Quick note: Apologizes to Rowan J Coleman, who also did voice over for this video, but whom I accidentally left out when creating the opening credits due to a copy paste mistake! Normally, I would have just reexported a fixed version, but this was the only version of this video that didn't get a copyright strike and/or demonitized by RUclips immediately upon uploading, so sadly the mistake is stuck due to RUclips's constant issues. Rowan, of course, is one of my favorite Trek RUclipsrs out there and deserves just as much love as all of the other creators in this video, so here is his channel link. Thank you to Rowan for taking part in this project
the girl talking about how "Sulu just starts fencing, not engaging in a massive orgy" is the biggest 'woosh' of a sexual innuendo i've ever seen - and I'm asexual
Wasnt there a episode called amok time or episode where capt’n and uharra kissed? Didnt the titles I was Born in 68 only saw sometimes on reruns on bbc where I started to see next generation in 92. Only thing i missed was .. st nemesis
Star Trek Lower Decks is a COMEDY/PARODY ! Of course it contains ridiculous stuff to make people laugh! Yes, some jokes are not nice by everyone's standards, but they don't have to be. Also, the nudity scenes are blurred, that orgy was a simulation that was meant to make the tested person fail, so of course it was shocking!
@@lalywindland5764 also, that's a reference to a previous episode, in TNG, i think. At the beginning it brings up the fact it's some kind of disease or something. I remember one of the really early episodes of TNG had something to do with that. got rid of inhibitions or something.
It is kind of interesting how the Ferengi were one of Roddenberry's last major contributions to Star Trek, and they started out as antagonistic sex pests with regressive views on women. But after Gene left the show they didn't just write them out OR have them suddenly realize the errors of their ways and drastically change their culture. They slowly found a place working alongside the Federation in TNG and DS9. Instead, the Ferengi slowly did the hard work of learning to look past their prejudices and work with other species amicably. And those around them also did the hard work of helping them with that hard work, to a reasonable extent. It was often uncomfortable, tough, or even dangerous. But it was a challenging balance the writers stuck with, and I think they went great places with it.
Agreed! Writing them out would have been easy, but instead the new writers used the Ferengi as an example of how clashing cultures CAN work together as long as reasonable tolerance is shown on both sides. It's not easy, and they did a fantastic job showing it.
Also it shows how by association with starfleet they also slowly opened up to radical ideas and by the end of DS9 women are given the right to wear clothes, travel and earn/spend profit.
I agree with this a lot although we only get to see a small part of it through Grand Nagus Zek becoming involved with Ishka who had a good deal to do with the changes and keeping Zek as safe as possible until Rom became Nagus and carried on the work of changing the Ferengi. I love that we got to see this arc of an entire culture even if in only small glimpses. The fact that more Ferengi joined Star Fleet and Nog had a ship named after him shows just what they were capable of. I’m so happy as is Armin Shimmermen that he got to play characters both at the very beginning of our introduction to them and being there in DS9 as Fernginar and his own views changed and grew.
As an irreparably heterosexual male, I admittedly clicked due to the thumbnail. 😭 Ya got me, Jessie! BUT I stayed for the absolutely brilliant commentary! So you got me twice! It's refreshing to see actually progressive people talk about modern Trek for once. I'm sick of the right-wingers who fundamentally misunderstand Trek dictating the tone of the online discourse around it anymore.
I'm crying listening to Nichelle talk about her interaction with Dr King. She was meeting her hero, but he was meeting his. We do not know our impact on others and are often unaware of our importance to others. Never ever under estimate the power your life holds.
I was sobbing during that part too - I assumed it was because I was a little high lol But I woke up thinking about that part all over again and just...wow
For real! I enjoyed this so much! I never watched Star Trek and never really had any interest in it, but this video has me wanting to learn more about the franchise through a critical lens. I'm really starting to understand why this franchise is as popular and culturally impactful as it is.
This is a magnum opus, Jessie. An ensemble of amazing creators singing a sexual symphony and you are the conductor! I had no idea that I’d take part in one of the most ambitious pieces of progressive art on RUclips this year. Thank you so much, “you beautiful human”. T’was a privilege & a pleasure ❤️
That interview with Nichelle Nichols where she's talking about the kiss is absolutely brilliant. I had heard of that story, but hearing her tell it is something else. Can't imagine what it's like to sit there as the Suits directly, right in front of you, flaunt that racism and take that issue right in front of your face and she doesn't crack the whole time. You can clearly tell it meant a lot to her for Gene and Bill to have her back though. I know this story from the UK as my parents, as my parents a black woman and a white man, would speak about it as being the first time they ever saw an interracial pairing on TV as well Never heard about her meeting Dr King though. There was a lot of emotions in that telling of the story, and they were absolutely right though. She was something else and something special.
I heard a version of this on a PBS series called "Pioneers of Primetime" and talking about science fiction that Shatner had argued; "Why wouldn't Kirk kiss her?" Despite the fact their characters were being forced into the kiss he argued that Kirk would kiss Uhura regardless because it would still be "in character"
Not a Trekkie but my Dad was. He passed away in 2020 from Covid. I think he would have loved this. Thank you for helping me feel like I'm getting to know him more. Might just start binge watching Star Trek. This was awesome, Jessie. I can see why you're so proud of this. You outdid yourself. Thank you ❤
I'm dating (Edit: Partner) someone that is asexual but the concept isn't something they've never been able to express. I keep showing my partner stuff that broaches the idea of this is normal. This is nothing (my partner's name) had ever thought was possible. Meanwhile, I'm still waiting to be able to wear a skirt to work. As of 2022, I still have to wear pants and I broke the system that one time I wore shorts on a Friday in 35C weather back in 2018. I have Scottish blood - let the Scots lead.
Jessie, it’s such an honor to have been a part of this. This essay is so momentous, one of the best I’ve seen this year if ever. Few people have the courage to criticize their favorites the way you do - you represent the new wave of video essays. Thank you ❤️
Jessie, this is really something else. Just amazing. I’m an asexual, and I was sort of nervous to watch this. Often when people discuss sex, I’m left with the feeling that I didn’t get the hormone invitation to the fun bus that everyone else got. There’s probably a better way to say that, but I’m sticking with it. This was fun, it was informative, and you made me feel so seen and included. I may have gotten just a touch misty in the eye about it. Also, yeah, Pon Farr IS just the worst, for all the reasons you said, but Spock jackhammering me nearly into oblivion every seven years does kinda sound like my cup of tea.
"...didn't get the hormone invitation to the fun bus" is the most accurate description of asexuality and demisexuality I have ever heard. There is no better way to state it. I will fight anyone who insists otherwise.
Having heard the story about Nichelle Nichols meeting Dr. King before, it was wonderful hearing it from her. Thank you so much for putting so much of her interview in, I was teary-eyed when Roddenberry opened the drawer-I knew what was coming next. This whole video was lovingly edited and I appreciate it so much.
To those who feel uncertain about watching because of the video length: don't. This has excellent flow, and you are not aware of runtime at all. If you're even a bit of a sci-fi fan, especially Star Trek, then it's well known taking a bit more time to effectively build the setting and story is something we've come to expect - in fact, it's how we've set the bar. This is *exactly* what Jessie has done with this work - she not only has met the bar, but exceeded it. This is just as - if not *more* deeply and widely researched - than the range of Star Trek documentaries I've seen.
I've been watching it in manageable pieces over the last 3 days and will probably finish tomorrow. There are ways to make it work even if you don't have that much time in one instance.
@@kaworunagisa4009 Excellent point. Bite size pieces work as well. It's fairly easy to stay on track. I was just highlighting that most generations of Trek fans have no issue binging 1hr (with commercial) episodes, so there's little difference here.
I am so glad that this series exists, and that is able to talk about your darker and more f*cked parts of Star Trek instead of sweeping it all under the rug.
What stands out to me about the depiction of sex and sexuality in Star Trek, especially during Roddenberry's lifetime (and Berman's regency), is just how blatant, vulgar, empty, and utterly embarrassing it all is. As if the mere existence of an 'attractive' or 'undressed' person is all it takes to turn someone into an unhinged animal, regardless of relationship or circumstance. Says a lot about him I think.
Completely agree. As a young teen watching TNG I felt like the sexual behavior of the characters was unhinged. Maybe someone accidently turned up the hormones in the replicated food.
There's no way Romulan sex is violent. They're more in touch with their emotions, more open about their feelings. If anything sweet, passionate love would probably be seen as world rocking
Jessie, this video actually made me laugh on the day my pet of 16 years passed away. Not to be a downer. I just want to say thank you. Your use of cuts and found footage, the timing, and interspersed with you... It all culminated perfectly in this video for me on a day I really needed it. I'm having to watch this one in pieces, so here's my small bit of entergagement to help it along as I can. Please keep doing what you do. Your channel is wonderful, because even on a day that I don't have the spoons to watch heavier stuff, I know I can still find good reviews and vids like this one to lift me up. So much thank you!!
@@Sean_Piper I'm sorry for your loss. The longer they stay with us, the harder it is to adjust to them being gone. They remain forever curled up in our hearts. *hugs*
@@T0xXx1k I'm very sorry for your loss. Thank you for your kind words. They warmed my heart. I hope you find something special to help you through the worst of your grief. Much love to you. 💜
Gotta love that you can commit genocide every episode, or violate the Prime Directive and imperil cultures and species everywhere in the galaxy, "Shoot to kill, men"... BUT DON'T YOU DARE HAVE SEX! So sick of this culture where you can behead people on film but God forbid you imply they're having sex. It's just weird. Great video, Jessie. Man, if these people had their way, we might never have seen Shatner and Nichols kiss.
Indeed... Star Trek, and media in general, could do with fewer battlefield climaxes and more bedroom climaxes... or you know, whatever other room they prefer and with whoever and however many they are comfortable climaxes ;-)
@@EmeralBookwise I'm cool with the fighting - it's a theoretical military show. But geez, people, normalizing violence and pigeonholing sex is exactly ass backwards, all puns intended.
This is such a nuanced look at Gene Roddenberry. I really appreciate you discussing the good, the bad and the in between about Star Trek and its creator-especially in the area of sexuality which so often is either prudish or prurient. No rose-coloured glasses or simple condemnation, but thoughtful and sometimes sexy conversation.
