The fans who produce the “Star Trek: New Voyages” series have taken a cue from CBS Paramount Television, and now they’ve produced a “remastered” version of one of their own earlier episodes. “To Serve All My Days” was originally released online in November 2006, but the subsequent episode “World Enough and Time” set higher expectations for these fan-produced episodes. So the team went back and recreated the visual effects for TSAMD, updated the titles and used original-series music. The updated episode was premiered to an invitation-only crowd in Beverly Hills this past weekend.

Billed as “A Night in 1969” the episode was presented complete with commercial breaks (featuring vintage ads) as though it was airing in the series unrealized fourth season. The evening was a tribute to the episode’s star, Walter Koenig, and included two clever “home movies” produced by his children. A panel discussion after the episode featured writer D.C. Fontana, Koenig, effects wizard Daren Dochterman and several “New Voyages” cast members, including James Cawley, executive producer and “Captain Kirk” in these productions.

Walter Koenig said that stepping on the set felt very familiar, though the fan-built bridge was more detailed and complete than the original. As for playing Chekov again, he said, “You don’t forget how to ride a bicycle.” Dorothy Fontana told how Walter got her involved in the project by simply offering her a chance to write a new episode of “my favorite series.” Other Star Trek notables in attendance at the event included writers David Gerrold, George Clayton Johnson, Marc Scott Zicree and Jack Trevino; actors BarBara Luna, Malachi Throne, Michael Forrest and Alan Ruck; and effects masters Ronald B. Moore and Greg Jein.

This was my first complete viewing of a fan-created episode, and I was pleasantly surprised. Walter gives a great performance (naturally) as the rapidly-aging Chekov, and the scenes where he interacts with his younger self (a spot-on Andy Bray) are very charming. D.C. Fontana’s script would sit easily alongside her work on the original series, with stunning cliff-hangers at each act break. It’s amazing what a group of fans can do with a very limited budget (assisted by numerous Oscar-winning technicians working for free).

The updated episode is not yet available online. Stay tuned to Roddenberry.com for news of an upcoming special event!

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Grand Slam Convention

Creation Entertainment always puts on a great show, and next weekend’s Grand Slam should be a real treat for Star Trek fans. For the first time on stage together, the two men who play “Spock” in the upcoming movie: Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto! Also on Sunday: a discussion with the film’s writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

Many Trek guests will be making appearances and/or signing autographs as well, including stars Nichelle Nichols, Brent Spiner, Roxann Dawson, Tim Russ, recurring players Suzie Plakson, Max Grodenchik, Vaughn Armstrong, Phil Morris, Salome Jens, and writer/producer David A. Goodman. The Friday Night Celebrity Cabaret features musical performances by Nichols, Russ (and his trio), Plakson, Armstrong and Grodenchik.

Andromeda fans: catch star Kevin Sorbo on Saturday! Many other genre shows will be represented, including Battlestar Galactica, Stargate, Smallville, Buffy, Angel and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.

The event is Friday, April 11 through Sunday, April 13. For ticket information, visit Creation Entertainment.

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Star Trek Books: New and Upcoming

Looking for a fresh dose of Star Trek fiction? Pocket Books has a number of new titles now available.

Terok Nor:  Day of the Vipers by James Swallow
(April, mass market paperback)
This just-released book is the first of a trilogy that explores the occupation of Bajor by the Cardassian Union. The second and third books will follow in May and June.

Vulcan's Soul, Book III: Epiphany by Josepha Sherman & Susan Shwartz
(March, mass-market paperback, reprint)
The conclusion of the trilogy that features Spock, Saavik, Scotty, Uhura, Chekov and Picard.

Captain Kirk's Guide to Women by John "Bones" Rodriguez
(February, trade paperback)
You, too, can be an interstellar stud if you follow the advice in this romance manual.

TNG: Slings and Arrows V: A Weary Life by Robert Greenberger
TNG: Slings and Arrows VI: Enterprises of Great Pitch and Moment by Keith R.A. DeCandido
These two e-books conclude the epic that covers the first year of service of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E.

Star Trek: Klingon Empire: A Burning House by Keith R.A. DeCandido
(February, mass-market paperback)

Visit SimonSays.com for more information or to order these Star Trek titles.

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Star Trek Alumni Sighting

Look for Brent Spiner (“Data”) and Christopher McDonald (from TNG’s “Yesterday’s Enterprise”, but to many he’ll always be “Shooter McGavin”) in the silly spoof “Superhero Movie”, the hit comedy now playing in theatres everywhere. Be sure to stay through the end credits for two reasons: to see all the jokes that were cut out of the movie, and - in the interest of full disclosure - to see my daughter Michelle’s first feature-film “casting associate” credit.

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Star Trek Remastered

The Star Trek Remastered episode this weekend is "The Enterprise Incident" - production number 59. Originally airing as the second episode of the third season on September 27, 1968, the D.C. Fontana script is excellent, full of surprises. Angry Kirk, snapping at Chekov! Spock killing Kirk with a Vulcan Death Grip! Kirk as a Romulan! Once again John Meredyth Lucas is at the helm, treating us to some very innovative camera angles and movement. I’m looking forward to a new look at the three Romulan ships (okay, Klingon ships) surrounding the Enterprise and the updated cloaking effect.

 

Our friends at CBS Digital have provided two new images of the ships! Click the photo to see them.

This is one of four Star Trek-series episodes with “Incident” in the title. Can you name the others? Drop me a note at mwade@roddenberry.com and you just might win something!

Click here to discuss this column in the Roddenberry.com Forums 

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