KOOL TV REVIEW: 'STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - 365' BOOK

Still boldly going, and boldly entertaining viewers 25 years on, the cast of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION celebrate their on and off screen lives in the new 365 book from ABRAMS books. Image: ABRAMS/CBS PARAMOUNT.

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - 365

Published by Abrams

By Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann 

Introduction by Ronald D. Moore

Reviewed by Scott Weller

With no signs yet of any cracked dilithium crystals to hamper their progress, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his spirited crew of the starship Enterprise continue their warp speed lives within the 24^thcentury, as their 25^th Anniversary of television existence is celebrated in style with the release of this new book from Abrams, continuing the essential purchase format of their earlier hit STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES book in the 365 days of a phenomenon portfolio tome which has proved such a success for the company over the last eight years. With STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION- 365 we have a far better book than what has gone before in this sci-fi classic franchise, and which also proves to be an even bigger treasure trove of material dug deep from the CBS PARAMOUNT vaults by dedicated authors Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann-the new literary orators of the shows landmark history.

It’s a seven season period brimming with classic moments and iconography well represented in this book for its worldwide die-hard fan base to savour. Amidst tons of rare and distinctive colour and B/W episodic imagery that will delight readers- finally well printed and looking better than ever- classic stories get deserved extra page sections like Season Two’s Borg intro Q Who?,  the Data on trial drama, Measure of a Man, Darmok, The Inner Light and Chain of Command, as well as showing us the changing times the new series was made in and the things that both TREK incarnations could and couldn’t do, yet also how both pioneered in different or similar ways, too. Most importantly, we get an even clearer picture of the behind the scenes factors that got such episodes and the overall series made: how a little bit of luck and serendipity often played a part in its success through its 178 episodes and beyond as it carved out its own unique place in TREK and sci-fi history in general, as well as laying the all-important foundations for future United Federation of Planets based series to come…

Most of all, 365 is the story of how its creator, Gene Roddenberry, returned to his universe, and his attempts, sometimes fixation, to do take two of his vision for STAR TREK, so as to prove any naysaying critics wrong about his talents in inventing/producing the kind of storytelling, on bigger and better budgets, that the restrictive and all-empowering networks and film companies of the sixties and seventies couldn’t, or wouldn’t, previously allow him to realize with Captain Kirk and co. This is truly Roddenberry’s story, whose mighty legacy, if sometimes behind the scenes controversial in its overall vision, would be taken up by a core of equally talented, if not quite as iconic figures for the road beyond his passing in 1991…

Such eventful history-making is a great reading journey to undertake and discover, showing the fun and hard work by the shows overall ensemble teams in front of and behind the camera over the years, with classic anecdotes- some jolly, some bittersweet- all showing the dedication they had for the series, for Roddenberry and its weekly audiences. How the warm bonds of a family were forged which continue to this day from those beginning realities and problems of getting such a bold and, at first risky, venture made.

Patrick Stewart, in costume as Locutus of Borg, looks forward to the next script! 

Above image ® & © 2012 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. STAR TREK and all related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc.

The opening section of the book- the genesis of the premiere season- is by far one of its highlights, with some great newly revealed facts and info snippets on its its often troubled, also often inspired realization, backed up with rare photography and concept artwork, notes from the show evolving writers guide/bible, casting details (including the original choices considered for certain characters), and iconic contributions/fun anecdotes from many of the cast and crew (some of which were totally unprepared for how successful the new incarnation would be!). Alongside the creatively revitalized Roddenberry, we also get to see the emerging talent and presence of Co-Executive Producer Rick Berman on the series and TREK in general.

Particularly interesting in the book are the comments and memories linked to the sometimes difficult but resilient and talented writing team, headed by seemingly hard task master Michael Piller, that brought the series and characters to reality from their workstations, and how careers began with the likes Ronald D. Moore (who also provides a warm introduction to the book), whose spec script would soon launch him on a writing career that would make him a television power player with his work on NEXT GEN and the modern BATTLESTAR GALACTICA reimagining.

There’s explanations, too, about why some episodes would turn out better than others in its mighty period on the airwaves: sometimes because of individual errors, lack of budget, script problems, writers strikes and the like. Through all this we also get to chart the rise and rise of a popular series which, by its third season, broke free from early limitations, and the handicaps of being associated to an already famous institution, to become one of the most successful and perennially popular and intelligent sci-fi shows out there…

A stunning look at the original Enterprise-D model from the first season. 

Above image is ® & © 2012 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. STAR TREK and all related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc.

Further lovely and rare colour and black and white shots splendidly represent the show in its film-making heritage, showing the behind the scenes process in general, a look at the people and decision-makers who’d make such a mark on STAR TREKs to come, the often striking make-up, costume designs, rare and unused production designs for sets (like the ones for the newly designed and more futuristic looking Enterprise–D), the return and upgrading of various beloved and feared races like the Klingons and the Romulans, various newcomers like the Ferengi, and the iconic spaceships to have graced the series.

Plus, looks at the numerous guest stars and visitors to the set over its filming duration (President Ronald Regan no less!), rare memorabilia, location filming, deleted scenes (even an ultra-rare shot of the late David Rappaport in character as the alien collector Kevas Fajo in his uncompleted role of Season Three’s The Most Toys (the actor sadly taking his own life a short time afterwards)), crucial special effects notes and storyboards. Even Data’s poem to his beloved tabby cat-Ode to Spot-gets a celebration!

A labour of love and a worthy tribute of the show in its landmark pop culture status, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – 365 is a perfect compliment to this year’s continuing season releases on high-quality Blu-ray from CBS PARAMOUNT. Unpop that bottle of Chateau Picard and raise a toast to those fine adventurers of the Federation.

KOOL TV RATING: You must assimilate this into your collection immediately! 5 out of 5

The authors talk to STARTREK.COM about how the book came together: Star Trek Inside Look At TNG 365 With The Authors