Just finished watching episode 6 of the Ready Room with Wil Wheaton. His interview with Jeri Ryan, I loved. His interview with Rod Roddenberry I was ambivalent.
I do not dislike R.R. however I still do not know what to make of him. At this juncture, I honestly lean towards more opportunist than keeper of the Gene Roddenberry vision. By his own admission, years ago, he didn't understand his father or the Star Trek phenomenon which means, in my mind, little if anything with respect to Star Trek was passed down from father to son. His attempt at a Star Trek documentary seemed cruel and harassing when filming his mother, Majel Barrett. Now, of course, he could have researched: read books, visited archives, read diaries, etc., however, does that really qualify him to be a necessary or authoritative piece of Star Trek's future? I am struggling with whether he is parasitic or symbiotic?
Having confessed my bias and confusion … Rod Roddenberry's interview was all-around okay. It felt as though he is a bit self-conscious about trying to cast himself as heir to his dad's vision and still questioning the moral legitimacy of his standing. He was measured and made sure not to overreach. I believe that will change the more input and hands on he is allowed to become. What I got from this interview is perhaps I need to untether him from the Kobiyashi Maru of expectation as it is understandable that he wants, even may need, to carve out a spot for himself in his father's grand creation.