Nichelle Nichols is such a pleasure to listen to. I barely knew her (yeah, I'm the kind of person who watches a three hours video on Star Trek without having see more than, like, 3 episodes and a movie of it) but her recollection of her story was so touching and riveting, it really moved me.
What I love about this whole "trending on Twitter" nonsense is that all the people complaining about Lower Decks, are those same people who are like, "Learn to take a joke" when somebody gets offended by something transphobic.
Word! And a large contingent of reactionaries cry "hypocrisy!" when others are actually unpacking something critically instead of lashing out in vague outrage. Examining something can be a lot more embarrassing than waving torches and pitchforks around, precisely because we are forced to confront our own perceptions and biases and might >gasp< actually learn something instead of simply demanding to be comfortable again.
Wow. I'm blown away by this one, it's so clear how much thought, time, and effort went into this. In addition to being fascinating and educational, in typical Jessie fashion, you managed to take an incredibly complex issue and unpack it in a way that acknowledges nuance without erasing the hurt and experiences of the people impacted. You really have a gift for that sort of thing, your sensitivity toward other people is such a bright light. Really spectacular work, the fact that this is going to be a whole series is so exciting!
This video was incredibly eye-opening for me as you took us through Hollywood history and explained how the idea of sexual liberation has changed and shifted through the ages - how what we might now call objectification, when consensual, can be empowering. It was also interesting from an asexual perspective. Rowan Ellis released a video on the same day talking about ace characters, four of them from Star Trek. Seeing these two videos so close together has informed my interpretation of each one. It's interesting how differently Spok and Data especially were portrayed: one through an ace lens and one through an allo one, both of which were looking for queer representation. This also explains so much of how that ace representation ran amuck. If the creator sees sex as an integral part of humanity, both sexual attraction and desire, no wonder it can be seen as the barrier separating that which is human and that which is alien. I'm glad this show has enabled you and so many others to see yourself, and I hope there will be more shows in the future which can represent sex as a messy, connective, and human experience without alienating (pun intended) those who experience the messiness and muddiness of relationships in a different way. At least from where I stand, sexual liberation means freedom (without vilification) for everyone. Thanks Jessie
That entire recount by Nichols was the stuff of legends. You can also see the pain in her and Shatner's eyes during the kiss because they were betraying each other's trust as captain and officer
This was an experience. One of the best RUclips videos I've ever seen in my 15 years in the platform. Thank you for leaving Ms. Nichelle's interviews intact and didn't cut them up, she always expresses herself wonderfully and honestly. Thank you for this video, as a fellow Trekkie, this was much needed.
As an asexual who has never been even in the slightest interested in Star Trek... this is probably one of the best video essays I've ever seen, I was engaged the whole time and near the end I was still left wishing for more.
Yes, the rape gang scene is terrible. It does mirror life. The first thing any survivor of ethnic cleansing or civil wars talks about is how the enemy on both sides used rape as a weapon. This is even before the murdering. And if I remember correctly in 1987 there were a lot of horrific conflicts and before that would inform this. It also shows that not all colonies when left on their own follow Federation rules this was also shown in TOS too. Just not such a horrific character quality to have survived.
I'm still in the intro and I can already tell this is going to be scathing. I was into Star Trek in high school and the idea of someone saying the show is "too woke" when the entire premise was learning about other people and their cultures instead of committing genocide on sight is so richly ironic.
Aggrandize. That word is the one I was waiting for. Roddenberry has always come across as the type of person who really did want to help and open doors for those for whom they can be closed, but specifically, and unfortunately, to be that person so as to have and hold that position of power. The progressive gatekeeper if you will. As good as a person he could be, to never be open to those he helped becoming more than him, to go beyond, to leave him behind. In a way it reminds me of parents who want the best for their children but at the same time become jealous of them when they start to surpass themselves, and as time goes on struggle more and more with letting go, letting them be free from their control and find their own path without them being the core star of it. Goes without saying of course, but will say it anyway; fantastic video, thanks Jessie!
Your professionalism when dealing with the SA allegations deserves to be acknowledged. It’s a hard subject, something I’d never heard of before this video that changes some opinions of mine. Thank you so much for bringing this all up anyone who allegedly did that deserves to have that always brought up when addressing their legacy.
It kind of frustrates me that people seem to think they know "Gene's Vision". The man, the "visionary", has passed away, he has gone from our sad little world to the great Star Trek in the sky. That being said only Gene truly knew Gene's Vision and random twitter warriors acting like they some how have a main line to the ghost of Gene is kind of insulting to other fans and also highly delusional on their part. What they really "know" is their own vision of Star Trek and the lens with which they view these stories in, nothing more.
I agree with you. The only thing we have are guesses based on what he said and created, and it's far from perfect. Now, the only thing we can do is judge the show on the current creator's intentions and how we feel about it. Gene was, after all, just a man and now that he's gone, we have to tell star trek stories for the modern day.
@@legendswarble2845 I also think that letting people create the Star Trek in their mind is much more interesting than just trying to conform to some idea of a "vision". I want to see people tell their own story.
And really, who cares if it's still "Gene's Vision"? Society has advanced quite a bit, one funeral at a time as usual, and one of those funerals happened to be Gene's. Shackling the franchise to what it was in the 1960s just means it would struggle to be relevant to the 2020s; to be to this decade what TOS was to its decade, it needs the vision of people who are to this decade what he was to his. (And if the current writers happen to be as horny as Gene, and bring in 2020s understandings of sexual ethics? Go for it. Have an offhand mention that a fully-stocked dungeon is standard on Federation ships, and as such there is absolutely no reason to make out in the storage closets.)
I've only seen a handful of star trek episodes so I usually don't watch your star trek content, but after the way you ended your last two JK Rowling videos I thought I'd give it a try. I can definitely see why you are so proud of this video. It is really well put together and I do always enjoy how you present your information, including here. It makes me want to start watching Star Trek. especially because my sister is obsessed and my parents are fans too. I'll finally be able to join in on the conversation lol. Anyway, great job!
I've only just started watching The Next Generation with my boyfriend and I (almost) am always so pleasantly surprised at how well each episode is written! It's on Netflix too!
Please give it a try. I'm sure your family would be happy to suggest a series and a season to start with. (There's a whole lot of Star Trek, and sometimes just picking a place to begin is overwhelming.) There are a few rough patches, which is almost inevitable when creating this many hours of stories and characters. But there are so many places that I wish I could see again for the first time... I'm kind of jealous of you! If you do try it, you have some amazing stories ahead of you.
The sheer production value of this video--- I'm reeling! Absolutely amazing. For context, I am a sex-repulsed/neutral asexual with no interest in star trek, just wanted to drop a like for support... but the sheer quality of the content and effort and love put in kept me watching till the very end. You have to be a special kind of talented to achieve that. What an amazing art piece, here's to future videos like this!
In a way, Star Trek growing more optimistic and progressive, and less toxic in its production, over the years, way beyond the scope of Gene’s control and vision, is probably the best and most Star Trek thing that has happened, and can happen, to Star Trek
I want to thank you for this research. Fans that are stuck in “Gene’s vision” need to open their minds and allow for all the other points of view that have contributed and made Star Trek great and diverse in ways to show stories, show different people, show different political views, the infinite possibility of cultures and how we need to respect all views and ways of living even if we don’t agree with them. Again , thank you 🙏!!
This would be very true even WITHOUT the fans worshipping "Gene's vision" apparently not knowing what it was! Because even if they were correct - there's always room for improvement and growth!
Hi Jessie, I'm amazed how you manage to keep up a sex positive tone in a video going that deep into the dark side of it. I value that high, because I think the demonization of sexuality plays a big part in the demonization of us sexual minorities. That said, it's always great to see someone confident inside their own body - even if, as in this case, that body does not fit the "target group" of my orientation.
This video has given me a better idea of how great and how unforgivable Gene Roddenberry was. And I do appreciate knowing that. Plus, to me, it never felt like you ever purposely tried to demonize him, but to present the facts, both good and horrible, and let the truths from the people that experienced them, let them show what kind of person he was, at the different stages of his life. Also, many thanks to the people you brought on, to talk about the parts that a white allo person could just empathize with, from an outside perspective and to allow them to voice their perspective. I continue to look forward to the other videos you make in the future. You awesome person you ^_^ .
The fans offended by lower decks thinking no sex in Star Trek sound ridiculous to me. I remember in like 1994 or thereabouts and I was like 12 and my parents wouldn't let me watch Star Trek TNG or DS9 because it was too sexual!
Honestly, I think most of the people getting their underwear in a twist over this aren't offended because Lower Decks was "too" sexual, but because it was what they consider the "wrong" kind of sexual. The are offended because it was both gay and non-monogamous, and maybe most of all because it was all on brightly lit public display without any of the the shadowed behind closed doors only shame demanded by outdated puritanical values.
Fun trivia: the three breasted woman in Total Recall is played by the actress who spills her drink on Captain Picard in engineering, and who voices the captain (the same character) of the damaged ship in the 2nd season finale of Lower Decks.
This was an incredible documentary of a man and series that has dominated American culture for over 55 years. The amount of detail and insight you put into this is worthy of a comparison to a Ken Burn’s docuseries. You also did an outstanding job showing the dangers of deifying an ordinary (if talented) creator, and the damages it can cause to that person and the world and people around them. I can think of other creators who have fallen down this rabbit hole as well. I cannot wait for the next video of yours that pops into my queue. Also, can I just say, damn you got some biceps on you!
also, now that i have finished the video, i want to celebrate the fact that your videos always release with full subtitles. i know what a massive undertaking that is for a small creator, especially on a large project like this. it makes it a lot easier for people like me to fully enjoy the work you put out and the additional effort is not missed or unappreciated.
This is probably the first time I’ve seen the words ‘Gene’s Vision’ on my phone screen in the past five years and NOT rolled my eyes. They seemed to have forgotten how obsessed with sex and objectifying people was in old Trek. A fine vid as always Jess 👌❤️ Edit (sorry listening to this throughout the day) I totally agree with you about what happened to Grace and it’s placement in here. Even if it wasn’t Gene and a different exec the video is about sexuality surrounding Star Trek and while it’s in the darkest part of that subject it’s 100% relevant and I applaud you drawing attention to it.
