Star Trek Phase II: The Lost Series: Amazon.ca: Judith Reeves-Stevens, Garfield Reeves-Stevens: Books

Rewind to 1977, when Star Trek was entering its seventh year of syndication, creator of the Original Series and the 22-episode Star Trek animated series, Gene Roddenberry, conceived of a new live Star Trek series. The show was called Star Trek Phase II, and Paramount decided to have the show on their new network. Sets and props and costumes were designed and tested. The writers also wrote a two-hour teleplay which is the pilot for Phase II. The cast almost reunited, but without Leonard Nimoy.

When principal photography almost started, Paramount decided to cancel the network and the series. Instead of having Star Wars cancel them out, they decided to have a movie instead of a pilot... thus begins the story of the lost Star Trek series. They made the first episode of Phase II, which was "In Thy Image, Parts I and II" into the first movie, "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." Several Phase II stories are in this book and the design of the never-seen-before U.S.S. Enterprise are shown. The book is 360 pages of information on the almost-but-didn't happen Star Trek series.

Hold on, Gene, there is some way to salvage the pieces of the Phase II sets. Now, fast forward to 2001-2004 where Star Trek movies are made more better on DVD. Watch the text commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda on the Original cast films, where they reveal stuff about Phase II, like what pieces were used in the six Trek films and "Nemesis." This great pair is more than you need for a Star Trek series.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Report abuse

4.0 out of 5 stars What Might Have Been..., Mar 3 2003

By

T. Lobascio (New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Star Trek Phase II: The Lost Series (Paperback)

In 1977, some eight years after the original Star Trek ended its network run, and after the show found new life in syndication, it was about to be reborn. Paramount studios was keen to the idea of launching a new television network. Thanks to its ever growing popularity at the time, executives wanted the sequel series, called Star Trek Phase II, to become the new network's flagship show. Flash forward to late 1979, the first Trek motion picture, premiered in its place.

Written by veteran Trek scribes, Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, "The Lost Series" explains how the aborted show, morphed into The Motion Picture. The history of that largely ignored 2 year period makes for compelling reading. The book contains interviews and thoughts of some of the key production team, who were responsible for making the Starship Enterprise fly again, as well as original cast. The best part of the book explans why actor Leonard Nimoy decided not to return (at first). It also has some early designs/ sketches, prop photos, the pilot outline and its script called In Thy Image. Another Phase II script (also in this book) would infuence the staff of the Next Generation series, called The Child, thanks to a writer's strike in '88. Given that, I wish more phase 2 scripts could have made it into the book. All in all though, this read is still a must for anyone who wants to learn about this, in between era, of Star Trek. The has 360 pages and comes recommended.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Report abuse

4.0 out of 5 stars The Missing Link!, Oct 28 2001

By

Kendal B. Hunter (Provo, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Star Trek Phase II: The Lost Series (Paperback)

"Star Trek: Phase II" was a planned series that would pick up where The Original Series left off. This project never materialized, but the ideas and concepts were later used in The Motion Picture and The Next Generation.

This book is an interesting slice of the life of the Star Trek Saga, and you are given a peep-hole into the mind of Gene Rodenberry: what he wanted to do and where he was going.

The illustrations are superb and well worth the pice.

Personally, it is refreshing to see the gap between the Original Series and the later spin-offs filled. You sense that something severe has happened between "Turnabout Intruder" and "Encounter at Farpoint." The movies and the novels try to bridge the gap, but this book makes the link seamless.

This book is Sci-Fi's "Lucy," the missing link!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Report abuse

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 6 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Want to see more reviews on this item?

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 5 reviews 4.0 out of 5 stars

Most recent customer reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good info
This book contained information about the transformation from TOS to the making of "phase II", a TV series that eventually was scrapped and the pilot was morphed into... Read more

Published on Jun 20 2001 by ltrent@amgen.com

4.0 out of 5 stars Star Trek Phase II: The Lost Series
Books like these seldom hit the bookshelves here so I bought it the first time I saw it and was not disappointed. The content is interesting specially for Original Series fans. Read more