“Goodbye, Jim Kirk. I will learn, and watch the lights in the sky, and remember.” The Gamesters Of Triskelion, Stardate: 3211.7, Original Airdate: 5 Jan, 1968. From that episode, of course. I don't know if anyone here knew what I am about to say. But there is an interesting story behind those last lines in that episode. During four days of filming of that above episode, an inside source at NBC leaked word that Star Trek would be canceling the series right after that show. So as far and the cast and crew knew as they filmed it, "Gamesters" would be the last episode of Star Trek. All the crew was beside itself in grief. Nichelle Nichols was seen sitting at her makeup mirror in tears at one point. It later turned out to all be a false alarm. The show would last another year. But actress Angelique Pettyjohn played Shahna in The Gamesters Of Triskelion. Shahna if you'll remember was a drill thrall, enslaved by the disembodied Providers. Until Captain Kirk won their freedom at the end of the episode. Anyways, Shahna (played by Pettyjohn) makes that tearful goodbye to Captain Kirk as he transports back to his ship to leave in the final scene. Well, Angelique Pettyjohn wasn't just thinking of her role as Shahna in that scene as she said that. She was thinking of the canceling of Star Trek and what it would mean to her and all those millions fans who watched every week, she later said. So although her information was incorrect, that above quote was in many ways a symbolic farewell to Star Trek and its crew all that they meant to their fans.
Bjo Trimble used that threat of possible cancellation to spark her Letter writing campaign that convinced NBC to renew for a 3rd season. THat was when the show got moved to Friday nights. Bjo Trimble did as much to save Star Trek as Lucille Ball did. Trekkers and Trekkies alike should be grateful to them both for creating the legacy of Trek.
That interesting about that episode......... I didnt realise they almost pulled it then!! It would have been very sad!!
