"Fifty years on: A discussion with Star Trek's scribes concerning their series' enduring impact"

In the annals of television history, few shows have left as lasting an impact as Star Trek. The groundbreaking series, which premiered on Sept. 8, 1966, has spanned over 700 episodes and more than a dozen feature films.

Two of the writers who have contributed significantly to Star Trek's success are David Gerrold and D.C. Fontana. Gerrold, most famous for writing the iconic "Star Trek" episode "The Trouble with Tribbles," attributes the show's success to three factors: it was fun, presented a positive vision of the future, and included everyone.

Fontana, who wrote the pilot for Star Trek: The Next Generation, shares this sentiment. She believes that Star Trek was able to address sensitive topics like feminism, racism, and the Vietnam War under the guise of science fiction. According to Fontana, the enduring appeal of Star Trek lies in its relevant themes.

One of the groundbreaking aspects of Star Trek is that it featured one of TV's first interracial kisses, between Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura. This bold move, along with its inclusivity, representing various ethnicities, sexual orientations, and alien species, set Star Trek apart from other shows of its time.

The Star Trek franchise's exceptional long-term presence is due to its continuous evolution with new series and films that refreshed the storyline, incorporation of diverse and strong characters, and innovative ideas introduced by creator Gene Roddenberry and subsequent producers.

For instance, a new series called Star Trek: Discovery, helmed by Bryan Fuller, is coming in January 2017. D.C. Fontana also wrote the pilot for this new venture, ensuring a smooth transition for fans.

The legacy of Star Trek extends beyond the screen. Triticale, the Earthly ancestor of the Tribble's favourite quadrotriticale, is a real hybrid of wheat and rye first bred in labs in the late 19th century in Scotland and Sweden.

This year, a new box set of remastered Star Trek episodes on Blu-ray has been released, allowing fans to relive the classic moments in high definition.

Star Trek has been important to young viewers who questioned if they would be a part of the future. According to David Gerrold, the show provided a positive vision of a diverse and inclusive society, inspiring generations to dream big and strive for a better tomorrow.

As we look to the future, it's clear that Star Trek's influence will continue to shape popular culture, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in television and beyond.

"Fifty years on: A discussion with Star Trek's scribes concerning their series' enduring impact"