We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of TAS' second season with guest Aaron Harvey, author of "Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series." In many ways, TAS broke new ground by expanding on what had come from TOS and making the Trek universe a richer place. For the first time, Orion pirates were seen, and they, along with many other TAS creations, have left an indelible mark on the franchise ever since. Dive into the roots of felinoid species, what makes "canon" and more on this week's episode of The Trek Files.

Document and additional references: "The Pirates of Orion" storyboards - 1974

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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A series of memos from the earliest days of The Next Generation contemplate the scientific advances of the new Enterprise. Specifically, the bridge would undergo a radical redesign to emphasize a more comfortable, thoughtful interaction of the crew. In addition, the special effects advances since the 1960s meant that the views of space could be much more realistic. We welcome back Dr. Barrett Caldwell to help explore the intersection of technology and humanity, where Star Trek gets it right, and where it stretches our imaginations.

Document and additional references: The Front Window of the Enterprise - 1986

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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This week on The Trek Files, we focus our ears on the sounds that make Star Trek. From TOS to the movies, we are pleased to bring you exclusive behind-the-scenes audio clips like you've never heard them before. Those, along with our document from Gene's archive, are illuminated by our special guest Steve Lee, veteran audio expert and "sound wrangler" for film and television. Steve currently archives the industry's work at the Hollywood Sound Museum.

Document and additional references: Dubbing and Scoring Schedule - July 10 - 14, 1967

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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In October 1988, the Star Trek production team started rolling in Yosemite National Park. We catch up with Dan Madsen, the head of the official fan club, who was in regular contact with director William Shatner and well aware of the anticipation - and anxiety - among fans about the next Trek feature film. We cover everything from Levi's to marshmallows to purple horses on this week's episode of The Trek Files.

Document and additional references: Star Trek V call sheets - 1988

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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It was the first day of shooting on Star Trek III. Fans knew that Spock was likely coming back, but they didn't know about the loss of the Enterprise or other major plot points of the film. One fan who was on the inside had the scoop, though! Dan Madsen joins The Trek Files again to share stories about the "wine and roses" days of Trek and getting the lowdown from Leonard Nimoy himself.

Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - Day 1 - August 15, 1983

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Secrecy around movies is paramount. In early 1978, the announcement for Star Trek: The Motion Picture had not yet been officially made, but one person close to the production had leaked insider information about the production. Studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg stepped in with a politely worded, but unambiguous, memo to stop the leaks at their source.

Document and additional references: Star Trek II memo - January 19, 1978

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Each season on The Trek Files, we take a break from the interdepartmental memos and deeply technical discussions behind the scenes of Star Trek in order to check in with the fans. Specifically, we peruse Gene Roddenberry's mail bag from the mid 1970s to see what had fans excited a generation ago. This time: graduation wishes, praise for Trek's humanity, and, of course, more requests for any props that may just be laying around...

Document and additional references: Fan Correspondence - ca. 1975

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Science fiction requires a certain amount of science fact to make the stories believable. In the lead up to "The Next Generation," Gene Roddenberry sent a memo to the production team expressing frustration over the balancing act between the two. Jeff Stepp returns to The Trek Files to talk about the similarities in writing for drama and scientific documentary and the possible coolness of "deathstrings."

Document and additional references: Warp Speed Cellular Plasma "Deathstrings" Gizmos - April 28, 1987

The Trek Files Season 12 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.