Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of 'Star Trek TOS' – 'Trek' Tech

When I was a kid, I was crazy about the storylines – and they were for the most part well written and got my attention. But, let's face it, I was also watching Batman and cartoons like Scooby Doo and Johnny Quest and yes, even Lost in Space, so my taste was not that well developed yet. 

Still, at six years old, I could tell that Star Trek had more gravitas to it. The storylines were more complex, and they were definitely more serious. When kids asked me if I was watching Lost in Space or Star Trek, I would always say "Both!" and it was true.

One of the things that made Star Trek: The Original Series stand out to me was the technology. So many of the things the characters were using were mind blowing. It definitely made me want to trade my cowboy pistol for a phaser, and I would have loved a chance to get beamed up by Scotty to that marvelous ship.

Let's take a look at the various technologies used in TOS.

 Communication and Safety

1. Scanners and Sensors were used when the Enterprise was in orbit to gather a great deal of information, including if the planet was M class (safe for humans to breathe the air). They gathered important details about the inhabitants including the size of their population, their level of technology, and possible hazards that would be facing landing parties. 

2. Communicators were handheld devices that the user would open by lifting a flap to answer an incoming message or to send one out. These worked between planet and ship, or they could even be used ship to ship or even withing the ship itself. As you can see from the image, it looks like an old flip cell phone (Did the communicator inspire that design? Check out the video at the end of the article.

3. Desktop Viewscreens were available in the conference room and in individual offices and crew quarters. Reminiscent of our desktop computers now, they enabled the crew to have a meeting with the ability to see the person in another part of the ship or even for the captain to meet with Starfleet officials. Connected to the computer system, it also gave the crew the ability to do research about things like current passengers' backgrounds. 

3. The Tricorder was a portable device with many functions. It was used to scan the area where the landing party set down for environmental data, discovering lifeforms, and had multipurpose medical applications.  

4. Phasers came in large and small portable varieties. The larger phasers were powerful weapons on the ship that were used in defensive and sometimes offensive situations. The portable one was used by the crew on away missions. A P1 (Phase One) phaser was a small unit that could fit in a pocket. The P1 could also be attached to a P2 (Phase 2) phaser that had a grip that also was a powerpack. The phaser had an intensity settings dial that ranged from stun to kill. 

5. Photon Torpedoes were a more powerful ship-based weapon. They were warp capable, more precise than phasers. and were highly destructive. Photon torpedoes were usually employed when the ship phasers were ineffective against a target.  

5. Tractor beams were graviton streams of energy used to push or pull objects in space outside of the spacecraft. This was particularly useful when a damaged craft needed to be towed by the Enterprise, and it could also be employed to push an asteroid or other dangerous object away from a planet that would could cause destruction if it entered the atmosphere.   

6. Universal Translators were an important part of 'Trek' tech, especially on a ship that is encountering many different alien races who all have their own  languages. The Universal Translator was a clever way to move the story forward with everyone conveniently speaking English thanks to this ingenious device. 

7. The Communication Earpiece was like a communicator but was worn in the ear. In TOS it was mostly worn by Communications Officer Uhura, but it was also sometimes used by Mr. Spock.  

Travel Technologies

1. The Transporter was a system that could dematerialize the crew and objects to transport them to another place where they would rematerialize. This was extremely useful in getting crew members out of dire circumstances or sending food and other life supporting items to the crew on an away mission. The transporter also served the purpose of saving on the budget. Having a vessel leave the ship and go to the planet surface would be significantly more expensive. 

2. Warp Drive was speed of the ship at multiple levels that were faster than the speed of light. The engines that enabled this were powered by dilithium crystals that interacted with matter/anti-matter in the warp core that powered the ship.  

3. A Shuttlecraft was a small space vessel designed for short trips in space. Gene Roddenberry initially wanted to avoid creating something like this by use of the transporter; however, there were situations where the transporter was unavailable, and then the shuttle would come in handy. It was first used in the episode "The Galileo 7" (Season 1, Episode 16) and was designed by Matt Jefferies, who also designed the Enterprise.  

