2016 marked the 50th Anniversary of the biggest science fiction franchise of all-time. I was really looking forward to a year-long celebration of all things Trek. Unfortunately, those in charge of Star Trek dropped the ball, the anniversary passed with very little fanfare, and an opportunity was missed.

I have been championing Star Trek my entire life. I have watched all of the television series, read the novels, collected the comic books, cosplayed as characters from the Enterprise, bought and displayed collectibles, constructed models, played board games and trivia, and had a blast doing it.

I was hoping to share my passion for the show with some like-minded people this year, both in person and online. I was looking forward to a new television series premiering this fall. I think a lot of us were. It is a crime that the series has been pushed back and that we won’t see it till next year. A lot had been lost by not having it shown during the 50th anniversary of the franchise.

I made some noise on the day we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the very first broadcast of the original television series that aired September 8th, 1966.

I celebrated by rereading some of my old comic books and rewatching Star Trek: The Next Generation from its very first episode. I’m not sure I will have the series done in this calendar year, but I will write a review of it once I get through all 177 episodes.

At least we did see a new Star Trek film this year, and it was actually good. Star Trek Beyond has its problems but it feels like the creators are starting to get their act together with the new universe. I even got to see William Shatner, the original Captain Kirk this year at Fan Expo.

When I have talked with people about this monumental anniversary, many of them didn’t even realize it happened. That is a shame. Star Trek dropped the ball. They should have hyped it up and capitalized on the event. I am not sure why they didn’t.

I just want to say that I love and appreciate all that Star Trek has given to me and to popular culture. Without it, we wouldn’t have Star Wars and countless other series and fandoms. It paved the way for science fiction to be a legitimate artform. It has also inspired me in countless ways.

Star Trek, live long and prosper.

And here’s to another 50!