TrekWeb.com - Brent Spiner Talks State of TREK Franchise and His Idea for Mixed-Crew TREK XI

Brent Spiner Talks State of TREK Franchise and His Idea for Mixed-Crew TREK XI

By GustavoLeao / 20:49, 29 January 2005 / Star Trek: Nemesis

The latest issue of the Star Trek Communicator, available now in the U.S., features an exclusive interview with TNG actor Brent Spiner, in which he talks about his guest role of 'Doctor Arik Soong' on STAR TREK ENTERPRISE and his opinions on the STAR TREK franchise. Here are a few excerpts :

What, in your opinion, is the state of STAR TREK these days ?

Spiner : I am not sure. I don't know if I have a solution for its future. Some people think it needs to be put to sleep for a while and then woke up again in about five to ten years with a new concept and design and a bunch of young new kids. There is something to be said for that but, at the same time, I personally just like the fact that it is on the air. I want it to be around always. It has now been on for 18 years solid. It has hardly ever been off the air since it started back in the 60s. [...] I think they are doing a pretty good job this year, thought. I think ENTERPRISE has hit its stride. That's something they need to be given credit for, because it takes a while to shake down. It wasn't so easy for us either. I think they have finally found their footing, and it just took a while to get it together.

Do you think mixing the crews from the five shows is a good idea ?

Spiner : I think it is a decent idea. John Logan and I actually had a idea for another film that followed NEMESIS that sort of did that in a way. It was a really cool idea. But, needless to say, nobody went to see NEMESIS, so Paramount wasn't likely to give us another movie.

You knew Gene Roddenberry well, Do you think he would be happy with what STAR TREK has become today ?

Spiner : For the most part, I think he would be happy with it. And I will tell you why : I can't tell you the numbers of times when we were doing the films that we wanted to do something and Rick Berman responded, "You know, that's really not Roddenberry, That's really not his vision of this, and I don't want to cross that line." People who say Rick has forgotten Gene's vision and tried to create his own STAR TREK are way off base. It is just not true and I have been privy to moments where he has stated the opposite, All you have to do is watch the shows - they are still about the same things. They are still about the hopeful vision of the future and the need for people to accept each other in whatever form.

And to read the full interview, get the latest issue of the Star Trek Communicator at your local newstand.

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RE: He's right and he's wrong | Report this post to moderator
By: Hbasm (Odo's file, contact) @ 08:59:45 on Jan 30, 2005

Well, you can never have everything. Generally I like the way B&B have shaped Star Trek since Roddenberrys death and I don't care how many people disagree with me about that! It's all subjective. What I really hate is when people claim they know it all, as if they are objective and the rest of us are idiots. Well, there are good things and bad things accompaning every choice, every decision in life. You can never have everything!

Expanding the world of Star Trek is necessary and natural, of course. But it's obviously a very fine balance. Every little change will upset someone. Read these boards for proof. I think the current situation was unavoidable! People are SO demanding these days and they don't even realise it. That's something I will never understand.

But I think we've been lucky to have Rick Berman to provide stability over the years, in terms of tone and content in Star Trek (for this I will be attacked). Well, he may be more loyal towards Gene, than he is inventive. But people blind themselves if they think Rick Berman doesn't care about Star Trek, and claim he is incompetent. On the contrary, he is not a rebel. He keeps Star Trek within the established boundaries. Boundaries that are quite clearly defined and not too restrictive. It's really no good to wander off and become as bad as "normal" entertainment these days. Well. If people can't see how harmful modern entertainment generally is, how morally unacceptable, and how weak, I won't even try to explain.

But it's clear that Star Trek should not follow all the trends of time. Unfortunately the result may be, that people find it oldfashioned, boring, falling behind, lacking imagination, becoming stale, whatever! So kill it off! But don't make a mess of it, just to be considered "cool".

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RE: He's right and he's wrong by Bella Oxmyx @ 14:20:24 on Jan 30
    RE: He's right and he's wrong by Hbasm @ 14:58:53 on Jan 30
       RE: He's right and he's wrong by Bella Oxmyx @ 21:38:50 on Jan 30
          RE: He's right and he's wrong by Hbasm @ 13:29:49 on Jan 31
             RE: He's right and he's wrong by Bella Oxmyx @ 15:35:59 on Jan 31

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RE: He's right and he's wrong | Report this post to moderator By: Hbasm (Odo's file, contact) @ 08:59:45 on Jan 30, 2005

RE: He's right and he's wrong | Report this post to moderator
By: Hbasm (Odo's file, contact) @ 08:59:45 on Jan 30, 2005