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Welcome to Gene-ology, a podcast by Roddenberry Entertainment that dives deep into the early TV writing works of Gene Roddenberry. Is this the best television script Gene Roddenberry wrote prior to creating Star Trek? Gene's singular episode of the popular medical drama Dr. Kildare is a powerful story full of rich characters and raw emotions – the bedrock of great television drama. Hosted by Earl Green & Ashley Thomas About Gene-ology Gene-ology explores Gene Roddenberry's early television scripts, including his lesser-known works before Star Trek using the Mission Log format popularized by Roddenberry Podcasts. We analyze the themes, writing style, and cultural impact of his scripts, and we even unearth stories from the Roddenberry archives that were never produced. Join us as we trace the roots of Gene's creative genius. In This Episode A breakdown of key moments and themes in "A Distant Thunder". Exploring Gene Roddenberry's evolving style and storytelling. How this episode ties into the broader TV landscape of the time and reflects the early seeds of Roddenberry's visionary work. Guest stars and unique production elements that bring this episode to life. Special Segment: Dramatic Recreation Since this script is not available to the public, we've brought it to life with a dramatic recreation! Special guests Jeff Gauntt and Bonnie Gordon perform a key section of the script. Listen in as they bring the story to life in this exclusive performance. Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments in the comments or reach out to us on social media or email us at missionlog@roddenberry.com Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts BLUESKY https://bsky.app/profile/roddenberrypod.bsky.social THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryPodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryOfficial RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/TheRoddenberryFoundation Support the Show For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog Subscribe and Stay Tuned Be sure to subscribe to Gene-ology for more deep dives into Gene Roddenberry's early works. New episodes are released regularly as we uncover more of Gene's television legacy. – Gene-ology is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.com for more great content. Edited by Earl Green.
Streaming service CBS All Access releases the 26th episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Michelle Yeoh, Alan Van Sprang (Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments, The Tudors), Sonja Sohn (The Wire), and Ethan Peck (10 Things I Hate About You) guest star.
The CW airs the 32nd episode of Legends Of Tomorrow, starring Arthur Darvill, Brandon Routh, Caity Lotz and Victor Garber. John Barrowman (Torchwood), Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow), and Neal McDonough guest star.
Soyuz TMA-08M lifts off from Russia, testing a new “fast track” trajectory to the International Space Station. With cosmonauts Pavel Vinogradov and Alexander Misurkin, and astronaut Chris Cassidy aboard, the Soyuz capsule reaches the Station only six hours after liftoff, as opposed to the usual two days. The three new crew members join Expedition 35.
ABC airs the 61st episode of the J.J. Abrams-produced series Lost. Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back) guest stars in an episode devoted to narratively disposing of much-derided new regular characters Nikki and Paulo.
The seventh episode of the science fiction comedy series The Strangerers is broadcast on Sky One, created and written by Rob Grant (Red Dwarf), starring Mark Williams and Jack Docherty. Paul Darrow (Blake’s 7) guest stars.
The 133rd episode of Chris Carter’s modern-day science fiction series The X-Files airs on Fox, starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny. Melinda Culea and Andrew J. Robinson (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) guest star.
Fox airs the 42nd episode of Tracy Torme’s alternate-universe science fiction series Sliders, starring Jerry O’Connell, Sabrina Lloyd, Cleavant Derricks, and Kari Wuhrer. Ron Melendez (Legacy) guest stars; this episode, filmed prior to John Rhys-Davies leaving the series, marks his final appearance in the show; additional scenes were filmed to make this episode a “flashback”.
Showtime airs the 55th episode of The Outer Limits, a revival of the 1960s science fiction anthology series. Ron Rifkin (Alias) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) guest star.
The third episode of RoboCop: The Series airs in syndication, starring Richard Eden, Yvette Nipar, Blu Mankuma, and Andrea Roth. Cliff De Young guest stars as Dr. Cray Z. Mollardo.
The 16th episode of the superhero series The Flash, based on the DC Comics character, airs on CBS, starring John Wesley Shipp and Amanda Pays. Denise Crosby (Star Trek: The Next Generation) guest stars.
Patrick Troughton, the first actor to inherit the lead role of Doctor Who from another actor (and still one of the best-loved incarnations of the time-traveling Doctor), dies at the age of 67 on the second day of a science fiction convention in Columbus, Georgia. Despite worries about a persistent heart condition (he had already suffered heart attacks in 1978 and 1984), Troughton had made the trip to America against his doctor’s advice, suffering a fatal third heart attack after breakfast. His final TV appearance, the series Knights Of God, will air later in the year, having actually been filmed in 1985.
