Star Trek The Animated Series Intro (1973)

Star Trek The Animated Series Intro (1973)

“Star Trek: The Animated Series” (TAS), produced by Filmation and initially aired from 1973 to 1974, serves as a continuation of the original “Star Trek” series (TOS) that ran from 1966 to 1969. This animated show allowed the exploration of more fantastical science fiction themes and settings, thanks in part to the freedom afforded by animation, which was not limited by the practical constraints of live-action production.

 

Overview

• Broadcast Period: September 8, 1973, to October 12, 1974
• Episodes: 22 across 2 seasons
• Created By: Gene Roddenberry, with many of the original series writers contributing to the episodes.

Premise

“Star Trek: The Animated Series” continues the adventures of the USS Enterprise and its crew, exploring strange new worlds, seeking out new life and new civilizations, and boldly going where no one has gone before. The series is set in the 23rd century and follows the iconic characters from the original series during their five-year mission.

Main Characters

The animated series featured the voices of most of the original cast members, including:

• Captain James T. Kirk (voiced by William Shatner): The commanding officer of the USS Enterprise.
• Spock (voiced by Leonard Nimoy): The ship’s first officer and science officer, a Vulcan-Human hybrid.
• Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (voiced by DeForest Kelley): The ship’s chief medical officer.
• Scotty (voiced by James Doohan), Uhura (voiced by Nichelle Nichols), and Sulu (voiced by George Takei), among others, also returned to voice their respective characters.

James Doohan and Majel Barrett, in addition to their main roles, voiced many of the secondary characters.

Notable Aspects

• Innovative Stories: TAS delved into more speculative science fiction, featuring complex stories about cloning, miniaturization, and environmental conservation, which were innovative for animation aimed at a younger audience.
• New Characters and Species: The series introduced new characters, such as Lieutenant M’Ress, a Caitian communications officer, and Lieutenant Arex, a multi-limbed Edosian navigator, expanding the diversity of the Starfleet crew.
• Continuation of TOS Themes: TAS carried on the progressive themes of TOS, including social commentary and exploration of moral dilemmas, setting it apart from other animated series of the time.

Reception and Legacy

While “Star Trek: The Animated Series” received mixed reviews initially, it has since been appreciated for its creative storytelling and for maintaining the spirit of the original series. In 1975, TAS won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Series, marking a significant achievement for an animated science fiction series.

The series has been embraced by the Star Trek canon, with elements from TAS referenced in subsequent Star Trek series and films. This inclusion underscores its importance in the broader Star Trek universe, offering fans a unique blend of 1970s animation and timeless Star Trek themes.

“Star Trek: The Animated Series” holds a special place in the franchise, bridging the gap between the original series and the later iterations of Star Trek. It remains a fascinating exploration of the Star Trek universe, demonstrating the franchise’s adaptability and enduring appeal.

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