Medical Technologies

1. Sick Bay was a highly advanced medical facility aboard the starship. A key feature was the Bio-bed with diagnostic scanners above the beds to monitor the patient's bodily functions. The Sick Bay also included a diagnostic lab, surgery area, and a decompression chamber.

2. Doctor McCoy's Medical Kit was taken on away missions and became extremely valuable in the field. It contained Hypospray (to give needle free injections), medical scanner, Spray Healer, Medical Vials containing medicines, and other surgical tools.   

The Bridge

Many scenes occurred on the bridge, which was the control center for the Enterprise. 

1. The Command Area featured the helm and navigation panels that were positioned in front of the captain's swivel chair with controls on the armrest. 

2. The Viewscreen was a large monitor which featured views of space in front of the Enterprise. A rear view camera was also available. Many times other vessels, alien objects, and space anomalies would be seen on the screen.

3. Stations: Behind the captain's chair were the science and communication stations. To the left of the captain's chair was the engineering console. 

4. A Turbolift was located between the communication and engineering consoles. It provided a way to enter or leave the bridge. 

Food and Drink

Food Synthesizers provided food and drink instantly upon the request of the user. Many scenes involved crew members in a recreational area where they would be eating and drinking. 

This famous scene involves a character from Earth's past asking for chicken soup, which the synthesizer then provides him. 

Computer Systems

1. The computer system on the Enterprise managed all systems of the vessel. 

2. Connected to the system were handheld devices (like today's iPad), voice activated units, and tabletop screens allowing the crew to interact with the computer or one another. 

3. Ability for thought like humans was a characteristic of the computer's programming; however, this means it could make mistakes (just like AI).

4. Voice commands allowed the computer to interact with the crew, often providing answers about difficult situations or the location of crew members onboard the Enterprise. 

The Engine Room

Of all the 'Trek' tech that I can think about from watching the series. the Engine Room always fascinated me the most. This was Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott's domain, where everyone treaded lightly. Located in the engineering hull at the back of the ship, this room was situated directly below the nacelles that contained the warp engines that made the Enterprise go so fast. 

The room consisted of two decks and featured the engineering warp core, engineering console frequently manned by Mr. Scott, wall panels with many blinking control light displays, and ladders that were used to reach the upper deck. 

This was the room that made the ship a starship, and I would say it was arguably the most important area of the ship. From this room Mr. Scott would often tell the captain how long something would take to get fixed, and Kirk would tell he that he had five minutes. Somehow, Scotty always came through! 

Synthesis

So, there you have it. I've covered some of the most popular technologies that were employed by the crew of the Enterprise that fascinated me as a kid. I think the truth is that they inspired adults too. 

And, while the list keeps growing, there are many real world manifestations of things inspired by Star Trek. The list will continue to grow as more people explore possibilities that the 1960s show made al of us dream about.

It's important to remember that while all the exciting and intriguing aspects of the tech were alluring, the main attraction of Star Trek were the ship's crew members. It was their interactions and reactions with one another that won the hearts of fans. 

Until my next post, Live long and prosper!

Please check out this video about 'Trek' Tech that we use in today's world. 

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of 'Star Trek TOS' – The 'U.S.S. Enterprise'

 

In my way of thinking, the starship in Star Trek: The Original Series was crucially important to the show. As I have previously written about the significance of the Batmobile in the Batman TV series, the U.S.S. Enterprise was even more important in Star Trek because it was not just a vehicle – it was the place that the characters called home. 

How many times did Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) say "My ship!" in the series? He was not saying it offhandedly but with emphasis and affection. Kirk would have done anything to protect his ship, and I would go so far to say that he loved her and his crew. It can be argued that the Enterprise was as important as any character, and she would have distinctive features and a robotic computer voice that gave her a personality too. 

Scotty

Another crewmember who loved the Enterprise was Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott (the late great James Doohan). Scotty knew every inch of the vessel intimately and, if any damage was done to her, we could be sure that Scotty would take it personally. When a Klingon disparaged the ship, Scotty even got into a brawl to defend her. 