Yep, this series is going in with Dan Olson and Jenny Nicholson into "long ass RUclips comfort videos". Jessie, your voice and insight is so comforting and enlightening, and you're one of the few people on RUclips that constantly makes me smile even in the shit show of the world right now. The fact that you love Star Trek is the cherry on top
I'm barely halfway through, but this is a masterpiece. I'm alsono trekkie, so I learn a lot, especially about early trek. Also, thank you, Jessie, not just for a faboulous video, but also highlighting other creators, and mentioning Spock's asexual reading. As an ace fan, I deeply appreciate it. You are one of the most inclusive, thoughtful creator I've ever come across. Keep on being your beautiful self, Jessie.
Holy crap, Jessie, this is even bigger than I thought it would be. This is an amazing exploration of some hard topics about complicated people... which seems to be becoming your specialty. Can't wait till the next one. 🚀
I think a significant fraction of the reason people are mad about Lower Decks is that it's essentially saying the quiet part out loud, and/or that it's calling out what Trek has always been this whole time. It seems like some fraction of people are mad at the disintegration of plausible deniability. (And then there are probably people who have been in denial about it this whole time.)
I wonder if it's always denial. There are so many people, especially on Twitter, with terrible media comprehension and critical thinking ability. They may have missed it entirely until it was made even more blatant on Lower Decks. What do you think?
The things the Right likes about Trek - American-coded competent Manly Men heading out into the frontier and righting wrongs. - are not the things the rest of us like about Trek, and if you focus solely on that you can ignore the subtext, even when it's basically text.
Jessie, girl. This was FUCKING AMAZING. I started watching being like "yeah, she has a good point, but we know Gene was a big ol' horndog, nothing new about that" - but then the video went in such interesting and revealing directions, it had so much information I hadn't known before, and it was so nuanced and balanced, not overstating the good aspects of Roddenberry or presenting them out of context, nor dismissing them altogether for the undeniably horrible things he'd done (let alone the allegations). And it was done with so much care and so much obvious love for the franchise. Fuck YT being prude and bigoted, this video deserves a standing ovation.
My ace brain was a bit of uncomfortable at times, but I can tell this was a big undertaking and appreciate all the care that was put into the project. There were many intriguing and educational pieces of information spread throughout.
I just want to recognize that it probably took a heckuva lot of courage to be filmed in such a revealing outfit, for youtube, in a culture like ours that's hyper-critical at the best of times. To be clear you look amazing, like... wow, but even still it can't have been easy. It's awesome to see you be so confident and I know it's gonna help other people feel more confident in turn 💜 You're awesome Jessie
🤣"The novelization that Gene wrote (just) tells them to suck it." Jessie, this had me cracking up, laughing, chortling, and chuckling for like 5 minutes. Perfect timing and delivery. I'm glad I wasn't drinking a soda at the time.
This was absolutely incredible. Fantastic research and production value on this, and the VO by fellow YT faves was a delight. This video so perfectly encapsulates why Roddenberry is so... complicated. A man of high-minded ideals but also, sadly, a man of his time. Trek would not be Trek without him, but at the same time, I think Trek could only become something bigger without him. On that note I'm looking forward to the future installments of this series. On the subject of Trek horniness, the mirror universe episodes of DS9 are just a latinum mine. I have a weakness for Intendant Kira for sure. And my last viewing I remember grinning at how Mirror!Worf tells Mirror!Garak "you're not my type" and all the fun implications of that.
Had to skip the rough part. Can't mentally handle it today, but I will re-watch the video another day and hear her voice. I think this video is a testament to a communities as a source of connection and mutual empowerment, compared against the toxic and abusive power of patriarchy embodied in both Gene's actions and the power vested in him by social and business structures that limited the voice of marginalized groups. Thank you for this video, Jessie, I'm glad I found your channel.
What a fantastic video from someone who understands what being a fan is all about. You understand the idea of loving something yet criticizing it because you know it can and should be better. I appreciate your delving into the good, the bad and the horrible about Roddenberry. Trek has always been important to me because of the visibility of Nichelle Nichols. Her whole story about meeting MLK still brings tears to my eyes. What I believe was lost in the discussion about her importance in TOS is colorism. Nichols was a dark brown woman prominently featured in a major series in a time where light skin and "good hair" was the Hollywood and societal ideal (unfortunately it still is). Little Black girls in the late 60's early 70's saw someone who LOOKED like me, who had a certain amount of agency and commanded a certain amount of respect. That's why the casting of Zoe Saldana in the modern Trek films was such a huge disappointment but not all that surprising. It was a reminder that Black women of a certain hue are once more relegated to the background. That's why Star Trek: Discovery means way more to me now because of the visibility and agency of Soniqua Martin-Green and Oyin Oladejo.
The final thought from Gene you left us with reminded me of the Oscar Wilde line "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." Keep your eyes on the stars, it suits you.
I've heard the lyrics to the Star Trek theme many times, but this was the first time I've ever enjoyed it. This is a fantastic video and I'm already excited for part 2
The vocal talents of Steve Shives, Verily and Seán Ferrick along with Jessie Earl. The only person missing is Rowan Coleman. So many fantastic Tubers. This video was incredibly well done. Bravo, Jess.
2:02:19 I don’t remember Takei saying his character was straight just that he didn’t want Zulu to be gay solely because Takei as a person is gay. And I agree with him on that, Zulu shouldn’t be gay cuz of his association with Takei. But we do need openly/explicitly queer characters. I just don’t think it’s the best to have your reason for making a character queer be “well the OG actor is”. That’s really what the issue was, not whether or not Zulu should be gay.
I know several other Aces have mentioned it but well done on this video, sure there are very sex averse Aces out there who probably didn't bother watching or were put off, but for the other ones this was a very well produced video that I feel acknowledges and accommodates all the letters in our club unlike many other RUclipsrs.
It's a bit of a shame just how integral sex was to his writing of Star Trek, since it resulted in making out a lessened or lack of sex drive being equated to a lack of humanity. Asexuality was really only ever depicted in non-human entities, such as Data or certain aliens, up until this animated iteration. Rowan Ellis has a good video about this.
Humans in general have problems connecting with entities which are not human or at least humanoid. I think that though not necessarily at the front of the brain when it came to these it always had an effect. For instance part of the reason (other than the fact it scared the hell out of a lot of people) the film The Dark Crystal did so badly was due to having nothing onscreen that the human brain could connect with easily. This is partly the reason why Hensons second movie Labyrinth had 2 human leads in Jennifer Connolly and David Bowie. I thought I may be asexual for a long time and I connected with that in Data except for the 2 occasions we had to hear about his equipment and how good he is with it lol, however I’m actually demisexual, I need to have an emotional connection with someone to be able to enjoy intimacy otherwise it just feels empty.
A fantastic and well constructed discussion about an aspect of ST that shouldn't need to be discussed in the 21st century. Those people that have created such a fuss over that scene in Lower Decks should be totally ashamed of themselves. Grow up for God's sake.
As an asexual I have nothing against bonking rooms, just please make sure that they are clearly marked :D This was incredibile, Jessie. Hope it gets the views it deserves, and future episodes as well. Much love, You wonderfull Nerd-Empress
That song sounded like an effort to put syllables in the most unusual notes. It was like a cheesy opening theme. That’s not bad per se, but it sounded like it was trying to be something it’s not.
You and everyone who worked on this project with you should be immensely proud. This is one of the best media analysis video essays I have ever consumed and everything from the editing, to the collaboration, to the presentation are spot on. I cannot wait for your next release and I'm glad I can support you all by at least commenting to show my admiration and love. Live long and prosper
Hero worship can turn toxic. Champion the values he held early in his life, and the actual good he did...but don't whitewash the wretchedness that occurred. Sucks that a lot of the allegations and his own recorded behavior calls the authenticity of his "vision" into question, as far as honest intent goes.
Damn girl this episode was a Rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried and inspired. I knew Gene wasn't a perfect person but having a more specific understanding what he may or may not have done was an enlightening experience. It was eye opening to remember that one of my heroes was a flawed human.
Watched it in multiple chunks over two days. I like being able to choose how much I watch at a time more than being told “here’s 20 min at a time”. Glad you chose to do it in this long format. Thank you for specifically telling us about how epic of a project this was in advance. Probably wouldn’t have clicked on this massive over-length documentary otherwise. But it absolutely lived up to your hype. Fascinating! And I’m not that I to Star Trek. I watched some TNG eps. That’s it.
I loved this essay. Despite the fact that I have never actually seen Star Trek, I saw how passionate you are about this video and decided that it would be more than worthwhile to watch, and I was correct. The in depth analysis of not only the show but the people behind it is an incredible look into an iconic show. Showing the beautiful parts and the parts that many don’t want to see. Thank you for making this. Your channel is one of my favorites.
Your description of him (especially later life) is pretty on point for someone with pathological narcissism.. I'm not saying that lightly and though we can't diagnose him, the pattern of abuse and other classic behaviors is clear... it's ok for us to be better than those who came before us.
I was leaning uncomfortably in that direction of thought myself. He led, at best, an unexamined life. I’d hate to think that all the good he did was coincidental with his drives, but he would not have been the first, particularly in sixties science fiction.
This is wildly entertaining and so thoroughly researched. Really appreciate such a detailed view of Roddenbery, with as little bias as could be possible, it's always felt like everything I've read about him has either been with the perspective of "he was an untouchable visionary" or "obviously he was horrible" so I now feel like I understand both perspectives.
Thank you so much for this very detailed dive into the behind-the-scenes effects of sex, sexuality, and gender in Star Trek. And even though it was hard to hear, and I'm sure hard to read, thank you for sharing Grace Lee Whitney's account of what happened to her. That story was new to me, and for me, it shows how strong a woman she was that she was able to speak about the experience and to tell her story in her own words. When I got into Star Trek in the 90s, not long after Roddenberry's death, the story about Whitney's "difficulty" on set was her alcoholism, and while she acknowledges that was a concern for her, I would imagine that having to see and work with the man who attacked you was just as, if not more of an immediate concern for her. Yeoman Rand was a wonderful character, and I don't think she or Whitney got enough credit for that at the time. Also, even though I had to watch this in parts because of the run-time, while watching it never seemed long. You and your cast/crew made this so well. I can't wait for the further installments.
