The Story of Star Trek - Movies with Mikey

[@AnInnocuousBlueCube]

I swear, sometimes flicking through KZbin is like walking through a busy neighbourhood late at night. There's meaningless noise from every person and window, and then suddenly you turn a corner and the buildings give way to the green of a park. You look over and see someone with a baseball bat just quietly, methodically, nailing homerun-worthy shots, walking over to collect their balls, and doing the whole thing over again. Hot damn Mikey, you... you magnificent beast of a man. We don't deserve you.

[@samdonkin1572]

Well said man

[@edvaira6891]

How poetically said...and VERY Mikey, I might add!

[@TheSuzberry]

Silas Black -we love your work. Can you tell?

[@bullstag47]

Silas Black well said.

[@Condorito380]

FUUUCK. That Firefly cut was too real, and I had to laugh out lout not to cry.

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

The "No one knows what they're doing" theme is the whipped cream on my strawberry pancakes

[@mangekyomaster12]

Bryce Edward Brown Share pancakes!

[@TheSkizz89]

The "No one knows what they're doing" theme is the whipped cream on my girl while we figure out our sexual fantasies.

[@curtislitchfield1378]

Mikey, I want you to know 3 things. 1. I love you 2. I love Star Trek (to an unhealthy degree) 3. I want more Star Trek from MwM Peace and long life.

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

This is the story of TOS. By my count, that means we can expect at least....... (counts fingers, carries the one...) seven more Trek MwM. Before even getting in to the movies. (Figure 2-3 for TOS movies, 1-2 for TNG movies, 1 for Abrams.)

[@colonelweird]

I suspect there's a lot of us who love Mikey.

[@3Rayfire]

Live long and prosper.

[@Violaphobia]

I want more Star Trek from CBS tbh...

[@optillian4182]

🖖

[@lisaboban]

Gene Roddenberry was a complicated man of his time. The writers of the "Golden Age of Science Fiction" like Campbell, Asimov, Heinlein and Bradbury were also complicated men of their time. The question of separating the art from the artist is fascinating and difficult. Thank you for facing that challenge with wit and insight.

[@notquitemytempo1353]

"The question of separating the art from the artist is fascinating and difficult" It really is. I often wonder, like, am I supposed to hate Seven or American Beauty for instance because Kevin Spacey stars in them? or the Usual Suspects for the same reason and also cause Bryan Singer directed it? Are we to reject the genius of Wagner's music because he was an antisemitic bigot? Or to hate any Polanski film cause he raped a kid and never faced the consequences? I don't know, I think I lean more indeed towards the separation and just take the art, but it really is a tricky one.

[@AllyMonsters]

I guess kinda, for me I feel artist(fiction) mostly try to make a fiction separate from their beliefs (though inspired by still). Choosing the perfections and imperfections they want. I guess I look at it like an act of hypocrisy. I feel no shame watching the art, as long as the bastards get what they deserve. The art is only a piece, and won't shield them forever in histories eye (I hope).

[@ravenfrancis1476]

I think separating the art from the artist is, for the most part, impossible because the art and the artist are permanently intertwined. For example, Clint Eastwood's and Mel Gibson's more conservative right wing beliefs tend to mean their movies have those same conservative right wing themes (glorification of the military and the police breaking laws to violently murder criminals, on top of a general distrust for "The Media" in Eastwood's case and raging antisemitism and racism in Gibson's case). On top of that, buying the artist's art usually ends up financially supporting said artist and funding their more depraved actions unless said art is decades old.

[@SirPumpkinSlice]

Did he though, it came across as vague and one sided. I am interested in the concept of seperating the artist frim the art. Just thinking that the worst qualities of an artist may have been what made them great. But with Roddenberry, I'm not exactly sure what I'm seperating. I think the video was irresponsibly vague. Now one could say I could go research it, but honestly it is easier to just dismiss it, if he doesn't care enough to provide detail. I'm not even sure what to look for. I imagine any search terms would produce biased results.

[@ravenfrancis1476]

Sarge Says TV He literally describes him as physically abusive towards his wife, that should be plenty descriptive enough.

[@thats_erik_with_a_k]

So.... Catawampus Ink is coming out with a "No one knows what they're doing" T-Shirt.... Right?

