Welcome to Star Trekking, my attempt to share points of interest and random intersections in the final frontier.
This weekend is known as Memorial Day Weekend here in US America. So I am very busy grilling hot dogs and baking apple pies and performing other stereotypical US American behaviors because I am definitely a human not a Cardassian spy or anything like that haha why would you even think that, silly human, we all know there were five lights.
Anyway, let’s start today’s Star Trekking with an interview from our own archives.
TEN QUESTIONS
With Dr. Erin Macdonald
Today we talk to Dr. Erin Macdonald, astrophysicist, science consultant for the Star Trek franchise, and author of the fun and informative new audiobook The Science of Sci-Fi.
What’s your first Star Trek memory?
My very first Star Trek memory was from visiting a childhood friend's house and they are classic TOS Trek fans, so they had an autographed picture of Leonard Nimoy as Spock up in their living room. I was not raised with science fiction so I had never seen any Star Trek. It wasn't until much later when I was in college that my fellow physics majors exposed me to much more Trek. We would have parties and watch TNG, along with drinking games and I grew to understand the appeal. My first memory that resulted in me diving headfirst to Star Trek fandom was the night that we graduated college which happened to be the same night the 2009 Star Trek film was released. We all went to the evening release party and that was my first exposure to Star Trek fandom. I loved the atmosphere and the people and never looked back.
The Kelvin Timeline movies were your gateway - do you think they're generally underrated or overrated?
I think the first 2009 film is brilliant, and I know very few people who dislike that film. Unless you went in wanting to hate it, it's a thoroughly enjoyable story with mindblowing casting. I was deeply disappointed in Star Trek Into Darkness and feel like if they had just not named the villain Khan, it would have been much better. It was trying to remake one of the most perfect Star Trek movies of all time, and shouldn't have gone there. I think the most underrated one is Star Trek Beyond. I remember hearing that they hired the director specifically because the script was too "Star Trek-y" which made me so upset, until I watched the film. It could easily be a story from The Original Series about an away mission. I also felt that they really nailed the banter between Spock and McCoy, which is one of my favorite things about TOS.
Which series feels most grounded in actual science?
For whatever reason, I feel like Voyager is the most "science-based" of all the Star Trek series, and I'm biased towards astrophysics. This might be because Captain Janeway's origin story was as a science officer, but most likely because they were stranded in a new part of the galaxy and were discovering many new phenomena. There are great stories and references to astrophysics which makes me happy. I do know my friend and colleague, Professor Mohamed Noor, would argue for Enterprise because it has a lot of biology and genetics content.
What fun or obscure science fact would you love to see utilized as a plot device?
My PhD was in general relativity, which we see a lot in Star Trek through playing with spacetime but I will fangirl over any reference to gravitational waves specifically. We got one in TNG which I love, but I would love to see more!
Who is your favorite Vulcan?
For sure my favorite Vulcan is Mr Spock as portrayed by Leonard Nimoy. His presence commands a screen and he has such a stoic wonderful air about him, I've loved him from day one. Losing Leonard Nimoy was really hard for me, much more than I expected it to be and he holds a big part of my heart. I do however have to give an honorary shout to Tuvok. He's one of my favorite crewmembers of Voyager, and definitely a great security officer. I would want him on my ship any day.
Which alien species do you most wish you could meet in person?
Definitely the Klingons. I always go for the raucous, fiercely loyal crowd. Every fan group has something like Klingons, pirates or vikings. I've always loved the Klingon groups at conventions and know that if you're ever in need of help, they are great groups to turn to. I absolutely love Martok and was chanting his name right along the rest of the crew when I watched Deep Space Nine.
What Star Trek quote have you found yourself using in conversation?
"You have been, and always shall be, my friend." and in a less-profound way, I do quote Ferengi episodes quite a bit.
What Star Trek quote would you have embroidered on a pillow (or made into a giant inspirational poster or tattooed on your body)?
I already have "Live long and prosper" in Vulcan script tattooed on my arm in honor of Leonard Nimoy, so I guess I have to go with that one!
Favorite Star Trek related item you own?
My friend Chris, when she retired, was clearing out her house before beginning a few years of travel. She was kind enough to gift me her collection of Star Trek plates as well as a Ferengi coin bank, which is terrifying but hilarious. She also gifted me a paperback copy of "A Stitch in Time" as a thank you present. It's my favorite Star Trek book and notoriously difficult to find copies of as it's out of print. I got it signed by Andrew Robinson himself and hold it pretty dear. I know I didn't choose just one, but I have so many that are precious to me!
What questions would you ask Admiral Janeway if you had a chance to spend an hour with her?
I would LOVE to have an hour with Admiral Janeway and would just want to share a drink and a laugh. However if I had one question, I would want to know what she turns to to keep her going when she's dissuaded or ready to give up. We all have those moments and for me, it's turning to Janeway herself for inspiration.
You can find out more about Erin at her website.
Keep up with her on Twitter: @drerinmac
MEANWHILE…
A+ would buy.
This is not official, but it’s nifty.
Star Trek Building Set. Buy it here.
Here’s a building set that could keep you busy for a while.
Tee hee.
Here are a few things for you to watch while you grill your own hot dogs.
Gates McFadden interview.
Full length doc, free with ads.
Lesson in logic featuring Harry Mudd and Cyrano Jones - plus a cetacean ops cameo!
PAIN!!!!
h/t Meg for pointing me to this monstrosity.
And here’s a palate cleanser to finish.
A POLITE REQUEST
If you’re enjoying Star Trekking, please consider supporting my ongoing efforts via Patreon. By supporting me there, we can keep the newsletter free for everyone while still helping offset the costs of assimilation. And when you join, you can read the first chapter of the book I’ve started writing. Yes, it’s titled Star Trekking.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for your support, fellow human.
Until next time,