So I’m watching the original Star Trek, after finishing and absolutely adoring Next Generation and Voyager. There are parts of the original series I like (Spock, episodes written by Mr. Roddenberry) but for the most part I’m actually pretty disappointed. In my opinion, TNG and Voyager’s strengths were in how they rose above petty boring typical conflict and actually talked about interesting important ideas. But more often than not, the conflicts in the original series are just a tool to talk about sex. Which is boring and limiting and kind of infuriating. And also the first season is just so incredibly sloppy. And also Kirk is a boring ass.
Anyway, one thing I like about the original series is this thing the doctor says in the episode where Romulans (seriously, SUCH a typical and boring adversary) are introduced. I like it so much that I want to change the last word and embroider it for miss Grady Edna Isabel:
“In this galaxy, there’s a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets. And in all of the universe, three million galaxies like this. And in all of that, and perhaps more, only one of each of us. Don’t destroy the one named Grady.”
It’s spiritual but not religious, it’s honest but loving, and I really really love it. Reasons why I shouldn’t make it:
- Because those figures are probably totally inaccurate.
- Because what if Grady grows to resent Star Trek and eventually hates me for making it.
- Because I should focus my time on actual practical things.*
But you know what? I’m going to do it. Granted, it’s going at the end of my very long list of things to make, but I’m going to make it. I think I’ll embroider the Enterprise in light blue on white, and then embroider the words in dark blue over the ship.
*Psh. What am I talking about, that’s all the more reason to make it. Time-wasting as a form of revolution?
