In 1989, fueled by his prior reports and findings, Prof. Herbert Gleiter published a seminal work on the synthesis, processing, and possibilities for nanocrystalline materials. This spark exploded into the field of bulk nanocrystalline metals by severe plastic deformation processing, with the primary driver being attaining the ultimate strength of a metal through refinement of the grain sizes to a level approaching the theoretically possible limits. This paper will briefly explore the historical development of SPD and based on Turnbull's strategy of ''energizing and quenching'' materials to attain a desirable metastable state, present thoughts on incipient-related areas of exploration, including thermal stabilization through solute additions, the role of trace impurities and interstitials, the smallest grain size achievable (both theoretically and practically), and the captivating yet hazy character and role of the grain boundary. Lastly, some new approaches to making and then controlling the behavior of nanocrystalline materials will be presented. At each stage, opportunities for future study will be raised. On the 50th Anniversary of Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, it is hoped that this report will build off the seed planted by Gleiter and inspire new work and collaborations in the years to come.