Bring Back Star Trek...?

Open Letter
Title:	Bring Back Star Trek...?
From:	David Gerrold
Addressed To:	Star Trek fans
Date(s):	1974
Medium:	print
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Topic:
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Bring Back Star Trek...? was a 1974 open letter by David Gerrold written to fans.

One way it was dispersed was through his Star Trek merchandise company DAGE Co.. At least one zine, Sub-Space #1, printed it as well.

the letter

In the letter, Gerrold attempts to harness the energy and enthusiasm of Star Trek fans and divert it from bringing back the original cast for a television show to a Trek movie instead, or perhaps a farther-reaching vision of a completely new Trek a la Star Trek: The Next Generation.

David Gerrold and Gene Roddenberry and his heirs both wrote similar letters to fans promoting these type of letter campaigns, something that straddled some boundaries regarding fan interests and their own financial and professional interests.

The Letter

Can STAR TREK be brought back to television?

Let's consider some of the problems involved. First, all of the sets and costumes have long since been dismantled or disappeared into private collections. They would have to be rebuilt. Second, most of the members of the original cast have gone on to other things — some of them will undoubtedly have commitments that would keep them from returning. Third, three different parties own STAR TREK: Gene Roddenberry, NBC and Paramount Pictures. All three of them would have to say yes and a new deal would have to be negotiated. Fourth — and this is the most important — should STAR TREK be brought back?

Just what is it about STAR TREK that made it so popular, and continues to keep it popular? Certainly, the high quality of its production had something to do with it, not to mention the sense of community and the spirit of fun that the cast and crew projected into the episodes. The consistency of the Star Fleet Universe was part of it, as well as the fine stories that were told against that background. But when you get right down to the core of the show's appeal, you must ask, "Is it because of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, or is it because the show was a hopeful projection of the future of humankind?"

If it's only the actors you like, then you don't really need STAR TREK, do you? But if it's the imagination of the stories and the excitement of exploring the galaxy in the good ship Enterprise, then perhaps you ought to consider this: "Does it have to be the Enterprise and does it have to be Kirk and Spock?"

You see, STAR TREK is rapidly nearing its tenth birthday. The older it gets, the harder it would be to bring it back. (For one thing, the actors no longer look the same as they did when STAR TREK first started.) If STAR TREK were to come back, it might have to be with a different cast, and perhaps a different ship — and quite frankly, it wouldn't be STAR TREK then, would it? It would be something else.

Would you be willing to accept a new show about a new starship? If that's what you liked about the first STAR TREK, then maybe that's the kind of show you should be hoping for — not necessarily the return of STAR TREK, but the return of good science fiction to television in a show that continues what STAR TREK began.

If you agree, then write letters to all three of the networks. (NBC, 3000 Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA 91505; ABC, 4151 Prospect Ave, Hollywood, CA 90027; CBS, 7800 Beverly Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90036.) Tell them that you would like to see new science fiction shows. Maybe they don't have to be STAR TREK, but they do have to be good. Tell them what you like and what you don't like. Tell them what actors and writers and producers you like too — the networks do read their mail, and they do listen if enough people write in.

As for STAR TREK — well, don't lose hope, we still haven't seen the end of that. For one thing, Paramount Pictures is still thinking about making a STAR TREK movie. They haven't said yes, yet, but there is a chance. (And remember, a movie could be a pilot for a whole new series.) Let them know how you feel too. Write to: FRANK YABLANS, President, PARAMOUNT PICTURES, 5451 Marathon St., Hollywood, CA 90038. (Don't put STAR TREK or Gene Roddenberry anywhere on the envelope or it will just be forwarded as if it were fan mail.) Your letters to Paramount are having an effect — and that's official!

It's not just STAR TREK that was such a hit — it was good science fiction too. If we can't have STAR TREK, let's at least try to bring good science fiction back to TV. A letter will help make your voice heard. Tell the networks what kind of shows you want to see — and tell your friends to write letters too. See how many other people you can reach with this information.

Pass it on.