[@ErikSandberg]

Yes please

[@ingonyama70]

How can a song comprised of a single line be that much of an earworm?!

[@carpemkarzi]

Indeed, I’ll take 2

[@collinsmith7078]

Came here to say rhud.

[@CheezyTime]

I would buy one too

[@tc4791]

I was fine until the "good good, very good boy Leonard Nimoy" line then I died. Because that was a line of such perfect beauty. Thanks Mikey, you stone cold murderer.

[@michaelshultzer]

Dear Mikey, every single time your opening credit/theme song plays, I do a little dance for you :) thank you for always bringing more knowledge, revelation and happiness to my life :)

[@wilddoug]

"Wagon Train" was a mid-60s Western on TV that had a group of people traveling from town-to-town. So the early pitch for Star Trek was like "Wagon Train" to the stars, not "a wagon train to the stars". Loved this look at my favorite TV show and franchise.

[@godofthunder4242]

Just the quiet Enterprise bridge noise that you had going in the background makes me so happy. Makes me remember growing up watching re-runs of the original series with my parents. ^_^

[@AstralMarmot]

I play the engine hum 10 hour loop at work all the time. Soothes my soul.

[@mikedavey1996]

"Some hanky-panky occurs when escorting a cargo ship of women to a deep space colony" That is literally the plot of Deep Space 69, episode 1.

[@Condorito380]

26:15 "We have done the impossible, and that makes us mighty."

[@mrsuperguy2073]

i aim to misbehave

[@wisemoon40]

MIKEY YOU ARE A GODDAMN NATIONAL TREASURE. I love every episode you make, because you say some of the most brilliant and thought-provoking things in pop culture media criticism. Period. You are great.

[@zane6817]

i love your dedication to aesthetics, structure, character & costumes when you're doing these videos! you're killing the game, dude

[@RaphaST]

I got into Star Trek when the new movies came out, I started watching TOS after the first movie. It's so bonkers, so insane, I can't watch more than two episodes at a time because my brain just goes *explosion noises*. I knew that the history of Star Trek had not been a peaceful walk in the park, but to really learn about it ... Thanks for this, Mikey.

[@BaldingClamydia]

I'd only seen random episodes of the series with Picard, until I finally sat down a few years ago to watch the OG series, and fell in love! I think it might have been after the newer movies came out

[@dianacrow9400]

Bjo Trimble! I named my printer after her (as in the machine that prints out my computer documents on dead-tree paper is called Bjo, at least by me), and people are always asking me, "Why is your printer named Bjo? Is that even a name?" And, I'm like, "yeah, I listened to George Takei's autobiographical audiobook a lot when I was a kid, OK?...Jeez." I've literally been watching Star Trek my entire life, as in, it was on in my mom's hospital room a few hours after she gave birth to me, so it's been one of the few constants in my life, so, yeah, obviously I'm going to name stuff after Bjo Trimble. But it's cool to see her get a shout-out on a big KZbin channel.

[@Serai3]

My best friend was one of Bjo's helpers, and I got to spend an afternoon as part of a brigade putting together the first edition of The Star Trek Concordance, which in its first incarnation was a Xeroxed book we collated with plastic covers and brass closures. I still have my copy. :)

[@paradoxacres1063]

People don't seem to realise that _Guardians of the Galaxy_ is closer to the original Star Trek show than the JJ Abrams reboot was. (Confession: I really liked the 1st JJ Abrams _Star Trek_ movie, though)

[@ToonamiT0M]

Paradox Acres I, too, enjoy the first and love the third Bad Robot Trek films. But they are certainly not Star Trek. Trek is about working towards a better future. The modern stuff is about being shocking and encouraging the viewer to not think.

[@the7percentsolution]

Star Trek Beyond was also good. I will never watch (or own) Into Darkness. The less said about that the better.

[@SpaceGhost1701]

The GotG films take more inspiration from Farscape than Star Trek.

[@jayncoclassic]

No it's not

[@Shapes_Quality_Control]

Why? Because guardians is colorful? That’s retarded.

[@CinemaStix]

You know the drill. Lay back, relax, and FilmJoy.

[@bradbarton817]

"so you're sayin this group of people are just gonna fly around the universe and just think about shit real hard, like, you can do that???" = GOLD!