When Kirk was annoyed with Scotty for starting the fight, he wanted to know what instigated the situation. When Scotty explained that a Klingon had spoken badly about the Enterprise, Kirk fully understood what ignited Scotty's anger.

A Totally New Universe

Gene Roddenberry (please see my last post about him) had a grand vision for Star Trek. He had many ideas in his head – the complexity of which could be overwhelming even for him. When NBC ordered a pilot in 1964, it became the time when everything in Gene's head had to be physically realized before filming could start. Star Trek producer Gene Coon said, "Gene created a totally new universe." Now it was time to translate that vision for others, which was not a simple task.

In the written proposal that Roddenberry brought to Desilu Studios, there were many different technologies that were mentioned (I will go into the these technologies in my next post). This included the transporter, communicators, and laser weapons. The ship was simply described as the USS Yorktown commanded by Robert T. April with a crew of 200. That was not much to work with for the person chosen to design the ship.

Not A Flying Saucer

Matt Jefferies

Gene knew a great deal about what he wanted his ship to be, but he never made any drawings about how he wanted it to look. When Matt Jefferies – yes, Jefferies Tubes are named after him – was chosen to design the ship, and he had an enormous task on his hands. One thing was crucial – Gene knew what he didn't want it to look like. No flying saucer – that was being done over at CBS for Lost in Space. 

Gene didn't want it to look like a rocket ship with fins, and he definitely didn't want it to trail smoke like the ship in the Flash Gordon serials. Gene wanted it to be futuristic, but Jefferies said, "I didn't know what the shape looked like." He had to take everything Gene said and try to design a ship that wouldn't look outdated before the show even was on the air. 

Looking at a couple of Jefferies early visions of the ship, you can see he was still bogged down by what came before. Gene liked the sketches but told him that he had to keep trying. Going over what Gene had told him about the ship and what Gene didn't want, Jefferies was trying to figure out what he was missing.

Warp Drive

Gene told him that the ship would be very fast and have warp drive, and Jefferies asked himself, "What the hell is warp drive?" He assumed the engines had to very powerful, but also that they would not be inside the ship. Somehow they would be away from the main body of the ship. Eventually these engine tubes would be called nacelles, and they would be elevated in the rear of the ship on either side of the engineering hull. 

He tried numerous designs – even one with the ship as a ball – but Gene kept rejecting them. Eventually he flattened out the ball, and it slowly became something flatter and wider and a little bit like a flying saucer, but it would be different because of the engineering hull and the elevated nacelles holding warp drive engines making it look distinctive. The color would be white to stand out against a backdrop of deep black outer space, and the ship's name would go across the top of the saucer section, but it would also need a number to distinguish it. 

The Registry Number

Jefferies then decided to give the Enterprise a number. He wanted it to be simple, sleek, and easy to read. He owned an airplane with the license number NC-17740, which he simplified to NCC-1701 (with NCC coming from Naval Construct Contract). Jefferies figured that this would be the 17th ship with the name Enterprise, but since it was a new design it would the first in its class, hence 01.

A New Name

While Gene originally named the ship the Yorktown in the treatment given to Desilu, he changed the name to Enterprise. He wanted to give it a name that would remind people that the crew on this ship were pioneers, courageously embarking on a voyage to the stars, but Gene may also have been inspired by the world's first nuclear aircraft carrier with that name that was the subject of extensive media coverage in the 60s.   

A Beloved Ship

Gene finally approved of the design, and Jefferies had been successful in creating one of the most iconic space vehicles ever seen on TV or movie screens. When looking at the Enterprise from the Original Series today, I still get goosebumps. It not only brings back great memories, but it also reminds me of that idyllic future that Gene envisioned.

I think of my youthful hope that a world without war, hunger, crime, or greed could exist one day. I still believe that it can happen, and that hope is stoked by the sight of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

Until next time, Live Long and Prosper!

Please watch this video of the original Enterprise model that Matt Jefferies designed now housed at the Smithsonian.

