maybe this is where your non-Trekkie status gives you perspective, or realistically lower expectations of TV producers
I think having watched TOS for the first time last year did a lot to lower my expectations in terms of Trek's progressivism. I do give TOS full points for the inclusion of actors of color in significant roles (and playing admirals and scientists rather than villains), but TOS's massive sexism, which was fully endorsed by Gene Roddenberry, means I started out cynical about Trek's version of the enlightened future.
It also helps that I've seen Torchwood, a show produced by a gay man, with a bisexual lead character, and airing on the BBC (which is better about LGBT characters than U.S. TV), put a whole bunch of homophobic tropes onscreen. So I'm all too aware of how easy it is for shows to go horribly wrong even now, much less fifteen years ago.
no subject
I think having watched TOS for the first time last year did a lot to lower my expectations in terms of Trek's progressivism. I do give TOS full points for the inclusion of actors of color in significant roles (and playing admirals and scientists rather than villains), but TOS's massive sexism, which was fully endorsed by Gene Roddenberry, means I started out cynical about Trek's version of the enlightened future.
It also helps that I've seen Torchwood, a show produced by a gay man, with a bisexual lead character, and airing on the BBC (which is better about LGBT characters than U.S. TV), put a whole bunch of homophobic tropes onscreen. So I'm all too aware of how easy it is for shows to go horribly wrong even now, much less fifteen years ago.