One last one for the road since it is no longer current.  But I was struck (No, I am not going to sue) by a thought.

While I am not a trekkie (others may disagree), I am a die hard Trek Fan.  I think the best was the original, but TNG was good.  As was DS9 for part, and Voyager for most.  Enterprise..........

let's just say I watch it in reruns.

But I think I have found the difference.  Why do I like the older episodes?  And tolerate the newer ones?

Gene Roddenberry.  His vision of the future was not one of constant conflict, but of exploration.  I think he got that from Isaac Asimov (Who is my absolute favorite).  Perhaps not.  But his episodes were filled with some conflict. But mostly discovery.  And that is what made Star Trek Special.

He died during the term of DS9.  And you can tell when he did.  For then the series turned from exploring interspecies relationships (with millions, there could never be a dearth of plot lines) to a War with the Dominion.

And in my opinion, went down hill.

I do not question the other writers for mixing in their views of the future, But simply put, it is not Gene's.  And the Star Trek franchise suffered for that.  Big time.

I watch all the series, even in syndication.  Cause I love the characters. But I treasure Gene's influence on the older episodes the most. 

Perhaps out of a myopic dream.  perhaps out of wanting it to be true.  Whatever reason, Star Trek did not die with Jonathan Archer and Enterprise.  Star Trek died with Gene.  It is his dream, his reality.

And mine as well.

Rest in Peace Gene.  I miss you.