[@rpiechart5252]

My parents have a story about when they were still just dating, back in the 60's and the show was still unknown in many ways. They went to go see a Shakespeare play and the main lead was ill so the understudy was to go on in his stead, the understudy was good good very good boy Leonard Nemoy. My dad had no idea who he was but my mom almost had a heart attack. Thus is my heritage in science fiction born.

[@PepperCoyotes]

Mikey, it’s always good to see you. This video was extremely well done in writing, production, and editing. You’re a total pro.

[@DenisRyan]

Thank you so much for this. It infuriates me when folks scream that new Star Trek is destroyed by "SJW" and "feminists", yet the history of Trek is dominated by amazing and powerful women at all times. Also, I hope this multi post series brings us up to Discovery and Picard. You rock!

[@Serai3]

Absolutely no one who was actually there would ever say that crap about "SJWs". Roddenberry was adamantly and constantly vocal about his vision of equality in the future. Those idiots are blowing smoke out their behinds.

[@Shapes_Quality_Control]

DevMag 52 Most fans will disagree with you and that’s sad? Jeez you are pathetic.

[@bemasaberwyn55]

@@Serai3 I specifically remember that George Takei asked Gene for representation of the gay community. Gene lamented he just couldn't without studio backing

[@Serai3]

@@bemasaberwyn55 Yes, that's true. Gene pushed for it but a producer can't just do whatever he wants. When the suits put their feet down, that's it. He had the same trouble with ST:NG, though he could get closer to what he wanted in the 80's then he could in the 60's.

[@noreehix5714]

The most hilarious thing in the first pilot was Spock yelling, "THE WOMEN!" ahh the memories.

[@Kourinthia]

My favourite second, second, second chance is the Animated Series. I still watch it on Saturdays as part of my Saturday morning cartoon ritual. Classic.

[@parallaxnick637]

Wait... Gene Roddenberry's middle name was Wesley? That explains so much.

[@callummacalister]

5:23 - and *that*, fellow KZbinrs, is how you Intro.

[@zaighnut]

This KZbin channel is one of my happy places. Thank you for your videos and your kindness

[@HeatherJinmaku]

I seriously need the “🎵No one knows what they’re doing...🎵” as a ringtone, or something, to remind myself that we’re all just out here doing our best, especially right now!

[@LexeeTee]

A Movies with Mikey about Star Trek is what I've never knew I've always wanted. Can't wait until part 2!

[@shainazevallos]

I always appreciate how you take the time to talk about all aspects of something and don't shy away from the fact that people are complicated and can be two things at once. Love the episode and have already sent it on to friends

[@snorpenbass4196]

About the BBC cowardice bit, there's a reason Monty Python mocked the hand that fed them so mercilessly, especially in the later seasons. BBC wasn't exactly stalwart proponents of free speech back in the 60's-70's. Some have attributed the growth of the BBC to the punk movement and replacing of the old guard in the late 70's and early 80's, but I'm sure someone could make an entire show about that story too...

[@eabea]

the BBC still sucks at least as much as in the '60s, just fyi

[@Shapes_Quality_Control]

I’ve been waiting for this as my all time favorite Sci Fi series is the original 60’s Star Trek, even as a disgraceful millennial. Star Trek has a level of adventure, sophistication, intellectualism, comedy, romance, horror and just plain fun that has never been matched.

[@mikethompson9030]

Movies With Mikey is the one series on KZbin that I put my life on pause to watch. I always learn something (usually multiple somethings), even on projects I think I know everything about. On top of that, the meticulous editing and production design are the work of a true artist. Never change Mikey, unless it's somehow possible for you to be even better.

[@triviam]

I love this. All of this. More importantly: instrumental version of Major Tom playing in the background with images of the show? *chefs kiss*

[@movedmindpoRUSZonyUMYS]

I was thinking of writing this comment for a looooong time, but I guess this is the right place. Watching your videos is watching a master at work, Mikey. There is very little other people in the KZbin industry and genre who share your level of commitment, passion, humour, heart and love to their work. Thank you for sharing it all with us.

[@CormacMor]

The Trimbles are the salt of the earth. I used to live near them, and would frequently visit to hear their stories. When I saw that this was Mikey’s topic, I got excited to see if they’d be mentioned, and I really appreciate that John got a shout-out, too (people usually just cite Bjo, but she insists it was a team effort).