CBS airs the 22nd episode of a revival of Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone. Tim Thomerson (Quark), Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under) and Xander Berkeley star in an episode comprised of three short stories, Take My Life…Please!, Devil’s Alphabet, and The Library.
Future Torchwood series regular Gareth David-Lloyd is born in Wales. Showing an early aptitutde for acting, he will also make appearances on Warehouse 13, Holby City, and Doctor Who. Incidentally, the first time he plays a character named Ianto Jones – completely unrelated from the character who will later appear on Torchwood and Doctor Who – is in an episode of the drama Mine All Mine written by future Torchwood creator Russell T. Davies.
ABC airs the 20th and final episode of Kolchak: The Night Stalker, based on Jeff Rice’s novel and the 1972 TV movie The Night Stalker, starring Darren McGavin. Tom Bosley (Happy Days) and John Hoyt (Star Trek: The Cage) guest star. A remake with a new cast, simply titled Night Stalker, will be attempted in the early 21st century, also on ABC, but will have an even shorter lifespan than the original series.
NBC airs the 22nd episode of Leslie Steven’s “spy-fi” series Search, starring Tony Franciosa and Burgess Meredith. Mel Ferrer, Dianne Hull, and Dabney Coleman guest star.
The 12th episode of Larry Cohen’s science fiction series The Invaders, starring Roy Thinnes and produced by Quinn Martin’s QM Productions, premieres on ABC. Laura Devon (The Richard Boone Show) and Norman Fell guest star.
NBC airs the 26th episode of the military drama The Lieutenant, created and produced by future Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and starring Gary Lockwood (2001: a space odyssey) and Robert Vaughn (The Man From UNCLE).
The 19th episode of Doctor Who airs on the BBC. This is part six of the story now collectively known as Marco Polo. The entirety of this story has since been lost by the BBC archives.
Future Red Dwarf cast member Chris Barrie is born in West Germany to British parents. Developing a knack for vocal impersonations at an early age, Barrie aims for a comedy career after dropping out of college and quickly becomes a frequent guest actor on television (The Young Ones, Blackadder). He also provides vocal impersonations and spoken word soundbytes on songs by Art of Noise and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. After appearing in a radio sketch called “Dave Hollins, Space Cadet” written by Rob Grant & Doug Naylor, he lands the role of Arnold Rimmer in Red Dwarf – a science fiction sitcom created by Grant & Naylor, whose inspiration can be traced back to that radio sketch.
The 26th episode of ABC’s science fiction anthology series, Tales Of Tomorrow, airs on ABC, with each episode’s opening titles proclaiming that the series is produced “in cooperation with the Science-Fiction League of America”, a collective of sci-fi writers including Isaac Asimov and Theodore Sturgeon among its members. This episode stars Veronica Lake and Walter Brooke.
The CW airs the 33rd episode of Superman & Lois, starring Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, Michael Bishop, and Alex Garfin. 
The CW airs the 29th episode of Batwoman starring Javicia Leslie, Rachel Skarsten, and Meagan Tandy.
Streaming service CBS All Access releases the 26th episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Michelle Yeoh, Alan Van Sprang (Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments, The Tudors), Sonja Sohn (The Wire), and Ethan Peck (10 Things I Hate About You) guest star. 
The CW airs the 64th episode of The Flash, a modern-day reboot of DC Comics’ superhero starring Grant Gustin. 
The CW airs the 32nd episode of Legends Of Tomorrow, starring Arthur Darvill, Brandon Routh, Caity Lotz and Victor Garber. John Barrowman (Torchwood), Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow), and Neal McDonough guest star.
Soyuz TMA-08M lifts off from Russia, testing a new “fast track” trajectory to the International Space Station. With cosmonauts Pavel Vinogradov and Alexander Misurkin, and astronaut Chris Cassidy aboard, the Soyuz capsule reaches the Station only six hours after liftoff, as opposed to the usual two days. The three new crew members join Expedition 35.
ABC airs the 61st episode of the J.J. Abrams-produced series Lost. Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back) guest stars in an episode devoted to narratively disposing of much-derided new regular characters Nikki and Paulo. 
Big Finish Productions releases the third U.N.I.T. audio drama, a Doctor Who audio spinoff. 
The seventh episode of the science fiction comedy series The Strangerers is broadcast on Sky One, created and written by Rob Grant (Red Dwarf), starring Mark Williams and Jack Docherty. Paul Darrow (Blake’s 7) guest stars.
The 133rd episode of Chris Carter’s modern-day science fiction series The X-Files airs on Fox, starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny. Melinda Culea and Andrew J. Robinson (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) guest star.
