Between Star Trek the Motion Picture and The Next Generation, Gene Roddenberry was still at work crafting new TV show concepts. In 1981, he turned his attention to a melding of real world science and speculative futurism with "Breakthrough." We welcome producer/documentarian Jeff Stepp (The UnXplained: Mysteries of the Universe with William Shatner) to the Trek Files to help determine where Gene was on the right path and if his idea could breakthrough the TV landscape today.

Document and additional references: Breakthrough TV Format - October 7, 1981

Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.