"To boldly go where no man has gone before..." So the opening narration claims, and since it debuted in 1965 [sic], Star Trek became the epitome of optimistic futurism. What began as a cult show--and a failed one at that--became a cultural touchstone, and quite likely the most influential television show in history, as well as a long running series of films. Even Americans who have never seen an episode or film know of the pensive Mr. Spock, the transporter, the alien Klingons and the famous warp speed. As the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the beloved franchise approaches though, Star...