An Adequate Continuation (Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973))

Member Name: sharktrager

Product:	Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973)
Date:	13/02/01 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Many actors from the original series returned to add their voices to the cast

Disadvantages: The animation left something to be desired

Following the cancellation of the TV show STAR TREK in 1969, there was still life left in the concept. Episodes were shown in syndication (US repeats) and as such the show became more popular are cancellation that whilst it was still being made.

As a result, in 1973, there was the second TV version of STAR TREK - this time an animated version created by Filmation.

Although the animation itself was often crude (especially by today's standards), the series itself had some excellent qualities - not least the fact that many of the actors from the original television show returned to voice their characters in this new version.

Actors and characters which returned included William Shatner as Captain Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, his first officer. Many guest character voices were provided by James Doohan, who had also returned as his character of the Chief Engineer, Mr. Scott. The use of Doohan and also Majel Barrett in various different roles meant that the producers didn't have to pay lots of different voice actors.

The series had some good episodes - my favourite was MORE TRIBBLES, MORE TROUBLES, in which the comedic characters of the Tribbles returned in a sequel to the story THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES which had originally aired during the original series run.

Although only 22 episodes were made, the series had fun and a sense of charm, and contributed to the fan's clamouring for more live-action stories, which of course culminated in the production of a full-length movie, STAR TREK - THE MOTION PICTURE in 1979.

Summary: