They are, objectively, what make us human. Human beings have the capability to remember things for a very long time, as well as have associated memories. One smell, sound, sight, or TV show can make us remember where we were, who we were with, and evoke powerful emotional responses.
When I recall my childhood with Star Trek, it starts with memories of my home when I was a small child. I can vividly recall our sky blue couch against a backdrop of awful mustard yellow shag carpet. I almost hear my mom telling me dinner is ready over the Next Generation theme music.
When I moved on to high school and a new home, my memories shift to Voyager and Deep Space Nine. At this point I was obsessed with space shows and had worn out Next Gen. Babylon 5 was also one of my deeper obsessions (who didn’t want to join PsiCorps and be a jerk in black clothes?). I fondly remember the days of coming home from school to unwind with Tuvok and Seven of Nine, Quark and Sisko. I recall thinking Deep Space Nine was more relaxing and would often turn to it if I needed to be calmed. It was then that I built my connection to Janeway. As a teenager, I was very impressed by her calm demeanor and very human response to the various crises of her crew. I devoured these shows almost as quickly as my pizza rolls and Mountain Dew.
Now, as an adult, I am comforted by these memories. When I watch certain episodes I can enjoy the experience of remembering where I was the first time I saw an episode. I can laugh recalling how a younger me teared up during certain scenes that seem less impactful, or getting a joke that was over my middle-school head. I can enjoy reliving a show I enjoyed my entire life with my husband, or friends I’ve met along the way. The feeling of watching Star Trek will always be like going home again, over and over.
By LTjg Jen Randall – USS Tiburon Command Staff – At-Large Member