Science-fiction phenomenon Star Trek celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and die-hard fans meet at the annual Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas. CCTV's May Lee, a self-professed Trekkie, is there and has more on its amazing legacy.

If you're a Star Trek fan, then there's no where else you want to be, but right here in Las Vegas to celebrate the franchise's golden anniversary.

Fifty years ago, the USS Enterprise captivated a small, but devoted television audience with its adventures in outer space. The series would have lasted just two seasons, but fans sent hundreds of thousands of letters to CBS studios demanding the show continue and it worked!

Richard Arnold, former assistant to Gene Roddenberry, said, "Finally, they made an on-air announcement during one episode of Star Trek that Star Trek had been renewed for a third season, and so of course, they got tens of thousands of thank you letters."

Gene Roddenberry was the mastermind behind Star Trek. The show was his vision of how the world should be. Themes included diversity, equality and peacemaking. George Takei was the original Sulu in Star Trek. He was very well aware of Roddenberry's intentions. He said this starship is a metaphor for starship earth. The strength of this starship lay in its diversity coming together and working in concert as a team.

In an episode called "Let that be your last battlefield", which aired in 1969, the issue of racism was addressed in a subtle but effective way. The Star Trek legacy is being carried on by the franchise's new generation of talent on the big screen.

John Cho, "sulu" of Star Trek Beyond, said, "Star Trek puts positivity in the world. It's predicated on peace and seeking out knowledge so it's a real honor to be associated with it."

Justin Lin, director of Star Trek Beyond, said, "I thought it was important to be able to really embrace the essence of Trek, this idea of family and this idea of exploration and discovery."

"And judging from the turn out here in Las Vegas for the convention, it's pretty obvious that dedicated fans young and old are embracing the essence of Trek in every way possible. So, I think it's safe to say, Star Trek will continue to live long and prosper," said May Lee from Las Vegas.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)