The documentary series chronicling rare and fascinating details of how Star Trek began, takes a look at The Animated Series.

Again narrated by Gates McFadden, the second part of this 10-episode history of Star Trek’s 55 years focuses solely on The Animated Series, and as such is able to go into greater detail than the show opener did.

Because of the syndication success of Star Trek, CBS wanted further adventures, but with the set dismantled, this  would not be an easy option. Instead, an animated series on Saturday mornings would be a cheaper and more feasible proposition, even though there was a groundswell of opposition from some fans who did not accept this as ‘real’ Star Trek.

Among the oft-repeated tales of how Leonard Nimoy threatened to walk if Nichelle Nichols and George Takei weren’t also employed to play their characters (though Walter Koenig only got to write an episode) we find out why the tribbles were pink and the Klingons had purple in their tunics. The use of adult themes in a children’s show is also examined (suicide and sex) as well as the kudos of winning an Emmy.

Verdict: Some top trivia here, though I imagine a section of the viewing public will still be fuming: ‘This isn’t real Star Trek!’ 8/10

Nick Joy