Ep 1. Star Trek

The Toys That Made Us is a documentary series that explores the history of popular toy franchises and the cultural impact they had on our society. Season 2 episode 1 is titled Star Trek and focuses on the iconic science fiction franchise that spanned over five decades.

The episode takes us back to the creation of Star Trek in the 1960s by Gene Roddenberry, a former LAPD officer turned screenwriter. The show initially struggled to find its audience and was eventually cancelled in 1969 after just three seasons. However, it gained a loyal following through syndication and inspired a generation of fans who were fascinated by the universe and characters that Roddenberry had created.

The episode explores the first wave of Star Trek merchandise, which consisted mainly of model kits and board games. These products attracted a small but dedicated group of fans who kept the franchise alive during its long hiatus between the original series and the first movie, which was released in 1979.

The show then delves into the resurgence of Star Trek in the 1980s, which was sparked by the release of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. This film not only revitalized interest in the franchise but also spawned a new wave of merchandise, including action figures, vehicles, and playsets.

The episode also features interviews with some of the creators and designers who worked on Star Trek toys during this period, including John Tenuto and Adam Schulman. They discuss the challenges they faced in creating products that were faithful to the source material while also appealing to kids and collectors.

One of the highlights of the episode is the discussion of Playmates' Star Trek: The Next Generation line, which was released in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This line included highly detailed action figures and playsets that were unprecedented at the time and became a benchmark for all future Star Trek merchandise.

The show also explores the various spin-off series and movies that came after The Next Generation, including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise. Each of these shows had their own unique challenges when it came to creating merchandise, and the episode examines how toy companies adapted to these changes.

Finally, the episode concludes by looking at the current state of Star Trek merchandise, which has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to the success of the Star Trek reboot movies. This segment features interviews with fans and collectors who share their love for the franchise and the toys that have brought it to life.

Overall, The Toys That Made Us season 2 episode 1 is a fascinating look at the history of Star Trek and its impact on the world of toys and collectibles. Whether you're a die-hard Trekkie or simply someone who appreciates the art of toy design, this episode is sure to leave you feeling enlightened and entertained.