Star Trek’s Cancellation Sparked Several Gene Roddenberry Flops

One of the more intriguing failed pilots from 1973 was “The Questor Tapes.” Despite its engaging premise, it’s understandable why it might have been a tough sell. The storyline centers around Questor, an android portrayed by Robert Foxworth, who was created under mysterious circumstances. The narrative begins with a brilliant robotic engineer who left behind detailed instructions for building a high-tech android. These instructions were divided among various groups to ensure that no single team could uncover the secrets of constructing such an advanced being. Additionally, the inventor provided programming tapes which were partially erased due to an accident.

Despite the incomplete instructions and damaged tapes, the engineers went ahead and built the android. This new programming had gaps due to the erased segments. When Questor, the android, awakens, he quickly goes on the run. He faces an urgent mission to find his creator, as there’s a nuclear bomb secretly concealed in his abdomen set to explode if he fails (!). Questor is a character reminiscent of Data from “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Much like Data, Questor is naive and emotionless but shows a keen interest in humanity. When faced with potential sexual situations, both characters notably state that they are “fully functional.”

The climax of “The Questor Tapes” reveals a significant twist: Questor’s creator was also an android. In fact, androids have been living among humans for thousands of years. These androids were placed on Earth by a mysterious group known as the Masters, with the mission of overseeing humanity and guiding them towards peace.

The themes of global peace and pacifism are intricately woven into the narrative of “Questor,” with an added touch of Jack Kirby’s “Eternals” for good measure. The project faced difficulties when the studio made several changes to the original concept without Gene Roddenberry’s consent. Unable to retain control over his creation, Roddenberry eventually abandoned the project, leading to the series never coming to fruition.

This context sheds light on why Roddenberry sought substantial control over “Next Generation.” He wanted to ensure that his vision remained intact, allowing his unaltered ideas to reach the audience. Fortunately, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” eventually became a successful series.

Source: Slashfilm