On September 8th legions of Star Trek fans from around the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of the broadcast of the very first episode of ‘The Original Series’ (TOS) way back in 1966. A life long Trekkie myself, I joined in all the feelings of nostalgia and sharing on social media the huge impact the franchise has had on our lives. While scrolling through Facebook I stumbled upon a link to ‘Star Trek Continues’, a fan made web series that continued the TOS adventures past its three seasons.
Now I have watched my share of Trek fan productions and was able to look past the issues most face due to severe budget constraints and lack of professional actors. But nothing prepared me for ‘Star Trek Continues’ with its excellent production values, great acting and fantastic writing. And best of all it emulated the TOS so well via the sets, props, costuming and sound effects that I felt like I was watching a classic episode.
‘Star Trek Continues’ is a production of non-profit charity Trek Continues Inc. and Dracogen and was partly funded by thousands of contributions via successful campaigns on crowdfunding sites Kickstarter and Indiegogo. The series, which has produced seven episodes to date, won a Webby Award this year for “People’s Choice – Long Form Drama”, a Geekie Award for “Best Web Series” in 2014 as well as a slew of other awards and nominations.
The series was spearheaded by voice actor and longtime Trek fan Vic Mignogna who plays Captain James T. Kirk and has co-written some of the episodes. Mignogna wisely avoids an impersonation of William Shatner but retains the strength, vigor and passion of the character. He is ably supported by Todd Haberkorn as the logical Vulcan Mr Spock and Chris Doohan, the son of the late James Doohan, who takes on his father’s role as chief engineer Montgomery Scott and does a bloody good job of it.
The show has been able to attract some great guest stars and voices from the Trek universe and beyond: Marina Sirtis (The Next Generation’s Deanna Troi), Michael Dorn (TNG’s Worf), Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Galactica’s Lee “Apollo” Adama), Erin Gray (Wilma Deering from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century), Gigi Edgley (Chiana from Farscape), Colin Baker (the Sixth Doctor from Doctor Who) and even Lou Ferrigno (Hulk from the classic The Incredible Hulk TV series).
The best part of the show is the episodes which feel like they could have easily been part of TOS. In the first episode “Pilgrim of Eternity” actor Michael Forest reprises his role as God-like alien Apollo from TOS episode “Who Mourns for Adonais”, and the third episode “Fairest of them all” is the continuation of “Mirror Mirror” and shows what happened when evil Kirk returned to the alternate reality. And watching these episodes was like being hit with multiple nostalgia bombs.
The series also does what all great Trek does – presents an issue in an entertaining way. The episodes tackles themes like redemption, slavery, women’s rights, purpose, child abuse and regret. And I will admit getting teared up during some of the powerful scenes.
I really cannot believe this is a fan series. Hats off to the cast and crew of ‘Star Trek Continues’. You have done yourselves, TOS and Trek fans proud and I look forward to seeing more episodes.
You can find all seven episodes available for viewing on the show’s website here.
So have you checked out ‘Star Trek Continues’? What did you think of it? Feel free to comment below and if you enjoyed this you can share with your peeps. Sharing is caring.
For the first part of my five part tribute “50 Years of Trek 50 Things to Love” you can click here and for my ranking of the top Trek TV series you can click here. And for more web series reviews that go where none have gone before you can check back redmangoreviews Monday to Saturday for new posts and also follow me on Twitter @suprememango012 for updates and other cool stuff.
Julien got your back like a chiropractor. l8rs
I love the series- I have watched all the episodes!
I really enjoyed them. Binged them like potato chips. I can’t wait for the next one.