[@aolson5795]

OMG I can't wait for the next one. After everything that came before it, The Wrath of Khan has no real right to be as good as it was, and that movie pretty much single-handedly revived Star Trek into something that would last generations.

[@PrinceofArfon]

A Olson Saw “Wrath of Khan” for the first time a couple of months ago and it was definitely fun and interesting, living up to its reputation pretty well.

[@LadyLiberty4U]

"Have Gun Will Travel" was a standout, even within the genre of the TV western and Gene's episodes shine! My husband and I got hooked on 'marathoning' the episodes on youtube, a few years ago (I was too young to see most of the show during its first run (b. 12/61), but I do remember my parents watching it and I was shocked that I still knew the theme song! ;D) and we'd challenge each other on whether an episode was written by Gene (hint: They were usually the ones with the greatest 'heart'.). Many, many times his episodes gave more depth to 'Paladin' and allowed Richard Boone the opportunity to show his range as well as spotlighting a guest star's talents. It was with great joy that we came to realize that Gene was a phenomenally talented writer and not just of Science Fiction!

[@qstionblomens6138]

I want that “No one knows what they’re doing” jingle to play every time I get feel like my own creative stuff is especially bad.

[@feanaro2712]

As someone whose interest in Star Trek basically started with the Kelvin Timeline and hasn't really expanded to the older series, this was a fascinating look back at where it all started.

[@ZesPak]

Watch the next generation. It's on Netflix. You won't regret it.

[@Shapes_Quality_Control]

You might regret Next Gen. it’s the culmination of all Roddenberry’s worst ideas.

[@phimuskapsi]

What an intro. Love the way you put things together Mikey. Absolutely love it.

[@literosexual6541]

I'm so in love with Star Trek and I've read about the letter writing campaign 100 times but I never knew half of this!!!! Great video!!!!!

[@bennorton4831]

I cannot begin to explain how much joy this video essay (and Movies with Mikey) bringw. Live long and prosper! 🖖

[@theGhoulman]

Trekkie here. Yes, I'm that old. Well done! But this vid is really about Gene Roddenberry, and his time before and during the production of Trek. Not a lot of detail, but I think you've synthesized a lot of history into a truthful narrative. You get a like from me. :)

[@RoseRamblesYT]

Since I can't formulate my thoughts just yet, allow me to insufficiently say WOW. I'm always blown away, in awe, and always feeling inspired after your documentaries like this. It's clear you put so much dang time, effort, and heart into these videos. Thank you Mikey and the FilmJoy team. Now I must go off and watch the second part to this.

[@scottmackenzie62]

NBC didn't pass on Star Trek, and order Lost In Space, CBS did! NBC ordered a second pilot at the request of Desilu studio owner Lucille Ball.

[@Ljordan093]

Scott MacKenzie Thank you Lucy!

[@JaRyCu]

Mikey! How do we get "No one knows what they're doing" swag?

[@filmjoy]

It's definitely on our list of most requested t-shirts. We're gonna try and design something in the next couple months.

[@JaRyCu]

@@filmjoy awesome! This has been my favorite channel on YT for the last 3 years, since I discovered it, and I constantly tell people about it. Thank you!

[@The_Catalyzt]

Dude I would put this on my wall, on my mirror, in my car. This message is so...life.

[@zrhAmngAm]

@@filmjoy I would kill everyone for a shirt that says that....i love you mikey

[@zrhAmngAm]

Oops I can't believe I just said that

[@tommyross7529]

I’m only guna be on this blue ball for a blip but consuming film joys wonderful content has truly made my time here infinitely better

[@ChrisMaxfieldActs]

7:55 LOST IN SPACE was on CBS, and the story is that Gene pitched STAR TREK to them, and after picking his brain about how to produce such a series, CBS went with Irwin Allen and LOST IN SPACE.

[@DrewLSsix]

And despite its reputation as a bizarre and silly show it actually started as an honest to goodness serious scifi program. Very similar in tone to early TOS. Trek did for its run avoid slipping quit as far into camp as lost.