Fox airs the 42nd episode of Tracy Torme’s alternate-universe science fiction series Sliders, starring Jerry O’Connell, Sabrina Lloyd, Cleavant Derricks, and Kari Wuhrer. Ron Melendez (Legacy) guest stars; this episode, filmed prior to John Rhys-Davies leaving the series, marks his final appearance in the show; additional scenes were filmed to make this episode a “flashback”.
Showtime airs the 55th episode of The Outer Limits, a revival of the 1960s science fiction anthology series. Ron Rifkin (Alias) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) guest star.
The week-long national syndication window opens for the 171st episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Wil Wheaton and Eric Menyuk guest star. 
The third episode of RoboCop: The Series airs in syndication, starring Richard Eden, Yvette Nipar, Blu Mankuma, and Andrea Roth. Cliff De Young guest stars as Dr. Cray Z. Mollardo.
The 16th episode of the superhero series The Flash, based on the DC Comics character, airs on CBS, starring John Wesley Shipp and Amanda Pays. Denise Crosby (Star Trek: The Next Generation) guest stars.
NBC airs the 27th episode of Donald Bellisario’s science fiction series Quantum Leap, starring Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell.
Patrick Troughton, the first actor to inherit the lead role of Doctor Who from another actor (and still one of the best-loved incarnations of the time-traveling Doctor), dies at the age of 67 on the second day of a science fiction convention in Columbus, Georgia. Despite worries about a persistent heart condition (he had already suffered heart attacks in 1978 and 1984), Troughton had made the trip to America against his doctor’s advice, suffering a fatal third heart attack after breakfast. His final TV appearance, the series Knights Of God, will air later in the year, having actually been filmed in 1985.
CBS airs the 22nd episode of a revival of Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone. Tim Thomerson (Quark), Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under) and Xander Berkeley star in an episode comprised of three short stories, Take My Life…Please!, Devil’s Alphabet, and The Library.
Future Torchwood series regular Gareth David-Lloyd is born in Wales. Showing an early aptitutde for acting, he will also make appearances on Warehouse 13, Holby City, and Doctor Who. Incidentally, the first time he plays a character named Ianto Jones – completely unrelated from the character who will later appear on Torchwood and Doctor Who – is in an episode of the drama Mine All Mine written by future Torchwood creator Russell T. Davies.
ABC airs the 20th and final episode of Kolchak: The Night Stalker, based on Jeff Rice’s novel and the 1972 TV movie The Night Stalker, starring Darren McGavin. Tom Bosley (Happy Days) and John Hoyt (Star Trek: The Cage) guest star. A remake with a new cast, simply titled Night Stalker, will be attempted in the early 21st century, also on ABC, but will have an even shorter lifespan than the original series. 
NBC airs the 22nd episode of Leslie Steven’s “spy-fi” series Search, starring Tony Franciosa and Burgess Meredith. Mel Ferrer, Dianne Hull, and Dabney Coleman guest star.
The 266th episode of Doctor Who airs on the BBC. John Abineri and Ronald Allen guest star.
The 12th episode of Larry Cohen’s science fiction series The Invaders, starring Roy Thinnes and produced by Quinn Martin’s QM Productions, premieres on ABC. Laura Devon (The Richard Boone Show) and Norman Fell guest star.
NBC airs the 26th episode of the military drama The Lieutenant, created and produced by future Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and starring Gary Lockwood (2001: a space odyssey) and Robert Vaughn (The Man From UNCLE). 
The 19th episode of Doctor Who airs on the BBC. This is part six of the story now collectively known as Marco Polo. The entirety of this story has since been lost by the BBC archives.
Future Red Dwarf cast member Chris Barrie is born in West Germany to British parents. Developing a knack for vocal impersonations at an early age, Barrie aims for a comedy career after dropping out of college and quickly becomes a frequent guest actor on television (The Young Ones, Blackadder). He also provides vocal impersonations and spoken word soundbytes on songs by Art of Noise and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. After appearing in a radio sketch called “Dave Hollins, Space Cadet” written by Rob Grant & Doug Naylor, he lands the role of Arnold Rimmer in Red Dwarf – a science fiction sitcom created by Grant & Naylor, whose inspiration can be traced back to that radio sketch.
The 26th episode of ABC’s science fiction anthology series, Tales Of Tomorrow, airs on ABC, with each episode’s opening titles proclaiming that the series is produced “in cooperation with the Science-Fiction League of America”, a collective of sci-fi writers including Isaac Asimov and Theodore Sturgeon among its members. This episode stars Veronica Lake and Walter Brooke.