Wow, that thumbnail! Jessie, I'm so happy for you and proud in your confidence to be able to allow us to see this side of you. I know this isn't really what the video is about, but I really wish you the best of luck in pursuing a happy and healthy life with all of the support you could ever want. If anyone deserves to have one, it's you.
The amount of production value you put into your videos tells me that television ought to take notes because this is truly amazing. Keep up the amazing work, Jessie!
I love how comfortable you’ve become with baring your body and personality on RUclips. Your ever growing confidence is truly inspiring. You are a rock star.
The whole "Gene Roddenberry's vision" thing reminds me of this time I slipped up on tumblr. The Happytime Murders trailer had just dropped, and I thought it looked terrible, so I made a post complaining about it. I think I must have wrote something like "what would Jim Henson think?" implying that the R rated nature of the piece was incongruent with "Henson's vision." A few people angrily corrected me, and I realized how little I knew about Jim Henson and that I'd made stuff up based on my interpretation of his character. Eventually I learned about his early life/work, including The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence lol
Gene Roddenberry looks, to me, as a classic "Preacher”, someone whose motto could be: "do as I say, not as I do". He had a great idea and an even bigger ego, plenty of personal failings and he - arguably - grew old bitterly. Then again, even the greatest idiot can occasionally have a great idea, and the most compulsive of liars tell a deep truth... And many intelligent persons had catastrophically stupid ideas. The value of ideas is independent from the one of those who had them, which is what makes "call to authority" a logical fallacy, although one us human have much trouble recognize as such. The "Gene's message" is in itself a set of good ideas and healthy aspirations, no matter the fuck-ups of Gene Roddenberry the man.
I've just reached the end of Part III and WOW, Jessie, you should be so incredibly proud of yourself for making this brilliant work of art and piece of media criticism. The vision you had for this project was SO ambitious and you executed it magnificently! This is absolutely one of the best (if not THE best) video essay I saw on this platform that was made this year. And that's saying a lot. And I love that you got input from other diverse creators who don't have the platform you do but I will most certainly be checking them out!
Jessie. Thank you so much. What a fabulous piece of work. I am so glad you have this series and look forward to where it goes. As a trans nonbinary autistic Star Trek fan, I also really appreciate the representation your work provides. Thanks for being you inthe world. And as a pansexual, thank you for the lovely and generous views of your body. I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciated that as much as you obviously enjoyed filming it. Peace and sol.
Jessie, some congratulations are absolutely in order for this and all the collaborators who put their voice work in as well. THIS is one of your best Star Trek video essays, RIGHT up there with "Why You Should Watch Lower Decks". I never anticipated it'd be longer than a feature length movie, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
This video was incredibly well done and thought provoking, Gene Roddenberry was a complex man which you went above and beyond to show from multiple angles and viewpoints. While Star Trek was never just "one mans vision", there was a time before and for some years after he died when I could almost take for granted his importance for the franchise, and while he was important in creating Star Trek, he wasn't the only one and besides 55+ years on you can't expect the franchise to not evolve as it always has. I thought the criticism of the Lower Decks thing was silly, and I've yet to watch that series, and while honestly I haven't been the biggest fan of some of the newer Trek that doesn't mean it has none of the vision of Star Trek from Gene and all the others who brought it to life from its earliest days. I know this video took a lot of time and effort, but I hope you can continue when possible to create challenging yet engaging content like this, I like getting to watch content like this that makes think and approach concepts from different perspectives, and I think much of your audience will as well. (I've also just discovered "The Lieutenant" which he helped create which was a great show in its own right and has some Star Trek trivia relating in it which I wont spoil here!)
Jessie! What a masterpiece! Thank you for loving Star Trek enough to use your amazing talents to make these works of art for us all. You are a gift to the fandom. As a woman, I've never been keen on where "Gene's Vision" would leave us in the future. I feel GR's negative view of women is so obvious even in TOS. Yes, women can be in Starfleet but can't be captains and should just accept their role or face disaster (Turnabout Intruder). They can be intelligent and knowledgeable but will lose all sense of logic and judgement when they meet a charming alien (eg. Space Seed, Who Mourns for Adonais?), so cannot be trusted to perform as good officers. As you mentioned, a major way they can be used in the centre of a story is by being assaulted or openly objectified (eg Rand in Charlie X and The Enemy Within and Troi in many episodes). Many are baddies who can easily be tricked when faced with Kirk's irresistible sex appeal. Pretty grim. Thank goodness for DS9 and Voyager largely evolving beyond this with the main female characters. I also loved your rendition of the TOS theme!! I always thought the lyrics were just completely random and irrelevant but I liked your interpretation of their meaning. 😆 Thank you again for sharing your genius with us all.💕
Saved watching this until I was driving to my parents house last night, it's a multiple hour drive. This video made me cry, made me love Gene more, and made me like him less. It truly showed me things about him that I never knew before! And the Dr. Martin Luther King, that part was absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for this video, it was so worth the wait, and the run time! Now to show it to my sibling!
I'm always happy to take part in the perversions of anyone who looks that good. 😅 This is seriously brave content to make. This video covers important topics and the algorithm is going to be very mean to it.
Out of this freaking world, Jessie! Once again you've outdone yourself, I'm so excited about seeing more of this series! Seriously can't say enough good things about this episode
Honestly I was someone who found your channel through your direct talks of trans issues, politics, etc. But last week when you explained wanting to be seen for more, I decided I would watch this video, even as someone who has only ever seen two of the latest reboot of films and zero episodes of the show. I didn't expect to have so many complicated emotions for a franchise/fanbase I'm barely even tangentially involved in- I loved hearing about Dr. Martin Luther King's encouragement, Roddenberry's defense of Michelle Nichols on the show, and, yes, the orgy scene on Lower Decks. I can feel the love and energy you put into this video, Jessie, and I shared it with all the Trekkies in my life. And also, I would never have the confidence to wear so sexy an outfit on camera. Kudos in either your confidence or your dedication to the bit (or both!).
I gotta be honest: I put off watching this video for the past week. I work long hours everyday, and the idea of spending 2+ hrs of my time watching a youtube video just seemed daunting. Last night I decided to put it on in the background while putting together holiday packages, and it captivated me. Most of what you cover I already knew, but to see it illustrated in an organized narrative was just wonderful. Congratulations, and very well done. On a side note: I've been watching Trek since the 70's . I grew up on OST reruns then TAS, and live watched the premier of TNG with friends and fans. I'll never quite understand the "cannon" folks or those who elevate Roddenberry. I do admire Roddenberry for his vision, but also know, like all of us, he was a deeply flawed person. What he left us though is not a cannon of stories or narratives though, but a framework to imagine a better future and a place for us to build those stories -- whether their $100M blockbusters or a pieces of fanfiction.
I'm not a trekkie myself; I only know Star Trek from pop culture. And I only say this to remark how accessible this video was even without that background. This was such a wonderful case study. I loved it 💙💙💙✨✨ Thank you for all the creators you invited, too. I'm checking them all out!
I absolutely love this video :) I’m autistic, and so much of my identity (including my gender identity and sexual orientation) came from watching Star Trek TOS (and later, all of the other series/movies.) This video is by far best Star Trek analysis (and analysis in general) that I’ve seen in a long time.
Quick note: Apologizes to Rowan J Coleman, who also did voice over for this video, but whom I accidentally left out when creating the opening credits due to a copy paste mistake! Normally, I would have just reexported a fixed version, but this was the only version of this video that didn't get a copyright strike and/or demonitized by RUclips immediately upon uploading, so sadly the mistake is stuck due to RUclips's constant issues. Rowan, of course, is one of my favorite Trek RUclipsrs out there and deserves just as much love as all of the other creators in this video, so here is his channel link. Thank you to Rowan for taking part in this project
Nae danger :) Loved the video :)
No worries, I recognized his voice instantly
Rowan is awesome
For clarification (since some of us haven't discovered all of the amazing creators yet) would you be kind enough to tell us who/what he v.o.ed?
@@searchingfororion he did some of the tweets at the beginning of the video!
"Sex doesn't belong in Star Trek!"
Second episode of TNG: "Does the robot fuck? We need to answer this question immediately!"
"I'll have you know that he's *fully functional!* "
Gene Roddenberry, probably
"is the tomboy chief of security straight? please god tell me shes straight"
hahaha ST was just sex
the girl talking about how "Sulu just starts fencing, not engaging in a massive orgy" is the biggest 'woosh' of a sexual innuendo i've ever seen - and I'm asexual
Wasnt there a episode called amok time or episode where capt’n and uharra kissed? Didnt the titles I was Born in 68 only saw sometimes on reruns on bbc where I started to see next generation in 92. Only thing i missed was .. st nemesis
Star Trek Lower Decks is a COMEDY/PARODY ! Of course it contains ridiculous stuff to make people laugh! Yes, some jokes are not nice by everyone's standards, but they don't have to be. Also, the nudity scenes are blurred, that orgy was a simulation that was meant to make the tested person fail, so of course it was shocking!
@@yannbeelen1630 You're thinking of the episode called "Plato's Stepchildren." "Amock Time" was about Spock's Vulcan mating season.
@@lalywindland5764 also, that's a reference to a previous episode, in TNG, i think. At the beginning it brings up the fact it's some kind of disease or something. I remember one of the really early episodes of TNG had something to do with that. got rid of inhibitions or something.
So what I'm getting from this is that Gene Roddenberry was unironically the kind of guy who'd say "hey baby, wanna see my rod and berries?"
It is kind of interesting how the Ferengi were one of Roddenberry's last major contributions to Star Trek, and they started out as antagonistic sex pests with regressive views on women. But after Gene left the show they didn't just write them out OR have them suddenly realize the errors of their ways and drastically change their culture. They slowly found a place working alongside the Federation in TNG and DS9. Instead, the Ferengi slowly did the hard work of learning to look past their prejudices and work with other species amicably. And those around them also did the hard work of helping them with that hard work, to a reasonable extent. It was often uncomfortable, tough, or even dangerous. But it was a challenging balance the writers stuck with, and I think they went great places with it.
Agreed! Writing them out would have been easy, but instead the new writers used the Ferengi as an example of how clashing cultures CAN work together as long as reasonable tolerance is shown on both sides. It's not easy, and they did a fantastic job showing it.
