If it's one thing Star Trek fans across the world can agree on, it's that we all love blooper reels. From forgotten lines to trips, slips, and prop fails, they always provide us with plenty of laughs. These outtakes provided me with plenty of smiles and comfort during tough times, and that's likely not an isolated experience among Star Trek fans. Let's take a look at the history of these bloopers and why we fans still treasure them today.
Gene Roddenberry: The father of Star Trek's blooper reels
Who else could've created blooper reels but the father of all Star Trek, the late, great Gene Roddenberry! He'd have his production crew keep errors aside and then have them all edited into one reel that he'd show at the cast wrap parties at the end of each season.
When the original series ended its run, Roddenberry began taking the reels to conventions in the early 70s, when such events were not the massive, social media-driven giants they are today. Fans were thrilled to see these bloopers reels as they watched their favorite actors break character after a flubbed line or prop failure. These early blooper reels still circulate today, creating a link from past to present and strengthening the generational bonds between fans of all ages.
Leonard Nimoy and other cast members protested early reels going public
Leonard Nimoy, our beloved Mr. Spock, apparently felt that a blooper reel screening anywhere but behind the scenes was distasteful. According to several sources, Nimoy was outspoken regarding Roddenberry's public screenings of the bloopers. He felt that these viewings cheapened the art of acting and the moments weren't meant for just anyone.
While it's understandable that Nimoy wanted to keep these moments within the Star Trek inner circle, perhaps Roddenberry knew the power of the show's fans and their ability to spread content at warp speed, even back in the days before the internet. If so, he had some powerful insight on what fans wanted to see!
Bloopers can provide more than laughter
Nothing cheers up a Star Trek fan like watching a blooper reel or 2. Our choices are wider than ever today, as reels range from the original series to Deep Space Nine and Voyager. No matter the series, watching our favorite actors cuss out frustration or trip in a doorway makes us remember that to err is human!
For some fans, Yours Truly included, behind-the-scenes media like bloopers feel like a warm blanket after coming inside from a cold day. They're familiar and comforting, they create a connection to the Star Trek world we love so much, and they offer escape into that world when reality is hard to handle.