Before The Wrath of Khan became the fan-favorite sequel we know today, Star Trek II went through multiple story pitches, including one from original series contributor Samuel A. Peeples. In the summer of 1981, Peeples outlined a new character: Commander SsAVIK, a half-Vulcan, half-Romulan officer with a sharp intellect and complex heritage.

This week on The Trek Files, Ben Robinson joins Larry to discuss Peeples’ early concept for SsAVIK, how it evolved into the Saavik we met on screen, and the wider creative tug-of-war between Gene Roddenberry, Harve Bennett, and Nick Meyer as the sequel took shape.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, featuring two more unused characters from Peeples’ draft!

Document and additional references: Samuel A. Peeples’ Star Trek (The New Movie) – July 30, 1981 (excerpt)

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The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha

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We’re back with Ronald D. Moore for part two of our dive into the wonderfully strange 1976 spoken-word album Inside Star Trek. This time, things get weird... in the best way.

From Sarek (Mark Lenard) debating Vulcan mating rituals with Gene Roddenberry, to William Shatner performing a time-bending double act as both himself and Captain Kirk, the album takes some truly unexpected turns. Ron shares his favorite moments, what they say about Trek’s early self-awareness, and how even the quirkiest bits helped shape his own fandom.

Document and additional references: Inside Star Trek album and liner notes (1976)

ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment

The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha

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Before he was a celebrated Star Trek writer and producer, Ronald D. Moore was a fan, just like so many of us, watching reruns, devouring The Making of Star Trek, and listening to Gene Roddenberry’s 1976 spoken-word album Inside Star Trek.

In part one of our two-part conversation, Ron reflects on how that Columbia Records release shaped his early views of the franchise. We explore the stories that resonated with him most, including Gene’s candid recollections of his own childhood challenges, and how those moments helped inspire Ron’s own journey into the Star Trek universe.

Document and additional references: Inside Star Trek album and liner notes (1976)

ENTER TO WIN - The Borg Queen Skull Signature Edition prop replica from Factory Entertainment

The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha

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From its earliest concept stages, Star Trek: The Next Generation set out to break new ground, including the intentional addition of a disabled crewmember to the Enterprise-D. Inspired by and named for a real fan, George LaForge, this character was part of a push for greater representation and inclusivity on screen.

This week, The Trek Files welcomes actor and artist Bruce Horak, known to fans as Hemmer from Strange New Worlds. Bruce shares his personal journey as a blind actor stepping into Star Trek’s universe, the impact of authentic representation, and his new documentary Boldly Going, where he paints portraits of people who have overcome significant challenges in their own lives.

Content note:

The historical document featured in this episode contains outdated language and descriptions of disabled individuals. While we do not endorse these terms, we present the full text in the interest of transparency and historical context.

Document and additional references: Memo exchange discussing the inclusion of a disabled crewmember in TNG – October 1986

Support Bruce’s documentary: Boldly Going on Indiegogo

The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha

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It wasn’t just the series finale of Star Trek: Enterprise. “These Are the Voyages” marked the end of an 18-year era of continuous Star Trek on television, dating back to The Next Generation in 1987. Emotions ran high on set, and not all of them were celebratory. Returning guest Mike DeMeritt, First Assistant Director on Enterprise, brings us a candid look behind the scenes of Trek’s broadcast-era farewell. From dismantled sets to discarded call sheets (but not underwear), we explore the atmosphere and aftermath of one of Trek’s most controversial finales.

Document and additional references: "These are the Voyages" shooting schedule and strip board - February 25, 2005

The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha

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May 2001 marked a major transition as Star Trek: Voyager had just wrapped, and Enterprise was ramping up production. With little time to exhale, the crew jumped into a new era: new cast, new look, even new tech (farewell, hand-written call sheets!). But as always, the most revealing stories live between the lines. First Assistant Director Mike DeMeritt returns to The Trek Files to help decode a pair of call sheets and share what they say about how Trek kept boldly going behind the scenes.

Document and additional references: Voyager and Enterprise call sheets - May 2001

The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha

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One of TV’s most iconic set designs didn’t just look futuristic—it functioned like the real thing. Matt Jefferies’ vision for the U.S.S. Enterprise bridge was both cinematic and sensible, blending style with storytelling utility. This week, Ben Robinson returns to The Trek Files to explore two of Jefferies’ original design documents and reveal the real-world engineering and aviation influences that helped shape Star Trek’s most legendary interiors.

Document and additional references: Matt Jeffries bridge designs - 1964

Sponsored by - Bold Bubbles

The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha

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The Trek Files returns to one of the most foundational documents in Star Trek history: the third revision of The Star Trek Guide from 1967. Author and “Trek Whisperer” Glen Henderson joins Larry Nemecek to explore the show’s core creative philosophy—especially the idea that believability in characters and behavior matters more than technobabble.

Together, they unpack a fascinating “test” Gene Roddenberry included in the guide, challenging writers to spot a major format error in a hypothetical teaser scene. Was it bad science? Clunky terminology? Or something more human at the heart of it?

Discover what Gene thought really made Trek work—and what still resonates with fans and creatives today.

Document and additional references: The Star Trek Guide, Third Revision - April 17, 1967

Visit Glen Henderson, The Trek Whisperer

The Trek Files Season 13 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!