‘Next Generation’: Next Step

After reading Park Bucker’s Counterpunch (“ ‘Next Generation’ Didn’t Fly So Boldly,” July 4), I wondered if he hadn’t encountered some series from an alternate universe, because the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” I’ve watched for the last seven years is nothing like the show he described.

While it is true the original “Star Trek” was revolutionary in its casting minority and female characters, to suggest that “TNG” is a step back is absurd.

In his letter, Bucker dismisses the contributions of Deanna Troi, Geordi La Forge, Worf and Guinan as token--simply because they weren’t commanders. For starters, Geordi La Forge was chief engineer, hardly a token responsibility.

As for Troi, Bucker states, “Her character belongs more to a talk-show panel than to the bridge of an exploring starship where her abilities have only marginal benefit.”

I think when you have more than 1,000 people (including children) on a starship traveling through unexplored regions of the galaxy, the services of a ship’s counselor are invaluable.

“Star Trek” was innovative not because of multiracial casting--that was a byproduct. “Star Trek” was innovative, and touched so many lives, because Gene Roddenberry had a vision of a future when people would put aside petty fears and hatreds and live in peace, respecting the inherent dignity within all life. In that respect, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” did not fulfill that vision. It went beyond it.

GLENN FREEZE

La Habra

When I watch a TV series, I’m more impressed with the quality of the stories, acting and production values rather than how many minorities are presented in the interest of being politically correct. In that respect, both “Trek” series more than deliver the goods. “Star Trek: TNG,” your mission was accomplished.

DARRELL McNEIL

Los Angeles

Bucker falls into the trap of believing that a character’s value is in its place in the command structure. By this reasoning, Mother Teresa is important only because she heads an order of nuns, not because she sits beside dying people, holding their hands and giving them love.

ROBY JAMES

Reseda