June 22nd to 30th, 1966
It was 49 years ago this week that Star Trek filmed its fifth episode, "The Man Trap." And this would be the first episode that NBC aired when the series premiered in September. George Clayton Johnson, who wrote the episode, said, "One of the things about that is it's the very first one America saw, so almost all the critical reaction to Star Trek came off that first show – and the things that I read, the basic attitude of America's reviewers, was one of total bewilderment."
The day after "The Man Trap" first aired, Gene Roddenberry received a letter from the husband of his studio boss. It said:
"Dear Gene,
Saw Star Trek last night and I thought it was just tremendous. It was one of the most exciting hours I've seen on television in a long time. Garry Morton [Mr. Lucille Ball]."
The day after "The Man Trap" launched Star Trek on NBC, the early Nielsen ratings returns were in. Star Trek had grabbed 46.7% of the viewing audience. It was a sensational premiere.
Lucille Ball, who was President of Desilu Studios and have given Star Trek the green light, putting her studio on the line by supporting such a risky venture, wrote to Gene Roddenberry:
"Dear Gene and the rest of you hardworking people… Just heard the good news and want you to know how proud and happy I am. Looks like you really have a hit on your hands, and we all appreciate your efforts. Love, Lucy."
Read more about the making of "The Man Trap," and all the episodes of the original Star Trek, in the Saturn Award-winning book series, These Are the Voyages: TOS, Seasons One, Two and Three, by Marc Cushman, available here.
Buy "These Are The Voyages" Now