    

  

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of 'Star Trek TOS' – Gene Roddenberry

 

Anyone who is a Star Trek fan should truly appreciate Gene Roddenberry. The creator of The Original Series is responsible for this cultural juggernaut that went on to be expanded into feature films and then multiple TV series that were inspired by him. I would boldly say that after the Beatles no one had a greater impact on 1960s America than Gene Roddenberry. But who was this legendary visionary who went on to have such a lasting influence on our lives?

Early Life

Gene when he was in high school.

Gene was born in El Paso, Texas, on August 19, 1921, to parents who lived modestly in a rented home. Fortuitously for Gene, his father got a job in California which brought the family to live in Los Angeles. During his childhood he was very interested in space related stories like John Carter of Mars. 

Gene during WWII

Gene graduated from high school in 1939 and went on to study at Los Angeles City College, where he met Eileen Rexroat, who would become his first wife. While at college Gene became fascinated with aeronautical engineering and obtained his pilot's license. He enlisted in the USAAC and graduated and became a second lieutenant. Gene would go on to flying combat missions during World War II and later would be a pilot for Pan American World Airways. 

His Introduction to TV 

After the war Gene became an officer in the Los Angeles Police Department, where he eventually became a writer for the Chief of Police. This led him to an opportunity to become the LAPD advisor to the popular TV series Dragnet. He eventually became a writer for the show and for other police related TV series. After some time doing two jobs, Gene realized his calling and resigned from the police department to focus on his writing jobs.

Gene went on to write scripts for a number of TV series. During this time he tried to pitch a series of his own but that went nowhere. This did lead to a job with Screen Gems where he wrote scripts for several pilots that were not successful, This is where he met Majel Barrett, who would later go on to play Number One in the first Star Trek pilot and Nurse Chapel in The Original Series, and she also would become Gene's second wife. 

Star Trek

Gene originally had an idea for a series set on a ship in Hawaiian waters manned by a multiracial crew. Remembering his childhood love of space stories, Gene then changed the premise of the series to be a ship in outer space and gave it the title Star Trek. He took the idea to Oscar Katz, head of programming at Desilu Productions, and they pitched the proposal for a pilot to CBS Television, but CBS passed on the project because they already had a science fiction show ready to go into production called Lost in Space. 

Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Pike in the First Pilot

Roddenberry and Katz then took the idea to NBC, where its concept was approved. Out of the story ideas pitched, "The Menagerie" was accepted and it would be filmed as the pilot – it would later become known as "The Cage" in a an episode of TOS. Somehow Roddenberry secured established star Jeffrey Hunter to play Captain Christopher Pike, and Barrett suggested Leonard Nimoy whom she had previously worked with to play the role of alien science officer Spock. The pilot was made but test audiences did not like it overall, and NBC executives discounted it as "too cerebral."

Shatner and Kellerman in the Second Pilot

Roddenberry and Katz did not give up after this rejection, and somehow a second pilot was ordered – which is usually unheard of when the first pilot is rejected. One factor in the second pilot's favor was that the sets were already built, which cut the cost of filming the second pilot. With Hunter unavailable, Roddenberry chose William Shatner to play the captain in "Where No Man Has Gone Before," and also brought on board established actors Gary Lockwood and Sally Kellerman. 

Success

NBC test audiences approved of the new pilot. Roddenberry brought the pilot to The World Science Fiction Convention where it was viewed and received a standing ovation. NBC accepted the series, and it went into production of 13 episodes and premiered on September 8, 1966. Gene had achieved his goal of getting his concept realized and shown on broadcast TV. 

Nichols as Uhura and Takei as Sulu 

His vision for a multiracial cast for The Original Series was also realized. Nichelle Nichols was brought in to play Black communications officer Nyota Uhura and George Takei was selected to play the Japanese helmsman Hikaru Sulu. Perhaps the greatest casting of all was Nimoy as the Vulcan Spock. For a 1960s television show to have an alien from another planet as a main cast member was quite an accomplishment.

Impact

Despite only running for three seasons (79 episodes), Star Trek has had a lasting cultural impact that resonates to this day. Gene's vision was for a future where Earth was at peace and that space travel to "strange new worlds" was possible, and it is where we would meet a vast array of alien beings who were different from us but also similar in so many ways. 