Also it shows how by association with starfleet they also slowly opened up to radical ideas and by the end of DS9 women are given the right to wear clothes, travel and earn/spend profit.
I agree with this a lot although we only get to see a small part of it through Grand Nagus Zek becoming involved with Ishka who had a good deal to do with the changes and keeping Zek as safe as possible until Rom became Nagus and carried on the work of changing the Ferengi. I love that we got to see this arc of an entire culture even if in only small glimpses. The fact that more Ferengi joined Star Fleet and Nog had a ship named after him shows just what they were capable of. I’m so happy as is Armin Shimmermen that he got to play characters both at the very beginning of our introduction to them and being there in DS9 as Fernginar and his own views changed and grew.
Gene also wrote them as having massive genitals... Like enormous genitalia... Hidden behind a large codpiece.
Considering their ways and philosophies, Ferengi make a great analog for Republicans.
As an irreparably heterosexual male, I admittedly clicked due to the thumbnail. 😭 Ya got me, Jessie! BUT I stayed for the absolutely brilliant commentary! So you got me twice!
It's refreshing to see actually progressive people talk about modern Trek for once. I'm sick of the right-wingers who fundamentally misunderstand Trek dictating the tone of the online discourse around it anymore.
As a bi woman, same
as a human with eyes, agreed
I'm crying listening to Nichelle talk about her interaction with Dr King. She was meeting her hero, but he was meeting his. We do not know our impact on others and are often unaware of our importance to others. Never ever under estimate the power your life holds.
I was sobbing during that part too - I assumed it was because I was a little high lol But I woke up thinking about that part all over again and just...wow
@@herefortheshrimp1469 Hugs, and don't forget to share, lol
@@herefortheshrimp1469 I can't get it out of my head, the man was a mirror. "You don't know who you are? Here, take my eyes. Ready? Now look again."
i cried there too haha esp when she looks back in that 2020 video and talks about what she learned she had accomplished for all women of color
That bit felt really powerful. I had shivers all over right from the moment when she first said "Dr King".
I'm begging you Jess, PLEASE pursue more of this project, regardless of RUclips's shitfuckery. It's pure gold.
For real! I enjoyed this so much! I never watched Star Trek and never really had any interest in it, but this video has me wanting to learn more about the franchise through a critical lens. I'm really starting to understand why this franchise is as popular and culturally impactful as it is.
This is a magnum opus, Jessie. An ensemble of amazing creators singing a sexual symphony and you are the conductor! I had no idea that I’d take part in one of the most ambitious pieces of progressive art on RUclips this year. Thank you so much, “you beautiful human”. T’was a privilege & a pleasure ❤️
I enjoyed your vocal cameo!!!
Replying to boost the algorithm, but also cool to see you appear in this cinematic universe.
All the favorite RUclipsrs in one video plus a few new ones to check out!
Holy raktajino! What a pleasant surprise! I love your channel
It really is
That interview with Nichelle Nichols where she's talking about the kiss is absolutely brilliant. I had heard of that story, but hearing her tell it is something else. Can't imagine what it's like to sit there as the Suits directly, right in front of you, flaunt that racism and take that issue right in front of your face and she doesn't crack the whole time. You can clearly tell it meant a lot to her for Gene and Bill to have her back though. I know this story from the UK as my parents, as my parents a black woman and a white man, would speak about it as being the first time they ever saw an interracial pairing on TV as well
Never heard about her meeting Dr King though. There was a lot of emotions in that telling of the story, and they were absolutely right though. She was something else and something special.
I heard a version of this on a PBS series called "Pioneers of Primetime" and talking about science fiction that Shatner had argued; "Why wouldn't Kirk kiss her?" Despite the fact their characters were being forced into the kiss he argued that Kirk would kiss Uhura regardless because it would still be "in character"
Not a Trekkie but my Dad was. He passed away in 2020 from Covid. I think he would have loved this. Thank you for helping me feel like I'm getting to know him more. Might just start binge watching Star Trek. This was awesome, Jessie. I can see why you're so proud of this. You outdid yourself. Thank you ❤
A part of me is curious now that some time has passed, have you watched it since making this comment?
As an asexual, I am really, REALLY glad that you included an asexual person to discuss the whole Spock being ace thing. That was lovely.
Also, Lt. Cmdr. Billips is true ace representation in Star Trek and Mike McMahan and the writers on LD are so awesome for being truly inclusive!
@@TakaComics Except for that they never said the word asexual.
Yes, thank you Jessie, I literally screamed when you mentioned that asexuals exist
I'm dating (Edit: Partner) someone that is asexual but the concept isn't something they've never been able to express. I keep showing my partner stuff that broaches the idea of this is normal. This is nothing (my partner's name) had ever thought was possible. Meanwhile, I'm still waiting to be able to wear a skirt to work. As of 2022, I still have to wear pants and I broke the system that one time I wore shorts on a Friday in 35C weather back in 2018. I have Scottish blood - let the Scots lead.
@@withershin if you got Scottish lineage you get to wear a kilt. Shouldn’t need to but say it’s a kilt. They don’t only come in tartans anymore.
Jessie, it’s such an honor to have been a part of this. This essay is so momentous, one of the best I’ve seen this year if ever. Few people have the courage to criticize their favorites the way you do - you represent the new wave of video essays. Thank you ❤️
It was such an honor to have you in this ❤️
It was an absolute honour to have contributed a brush stroke to this absolute masterpiece
very nice contribution on your part CC
👏👏👏
Subscribed! I'm looking forward to watching more of your work!
You are an Inspiration.
Jessie, this is really something else. Just amazing. I’m an asexual, and I was sort of nervous to watch this. Often when people discuss sex, I’m left with the feeling that I didn’t get the hormone invitation to the fun bus that everyone else got. There’s probably a better way to say that, but I’m sticking with it. This was fun, it was informative, and you made me feel so seen and included. I may have gotten just a touch misty in the eye about it.
Also, yeah, Pon Farr IS just the worst, for all the reasons you said, but Spock jackhammering me nearly into oblivion every seven years does kinda sound like my cup of tea.
"...didn't get the hormone invitation to the fun bus" is the most accurate description of asexuality and demisexuality I have ever heard. There is no better way to state it. I will fight anyone who insists otherwise.
@@Hakumeiun Only way I can think of to better explain it is; "not mentally wired for that." But the hormone thing is good
Having heard the story about Nichelle Nichols meeting Dr. King before, it was wonderful hearing it from her. Thank you so much for putting so much of her interview in, I was teary-eyed when Roddenberry opened the drawer-I knew what was coming next. This whole video was lovingly edited and I appreciate it so much.
I loved it too!
To those who feel uncertain about watching because of the video length: don't. This has excellent flow, and you are not aware of runtime at all.
If you're even a bit of a sci-fi fan, especially Star Trek, then it's well known taking a bit more time to effectively build the setting and story is something we've come to expect - in fact, it's how we've set the bar.
This is *exactly* what Jessie has done with this work - she not only has met the bar, but exceeded it. This is just as - if not *more* deeply and widely researched - than the range of Star Trek documentaries I've seen.
I've been watching it in manageable pieces over the last 3 days and will probably finish tomorrow. There are ways to make it work even if you don't have that much time in one instance.
@@kaworunagisa4009 Excellent point. Bite size pieces work as well. It's fairly easy to stay on track.
I was just highlighting that most generations of Trek fans have no issue binging 1hr (with commercial) episodes, so there's little difference here.
I am so glad that this series exists, and that is able to talk about your darker and more f*cked parts of Star Trek instead of sweeping it all under the rug.
It would be incomplete without it.
What stands out to me about the depiction of sex and sexuality in Star Trek,
especially during Roddenberry's lifetime (and Berman's regency),
is just how blatant, vulgar, empty, and utterly embarrassing it all is.
As if the mere existence of an 'attractive' or 'undressed' person is all it takes to turn someone into an unhinged animal, regardless of relationship or circumstance.
Says a lot about him I think.
Completely agree. As a young teen watching TNG I felt like the sexual behavior of the characters was unhinged. Maybe someone accidently turned up the hormones in the replicated food.
he was a total pervert
There's no way Romulan sex is violent. They're more in touch with their emotions, more open about their feelings. If anything sweet, passionate love would probably be seen as world rocking
Counterpoint: Hatefucking exists.
Jessie, this video actually made me laugh on the day my pet of 16 years passed away. Not to be a downer. I just want to say thank you. Your use of cuts and found footage, the timing, and interspersed with you... It all culminated perfectly in this video for me on a day I really needed it. I'm having to watch this one in pieces, so here's my small bit of entergagement to help it along as I can. Please keep doing what you do. Your channel is wonderful, because even on a day that I don't have the spoons to watch heavier stuff, I know I can still find good reviews and vids like this one to lift me up. So much thank you!!
Sending you love
I'm watching this now two weeks after my cat of 16 years passed away 💔
@@Sean_Piper I'm sorry for your loss. The longer they stay with us, the harder it is to adjust to them being gone. They remain forever curled up in our hearts. *hugs*
@@kerryontop I just lost my pet too it's been a rough week. I'm very sorry for your loss I know how sad you must be because of how sad I've been
🧡🦇
@@T0xXx1k I'm very sorry for your loss. Thank you for your kind words. They warmed my heart. I hope you find something special to help you through the worst of your grief. Much love to you. 💜
Gotta love that you can commit genocide every episode, or violate the Prime Directive and imperil cultures and species everywhere in the galaxy, "Shoot to kill, men"... BUT DON'T YOU DARE HAVE SEX!
So sick of this culture where you can behead people on film but God forbid you imply they're having sex. It's just weird.
Great video, Jessie. Man, if these people had their way, we might never have seen Shatner and Nichols kiss.
That drives me freaking insane too!
Indeed... Star Trek, and media in general, could do with fewer battlefield climaxes and more bedroom climaxes... or you know, whatever other room they prefer and with whoever and however many they are comfortable climaxes ;-)
@@EmeralBookwise I'm cool with the fighting - it's a theoretical military show. But geez, people, normalizing violence and pigeonholing sex is exactly ass backwards, all puns intended.
