, 1983 Visit AdamNimoy.com for more information and book tour dates. The Trek Files Season 13 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!

It was the very first day of filming for Christopher Lloyd as Commander Kruge, on set on the bright of a Klingon Bird of Prey, in September of 1983. Lloyd's performance was iconic in a career already full of iconic characters. In this special episode of The Trek Files, Lloyd joins host Larry Nemecek on stage at Trek to San Francisco to discuss his career an bringing Kruge to life. Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - September 19, 1983 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

There was a time when Saurians were only known for their brandy, but by the time of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the alien species was starting to flesh out a bit more. A few decades later, Saurians came into their own when Star Trek: Discovery introduced us to beloved crew member "Linus." Special guest David Benjamin Tomlinson joins The Trek Files to talk about bringing Linus to life and his own longtime love of Star Trek. Document and additional references: The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture [excerpt] - 1980 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

As Star Trek often finds itself in transitional periods, the question always arises: what IS "Star Trek?" In 1986, Gene Roddenberry responded to Paramount Executive John Pike with a letter outlining his concepts for The Next Generation. Now, decades later, we welcome Rod Roddenberry to discuss the parallels of defining Star Trek then and now and striking a balance between the original concept and reinventing for a new audience. Document and additional references: Letter from Gene Roddenberry to John Pike - September 19, 1986 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

In a letter to Gene Roddenberry, Dorothy Fontana makes the case for accepting a story from Larry Niven into the production of Star Trek: The Animated Series. In a separate letter to Larry, Dorothy suggests a collaborative approach to bring his story to the small screen. In this episode of The Trek Files, we are thrilled to welcome the award-winning science-fiction novelist Larry Niven himself to share his recollection of working with Dorothy and adapting his story for Star Trek! Document and additional references: Letters to Gene Roddenberry and Larry Niven - 1973 The Trek Files Season 13 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!

Just over 30 years ago, filming began on a Star Trek series that would launch a new TV network. The exit of a star player brought production to a halt while executives figured out how to recast the series lead. The Trek Files welcomes back Dave Rossi, who was there on day one, with stories of Voyager finding its way and introducing the newest Captain to her ship. Don't miss our season finale! Document and additional references: Star Trek: Voyager call sheets - September, 1994 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.

Few people had as much influence on shaping Star Trek: Voyager and the role of Captain Janeway than the late Jeri Taylor. Known in the business as much for her professional output as for her humility and kindness, Jeri had re-emerged in the last few years to  connect with the Trek fans who were influenced by her work. The Trek Files welcomes longtime friend and colleague Lolita Fatjo to discuss Jeri's legacy and comment on our document the connect's directly to your host! Document and additional references: Nemecek Pitch - December 14, 1994 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.

The story of the once missing, now discovered, three-foot filming model of the USS Enterprise has been all over the news lately, leading Star Trek fans to investigate and speculate. From Gene's desk to an abandoned storage unit, there's more than a 40 year gap. This week, prompted by Gene's memo to get his model back, The Trek Files is happy to shed a little more light on the story. Learn how a few more items found at auction led one Trekspert, David Tilotta, to piece together the Enterprise's journey in front of the holographic lens. Don't miss this revealing bit of Trek history! Document and additional references: "Three-Foot Enterprise Model" - November 5, 1979 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.

Director Paul Lynch returns to The Trek Files to discuss his other first regular episode for the franchise, Deep Space Nine's "A Man Alone." An industry veteran, Lynch dives into the director-actor relationship about bringing the best performances out of the cast. Which DS9 actors were ready on day one? And which ones needed time to settle into their roles? Lynch shares his insights from day one of DS9. Document and additional references: "A Man Alone" call sheet - September 29, 1992 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.

After a TV pilot is carefully produced, the task of creating a regular weekly series can get underway. "The Naked Now" was Star Trek: The Next Generation's first series episode, and The Trek Files is pleased to welcome the episodes' director, Paul Lynch, to discuss his work. Find out what actors required the least direction and who studio executives thought the real "star" of the series was at the time! Document and additional references: "The Naked Now" daily production report - July 6,1987 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.

The Trek Files goes back into the world of audio for an in-depth discussion about Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Specifically, the many complexities of character dialogue recording and re-recording are the focus for special guest Mike Matessino who was a post-production supervisor on both of TMP's Director's Editions. A memo from Robert Wise about actor ADR kicks off a discussion about the noisy Enterprise bridge, the changes given to Vulcan subtitles over the years, and much more. Document and additional references: "Star Trek" Looping - August 15, 1979 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.

We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of TAS' second season with guest Aaron Harvey, author of "Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series." In many ways, TAS broke new ground by expanding on what had come from TOS and making the Trek universe a richer place. For the first time, Orion pirates were seen, and they, along with many other TAS creations, have left an indelible mark on the franchise ever since. Dive into the roots of felinoid species, what makes "canon" and more on this week's episode of The Trek Files. Document and additional references: "The Pirates of Orion" storyboards - 1974 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.

A series of memos from the earliest days of The Next Generation contemplate the scientific advances of the new Enterprise. Specifically, the bridge would undergo a radical redesign to emphasize a more comfortable, thoughtful interaction of the crew. In addition, the special effects advances since the 1960s meant that the views of space could be much more realistic. We welcome back Dr. Barrett Caldwell to help explore the intersection of technology and humanity, where Star Trek gets it right, and where it stretches our imaginations. Document and additional references: The Front Window of the Enterprise - 1986 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.

This week on The Trek Files, we focus our ears on the sounds that make Star Trek. From TOS to the movies, we are pleased to bring you exclusive behind-the-scenes audio clips like you've never heard them before. Those, along with our document from Gene's archive, are illuminated by our special guest Steve Lee, veteran audio expert and "sound wrangler" for film and television. Steve currently archives the industry's work at the Hollywood Sound Museum. Document and additional references: Dubbing and Scoring Schedule - July 10 - 14, 1967 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.

In October 1988, the Star Trek production team started rolling in Yosemite National Park. We catch up with Dan Madsen, the head of the official fan club, who was in regular contact with director William Shatner and well aware of the anticipation - and anxiety - among fans about the next Trek feature film. We cover everything from Levi's to marshmallows to purple horses on this week's episode of The Trek Files. Document and additional references: Star Trek V call sheets - 1988 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.

It was the first day of shooting on Star Trek III. Fans knew that Spock was likely coming back, but they didn't know about the loss of the Enterprise or other major plot points of the film. One fan who was on the inside had the scoop, though! Dan Madsen joins The Trek Files again to share stories about the "wine and roses" days of Trek and getting the lowdown from Leonard Nimoy himself. Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - Day 1 - August 15, 1983 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.

Secrecy around movies is paramount. In early 1978, the announcement for Star Trek: The Motion Picture had not yet been officially made, but one person close to the production had leaked insider information about the production. Studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg stepped in with a politely worded, but unambiguous, memo to stop the leaks at their source. Document and additional references: Star Trek II memo - January 19, 1978 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.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha 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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.