The crew of the Enterprise lived and worked together in harmony as opposed to life during the era of the Cold War that was far from harmonious. The show did not only feature a diverse crew but also addressed many social, economic, and political issues of the time in a fresh and many times astonishing way that still matters now.

Gene's Legacy

Gene Roddenberry was a visionary who knew the worst of humanity and sought to elevate us in a future world where all of our conflicts were resolved. Things like race and social standing and wealth no longer mattered in the world he created. By overcoming the things that separated people, Gene brought together the human race with beings from other worlds that all basically wanted to live peacefully – although there were the Klingons, Romulans, and Gorn who would have different intentions.

The Prime Directive was an ingenious way of showing humanity at its best. Unlike those the empires and kingdoms that came before, Star Trek showed us the way in the sense that despite superior technology that captains were not kings. They could not interfere in the society of the worlds that they encountered. This was as resonant in the 1960s as it still is today.

Gene's initial concept has spawned multiple TV series, films, and a slew of merchandise including toys, video games, and clothing lines. That young boy who dreamed about space stories could perhaps never have imagined the impact he would have on television, film, and the world.

Nimoy as Spock - Live Long and Prosper

So, I feel a huge debt of gratitude to Gene Roddenberry because Star Trek has impacted my life since I was a little boy. I appreciate his vision and am grateful for how he helped me view the world – and the final frontier of space beyond it. 

Thank you, Gene, for helping me to dream about a better world and countless fans across the decades as well. You helped us to believe we were better than ourselves and could live in peace and harmony. Now, if only somehow we could manifest this in the real world. 

Indeed, I wish everyone reading this will be able to follow Spock's mantra and Live long and prosper! 

Please watch the video below featuring Gene talking about his Trek philosophy.

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of 'Star Trek TOS' – Let's Boldly Go There!

This is the first of a series of posts celebrating the 60th anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series. I have recently written a series of posts celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Batman television series. Though I know I'm not alone, I just cannot even believe I was so fortunate to have grown up at at time to experience originally broadcasted episodes of Batman and Star Trek. For me, it was my golden age of television to be sure. 

Star Trek: The Original Series affected me in many ways. While I was watching wacky villains on Batman each week – a show where nothing was taken seriously – Star Trek dealt with very serious issues. Yes, there were intentional moments of levity like the "The Trouble with Tribbles" episode (Season 2 Episode 15), there was also the unintentional hilarity like the episode when someone stole Spock's brain (Season 3, Episode 1). 

Overall, both Batman and Star Trek shaped the malleable putty that was my young brain. Batman helped me learn not to take life too seriously, while Star Trek guided me to evaluate the world in a more serious way – even though I was just a little kid I knew that Star Trek was at a higher level of thinking and that was a good thing. 

So, over the weeks ahead, I will be posting about different aspects of the TOS as we move toward September 8, 2026, which is the true 60th anniversary of the first episode airing in in 1966.

I hope that you will join me on this journey of exploring the TOS – Gene Roddenberry's visionary series that started it all. Until then, Live long and prosper! 

Please watch this video about the 60th anniversary!

 

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the 'Batman' TV Series – 'Batman' Bloopers

 

After writing a series of posts celebrating the Batman TV series (1966-1968), I got some great feedback after sharing them on social media. Many of us "kids" who grew up with the show look back at it fondly. 

Despite the deliberately campy atmosphere and tongue-in cheek performances, we loved the show and have wonderful memories. Some of my feedback brought up questions about bloopers, and I started thinking about them too.

After doing some researching and watching videos online, I found what I believe has the best compilation of blunders featuring Batman, Robin, and company.

So grab a bowl of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy this video.    

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the 'Batman' TV Series – Batman the Great!!

In this last of a series of posts celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Batman TV series, I am turning the spotlight on Batman/Bruce Wayne. I've written about the Batmobile – which deservedly gets a spotlight – the most recurring villains, other villains, and Team Batman, but there was no series worth watching if all those luminaries did not orbit around Batman's sun.  

