For me, my realization that I would like Star Trek begin back in 1979, with the release of the first movie. Although I was just a child then and the human interactions onscreen really didn't interest me at the time, there was one thing that did capture my attention....
....it was the Enterprise. Like a lot of other children of the times, I was more fascinated with the technology, mechanical things that moved and all the flashing lights. The Enterprise was this bigger than life object, transporting the onscreen people and my own imagination to the stars and beyond. The human element and the stories would come later, appreciated more when I became an adult.
Now, don't get me wrong here, I had been exposed to Star Trek before the first movie. The Animated series was on television, starting it's early run in syndication, showing up here and there. I remember the pace of the shows being quite slow and as soon as any ship action was over, my attention was gone and I was off changing channels.
The Original Series was also in syndication at this point, but aired sporadically, past my bedtime on most occasions. However, when it was found on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, I would watch it, if nothing else was on. The longer running shows held my focus more so than the Animated series. Seeing real people and the way the ships were depicted in near lifelike fashion is what drew me in, but like the Animated series, once I thought all the good parts had already been seen, I was gone.
The Motion Picture was a very busy movie, just about every scene had something moving....
....along with the Enterprise in it! Suffice it to say, the only thing that interested me in watching the whole movie through was seeing as much of that ship as possible.
But, something happened, I started to take careful notice of other things....
....Kirk and his interactions with the crew. I was listening to what he was saying and what his crew's responses were....
....and I was starting to find the human factor becoming more interesting. Another thing that was catching my eye....
....the set interiors, the costumes, the bridge and some of the effects used, outside of the ships in space....
....in fact, after the movie was over, I scoured the television guide for episodes, both live action and the animated variety. Another spark was struck....
....when I discovered the comics. The best part of these books, not only I could afford them on my meager allowance, but I truly believe it helped to foster my love of reading in later years.
As fanciful as all of this may sound, it's true. Going to see a movie where my my point of interest was a fictional space ship, set in events far into a possible future, set in motion many things I take for granted these days. The art of listening, interacting with other people, perception to surroundings and details, the list goes on. Like a light went off in my head that has never gone out.
But, I still got this thing for a ship named Enterprise.
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