Set senses of humor to “Self-Deprecating Jokes About Aging”, everybody. The 50th anniversary of “Star Trek” debuting in prime time on CBS in 1966 is upon us and it’s a grand excuse to celebrate a half-century of iconic science fiction the best way us nerds know how: toys. Enough toys to fill four legendary starships and one giant space station.
OK, maybe there isn’t quite that massive a selection of limited-edition licensed merchandise on the way. Then again, it depends on just how many of each Star Trek 50th Anniversary Build-A-Bear we decide to buy for, um, “friends”. Yes, friends, and totally not entirely for ourselves so we can command an all-bear Starfleet crew to adorably go where no stuffed animal has gone before.
We do find it curious that “Voyager” and the original seem to be the only series getting their own dedicated designs, but we’re also far from complaining. Fans of TOS can choose from a Commander Spock bear honoring the late Leonard Nimoy or slightly more generic designs sporting blue, gold, or even the dreaded red Starfleet uniforms. Other options include a bear modeled after Zachary Quinto’s Spock in J.J. Abrams’ franchise reboot with “Live long and prosper” embroidered on its right foot and a commemorative plushie with a communicator emblem on its chest and a Star Trek 50th Anniversary emblem on each foot.
As finishing touches go, any bear can be equipped with its very own phaser and fitted with a voice box that plays the original “Star Trek” theme when you squeeze your new First Officer’s paw.
