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If anyone is confused about why Rick Berman is disgusting piece of garbage feel free to sound off so I can explain. https://twitter.com/jessiegender/status/1360729172386017288
First of all Rick Berman is usually cited by writers as the main reason gay characters were not allowed on screen in TNG/VOY/DS9/ENT even though Gene specifically wanted gay representation in the 1980s.
https://trekmovie.com/2014/09/12/exclusive-david-gerrold-talks-frankly-about-tng-conflicts-with-roddenberry-berman-jj-trek-more/
https://trekmovie.com/2014/09/12/exclusive-david-gerrold-talks-frankly-about-tng-conflicts-with-roddenberry-berman-jj-trek-more/
An incredible article by @ExtraTremeerial documents some of the sexist legacy of Star Trek from many men making the show, including Berman. https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-sexist-legacy-in-star-trek-s-progressive-universe-1844147116
Notably, he is responsible for demanding female actors be "sexed up" in various ways including Jeri Ryan's catsuit and padding Terry Ferrell's breasts.
When Terry Farell asked for a reduced contract similar to those of her male costars, she was fired. This is why Jadzia (spoilers for a 30 year old show) dies very suddenly in season 6.
Speaking of Seven of Nine's catsuit, not only was it Berman's idea to make her "born sexy yesterday" her original costume pinched her neck so much she kept passing out. Rather than change it, Rick brought in nurses to administer oxygen between takes.
https://screenrant.com/star-trek-voyager-bodysuit-costume-change-why/
https://screenrant.com/star-trek-voyager-bodysuit-costume-change-why/
CW// Eating Disorder
He and other producers would continually comment on the appearance of female actors to the point that Marina Sirtis developed an eating disorder. Sirtis also mentions how tight her corset and how large her breast padding was under her "uniform"
He and other producers would continually comment on the appearance of female actors to the point that Marina Sirtis developed an eating disorder. Sirtis also mentions how tight her corset and how large her breast padding was under her "uniform"
I think it's important to note here Berman was left in charge of trek because he was in the right place when Roddenberry got sick. He had no experience with SciFi previously and didn't really believe in Roddenberry's vision of the future.
In addition to being a dick to Denise Crosby after pushing her out (see the call out below) he's also the reason for Wil Wheaton was kicked out for similar contact negotiation as Terry Farrell.
Want to know why Harry Kim was never promoted? According to Garrett Wang because Rick Berman hated him.
https://trekmovie.com/2011/06/22/garrett-wang-talks-clashes-with-brannon-braga-rick-berman-lost-opportunity-for-star-trek-voyager-movie/
https://trekmovie.com/2011/06/22/garrett-wang-talks-clashes-with-brannon-braga-rick-berman-lost-opportunity-for-star-trek-voyager-movie/
Want to know why Enterprise seemed to be a step backwards in a lot of ways including the tits and ass elements? It's because Berman had far more creative control (seasons 1-3) and took a much more hands on writing role. Here's T'Pol actor Jolene Blalock
https://www.trektoday.com/news/191104_02.shtml
https://www.trektoday.com/news/191104_02.shtml
Why did Garak and Bashir spend less time together and Garak was given Zyial as an incredibly gross love interest? Andy Robinson's portrayal as queer coded made Berman uncomfortable.
https://www.themarysue.com/garak-bashir-relationship-star-trek-deep-space-nine/
https://www.themarysue.com/garak-bashir-relationship-star-trek-deep-space-nine/
In addition to the numerous times we can't point to something and say "this was Berman's fault" there are countless other ways he negativity impacted the series. When you have the main person in charge being a sexist homophobe, you create a sexist homophobic environment.
Dispite the "equality" promoted on the show, Berman hired very few female writers, with less than 30% of episodes having even one female writer during his tenor, getting worse over time for every single series. https://www.trekkiefeminist.com/star-treks-behind-the-scenes-gender-gap/
I can't find any statics about racial diversity of the writers during his run but based on what I've seen it was an incredibly white crew behind the scenes writing the stories, despite on screen representation. If anyone has those number please send them to me.
Rick Berman is not the only asshole to have worked on Star Trek and he is not the reason for every bad choice from TNG-ENT. However HE WAS the executive producers and show runner in charge of production so much of the sins of that time lie at his feet.
When people get confused about how some people seem to "misundersand" the point of Star Trek and don't know how they can watch/enjoy the "progressive" nature of the show and be such vile sexists and racists, this is how. They let a sexist asshole run the show for three decades.
On screen representation is important. It's amazing for people to see themselves in such a hopeful future, but the behind the scenes matters just as much if not more than who is in front of the camera. Representation without responsible storytelling is a tragedy.
I would highly recommend @renegadecut's incredible video on the Berman era of Star Trek (and also all of his Trek videos which are amazing)
