Posted on 09/16/2018 9:58:26 AM PDT by ETL
NEW YORK — The original "Star Trek" series is one of the most popular sci-fi series of all time. But for years, it was a flop that left William Shatner performing out of the back of his truck.
"Star Trek" broke countless boundaries, solidified science fiction in popular culture, and sparked a relationship with fans for 50 years and counting, and it remains one of the most beloved television shows in history. But it wasn't always this way.
On Sept. 5, Shatner, who played Capt. James T. Kirk in the series, joined the podcast "The James Altucher Show" on stage here at the comedy club StandUp NY to discuss his new book, "Live Long And …: What I Learned Along the Way" (Thomas Dunne Books, 2018). Space.com attended the event, where Shatner also discussed the show's difficult early years. Indeed, "Star Trek" wasn't an instant success.
"We were being canceled every year … They were canceling, and they weren't canceling," Shatner recalled during the podcast. "The third year, we limped along Friday nights." And, after the third season, the show was canceled.
In the months and years following the cancellation of "Star Trek," Shatner and the rest of the cast weren't given many offers, jobs or accolades. In fact, as Shatner explained during the taping, after the show was canceled, he toured around the East Coast in his truck, producing, directing and acting in his own performances, often with other known actors.
"I had a truck; I put a cab on the back of the truck, took my dog, and I drove across the country," Shatner said. "I toured these 13 weeks, lived in the back of the thing.
"I did star in 'Star Trek,' and I was living in the back of a truck," Shatner added, laughing. He performed funny, theatrical comedies and other acts that were popular at the time. Shatner recalled that he started to notice people paying attention to "Star Trek" while at a ski lodge where a blooper reel from the show — originally made as a personal gift to cast members — was playing.
As network executives continued to see interest from the public, Shatner said, "Star Trek" reruns began to play more often on television, and at more popular times. Obviously, the series eventually took off and became astronomically popular and internationally beloved.
Still, the actors whose faces and names will forever live in the sci-fi hall of fame struggled financially because they were not getting residuals from the series, Shatner said. Without delving too far into actor compensation and how unionization gave later actors more financial security, Shatner noted that "saying yes" helped him to survive and continues to help him thrive and lead an incredible life. As he put it, "Saying yes to the various things in your life is critically important."
Indeed, Shatner is no stranger to saying "yes." The face behind Capt. James T. Kirk has said "yes" to everything from writing, to music, to sending a message to NASA Voyager probes.
Maybe not glamourous but it stands head and shoulders above any and all of its successor and spin off shows. “Next Generation” for example, was execrable.
I reach.
Agreed! I ended up rooting for the Borg if only just to shut Picard up!
Maybe not glamourous but it stands head and shoulders above any and all of its successor and spin off shows. “Next Generation” for example, was execrable.
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I’m with you. I still enjoy them when I can.
They couldn't even afford real rocks ...
... or monsters ...
... or tribbles ...
Read the article.
Who ever cancelled Firefly was/is an idiot.
Some years back I had my semi-annual checkup at the VA. Wife waited for my in the anteroom. She looked up as I came out and I recited the "Clean bill of health from Dr. McCoy" routine. One of the guys looked up and said, "He reaches". I cracked up.
The others didn't make eye contact.
Agreed for the most part. I thought the 3rd, 4th, and 5th seasons were good overall. The rest not so much.
I see Lurch found some work on the set too.
The Addams Family Lurch, not the one who’s “Gonna git me a Huntin’ License!”.
Absolutely. I gave some of the newer series a try, then very soon lost interest.
I was a fan immediately and still am.
I watch reruns and now realize there were some pretty weak episodes. Lots of good ones too. Also lot of pretty girls.
Looking back, I think the best thing was the cast, particularly the main ones.
Lol! That what was I meant when I said the old series was lots more entertaining, intentionally or not. I actually meant more funny, intentionally or not.
Two worlds at war via AI and the populations have to desentigrate themselves...with a smile on their face
Kirk and the Gorn captain hang out and play video games these days.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hnBp7x2QAE
Startrek Enterprise has a few good episodes.
Freddy Gwynne on da bench!
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