West before Batman

One key ingredient for the success of this series was the casting of Adam West. Series producer and creator William Dozier got the idea to bring in West for an audition after seeing him in a commercial for Nestle's Quik playing a James Bond type spy. West seemed to have the right blend of good looks with a penchant for humor.  

Dozier chose him over Carol Burnett Show actor Lyle Waggoner (who also auditioned) because West seemed to have a "cultured persona" that he could work with as Bruce Wayne, a quick wit, and West accepted the fact that this was a live action comic book show. Nothing – absolutely nothing – would be taken seriously. West impressed Dozier because he could say the dialogue that no one else could deliver without laughing. 

Having watched all 120 episodes and the movie, I can tell you that West fully embraced the campy, colorful, and total lack of seriousness with vigor. The key was that West had to play both Wayne and Batman as if they were completely unaware of the hilarity all around them. 

Batman dancing the Batusi

West had an excellent way of delivering deadpan lines. In one scene he walks into a bar in costume where everyone else is dancing and noticing him, and the waiter asks him if he would like a table. Batman says that he prefers to stand at the bar as to not attract any attention. I laughed out loud at the way he delivered that line perfectly. 

Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson

West was handsome with a charisma that exuded from him in every scene. What is interesting is how he interacted with Burt Ward who played Robin/Dick Grayson. Whether they were in the living room of stately Wayne Manor playing chess or out in the street chasing some villain, Bruce/Batman never took his responsibility for his young ward for granted. He would find teachable moments, and we kids who were watching took notice. 

While nothing was being taken seriously on screen and the guest actors were over the top and flamboyant, Batman always stood his ground and remained slightly aloof, as if the outrageous goings on did not seem like anything but another normal day on the job.

Driving in the iconic Batmobile

As a kid, I didn't know anything about what was campy or outlandish. I was a fan of the comic books, and I just felt that what I loved to read had been brought to live action in the most perfect way possible. Years later as I watched the series again, all I felt was an overwhelming sense of happiness. Drama and adventure stories have their place, but there is nothing quite like the Batman TV series. It is truly a unique, joyful entertainment experience. 

If you are only familiar with the series and West in a casual way, you are doing yourself a disservice. I highly recommending watching the series. Now, it makes me feel like I am in on the joke and, even though I know the punchline, I'm going to laugh anyway.

I hope that you have enjoyed my series of articles about this classic TV series. I will end by saying that I will always be ready for the same Bat time, same Bat channel. 

Please check out the videos below to get a feel about what this series was all about!

Batman dancing the Batusi

Watch the iconic opening credits.

Watch how West handles a conversation between Batman and Bruce Wayne!

This scene is from the Batman movie but

captures the character of Batman perfectly!

"Some days you can't get rid of a bomb!"

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the 'Batman' TV Series – Team Batman

 

In my last three posts in this series celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Batman TV series,  I focused on the villains that appeared during three seasons of the show. With good reason! These outlandish characters stood out as special guest villains and were played by famous Hollywood stars. It is understandable that they got so much attention.

However, the men and women who were on Batman's side – I call them Team Batman  –made a pretty strong and memorable impression as well.  Let's take a look at the people who supported Batman/Bruce Wayne no matter what the odds that were against them.

Robin/Dick Grayson

As he was Bruce Wayne's young ward, Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) got to live in stately Wayne Manor where he enjoyed all the perks of the good life. Dick learned to play the piano alongside Aunt Harriet (Madge Blake) and about the finer things in life from Bruce himself, but life wasn't just free and easy for young Dick.

When suiting up to play Robin (the Boy Wonder), Dick was ready to take on all of Gotham's bad guys. Robin always had Batman's back, and he would invariably wind up in some dangerous situations along with Batman that were life threatening.

My favorite aspect of Robin was the way he would say "Holy ...." and add a word fitting to the moment. He actually said "Holy..." 356 times during the series' run. My favorite one was when Batman/Bruce finds out that Miss Kitka is actually Catwoman (I know this actually was in the Batman movie, but it is still my favorite). This is when Robin says, "Holy Heartbreak." Funny, and yet, spot on indeed!

Please check out this video of some of the key times Robin says "Holy...."

