The fan generated, crowd funded streaming show STAR TREK CONTINUES, released on YouTube from May of 2013 through November of 2017, is impeccably produced, the set and costume designs beautifully copied from the original series. Some wigs and hairpieces on certain actors (such as Chuck Huber, who plays Dr. McCoy) and actresses are problematic looking but excusable. Special effects are clean and top notch. And the soundtrack, which evokes a lot of feelings in me, sounds exactly the same as its progenitor’s. The acting is uneven, well done by some, quite amateur by others. The scripts are solid, with updated feminist and other progressive themes. Many of the episodes are thoughtful follow ups to ones in the original series. Where new props are added, such as different phasers and a holodeck, these changes intentionally occur to bridge the gap between STAR TREK TOS and STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION. Some well known professional actors and actresses provided their talent and time for free here, such as Erin Gray (who starred in BUCK ROGERS) and Lou Ferrigno (of THE INCREDIBLE HULK fame), among others.
A new main character is introduced on the Enterprise: the first ship’s counselor, Doctor Elise McKennah (Michele Specht). She sets up the role for Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) to later have in STAR TREK: TNG. Ms. Specht, with fabulously large, bright red hair in a handful of 1960s styles, is excellent in this new part. She integrates seamlessly with the original canon characters, including and especially Spock, competently portrayed here by Todd Haberkorn.
I was periodically moved while watching all eleven episodes of STAR TREK CONTINUES. Among other things, it provided a sense of closure for me with the Enterprise’s “five year mission” that the abruptly canceled STAR TREK TOS could not. This flawed but impressively done show is clearly a labor of love by its creators and participants, including Vic Mignogna, who plays Captain Kirk, albeit not the most convincingly. He is also responsible for many of the behind the scenes functions, such as editing each episode and being the executive producer. I look forward to finding a way to personally thank him for spearheading this project. For any and all fellow STAR TREK TOS fans out there, this short series is worth watching.
The Practical, Fanciful Pagan 