Ep 4. Trek Goes to the Movies

The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek season 1 episode 4, titled Trek Goes to the Movies, is a fascinating look at the impact Star Trek has had on cinema and the many ways the franchise has been translated from the small screen to the big screen. Hosted by Trek experts David Goodman and Stuart Baird, the episode features interviews with key players in Star Trek's cinematic universe as well as rare archival footage and behind-the-scenes stories.

The episode begins by exploring the origins of Star Trek's first big screen adventure, Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Viewers are treated to interviews with director Robert Wise, producer Harve Bennett, and writer David Gerrold as they reflect on the challenges of bringing the beloved TV series to movie theaters and the pressure to deliver something that would both satisfy fans and attract new audiences.

From there, the episode delves into the making of the subsequent Star Trek films, including The Wrath of Khan, The Search for Spock, and The Voyage Home. Whether discussing the casting of Ricardo Montalban as Khan or the decision to give Leonard Nimoy's Spock a more emotional arc, the filmmakers behind these movies recount the countless creative decisions that went into bringing the Enterprise crew to life in a new medium.

But the episode doesn't just focus on the classic Star Trek films. It also explores the more recent entries in the franchise, such as the J.J. Abrams-helmed reboot from 2009 and its sequels, as well as the stand-alone films Star Trek: Generations and Star Trek: First Contact.

In discussing these movies, the episode delves into the challenges of updating the Star Trek universe for modern audiences while staying true to the spirit of the original. For example, writers Scott Chambliss and Roberto Orci reveal how they approached designing the new Enterprise for the 2009 film, while director Justin Lin reflects on his decision to make Star Trek Beyond a more character-driven story.

One of the joys of the episode is its inclusion of rare behind-the-scenes footage from several of the Star Trek movies. From Nimoy directing himself on the set of The Voyage Home to Abrams chatting with cast members between takes on the set of the 2009 reboot, the footage gives viewers an up-close look at the creative process behind some of the most beloved science fiction films of all time.

All in all, Trek Goes to the Movies is a must-watch episode for any Star Trek fan, as well as anyone interested in the art and craft of filmmaking. With its wealth of insider stories and fascinating behind-the-scenes footage, this installment of The Center Seat is a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Star Trek and its impact on popular culture.