When I first heard about the Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast, I was really excited. I thought, wow! This is going to be a celebration of Star Trek like never before.
Two guys, hand picked by Rod Roddenberry (the late, great Gene Roddenberry's son himself) talking Trek, right? I mean who could ask for more, right?
Well, in fact, I really wish I personally had had a much better experience while listening to most
of the broadcasts that have been put out thus far. Between the constant accusations by co-host Ken Ray, that Star Trek: The Original Series is "sexist," and the often irreverent treatment of many of the most beloved classic episodes, I have finally just
opted to stop listening altogether.
I suppose it hasn't been all bad, however. Co-host John Champion still has my respect and admiration. He certainly knows his stuff when it comes to Star Trek and Sci-fi in general,
so I've definitely got no beef with him. But alas, he is only a co-host. And with Ray editing the program...
that seems to pretty much throw the fairness factor way the hell out.
Basically, I've noticed that any time someone writes or calls in to complain about the way some
of the classic episodes are criticized or even just totally made fun of, Mr. Ray always gets the very last word. And
quite of few of his last words often seem to be all about reminding the audience that he was hand picked by the son of "The
Great Bird of the Galaxy, Gene Roddenberry" himself. Okay, have it your way, Mr. Ray!
Oh well. Mission
Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast has more than 10,000 "likes" on Facebook, so I suppose they're doing something right. For yours truly, however, that particular podcast is now history,
not to mention a rather unpleasant memory. Listening to two guys talk Star Trek is certainly a great idea, but I would
think it might be better if both of the them were at least roughly equally knowledgeable about the subject matter being covered.
Okay, at some point
down the line, I may just give the show another chance, but for now, I think I need a good long break, so I can hopefully
forget a lot of the often disparaging and really far too irreverent remarks about the Original Series that I really wish I
hadn't tuned in to have burned into my otherwise happy geek brain.
Bottom line:
Was Star Trek: The Original Series a perfect production? Hell no! Did some of the episodes fall short of the mark?
Sure! Quite a few episodes weren't especially good, in fact, but since all that is clearly subjective, I think I'd
rather not have to listen to people pick my all time favorite classic series apart. I mean, where's the fan boy
fun in that?
Further, was the show "sexist" in general?
I just don't know about that, Roddenberry Podcast fellows, but your "politically correct" OPINION is noted.
And dude... if your wife doesn't want to watch Star Trek with you, why force it? I dunno. Maybe THAT'S
sexist.
But hey! What do I know, right? I wasn't hand picked by Rod Roddenberry himself,
was I? And hey, don't take my word for it. If you haven't yet caught the show for yourself, check it out
at the link provided below. I don't think I'll be continuing to promote the program on my site, however.
Nothing personal, of course. I just would rather enjoy re-watching episodes of classic Star Trek without all the Mystery Science Theater 3000 style heckling.
And for those that do manage to get something worthwhile
out of the Roddenberry Podcast, you are more than welcome to continue to enjoy it. And most of all, to one and all,
I sincerely hope that you all "live long and prosper." Happy Star Trekking everyone!