Trekkies and Trekkers alike will get starry-eyed over this eclectic mix of essays on the groundbreaking original Star Trek, one of the most culturally impactful science fiction series of the last 50 years. Star Trek writers D. C. Fontana and David Gerrold, science fiction authors such as Howard Weinstein, and various academics share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, discuss the show’s enduring appeal and influence, and examine some of the classic features of the show, including Spock’s irrationality, Scotty’s pessimism, and the lack of seatbelts on the Enterprise. The impact of the cultural phenomenon on subsequent science-fiction television programs is explored, as well as how the show laid the foundation for the science fiction genre to break into the television medium.
The updated Anniversary edition of Boarding the Enterprise is just this week available from retailers, and courtesy of BenBella Books, you can win a copy from Slice of SciFi!
Just leave a comment answering this question: What’s your favorite Star Trek episode (from either TOS, TNG, DS9, VOY or ENT) or movie or novel, and why?
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Contest runs from May 17 through midnight Pacific, May 27. Winners will be selected at random, entries allowed worldwide but only with valid email addresses. Failure to respond to Slice of SciFi email inquiries after the contest will result in forfeiture of prize to another entrant.
This is an easy one. After all these years and episodes over all the series, TNG’s “The Inner Light” is still my hands down favorite. It just combines all the qualities than a good sci-fi story (and a good Trek story) should have: science, social commentary, and a lot of heart. Plus the fact that from that moment on Picard would occasionally play the flute was a hint of long-term continuity that later would be the norm in TV.
DS9 “The Visitor”
There are truly so many wonderful episodes from each series, but this one…it always makes me cry. As a father, as a son the bond between such is such strong part of who I am. Seeing Jake spend a lifetime trying to save his father, who wouldn’t go to such lengths to get a loved one back. One of te most heartfelt episodes in the entire franchise.
tng best of both worlds
Best episode is the original “The City on the Edge of Forever”. Had all the best things. Joan Collins as Kirk’s love interest and the paradox of time travel. Plus Spock had to make things out of old radio parts. Truly a classic.
My favourite episode is from the original, called “Arena”. Capt Kirk fighting one on one with the Gorn. And you learn how to make gunpowder to boot. What kid didn’t try and make that stuff.
I have many favorites, so it’s not easy to pick just one. But I particularly enjoyed DS9’s “Trials and Tribble-ations”, a great tribute to the original series.
Congratulations — The winners are Miguel and Jeffrey!
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