History Analysis / StarTrektheOriginalSeries

The issue of diversity was rarely addressed, but the multiracial coed crew of the ''Enterprise'' spoke for itself and was taken for granted. By far the weakest link in this theme was the very dated portrayal of women, who all too often were depicted as ''theoretically'' self-sufficient individuals who nevertheless insisted firmly upon deferring to men and their guidance instead. Female guest characters in particular tended to be [[GaussianGirl objectified as objects of beauty]] with their role in the plot almost certainly centering around sex in some way, usually by being the love interest of a male regular.

The issue of diversity was rarely addressed, but the multiracial coed crew of the ''Enterprise'' spoke for itself and was taken for granted. By far the weakest link in this theme was the very dated portrayal of women, who all too often were depicted as simple-minded weaklings needing guidance from men. Female guest characters in particular tended to be [[GaussianGirl objectified as objects of beauty]] with their role in the plot almost certainly centering around sex in some way, usually by being the love interest of a male regular.

The issue of diversity was rarely addressed, but the multiracial coed crew of the ''Enterprise'' spoke for itself and was taken for granted. By far the weakest link in this theme was the very dated portrayal of women, who all too often were depicted as simple-minded weaklings needing guidance from men. Female guest characters in particular tended to be objectified as objects of beauty with their role in the plot almost certainly centering around sex in some way, usually by being the love interest of a male regular.

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<<|Analysis/{{Analysis}}|>>

The original WagonTrainToTheStars series created by {{Gene Roddenberry}} in the 1960s. Very dated now, but still fun (depending which episode you watch, at least) and its historical importance in the development of television science fiction cannot be overstated.

The show's attitude about the uniting force of humanity is perhaps best summed up in the episode "Who Mourns for Adonais?". Guest character Carolyn Palamas considers betraying the crew of the ''Enterprise'' to become the lover of the god-like being Apollo. Kirk tells her "We're human. We couldn't escape from each other even if we wanted to. That's how you do it, Lieutenant - by remembering who and what you are. A bit of flesh and blood afloat in a universe without end. And the only thing that's truly yours is the rest of humanity." On that note, the show held that the destruction of life was the ultimate evil, thus tying this into the theme of pacifism.

In one episode, a supercomputer was developed whose purpose seemed to be to dispense with the need for a commanding officer to oversee the ship's operations. However, the machine almost immediately initiates a killing spree; an unfortunate side-effect of it's over-literal interpretation of its orders. In another episode, "I, Mudd" the crew outsmarts a group of androids using [[LogicBomb simple lack of logic]] to defeat them.

The original series often posited questions on the role of technology; and it's effect on society. This theme would be continued in all subsequent series/movies.

Interestingly, the series did not go the AIIsACrapshoot route OR the Technology Solves All route. StarTrek overall seems to suggest that as with all things, it can be good or bad (just like Tropes!). Perhaps in keeping with the idealistic/pacifist nature of the series, whether or not technology was a blessing or curse seemed to hinge on whether or not it was tempered by actual moral judgement.

Another common theme was the nature of human existence. The nature of the series and especially the continued presence of Spock allowed the writers to examine HumansThroughAlienEyes. A touch of existentialism came into play whenever an alien would assume human (or at least humanoid) form with emphasis placed on the strange sensations and emotions said aliens were experiencing for the first time. In particular, these aliens would invariably be overcome and confused by the very human need for love. If female, Kirk often elected to [[IfYouKnowWhatIMean help]]. Due to his half-human heritage, Spock was alluded to be dealing with these issues on a daily basis.