This is such a nuanced look at Gene Roddenberry. I really appreciate you discussing the good, the bad and the in between about Star Trek and its creator-especially in the area of sexuality which so often is either prudish or prurient. No rose-coloured glasses or simple condemnation, but thoughtful and sometimes sexy conversation.
1:14:10
Nichelle Nichols’ interview about meeting MLK honestly is so touching and heartbreaking. What a queen.
Nichelle Nichols is such a pleasure to listen to. I barely knew her (yeah, I'm the kind of person who watches a three hours video on Star Trek without having see more than, like, 3 episodes and a movie of it) but her recollection of her story was so touching and riveting, it really moved me.
What I love about this whole "trending on Twitter" nonsense is that all the people complaining about Lower Decks, are those same people who are like, "Learn to take a joke" when somebody gets offended by something transphobic.
💯
Word! And a large contingent of reactionaries cry "hypocrisy!" when others are actually unpacking something critically instead of lashing out in vague outrage. Examining something can be a lot more embarrassing than waving torches and pitchforks around, precisely because we are forced to confront our own perceptions and biases and might >gasp< actually learn something instead of simply demanding to be comfortable again.
Wow. I'm blown away by this one, it's so clear how much thought, time, and effort went into this. In addition to being fascinating and educational, in typical Jessie fashion, you managed to take an incredibly complex issue and unpack it in a way that acknowledges nuance without erasing the hurt and experiences of the people impacted. You really have a gift for that sort of thing, your sensitivity toward other people is such a bright light.
Really spectacular work, the fact that this is going to be a whole series is so exciting!
This video was incredibly eye-opening for me as you took us through Hollywood history and explained how the idea of sexual liberation has changed and shifted through the ages - how what we might now call objectification, when consensual, can be empowering. It was also interesting from an asexual perspective. Rowan Ellis released a video on the same day talking about ace characters, four of them from Star Trek. Seeing these two videos so close together has informed my interpretation of each one. It's interesting how differently Spok and Data especially were portrayed: one through an ace lens and one through an allo one, both of which were looking for queer representation. This also explains so much of how that ace representation ran amuck. If the creator sees sex as an integral part of humanity, both sexual attraction and desire, no wonder it can be seen as the barrier separating that which is human and that which is alien. I'm glad this show has enabled you and so many others to see yourself, and I hope there will be more shows in the future which can represent sex as a messy, connective, and human experience without alienating (pun intended) those who experience the messiness and muddiness of relationships in a different way. At least from where I stand, sexual liberation means freedom (without vilification) for everyone. Thanks Jessie
That entire recount by Nichols was the stuff of legends. You can also see the pain in her and Shatner's eyes during the kiss because they were betraying each other's trust as captain and officer
This was an experience. One of the best RUclips videos I've ever seen in my 15 years in the platform. Thank you for leaving Ms. Nichelle's interviews intact and didn't cut them up, she always expresses herself wonderfully and honestly. Thank you for this video, as a fellow Trekkie, this was much needed.
As an asexual who has never been even in the slightest interested in Star Trek... this is probably one of the best video essays I've ever seen, I was engaged the whole time and near the end I was still left wishing for more.
Yes, the rape gang scene is terrible. It does mirror life. The first thing any survivor of ethnic cleansing or civil wars talks about is how the enemy on both sides used rape as a weapon. This is even before the murdering. And if I remember correctly in 1987 there were a lot of horrific conflicts and before that would inform this. It also shows that not all colonies when left on their own follow Federation rules this was also shown in TOS too. Just not such a horrific character quality to have survived.
I'm still in the intro and I can already tell this is going to be scathing. I was into Star Trek in high school and the idea of someone saying the show is "too woke" when the entire premise was learning about other people and their cultures instead of committing genocide on sight is so richly ironic.
So, now that you’ve watched the whole thing, what do you think?
@@regulargoat7259 Epic!!!💜🌎🖖🏻
Aggrandize. That word is the one I was waiting for. Roddenberry has always come across as the type of person who really did want to help and open doors for those for whom they can be closed, but specifically, and unfortunately, to be that person so as to have and hold that position of power. The progressive gatekeeper if you will. As good as a person he could be, to never be open to those he helped becoming more than him, to go beyond, to leave him behind.
In a way it reminds me of parents who want the best for their children but at the same time become jealous of them when they start to surpass themselves, and as time goes on struggle more and more with letting go, letting them be free from their control and find their own path without them being the core star of it.
Goes without saying of course, but will say it anyway; fantastic video, thanks Jessie!
Your professionalism when dealing with the SA allegations deserves to be acknowledged. It’s a hard subject, something I’d never heard of before this video that changes some opinions of mine.
Thank you so much for bringing this all up anyone who allegedly did that deserves to have that always brought up when addressing their legacy.
It kind of frustrates me that people seem to think they know "Gene's Vision". The man, the "visionary", has passed away, he has gone from our sad little world to the great Star Trek in the sky. That being said only Gene truly knew Gene's Vision and random twitter warriors acting like they some how have a main line to the ghost of Gene is kind of insulting to other fans and also highly delusional on their part. What they really "know" is their own vision of Star Trek and the lens with which they view these stories in, nothing more.
Star Trek doesn't belong to Gene Roddenberry anymore. It belongs to us.
I agree with you. The only thing we have are guesses based on what he said and created, and it's far from perfect. Now, the only thing we can do is judge the show on the current creator's intentions and how we feel about it. Gene was, after all, just a man and now that he's gone, we have to tell star trek stories for the modern day.
@@legendswarble2845 I also think that letting people create the Star Trek in their mind is much more interesting than just trying to conform to some idea of a "vision". I want to see people tell their own story.
@@sagebuttercrunch Indeed. As Jesse said, there is more than one vision of the future
And really, who cares if it's still "Gene's Vision"? Society has advanced quite a bit, one funeral at a time as usual, and one of those funerals happened to be Gene's. Shackling the franchise to what it was in the 1960s just means it would struggle to be relevant to the 2020s; to be to this decade what TOS was to its decade, it needs the vision of people who are to this decade what he was to his.
(And if the current writers happen to be as horny as Gene, and bring in 2020s understandings of sexual ethics? Go for it. Have an offhand mention that a fully-stocked dungeon is standard on Federation ships, and as such there is absolutely no reason to make out in the storage closets.)
I've only seen a handful of star trek episodes so I usually don't watch your star trek content, but after the way you ended your last two JK Rowling videos I thought I'd give it a try. I can definitely see why you are so proud of this video. It is really well put together and I do always enjoy how you present your information, including here. It makes me want to start watching Star Trek. especially because my sister is obsessed and my parents are fans too. I'll finally be able to join in on the conversation lol. Anyway, great job!
Please do. You will have such a lot of fun!
I've only just started watching The Next Generation with my boyfriend and I (almost) am always so pleasantly surprised at how well each episode is written! It's on Netflix too!
Please give it a try. I'm sure your family would be happy to suggest a series and a season to start with. (There's a whole lot of Star Trek, and sometimes just picking a place to begin is overwhelming.)
There are a few rough patches, which is almost inevitable when creating this many hours of stories and characters. But there are so many places that I wish I could see again for the first time... I'm kind of jealous of you! If you do try it, you have some amazing stories ahead of you.
The sheer production value of this video--- I'm reeling! Absolutely amazing. For context, I am a sex-repulsed/neutral asexual with no interest in star trek, just wanted to drop a like for support... but the sheer quality of the content and effort and love put in kept me watching till the very end.
You have to be a special kind of talented to achieve that. What an amazing art piece, here's to future videos like this!
$20k for the bolt-on t!ts alone -
In a way, Star Trek growing more optimistic and progressive, and less toxic in its production, over the years, way beyond the scope of Gene’s control and vision, is probably the best and most Star Trek thing that has happened, and can happen, to Star Trek
I want to thank you for this research. Fans that are stuck in “Gene’s vision” need to open their minds and allow for all the other points of view that have contributed and made Star Trek great and diverse in ways to show stories, show different people, show different political views, the infinite possibility of cultures and how we need to respect all views and ways of living even if we don’t agree with them. Again , thank you 🙏!!
This would be very true even WITHOUT the fans worshipping "Gene's vision" apparently not knowing what it was! Because even if they were correct - there's always room for improvement and growth!
Hi Jessie, I'm amazed how you manage to keep up a sex positive tone in a video going that deep into the dark side of it. I value that high, because I think the demonization of sexuality plays a big part in the demonization of us sexual minorities. That said, it's always great to see someone confident inside their own body - even if, as in this case, that body does not fit the "target group" of my orientation.
This video has given me a better idea of how great and how unforgivable Gene Roddenberry was. And I do appreciate knowing that. Plus, to me, it never felt like you ever purposely tried to demonize him, but to present the facts, both good and horrible, and let the truths from the people that experienced them, let them show what kind of person he was, at the different stages of his life. Also, many thanks to the people you brought on, to talk about the parts that a white allo person could just empathize with, from an outside perspective and to allow them to voice their perspective. I continue to look forward to the other videos you make in the future. You awesome person you ^_^ .
The fans offended by lower decks thinking no sex in Star Trek sound ridiculous to me. I remember in like 1994 or thereabouts and I was like 12 and my parents wouldn't let me watch Star Trek TNG or DS9 because it was too sexual!
Honestly, I think most of the people getting their underwear in a twist over this aren't offended because Lower Decks was "too" sexual, but because it was what they consider the "wrong" kind of sexual.
The are offended because it was both gay and non-monogamous, and maybe most of all because it was all on brightly lit public display without any of the the shadowed behind closed doors only shame demanded by outdated puritanical values.
Love how this video is all about complexity: there's a grandeur and tragedy to this, and people tend to simplify things through memory.
Fun trivia: the three breasted woman in Total Recall is played by the actress who spills her drink on Captain Picard in engineering, and who voices the captain (the same character) of the damaged ship in the 2nd season finale of Lower Decks.
This was an incredible documentary of a man and series that has dominated American culture for over 55 years. The amount of detail and insight you put into this is worthy of a comparison to a Ken Burn’s docuseries. You also did an outstanding job showing the dangers of deifying an ordinary (if talented) creator, and the damages it can cause to that person and the world and people around them. I can think of other creators who have fallen down this rabbit hole as well.
