Comments on: On Star Trek Memoirs

By: R.J. Moore II

R.J. Moore II — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 13:02:27 +0000

I like the memoirs, too, but I have to more or less utterly disagree with you on the series’. Yeah, most of TOS was unbelievably cheesy but it was a decent adventure how and Spock was awesome.

However, I far prefer TNG. The characters don’t act as stupid/ridiculous and it is a lot more about people having intelligent discussion. This is far more interesting to me than drama and sword fight. I am certain I have different tastes than most people (Superman > Batman) but I really don’t find anything ‘boring’ about TNG, some dumb episodes aside. I am all about character in fiction, and people like Data and Picard were great characters. I find the more ‘human’ characters in fiction to be obnoxious, because I find the failings of humans to be obnoxious. I’ll take transcending mankind to identifying with a pathetic lack of self control any day.

By: Spencer Ellsworth

Spencer Ellsworth — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:29:51 +0000

No, though I would love to claim that title. He’s my Googleganger.

By: Bob Hutchins

Bob Hutchins — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 20:41:57 +0000

Hi-Are you related to Spencer Ellsworth who wrote,_The Olden Time, or fifty years on the Prairies?
I have an original copy from relatives in Lacon, Illinois…

Bob Hutchins

By: Spencer Ellsworth

Spencer Ellsworth — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:40:01 +0000

Thank you. That’s a wonderful compliment.

By: Jerome Stueart

Jerome Stueart — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:39:39 +0000

This is a brilliant essay, Spencer. I too find myself gripped by the memoirs. It’s more than just a behind the scenes look, as you said. I hope it’s more than just me wanting more of something I can’t get enough of. But you make a poignant observation about the series actually driving the actors to confront themselves. Wow. In a way, then, Roddenberry’s vision of a better humanity starts with the men and women in the memoir mirror. Even if Shatner just confesses, he improves. I really like your tie-in with religion as well. It’s weirdly fascinating how all these facets come together in the memoirs. Thanks so much for this.