The original “Star Trek” could be both the best and the worst of science fiction. I believe that 100, 200 years from now, “Star Trek” is still going to be one of the cultural touchstones that remain. Part of it will be the relationship between Kirk, Spock and McCoy, and part of it will be the sheer beautiful, hopeful and multicultural vision of Gene Roddenberry & Co. for the future that I hope years from now will be.
As a writer, some of it is great. It employed some of the best science fiction writers, including Theodore Sturgeon and Harlan Ellison. I’ll put up “City on the Edge of Forever” as one of the best TV episodes ever, not just “Star Trek.” And then there’s this, from “Return to Tomorrow.”
“Risk, risk is our business, that’s what a starship is all about. That’s why we’re aboard her.”
William Shatner is often taken to task for overacting, and it’s true. But he could also deliver a speech like this, fully believable.
There’s more, the whole way through.
Nows and Forevers 
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