[@hugopinai2005]

Movies with Mikey is the only youtube show about movies I'll watch regardless of what the episode is about. I know nothing about Star Trek and I was super excited when I saw this came out

[@pdahandyman]

Damn, son! Nice work. I hope your plan is to eventually cover all of Star Trek. I will wait until the end of time for work this good. See if I don't.

[@bishop186]

If you haven't watched "What We Left Behind" -- the DS9 doc, I highly recommend it.

[@ntm4]

"No one knows what they're doing~" Ah, the human condition.

[@SaraBanartist]

Except my dad. For some reason, he seems to have it figured out.

[@SonOfSeth]

@@SaraBanartist From my experience, usually the people who don't know what they are doing are first to claim no one knows.

[@frenzalitis]

This is one of the best MwM episodes so far, and given how highly I regard *most* of them, that is very high praise.

[@urbanfox7322]

The quality of your videos is incredible. Script, edit, aesthetics and information, all perfect. Congratulations on a work well done! Too bad I'm broke and can't afford to thank you through Patreon. But, again, well done, man! Thank you

[@zombiegirl626]

thanks mikey - I'm just starting to get into Star Trek and this is the perfect intro!

[@elizabethallen1022]

I've been so excited to hear you delve into Star Trek and this is great! Star Trek has been a big part of my life, despite not being around for the release of them except the new ones (and I guess Enterprise, but I was too young). It's really interesting to see all this background. Thank you for doing all this research. I'm looking forward to the next one!

[@theawesomeran7779]

That was one of the best Trek docs I've seen in a very long time! Thank you!

[@DaveNarn]

Ya went and did it, you touched the third rail! This review so far has been my favorite, well done Mikey and thanks!! 90 missions in a B-17, glad he beat the odds that time.

[@theflickchick9850]

It’s incredible to me how many messages about morality in Star Trek have spoken to me. Now that I think about it, I believe it’s one of the reasons it stuck with me. It’s beautiful and shockingly powerful in so many ways. ❤️🖖🏻

[@fartzinwind]

The documentary about his son going and discovering what Star Trek and what it means to fans, and the people who worked on it, was amazing

[@tinkdnuos]

26:28 "He CAN say Trek, with an E!"

[@Hiramas]

Oh boy, I have been waiting for this since you announced it! Engage! (I know, I know, don't @me)

[@montyr2083]

As always, Mikey presents the most entertaining, thoughtful, and profound reflections in delightful little nuggets of video. We want you (meaning Mikey) to know that we (meaning your viewers) appreciate the effort that goes into making these videos, and sending them out into the void like little probes. We see you and we appreciate you.

[@KaputOtter]

Dang this is thorough. You dug deep. Some of this stuff I did not know. Good work, watching part 2 right away.

[@davidducey4690]

I knew almost none of this going in. I was familiar with the crash landing story, but I had heard it in just a slightly different way. Which made sense after your explanation of the self-mythologizing which later took place. When and how it all happened, makes it hard to discern fact from fiction. Massive kudos for the tremendous amount of research it must have taken to make this and for the excellent delivery, as always. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@elm9257]

That st tmp poster at the end! I love that ridiculous movie, and not even ironically. The scenes that go on for way too long, the ugly and very tight uniforms, shatner's inexplicable costume changes, disco mccoy, the fact that there is basically no action and very little actually happens and the whole thing is just a rehash of the nomad episode but with "2001 a space odyssey" flavouring, i love it all. Also, the soundtrack is fantastic. Great episode- you really summed up the making of tos in a very interesting way, how it is simultaneously a gorgeous, costly, lovingly crafted show, and the cheapest jankiest shit ever

[@MattMcIrvin]

It was sheer ambition--they spent so much for a regular TV show and it still wasn't nearly enough to do everything they wanted to do. (and, of course, that was also true for Star Trek: The Motion Picture by a factor of many. SO much money spent on that, and sometimes you saw every cent of it and sometimes you didn't. Fortunately they were able to parlay a lot of that spending into future movie and TV productions.)

[@terezafrankova8724]

I wish I had words to describe how much I love this.

[@onaipid]

Once again this show is somehow life changingly inspiring and existentially depressing. I've said before it's like finishing a fantastic book, but once again I am left in that same state of "everything is different now, what now?"

