Keeping Up With The Classics

I picked up the original Star Trek on DVD quite a few years ago, but it has taken until now for me to really get into watching them. I am nearing the end of the first season. I like to watch the first episodes in production order so that made it a challenge initially which may be why it took me so long. But after a point, it really doesn't make difference. Now that I am watching them, I am noticing with new eyes how well made they are. True there are a few plot holes, but overall they are excellently done. For the 1960's, the effects are superb. There were movies that weren't at that level. Lost in Space and Doctor Who certainly weren't.

LIke classic movies, classic television has a lot to offer. There is a reason some shows have that lasting appeal. Often it lies in the writing. Star Trek is one of those where great writers created great stories that delved into the characters. Well, Kirk and Spock anyway. This time watching it I have noticed some stories may have been inspired by history that I hadn't noticed before. After so long since I last watched them it is like I'm watching them for the first time. While not as inspirational to my own writing as Firefly, it does have a lot to inspire me. I was watching reruns of Star Trek on TV back when I started to write. I find revisiting those early inspirations to be invigorating.

You can strive to keep up with everything new, and I do my share of that, but don't forget to revisit the older stuff. They could write back then and it will help your writing as much as anything new will. I think it helps more, but that's just me.