Star Trek
has become so entrenched in our culture that references to it pop up all the time in movies, TV and other forms of media, and is often an integral element of a story plot. When we come across one of those references, we will bring it to you in a new semi-regular feature called "Did You See ...?" So did you see the debate over wearing Star Trek pins in the White House last week? Wednesday's episode of The West Wing featured a sub-plot revolving around this very topic.
In the episode, titled "Arctic Radar,"President Bartlet's Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) notices that one of the new temps in the White House is sporting a Star Trek pin. Lyman asks the temp, Janice, to remove the pin, as it doesn't give off the most professional air. She does, but under protest. "Star Trek and the entire Starfleet series is about honor and loyalty and civic duty, and the fact that you don't think that those are characteristics that should be displayed inside the White House is sad," she informs Lyman.
Later, Lyman approaches her and actually cops to being a Trek fan, indulging in a lengthy rant about how he enjoys the shows, but doesn't make lists of the best episodes or galaxies or debate over "Romulans falling in love with Cardassians." Lyman concludes by informing Janice that it's fine to have hobbies, but she shouldn't bring them into the office — except on Star Trek holidays. "There's no such thing as a Star Trek holiday," sniffs Janice. Counters Lyman: "Well, work hard around here. We'll make one."
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