As an avid Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Sherlock fanatic, I thought that I should complete the transition to a complete nerd by starting to watch the show Star Trek. After some research, I found out that Start Trek: The Next Generation was the best series to watch. So I began watching, and my first initial episodes became a 15 episode binge! However, the more episodes I watched, I realized one important fact that probably led to the popularity of Star Trek. The show was extremely modern and progressive for its time, since it was released during the late 1980s. Here are the top 4 mind-blowing ideas set forth by Star Trek: The Next Generation.
1) Currency
The Star Trek universe, set in 2364, has no currency aboard its spaceship, the Enterprise. All the residents have access to "replicators", which provide everyone with whatever they need- from food, to clothes, to everyday desires. Peace is widespread in Earth and all the planets across hundreds of galaxies have come together to form the United Federation of Planets. Now, ridding the world completely of money may be an extreme measure to solve our problems however, it is surprising to see such an old show to have such drastic, yet revolutionary ideas.
2) Lieutenant Commander Data and his positronic brain
Now this idea was actually put forth by Issac Asimov, the author of the Robot Trilogy. The positron was a new particle recently discovered, and most sci-fi shows used this idea to explain the existence of artificial life forms. Data is an android and possess a positronic brain. Star Trek was able to further expand the idea behind the positronic brain by creating a character who is able to defy Asimov's "3 Laws for Robotics'. Commander Data is one key inspirational and revolutionary character in the world of sci-fi.
3) Prime Directive
During the time which Star Trek was filmed, America was suffering from the effects of the Philippine, Korea, and Vietnam Wars whie the people were heavily divided. Star Trek has a fictional agreement among the members of the United Federation of Planets known as the Prime Directive. This agreement states that although the explorers were able to observe and interact with the new worlds they were not able to interfere in the culture, politics, and conflicts in other worlds. It is clear that the writers extended their views on America's actions during the time through the show.
4) Diversity
It is a well known fact that Star Trek had the first interracial kiss. However, the strong feeling of family on the show is outstanding. In addition, it is much more striking when you realize that almost everyone on the team is of a completely different species. From Worf the Klington, to Troi the Betazoid, to La Forge- the blind man teaching an android how to paint (Season 1), the entire show is full of acceptance, tolerance, and racial/species blindness. The entire Enterprise crew works efficiently and successfully because they are a "well-oiled machine" and a family, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
In summary, it is safe to say, '"If you can imagine it, Star Trek has it!" With its progressionist plot lines and ideas, this show has broken all the 'taboos' of the 1900s and helped revolutionize television and sci-fi into a new era. This show has still a huge influence in the 21st century, and it will hopefully continue to 'blow the minds' of everyone in the years to come. So the next time you feel the boredom of staying at home during these cold winter months to come, try Star Trek and open your mind to a whole new world of science-fiction.
