Woman in Motion: Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek and the Remaking of NASA (2021)

[Drunk Monk]

[Drunk Monk]

You may think you know Nichelle, but her impact upon culture is astounding. The first part of this doc focuses on her beginnings as a dancer and nightclub singer. There's mention of her appearance on a racially-themed episode of Roddenberry's pre-ST series The Lieutenant that was too controversial to air. Then it moves to the Star Trek years obvs. But then, the NASA years, which are absolutely inspirational. Her work with NASA changed American space exploration by introducing diversity ala Roddenberry's vision. I remember a lot of that, especially the Challenger disaster. How could any of us forget that? 

I crossed paths with her once at SVCC. She was at an autographing booth near Ray Park, who I was there to interview. Later, or perhaps before, I saw her being wheelchaired 'backstage' into a 'staff only' entrance. I didn't engage her either time, but was graced by her regal presence. She is one of the genuine queens of SciFi. 

The doc is very engaging, particularly the Space Shuttle years. Surprisingly, the Star Trek years are the least revealing because I'd heard all those stories before, except for her having to read for Spock at her initial audition because Uhura hadn't been created yet. It borrows a lot from an earlier interview or doc that was based on her book, Beyond Uhura. That's a bit awkward because it jumps back and forth through time with several different interviews to make its points. 

If you watch it, be sure to check out the end credit scene where Nichelle sings. She still has a good voice. 

You know, Paramount+ really deserves its own subforum here. I know, I know, I'm the only one on it, but it's got some great stuff...mostly Star Trek but still... Star Trek! This doc reaffirms why I'm so dedicated to Star Trek in many ways - Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. I wonder what became of my IDIC medal. I must get a new one at the next comic-con. 

No sword fights but DOOM recommended. 

[Greg]

tQ met Ms. Nichols at a conference where Neil DeGrasse Tyson was speaking. It might have been the Planetary Society

[Drunk Monk]

tQ FTW!

Neil is among the talking heads here naturally. He comes off well - very appropriate here. 

There's a lot of good talking heads in this - Sulu, Checkov, Worf, DC Fontana (would've liked more from her), Vivica, several astronauts, John Lewis, MLKIII, Rev Sharpton... Pharell was random and unnecessary.