I cannot wait for the next video of yours that pops into my queue. Also, can I just say, damn you got some biceps on you!
Agreed!!
Yes yes yes, this was absolutely the equal, the superior, of many fine documentaries I've seen.
also, now that i have finished the video, i want to celebrate the fact that your videos always release with full subtitles. i know what a massive undertaking that is for a small creator, especially on a large project like this. it makes it a lot easier for people like me to fully enjoy the work you put out and the additional effort is not missed or unappreciated.
This is probably the first time I’ve seen the words ‘Gene’s Vision’ on my phone screen in the past five years and NOT rolled my eyes. They seemed to have forgotten how obsessed with sex and objectifying people was in old Trek.
A fine vid as always Jess 👌❤️
Edit (sorry listening to this throughout the day) I totally agree with you about what happened to Grace and it’s placement in here. Even if it wasn’t Gene and a different exec the video is about sexuality surrounding Star Trek and while it’s in the darkest part of that subject it’s 100% relevant and I applaud you drawing attention to it.
Yep, this series is going in with Dan Olson and Jenny Nicholson into "long ass RUclips comfort videos". Jessie, your voice and insight is so comforting and enlightening, and you're one of the few people on RUclips that constantly makes me smile even in the shit show of the world right now.
The fact that you love Star Trek is the cherry on top
I'm barely halfway through, but this is a masterpiece. I'm alsono trekkie, so I learn a lot, especially about early trek.
Also, thank you, Jessie, not just for a faboulous video, but also highlighting other creators, and mentioning Spock's asexual reading. As an ace fan, I deeply appreciate it.
You are one of the most inclusive, thoughtful creator I've ever come across. Keep on being your beautiful self, Jessie.
I'm glad you liked the Spock as ace reading!
Holy crap, Jessie, this is even bigger than I thought it would be. This is an amazing exploration of some hard topics about complicated people... which seems to be becoming your specialty.
Can't wait till the next one. 🚀
Yay Newt cameo!! 😻
@@VinceWhitacre Newt cameo + Jessie Improvising Newt into the patron rap seamlessly!!!
WE WANT NEWT! WE WANT NEWT!
@@Donnagata1409 🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛💜💜💜🌟🌟🌟✨️
I think a significant fraction of the reason people are mad about Lower Decks is that it's essentially saying the quiet part out loud, and/or that it's calling out what Trek has always been this whole time. It seems like some fraction of people are mad at the disintegration of plausible deniability. (And then there are probably people who have been in denial about it this whole time.)
I wonder if it's always denial. There are so many people, especially on Twitter, with terrible media comprehension and critical thinking ability. They may have missed it entirely until it was made even more blatant on Lower Decks.
What do you think?
@@willowtdog6449 Definitely both. Some people are in denial and some have terrible critical thinking skills.
The things the Right likes about Trek - American-coded competent Manly Men heading out into the frontier and righting wrongs. - are not the things the rest of us like about Trek, and if you focus solely on that you can ignore the subtext, even when it's basically text.
Jessie, girl. This was FUCKING AMAZING. I started watching being like "yeah, she has a good point, but we know Gene was a big ol' horndog, nothing new about that" - but then the video went in such interesting and revealing directions, it had so much information I hadn't known before, and it was so nuanced and balanced, not overstating the good aspects of Roddenberry or presenting them out of context, nor dismissing them altogether for the undeniably horrible things he'd done (let alone the allegations). And it was done with so much care and so much obvious love for the franchise.
Fuck YT being prude and bigoted, this video deserves a standing ovation.
My ace brain was a bit of uncomfortable at times, but I can tell this was a big undertaking and appreciate all the care that was put into the project. There were many intriguing and educational pieces of information spread throughout.
I just want to recognize that it probably took a heckuva lot of courage to be filmed in such a revealing outfit, for youtube, in a culture like ours that's hyper-critical at the best of times. To be clear you look amazing, like... wow, but even still it can't have been easy. It's awesome to see you be so confident and I know it's gonna help other people feel more confident in turn 💜
You're awesome Jessie
🤣"The novelization that Gene wrote (just) tells them to suck it." Jessie, this had me cracking up, laughing, chortling, and chuckling for like 5 minutes. Perfect timing and delivery. I'm glad I wasn't drinking a soda at the time.
This was absolutely incredible. Fantastic research and production value on this, and the VO by fellow YT faves was a delight. This video so perfectly encapsulates why Roddenberry is so... complicated. A man of high-minded ideals but also, sadly, a man of his time. Trek would not be Trek without him, but at the same time, I think Trek could only become something bigger without him.
On that note I'm looking forward to the future installments of this series. On the subject of Trek horniness, the mirror universe episodes of DS9 are just a latinum mine. I have a weakness for Intendant Kira for sure. And my last viewing I remember grinning at how Mirror!Worf tells Mirror!Garak "you're not my type" and all the fun implications of that.
Gotta agree about intendant Kira. Definitely my favorite mirror universe character.
Had to skip the rough part. Can't mentally handle it today, but I will re-watch the video another day and hear her voice.
I think this video is a testament to a communities as a source of connection and mutual empowerment, compared against the toxic and abusive power of patriarchy embodied in both Gene's actions and the power vested in him by social and business structures that limited the voice of marginalized groups.
Thank you for this video, Jessie, I'm glad I found your channel.
What a fantastic video from someone who understands what being a fan is all about. You understand the idea of loving something yet criticizing it because you know it can and should be better. I appreciate your delving into the good, the bad and the horrible about Roddenberry. Trek has always been important to me because of the visibility of Nichelle Nichols. Her whole story about meeting MLK still brings tears to my eyes. What I believe was lost in the discussion about her importance in TOS is colorism. Nichols was a dark brown woman prominently featured in a major series in a time where light skin and "good hair" was the Hollywood and societal ideal (unfortunately it still is). Little Black girls in the late 60's early 70's saw someone who LOOKED like me, who had a certain amount of agency and commanded a certain amount of respect. That's why the casting of Zoe Saldana in the modern Trek films was such a huge disappointment but not all that surprising. It was a reminder that Black women of a certain hue are once more relegated to the background. That's why Star Trek: Discovery means way more to me now because of the visibility and agency of Soniqua Martin-Green and Oyin Oladejo.
The final thought from Gene you left us with reminded me of the Oscar Wilde line "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." Keep your eyes on the stars, it suits you.
I've heard the lyrics to the Star Trek theme many times, but this was the first time I've ever enjoyed it. This is a fantastic video and I'm already excited for part 2
The vocal talents of Steve Shives, Verily and Seán Ferrick along with Jessie Earl.
The only person missing is Rowan Coleman. So many fantastic Tubers.
This video was incredibly well done. Bravo, Jess.
Rowan was there, he read some of the dumb tweets.
@@Redrally
He was? And I MISSED HIM?!
Dangit.
EDIT Oh yeah, so he was.
I think I also recognised FD Signifier in there, somewhere.
2:02:19 I don’t remember Takei saying his character was straight just that he didn’t want Zulu to be gay solely because Takei as a person is gay. And I agree with him on that, Zulu shouldn’t be gay cuz of his association with Takei. But we do need openly/explicitly queer characters. I just don’t think it’s the best to have your reason for making a character queer be “well the OG actor is”. That’s really what the issue was, not whether or not Zulu should be gay.
I know several other Aces have mentioned it but well done on this video, sure there are very sex averse Aces out there who probably didn't bother watching or were put off, but for the other ones this was a very well produced video that I feel acknowledges and accommodates all the letters in our club unlike many other RUclipsrs.
It's a bit of a shame just how integral sex was to his writing of Star Trek, since it resulted in making out a lessened or lack of sex drive being equated to a lack of humanity.
Asexuality was really only ever depicted in non-human entities, such as Data or certain aliens, up until this animated iteration.
Rowan Ellis has a good video about this.
Data wasn't exactly asexual, even if he didn't exactly have a typical male libido.
Humans in general have problems connecting with entities which are not human or at least humanoid. I think that though not necessarily at the front of the brain when it came to these it always had an effect. For instance part of the reason (other than the fact it scared the hell out of a lot of people) the film The Dark Crystal did so badly was due to having nothing onscreen that the human brain could connect with easily. This is partly the reason why Hensons second movie Labyrinth had 2 human leads in Jennifer Connolly and David Bowie. I thought I may be asexual for a long time and I connected with that in Data except for the 2 occasions we had to hear about his equipment and how good he is with it lol, however I’m actually demisexual, I need to have an emotional connection with someone to be able to enjoy intimacy otherwise it just feels empty.
A fantastic and well constructed discussion about an aspect of ST that shouldn't need to be discussed in the 21st century. Those people that have created such a fuss over that scene in Lower Decks should be totally ashamed of themselves. Grow up for God's sake.
As an asexual I have nothing against bonking rooms, just please make sure that they are clearly marked :D
This was incredibile, Jessie. Hope it gets the views it deserves, and future episodes as well.
Much love, You wonderfull Nerd-Empress
Clearly marked and thoroughly sanitized.
As someone who's not entirely sure: LARGE block letters and a built in incenerator
That song sounded like an effort to put syllables in the most unusual notes. It was like a cheesy opening theme. That’s not bad per se, but it sounded like it was trying to be something it’s not.
You and everyone who worked on this project with you should be immensely proud. This is one of the best media analysis video essays I have ever consumed and everything from the editing, to the collaboration, to the presentation are spot on. I cannot wait for your next release and I'm glad I can support you all by at least commenting to show my admiration and love. Live long and prosper
I love how Grace was strong enough to come back to the franchise later on in the TOS movies and on Star Trek Voyager. She was a very classy lady.
Roddenberry really did kinda personify that whole Batman meme about living long enough to become the villain
Hero worship can turn toxic. Champion the values he held early in his life, and the actual good he did...but don't whitewash the wretchedness that occurred. Sucks that a lot of the allegations and his own recorded behavior calls the authenticity of his "vision" into question, as far as honest intent goes.
@@rudeboyjohn3483 Allegations =\= what actually happened
I can accuse you of random things too
Damn girl this episode was a Rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried and inspired. I knew Gene wasn't a perfect person but having a more specific understanding what he may or may not have done was an enlightening experience. It was eye opening to remember that one of my heroes was a flawed human.
Watched it in multiple chunks over two days.
