Date: September 13, 2004
Source: IESB.NET
Author: Robert Sanchez
There is no doubt that Star Trek is one of the most successful franchises in TV/Movie history and Rick Berman is partly responsible for that success. Ever since he came aboard over 18 years ago on The Next Generation there has been around 600 Trek episodes and 3 spin off series. That's not counting the feature films and attractions that he has also been involved with.
I recently had the chance to talk with Mr. Berman, who prefers to be called Rick, for an interview which will be part of my coverage for the U.S. Military. Berman was able to shed some light on what we can expect in the upcoming season of Enterprise and also the future of Star Trek.
Season four will not be like the previous ones. There will be mini-arcs instead of season long arcs. There will also be a surprise wedding during one of the first few episodes of the new season. He couldn't say who would be eloping but just that there would be a wedding. A few years ago on Voyager, WWE superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson guest starred in episode # 6.15: "Tsunkatse", playing "The Champion". Now it's the time for WWE's Paul "The Big Show" Wight to make his Star Trek debut. He will playing an Orion slave trader an a upcoming story arch.
When asked who else will be guest starring in Enterprise he did mentioned that Golden Brooks, who will be co-starring in Queen Latifah's Beauty Shop and a couple of regulars from the Soprano's will be appearing this season. He also did mention that they are still in negotiations with William Shatner to appear later in the season.
Since there has been plenty of Trek actors such Robert Picardo, Jolene Blalock and Colm Meaney guest starring on Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis , I had to ask if there has been any thought of bringing some Stargate actors to guest star on Trek, "There currently hasn't been any thought of doing that, but you know that's not a bad idea, I'm good friends with Ricky [Dean Anderson]. I use to work with him on MacGyver, you never know."
Rick also addressed some of the rumors that have been all over the web regarding this season being the last. "We are not working with the premise that this will be the last season but ever since "The Next Generation" we have never looked beyond the current season," said Berman. In regards to any new Trek series Berman said "There is currently no plans right now for any new [Trek] TV series. A break from Star Trek on TV [after Enterprise] wouldn't be a bad idea."
We asked Rick is he could shed some light on the rumor that there is another Star Trek movie in the works and if any of the rumors regarding the storyline revolving Starfleet Academy or the Romulan Wars were accurate. "The rumors are not very accurate, we are in very early stages and we are not sure what we will see at the end. A few things that I can share is that the movie will be a prequel and probably after Enterprise. It will be like nothing we have ever seen on Star Trek and it will be based on all new characters."
One thing that Trekker's can be sure of is that Star Trek is alive and kicking. Enterprise is one of the better shows on TV and has one of the most talented casts ever. With the Eugenic Wars, Orion Slaves, guest stars such as Brent Spiner and possibly William Shatner, mixed in with the reworking of the time slots and some new behind the scene talent being brought aboard, this season promises to be one of the most exciting Trek seasons ever.
Season Four of Enterprise Premieres on October 8, 2004.
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