There’s an anecdote about a board meeting at Desilu Studios in Hollywood, circa 1964, where Lucille Ball presided over the TV production empire she had set up with one-time husband Desi Arnaz. According to Desilu vice-president Herbert F. Solow, Lucy seldom said much during meetings. But one day, as Solow was about to update the board on series in development, network deals and the like, Lucy said suddenly: “Herb, what’s happening with that South Seas series?” Solow was perplexed. There was no South Seas series. Lucy said, “You know, Herb, that South Seas series you mentioned last time.” Solow, Lucy insisted, was producing a show about USO performers entertaining the troops in the South Seas during the war. Solow did not know what she was talking about. He said he had never mentioned a USO show. “Oh yes you did,” cried Lucy. “Oh, yes, you did, Herb. You called it Star Trek!” Continue reading