I like being able to choose how much I watch at a time more than being told “here’s 20 min at a time”. Glad you chose to do it in this long format.
Thank you for specifically telling us about how epic of a project this was in advance. Probably wouldn’t have clicked on this massive over-length documentary otherwise. But it absolutely lived up to your hype.
Fascinating!
And I’m not that I to Star Trek. I watched some TNG eps. That’s it.
Seconding the appreciation for making it easy to watch in chunks at a time as an ADHDer
I loved this essay. Despite the fact that I have never actually seen Star Trek, I saw how passionate you are about this video and decided that it would be more than worthwhile to watch, and I was correct. The in depth analysis of not only the show but the people behind it is an incredible look into an iconic show. Showing the beautiful parts and the parts that many don’t want to see. Thank
you for making this. Your channel is one of my favorites.
“Something we’ll talk about in just a little bit” should be the motto of this video. Don’t worry though, you always delivered!
Your description of him (especially later life) is pretty on point for someone with pathological narcissism.. I'm not saying that lightly and though we can't diagnose him, the pattern of abuse and other classic behaviors is clear... it's ok for us to be better than those who came before us.
I was leaning uncomfortably in that direction of thought myself. He led, at best, an unexamined life. I’d hate to think that all the good he did was coincidental with his drives, but he would not have been the first, particularly in sixties science fiction.
This is wildly entertaining and so thoroughly researched. Really appreciate such a detailed view of Roddenbery, with as little bias as could be possible, it's always felt like everything I've read about him has either been with the perspective of "he was an untouchable visionary" or "obviously he was horrible" so I now feel like I understand both perspectives.
Thank you so much for this very detailed dive into the behind-the-scenes effects of sex, sexuality, and gender in Star Trek. And even though it was hard to hear, and I'm sure hard to read, thank you for sharing Grace Lee Whitney's account of what happened to her. That story was new to me, and for me, it shows how strong a woman she was that she was able to speak about the experience and to tell her story in her own words. When I got into Star Trek in the 90s, not long after Roddenberry's death, the story about Whitney's "difficulty" on set was her alcoholism, and while she acknowledges that was a concern for her, I would imagine that having to see and work with the man who attacked you was just as, if not more of an immediate concern for her. Yeoman Rand was a wonderful character, and I don't think she or Whitney got enough credit for that at the time.
Also, even though I had to watch this in parts because of the run-time, while watching it never seemed long. You and your cast/crew made this so well. I can't wait for the further installments.
Wow, that thumbnail! Jessie, I'm so happy for you and proud in your confidence to be able to allow us to see this side of you. I know this isn't really what the video is about, but I really wish you the best of luck in pursuing a happy and healthy life with all of the support you could ever want. If anyone deserves to have one, it's you.
The amount of production value you put into your videos tells me that television ought to take notes because this is truly amazing.
Keep up the amazing work, Jessie!
Wow, it is getting dark, and deep. I didn't have a clue how complicated and controversial of a character Gene Roddenberry was.
I love how comfortable you’ve become with baring your body and personality on RUclips. Your ever growing confidence is truly inspiring. You are a rock star.
The whole "Gene Roddenberry's vision" thing reminds me of this time I slipped up on tumblr. The Happytime Murders trailer had just dropped, and I thought it looked terrible, so I made a post complaining about it. I think I must have wrote something like "what would Jim Henson think?" implying that the R rated nature of the piece was incongruent with "Henson's vision." A few people angrily corrected me, and I realized how little I knew about Jim Henson and that I'd made stuff up based on my interpretation of his character. Eventually I learned about his early life/work, including The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence lol
Gene Roddenberry looks, to me, as a classic "Preacher”, someone whose motto could be: "do as I say, not as I do".
He had a great idea and an even bigger ego, plenty of personal failings and he - arguably - grew old bitterly.
Then again, even the greatest idiot can occasionally have a great idea, and the most compulsive of liars tell a deep truth... And many intelligent persons had catastrophically stupid ideas.
The value of ideas is independent from the one of those who had them, which is what makes "call to authority" a logical fallacy, although one us human have much trouble recognize as such.
The "Gene's message" is in itself a set of good ideas and healthy aspirations, no matter the fuck-ups of Gene Roddenberry the man.
I've just reached the end of Part III and WOW, Jessie, you should be so incredibly proud of yourself for making this brilliant work of art and piece of media criticism. The vision you had for this project was SO ambitious and you executed it magnificently! This is absolutely one of the best (if not THE best) video essay I saw on this platform that was made this year. And that's saying a lot.
And I love that you got input from other diverse creators who don't have the platform you do but I will most certainly be checking them out!
THANK YOU FOR ACE INPUT 😭 I could never express what specifically made me uncomfortable about the pon farr - this was so cathartic and validating.
Jessie. Thank you so much. What a fabulous piece of work. I am so glad you have this series and look forward to where it goes.
As a trans nonbinary autistic Star Trek fan, I also really appreciate the representation your work provides. Thanks for being you inthe world.
And as a pansexual, thank you for the lovely and generous views of your body. I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciated that as much as you obviously enjoyed filming it.
Peace and sol.
THank you for watching it
Jessie, some congratulations are absolutely in order for this and all the collaborators who put their voice work in as well. THIS is one of your best Star Trek video essays, RIGHT up there with "Why You Should Watch Lower Decks". I never anticipated it'd be longer than a feature length movie, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
as a sex-averse asexual, this is going to be like an alien sociology course for me. bring it on!
"I love you." "...I'm sorry."
Oh god, right in the feels.
You all did such a wonderful job with this! I’m so sorry RUclips is giving you so much trouble! This is an awesome piece.
This video was incredibly well done and thought provoking, Gene Roddenberry was a complex man which you went above and beyond to show from multiple angles and viewpoints. While Star Trek was never just "one mans vision", there was a time before and for some years after he died when I could almost take for granted his importance for the franchise, and while he was important in creating Star Trek, he wasn't the only one and besides 55+ years on you can't expect the franchise to not evolve as it always has. I thought the criticism of the Lower Decks thing was silly, and I've yet to watch that series, and while honestly I haven't been the biggest fan of some of the newer Trek that doesn't mean it has none of the vision of Star Trek from Gene and all the others who brought it to life from its earliest days.
I know this video took a lot of time and effort, but I hope you can continue when possible to create challenging yet engaging content like this, I like getting to watch content like this that makes think and approach concepts from different perspectives, and I think much of your audience will as well. (I've also just discovered "The Lieutenant" which he helped create which was a great show in its own right and has some Star Trek trivia relating in it which I wont spoil here!)
Jessie! What a masterpiece! Thank you for loving Star Trek enough to use your amazing talents to make these works of art for us all. You are a gift to the fandom. As a woman, I've never been keen on where "Gene's Vision" would leave us in the future. I feel GR's negative view of women is so obvious even in TOS. Yes, women can be in Starfleet but can't be captains and should just accept their role or face disaster (Turnabout Intruder). They can be intelligent and knowledgeable but will lose all sense of logic and judgement when they meet a charming alien (eg. Space Seed, Who Mourns for Adonais?), so cannot be trusted to perform as good officers. As you mentioned, a major way they can be used in the centre of a story is by being assaulted or openly objectified (eg Rand in Charlie X and The Enemy Within and Troi in many episodes). Many are baddies who can easily be tricked when faced with Kirk's irresistible sex appeal. Pretty grim. Thank goodness for DS9 and Voyager largely evolving beyond this with the main female characters.
I also loved your rendition of the TOS theme!! I always thought the lyrics were just completely random and irrelevant but I liked your interpretation of their meaning. 😆 Thank you again for sharing your genius with us all.💕
Saved watching this until I was driving to my parents house last night, it's a multiple hour drive. This video made me cry, made me love Gene more, and made me like him less. It truly showed me things about him that I never knew before! And the Dr. Martin Luther King, that part was absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for this video, it was so worth the wait, and the run time! Now to show it to my sibling!
This was amazing. One of the nuanced takes on /anything/ I've seen in a long time.
I'm always happy to take part in the perversions of anyone who looks that good. 😅
This is seriously brave content to make. This video covers important topics and the algorithm is going to be very mean to it.
Out of this freaking world, Jessie! Once again you've outdone yourself, I'm so excited about seeing more of this series! Seriously can't say enough good things about this episode
Honestly I was someone who found your channel through your direct talks of trans issues, politics, etc.
But last week when you explained wanting to be seen for more, I decided I would watch this video, even as someone who has only ever seen two of the latest reboot of films and zero episodes of the show.
I didn't expect to have so many complicated emotions for a franchise/fanbase I'm barely even tangentially involved in- I loved hearing about Dr. Martin Luther King's encouragement, Roddenberry's defense of Michelle Nichols on the show, and, yes, the orgy scene on Lower Decks.
I can feel the love and energy you put into this video, Jessie, and I shared it with all the Trekkies in my life. And also, I would never have the confidence to wear so sexy an outfit on camera. Kudos in either your confidence or your dedication to the bit (or both!).
I gotta be honest: I put off watching this video for the past week. I work long hours everyday, and the idea of spending 2+ hrs of my time watching a youtube video just seemed daunting. Last night I decided to put it on in the background while putting together holiday packages, and it captivated me. Most of what you cover I already knew, but to see it illustrated in an organized narrative was just wonderful. Congratulations, and very well done.
On a side note: I've been watching Trek since the 70's . I grew up on OST reruns then TAS, and live watched the premier of TNG with friends and fans. I'll never quite understand the "cannon" folks or those who elevate Roddenberry. I do admire Roddenberry for his vision, but also know, like all of us, he was a deeply flawed person. What he left us though is not a cannon of stories or narratives though, but a framework to imagine a better future and a place for us to build those stories -- whether their $100M blockbusters or a pieces of fanfiction.
I'm not a trekkie myself; I only know Star Trek from pop culture. And I only say this to remark how accessible this video was even without that background. This was such a wonderful case study. I loved it 💙💙💙✨✨
Thank you for all the creators you invited, too. I'm checking them all out!
I absolutely love this video :) I’m autistic, and so much of my identity (including my gender identity and sexual orientation) came from watching Star Trek TOS (and later, all of the other series/movies.)
This video is by far best Star Trek analysis (and analysis in general) that I’ve seen in a long time.