Phasers on Stun!

Nonfiction by Ryan Britt

© 2022 Plume, imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

Reviewed by Lisa Timpf

In Phasers on Stun! How the Making (and Remaking) of Star Trek Changed the World, Ryan Britt provides a comprehensive guide to the ever-evolving Star Trek franchise. Britt explores the history of Star Trek, ranging from The Original Series to the latest iterations. But Phasers on Stun! is more than a chronology of Star Trek’s evolution. Britt provides behind-the-scenes information from those involved and explores the way the series evolved from a diversity perspective.

Because of The Original Series’ importance as the foundation of the franchise, Britt devotes the first four chapters to exploring the start of the series, the ways in which it was progressive for its time, and the birth of Star Trek fandom, among other topics. Britt then turns his attention to The Animated Series, then to movies like Star Trek: The Motion Picture and The Wrath of Khan, exploring some of the decision-making, the conflicts, and the strengths and weaknesses of each. After that, he examines the follow-up series one by one, starting with The Next Generation and moving on to Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise.

In a chapter discussing the Star Trek reboot movies made by J.J. Abrams, Britt discusses why some Star Trek fans felt it was okay to blow up the franchise and open new possibilities. He then discusses Star Trek: Discovery.

Britt includes a chapter about LGBTQ+ representation in Star Trek, noting that earlier iterations had characters that audience members “coded” as gay even if they weren’t openly so. He explores the importance of audience members being able to see themselves reflected and the significance of the relationship between Paul Stamets and Dr. Hugh Culber, who are “for all intents and purposes, Star Trek’s first openly gay couple.” 

Star Trek: Picard, Lower Decks, Strange New Worlds, and Prodigy are also covered, providing a comprehensive look at the vast web that is Star Trek.

Britt also talks about topics of interest to Star Trek fans, such as the Trekkers vs. Trekkies debate and the lack of respect Star Trek initially got from some members of the science fiction community. He describes the important role Nichelle Nichols, the actress who played Lieutenant Uhura on The Original Series, performed in recruiting diverse individuals for NASA’s astronaut program.

Britt points out each new generation of viewers might click with a particular series and that an individual viewer’s tastes might change and evolve. The comment rings true. In my early teens, I had a standing appointment to watch reruns of The Original Series in my friend’s living room at 5 p.m. each day. We saw the episodes so often we could repeat some of the lines (our favorites being from “The Trouble with Tribbles”), yet despite the repetition we remained spellbound by the characters and by the wish for a future world full of hope. I have friends who loved The Original Series but are reluctant to watch subsequent versions. Others, like me, have found room in their hearts for other iterations. I enjoyed The Next Generation, Discovery, and the J.J. Abrams reboot but never got into Star Trek: Picard. To each their own—that’s the beauty of the franchise.

Phasers on Stun! is penned in an easy-to-read, often lightly humorous style, and Britt’s authoritative and knowledgeable tone makes it clear he knows his stuff. Britt has written professionally about science fiction, and Star Trek particularly, since 2010. Some of the facts included in the book are based on research while others are drawn from interviews with Brent Spiner, Sonequa Martin-Green, and LeVar Burton and over 100 more. Britt’s in-depth knowledge enables him to weave in interesting snippets, like the one about Kirstie Allie, who later played Saavik, being so captivated by The Original Series as a kid that she envisioned herself playing Spock’s daughter and even wrote dialogue for herself.

Britt’s clear affection for the series doesn’t prevent him from making critical comments about decisions made, scripts that left something to be desired, and other issues, making this an even-handed look at the franchise.

Phasers on Stun! includes photos of characters on-set and at conventions as well as a section titled “Which Star Trek is Which? A Brief Guide to All the Treks, Ever,” which lists each series as well as the 13 feature films made to date, providing brief summaries. The book also includes a chronology of the fictional time period in which each series is set and an extensive index.

Star Trek fans looking for a comprehensive reference that provides behind-the-scenes insight into the franchise will find Phasers on Stun! worth a look.