In the world of television, few shows have sparked as much passion and controversy as Star Trek. The original series, which ran from 1966 to 1969, faced numerous challenges during its initial run, including a change in corporate ownership and a lack of initial popularity. According to James Doohan, one of the original cast members, it was Paramount, the new corporate overlords, who wanted to cancel the show. Doohan's insights shed light on the behind-the-scenes drama that threatened the series' survival.
Paramount's Involvement in Star Trek's Cancellation
The story begins with the purchase of Desilu Productions by Gulf+Western, which in turn owned Paramount Pictures. This transition meant that Star Trek, which was initially produced by Desilu, suddenly had new corporate bosses. James Doohan recalls the moment when Paramount decided to pull the plug on the show. He explains, "We couldn't understand at the end of the second year, when Paramount wanted to duck us all, wanted to get rid of us." This revelation is particularly intriguing, as it suggests that Paramount's interest in the show was not as strong as it should have been.
The Impact on the Cast and Crew
The implications of Paramount's decision went beyond the show's cancellation. Doohan notes that the new studio was at a loss for what to do with Star Trek, and as a result, the show's future was uncertain. This uncertainty affected the cast and crew, who were not given raises despite their hard work. Doohan admits, "[Normally, you get] an increase in pay each year. 10%, or whatever, some little bit. Paramount told us 'You're back for another year, but don't think you are going to get an increase in pay.'" This lack of investment in the show's success further highlights Paramount's ambivalence towards Star Trek.
Gene Roddenberry's Frustration
The most affected by Paramount's treatment of Star Trek was Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the show. Doohan explains, "I think morale came down because Gene decided not to be there that much. He was really p***ed off they they were getting rid of his show." Roddenberry's frustration was understandable, given the show's potential and the effort he had put into its creation. His absence from the set and his subsequent creation of Star Trek: The Next Generation further emphasize the impact of Paramount's decision.
The Legacy of Star Trek
Despite the challenges, Star Trek went on to become a cultural phenomenon. The show's cult following grew into a legitimate pop culture icon, spawning movies, spin-offs, and a dedicated fan base. Paramount's decision to cancel the original series only fueled the fire, as fans rallied to save the show. This passion and dedication ultimately led to the show's longevity and its status as one of Paramount's most valuable intellectual properties.
In conclusion, James Doohan's revelation about Paramount's involvement in Star Trek's cancellation provides a fascinating insight into the show's turbulent early years. It highlights the challenges faced by the cast, crew, and creator, and the impact of corporate decisions on the success of a show. While Star Trek faced numerous obstacles, its resilience and the passion of its fans ultimately ensured its place in television history.
