The introduction of Hugh in Star Trek: The Next Generation’s “I, Borg” added emotional depth to the franchise’s most terrifying villains and reshaped Trek’s approach to individuality and redemption.
This week on The Trek Files, returning guest Adam Kotsko joins us to examine the legacy of Hugh’s first appearance, using a March 6, 1992 call sheet as our launch point. From behind-the-scenes insights on day one of filming to Picard’s rare role as the obstacle to resolution, we dive deep into the character’s mythological weight and long-lasting fan impact.
Adam also explores how Star Trek’s modern “franchise era” grapples with this legacy—sometimes successfully, sometimes not—especially as lore becomes both a storytelling tool and a trap in the prestige TV arms race.
📄 Document and additional references: I, Borg call sheet – March 6, 1992
📘 Adam's book: Late Star Trek: The Final Frontier in the Franchise Era
The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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How did Star Trek go from television soundstage to national treasure? This week, we continue our conversation with Glen Swanson, former NASA historian and author of Inspired Enterprise, to explore a deeper chapter in Trek’s relationship with the Smithsonian.
Through an exchange of letters between Gene Roddenberry and F.C. Durant, Assistant Director of the National Air and Space Museum, we trace the efforts to secure original Star Trek props and artifacts—including what would ultimately bring the 11-foot U.S.S. Enterprise model into the museum’s collection.
Beyond acquisition logistics, these letters reveal Durant’s belief in the inspirational power of Star Trek, how its optimistic vision of the future helped fuel real-world enthusiasm for space exploration. From ZAP pistols to starship models, this is the story of how Star Trek boldly went into the Smithsonian… and stayed.
📄 Documents and additional references: 1970–1972 correspondence between Gene Roddenberry and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
📘 Guest’s book: Inspired Enterprise by Glen E. Swanson
The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
Long before Star Trek props toured conventions and museums, one historic copy of the pilot episode its way into the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum with help from Leonard Nimoy and Gene Roddenberry.
This week, The Trek Files welcomes Glen Swanson, former NASA historian and author of Inspired Enterprise, to share the remarkable story of Star Trek’s first contact with one of America’s most iconic institutions. From a 1967 inquiry to Leonard Nimoy, to Gene’s formal letter offering his 16mm color print of Where No Man Has Gone Before for the Smithsonian’s collection, these early documents chart Star Trek’s leap from TV series to cultural touchstone.
We’ll explore rare correspondence, photos of Gene at the museum, and even a telegram from 1968—just as Star Trek was renewed for its third season—that shows how the Smithsonian connection helped boost Trek’s profile in a critical moment.
📄 Documents and additional references: Correspondence between Gene Roddenberry and the National Air and Space Museum (1967–1968)
📘 Guest’s book: Inspired Enterprise by Glen E. Swanson
The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
We’re kicking off Season 14 with a legend.
George Takei joins The Trek Files to reflect on landing the role of Sulu in Star Trek’s second pilot, “Where No Man Has Gone Before”—filmed 60 years ago in July 1965. With humor and honesty, George recalls the early days on set at Desilu’s Culver Studios, working alongside James Doohan, and navigating the challenges of being a closeted gay actor in 1960s Hollywood.
In a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation, George also shares his early talks with Gene Roddenberry about Star Trek’s inclusive vision—and what it meant to see that future taking shape on screen, even in its earliest days.
📄 Document and additional references: Call sheet and shooting schedule from Where No Man Has Gone Before – July 19, 1965
George's book: It Rhymes with Takei
The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