Alfred, the Butler 

Alfred Pennyworth (as played with impeccable poise by Alan Napier) was the stalwart presence in Batman/Bruce Wayne's life. Alfred even dressed up as Batman to accompany Robin to a Wayne event which proved that Bruce Wayne was just a handsome rich guy and not Batman.

Napier played Alfred with charm, grace, and a deadpan delivery.  How he kept the two worlds of Bruce Wayne and Batman from crashing into one another is a mystery. Alfred's efforts always proved successful, and his loyalty was unquestionable. 

The one question I want answered is how did Commissioner Gordon not recognize Alfred's voice when he answered the Bat Phone?

Please check out this video of Alfred dressed as Batman saving the day.

Commissioner James Gordon

As played with an amazing tenacity by Neil Hamilton, Gordon worshipped at the altar of Batman with a most fervent admiration. Whatever Batman (and Robin) did, Gordon would give their actions a five star review. 

While everything in the series was chaotic and purposeful mayhem, Gordon stood amidst the whirlwind as straight as an arrow. When he would look at the Bat Phone in his office as if he were looking at something sacred, Gordon would mention how lucky they were to be able to count on Batman.

I have to give Hamilton credit for being able to remain so serious during the most bizarre of scenes. His presence made the series all the more glorious because we were in on the joke that Gordon didn't even know was funny. 

Please check out this scene of Gordon being Batman and Robin's superfan. 

Chief Miles Clancy O'Hara

As played as slightly bumbling by Stafford Repp, Chief O'Hara followed the lead of his boss in admiration of the Dynamic Duo. As he and the commissioner would talk about them as if they were in line for sainthood, it was hilarious when thinking about them deferring all decisions to two men dressed up in Halloween costumes.

While Hamilton played Gordon as straight faced and stoic, Repp made O'Hara human and a little bit overwhelmed at times. Despite the ludicrousness of the situation, O'Hara is another beloved character especially for those of us who grew up with the show. 

Please check out Chief O'Hara at one of his best and funniest moments.

Aunt Harriet 

Madge Blake played Aunt Harriet as perfectly clueless, and we love her for it. While it is easy to dismiss her character in the grand scheme of things that happened during the series,  and why not with such flamboyant villains and our intrepid heroes getting much of the attention  Aunt Harriet was quietly a symbol of stability in the lives of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, something even Batman and Robin desperately needed. 

I have a feeling that her inclusion in the series as unknowingly living with the men who were crimefighters was a way of showing that even Batman and Robin had a family. If they were out there fighting evil in the streets, they were doing it for innocent people like their Aunt Harriet. 

Madge Blake did an excellent job, making Harriet loving and supportive. Like many stabilizing factors in  our lives, she may have been taken for granted in the bigger picture, but when she was missing –  in episodes during season three (due to Blake's health issues) –her absence was even more noticeable. 

Please check out one of Aunt Harriet's typical moments. 

Batgirl  

In the third season the appearance of Batgirl (the beautiful Yvonne Craig) changed the game for Batman and Robin. While she existed in the comic books, she was notably absent during the first two seasons. Batgirl certainly appealed to me as a little kid because – before this the only females (besides Aunt Harriet) in the series were villains, and you can't like them – but Batgirl was on the side of good and sexy too.

I have heard some negativity about Batgirl over the years, but Craig played her perfectly. She had her secret room with all her uniforms and gadgets, and she rode a very cool motorcycle. I think she was a great addition to the show. It is certainly unfortunate that a show featuring her on her own never got the chance. If there could be a show about Gidget and Patty Duke, why couldn't we have a had a show about Batgirl?

Introducing Yvonne Craig as Batgirl 

Villains vs. Team Batman 

While the villains were all fireworks and smoke and mirrors, Team Batman was slow and steady, and they win the race. They were there to support Batman, and did so in hilarious ways. While I like the villains and they were very entertaining, I love Team Batman and, in the end, they are my favorite part of the Batman TV series. 

What's Next?

In the next post – which will be the last of this series – I will be taking a look at the one and only Batman: The Caped Crusader! 

So, until next time, see you at the Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel!