a tale of tails, tenacity, and tedium, as told by me, usually barefoot and bellowing

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Thank You, Mr. Spock

In 1966 I was captivated by a new show that was odd for some and revered by many. Being archaeologically minded and having written my first Sci-Fi novella at the age of ten it was a no-brainer that I became a fan.

I could finally escape into a world I KNEW was real.  Bones, Sulu, Lieutenant Uhura, Scottie, Captain Kirk and Commander Spock became my crew in a black and white world.  The first show took us to an archaeological out post and introduced us to the basic characters and the Enterprise's mission.

Many girls swooned over Captain Kirk but I, always wanting to be different, followed Spock's every controlled logical move.

Friday nights, at the age of eleven, became my night for an hour of tv.  Chores, homework, and any extras I may have been required to do were all finished long before the viewing time of 6:30 PM.

For three years I knew women could be in charge, all species are different and may or may not be able to interact peacefully. I learned how to appear emotionless.  I knew I could be a valuable member of this crew daring to go where no man (or woman) had gone before. I became pretty good with the Vulcan Salute but I never mastered the Mind Meld.

I often wondered why it stopped a month before we walked on the moon...

In three short years it was over but then there were reruns! I continued to be a closet Trekkie and watched every episode almost with reverence. Spin offs began and I devoutly followed those along with the movies.

My children were forced to watch Star Trek when we bought our first color tv.  They were not fans like me, a strong dyed-in-the-wool Trekkie.

I attended one movie in the theater with a friend twenty years my junior who was also a rabid fan. The lobby was alive.  People were talking my language!  I knew all the episodes and could converse enjoyably with all who wanted to talk.  The Menagerie was my favorite all time episode.  I felt uplifted and validated.  The lobby was filled with people like me!  Different ages but all with one thought in mind...where would Roddenberry take us next.

When Leonard Nimoy passed an age ended for me.  The shows have lost their luster. Even if Mr. Nimoy was blessed and cursed while being remembered as the half Vulcan Commander of the Star Ship Enterprise, he did great works.  He soldiered, he taught, he wrote poetry and books and acted in plays and produced.

His last tweet to his fans was "A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP"

Thank you, Mr Nimoy, for giving wings to my dreams. May those who remain Live Long and Prosper.

15 comments:

MadSnapper said...

as this post popped up his photo is on our TV news screen. I did not watch it, saw a bit of reruns now and then, enough to know the names.. my boys waatched re runs with their dad and Star trek ... when this show came out i had no TV and had an 18 year old screaming child with one about to pop out, my life after the two of them went on hold and i did not see anything on TV for years.

Anonymous said...

He will be missed for sure.

Debra Quarles said...

Great tribute. I too was a fan. He will be missed.

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

What a lovely tribute you have offered up to the universe. Spock will forever be a part of my history as well. Star Trek and all the ideas that spun off from that franchise are gems of human ingenuity. But I will forever think of Leonard Nimoy as a real "vulcan/human" teacher.

Linda Kay said...

Nice to see your appreciation for Mr. Nimoy. He did a great job with this part, but I was never a big fan of the show. Hubby on the other hand......

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Well said, Gail. I was too young to really understand the first series when it ran, but became a rabid fan when the reruns ensued. We've lost someone who was an icon for the ages.

TexWisGirl said...

i was never a 'must-watch' kind of fan, but i was a fan nonetheless. i didn't watch the new versions but loved the old shows.

1st Man said...

I posted as well. Truly will be missed. The deaths of actors don't always affect me but his did. He was an important part of my youth and my adulthood.

Farewell Mr. Spock!

Farm Girl said...

What a lovely tribute. I have lived in a house with Trekkies all of my life. Though I never was one, I did watch it every week laying on my tummy in front of the set.
He will be missed. I loved his quote too.
When I heard he was in the hospital earlier this week, I never dreamed he would be going on ahead.
It is a end of an era. I loved reading your story. Very touching and moving Gail.

Brian Miller said...

my heart broke a little bit yesterday at his passing...i grew up watching him as well..and he and the crew captured my imagination for the stars....

Maude Lynn said...

I was a Spock girl, too. He was one of a kind.

Anonymous said...

I was never a Trekkie, preferring the natural space scene of moon, stars, etc. I did watch NASA. However, I knew many Trekkies, including a brother who watched Star Trek religiously. He was a Spock fan, too.
I just learned that Mr. Nimoy had COPD. I do, too. It is a terrible thing to not be able to breathe. He will be missed by many, not only Trekkies. Nice tribute.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I used to be a fan of the original series, but lost interest on the second one. However- I have continued to follow Spock..I thought he was the coolest one on the show.

Arkansas Patti said...

A real Trekkie here also and a huge Spock fan. I will miss him but am so glad he was in my life via film for many years.
Once in the early 70's Shatner was coming to town and my boss was in charge of the entertainment. Half ways kidding he asked me if I wanted to be a "date" for William Shatner. Pretty sure what the "date" would entail and I quickly said no but if he needed one for Nimoy, I'd be happy to. Think I shocked him.

christopher said...

Born in '59 I remember the episodes well...but was not a rabid fan or Trekkie.

Though his passing did bring back good memories, I was very sad to hear about it.

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