[@shaunwatson6354]

Waiting patiently on the next Star Trek video. I say patiently because I know how long it took you to make this. Your dedication is appreciated, and I look forward to the next one as I said before.

[@m6y6y6t]

Damn that 4k be hiting different!! Also great episode, can't wait for the second part!

[@tastysandwhich]

I love that Mikey calls it "Star Track" just a little bit.

[@RadiantRobbyy]

Aw yeah, this just made my day. Thanks Mikey!

[@yodasdad]

A Must read for Trekkies is: The Fifty-Year Mission: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek-The First 25 Years by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman

[@katies598]

Cannot express how much I respect and just love your content - keep up the amazing work ❤️

[@phoenixzohar]

Thank you so much for this video! I am looking forward to future videos in this series, if you choose to do them!

[@kwebb121765]

Marc Cushman, in his three volume set, These Are The Voyages, which contains the story of the making of each of the original series episodes, made the case that for first couple of years, since it was always the highest-rated NBC program on the night it was broadcast, Star Trek was considered a hit, even though it never won its time slot. Mr. Cushman actually published the Nielsen data for each episode, along with the data for all the other network shows broadcast that evening.

[@johnarmstrong5533]

Ooh, it seems like this is going to be a series, following the Star Trek concept forward through time. I'll be here for it.

[@daryllmorado7509]

Strong work over there. I love the content and I always look forward to more.

[@shoesncheese]

Every time you said Star "Track", I died a little. Loved the content, though!

[@mattybaesxp]

Dude, love your work, and your videos!! When can we expect part 2?! Keep up the awesome, and moving, work!!!

[@jobethk588]

Good essay. Minor point. Last clip about the "troubled 60's" was of the 1957 Central High crisis in Little Rock, Arkansas.

[@MarcDupont]

Wait, WTF. How did I miss this channel. LOVE IT!

[@josephbastin2009]

Hands down one of the best channels! You actually remind me of Abed from Community if he started a KZbin channel to share his love for pop culture and ensuring the good people experience it.

[@teenygozer]

Ha! Back in the 70s, I heard that Roddenberry had 2 kinds of friends: the friends who adored him and the friends he'd screwed over, and it was only a matter of time before the first kind became the second kind.

[@christaylor4087]

Welcome back, absolutely love your work!

[@m.hanysafwat9541]

I never watched any of the star trek shows but somehow this video felt like it was 5 minutes long.

[@ZesPak]

The Next Generation is well worth watching.

[@corlissmedia2.0]

This is great! Looking forwards to the next installment!

[@tehCrusix]

Fantastic retrospective Mikey, as always your work is awe inspiring

[@polybius3765]

I kinda liked that space-hippie episode if only because it is the one of the few times I remember seeing Charles Napier as anything other than a cigar chomping hard-ass. Even in DS9 he was a cigar chomping hard-ass. He was THE go-to cigar chomping hard-ass for decades. Miss that guy. How great was he as Duke in "The Critic"? Absolute champion.

[@fep1023]

Fantastic as always. Can't wait for Part 2!

[@leslierae6416]

So stoked for part 2! What a fantastic video! I hope you go into how fucking DOPE Star Trek Discovery is 👏

[@steveferris1667]

Always makes my day when you drop a new vid Mikey. Loved your Star Wars vids and not disappointed after the wait for Star Trek. Side note of a personal request: MwM for Drive (2011) THAT would make my year. Keep up the great content!

[@Disthron]

...I want that 'no one knows what they're doing' clip. XD

[@DaveKap]

Got through most of it and wondered "why no mention of Lucille Ball?" and then bam, there it was punctuating the whole video. Good video, can't wait for the next one. That TNG story's a fun one as well!

[@dylanrobinson9338]

How is this channel not bigger ! Amazing content

[@Nono-hk3is]

Nice. Great job, Mikey and Teara!

[@terezafrankova8724]

I'm pausing the video just to write that those few seconds of Firefly theme song really hurt. Thanks.

[@whokilledreno2160]

A retrospective that isnt filled with hate. I loved it.

[@RedHeadKevin]

20:59 Two things that people always tend to forget is that 1.) that kiss was forced upon Kirk and Uhura, and quite a bit rapey by modern standards, and 2.) it was immediately followed by Kirk chasing Uhura with a bullwhip.