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In Deep Mudd. Jeff Baker, Boogieman In Lavender

“I’m a doctor, not a T.V. tie-in writer.”—-anon. Recently, I viewed the last, nearly-forgotten episode of the original “Star Trek,” from 1978. Sort of. At least, I consider it an episode. But first, some background is in order. In the era before You Tube, streaming, DVDs or even VCR tapes there were precious few ways for rabid fans to relive their favorite T. V. shows or movies. For fans of Gene Roddenberry’s classic, the original “Star Trek,” one way was through a series of paperback novelizations featuring adaptions of the original episodes as short stories. These books, which were bestsellers, … Read more

TV: Star Trek Discovery’s Anthony Rapp Welcomes First Child

Anthony Rapp and Ken Ithiphol with baby

Rent and Star Trek: Discovery star Anthony Rapp revealed he’s finally become a dad as he welcomed his first child with long-time partner Ken Ithiphol. Rapp took to social media to share the news that his family expanded with the arrival of a son – named Rai as Rapp explained is pronounced like “rye” or “chai” – on Friday (2 December) via surrogacy. He also shared a picture of the proud parents with their little bundle of joy lovingly embraced in Ithipol’s arms. “Ken and I are thrilled to share that our family has grown!” Rapp wrote. “Our son, Rai … Read more

WHAT IF: Transporters Were Invented Tomorrow?

Every Wednesday, we’re asking a what-if question – how would our world be different if something were changed? Today’s question is from QSFer Scott: What if someone invented a working Star Trek-type transporter tomorrow? How would it change the world? Share your serious scientific analyses, your off-color jokes, and random thoughts on the topic on our FB and MeWe Groups: FB: http://bit.ly/1MvPABV MeWe: http://bit.ly/2mjg8lf

TV: Jeri Ryan On Playing Half of Star Trek’s Lesbian Couple

Jeri Ryan - Seven of Nine - Picard

Star Trek: Picard star Jeri Ryan discusses Seven of Nine’s enduring legacy and the origin of the “hottest lesbian couple” in the franchise’s history. Ryan made her debut over two decades ago as the former Borg drone Seven on season four of Star Trek: Voyager. The character quickly became one of the long-running sci-fi franchise’s top fan-favourites for her fierce attitude and dynamic storyline. Now, Ryan is returning to the role once again for the second season of Star Trek: Picard. In the first season of the show, fans watched as a beautiful romance formed between Seven and Jean-Luc Picard’s … Read more

George Takei Shares the “Torture” of Being Closeted

George Takei - Twitter

Star Trek star George Takei has opened up about the “torture” of hiding his sexuality in the face of his parents’ strength fighting injustice. Takei, who played lieutenant Hikaru Sulu on the original series, recalled the terror of his family being sent to a Japanese-American internment camp during an interview with the Telegraph. The actor and activist described how his father walked into his bedroom when he was five to say that the family was “going to have to move”. While he was waiting in the front room with his younger brother, Takei recalled seeing “two soldiers” carrying “rifles with … Read more

Wilson Cruz on Discovery’s Queer Appeal

Wilson Cruz - Twitter

As Dr Hugh Culber in Star Trek: Discovery, Wilson Cruz became the gay man who saved the universe. But the actor has been fighting for change ever since his career began, deciding to be his true self from the start. In playing Rickie Vasquez on My So-Called Life, he became the first out gay actor to play a lead gay character in an American television series. PinkNews caught up with him before the Discovery season four premiere – yes, before it was announced it wouldn’t be on Netflix. But don’t worry, will premiere in the UK on Friday (26 November) … Read more

TV: Star Trek: Prodigy Includes Non-Binary Lead

Star Trek: Prodigy

Star Trek: Prodigy is introducing a new generation of kids to the utopian values of Starfleet with a refreshingly diverse cast, including a non-binary main character. The animated Star Trek kids’ series premiered on Paramount+ last week with a star-studded voice cast including Ella Purnell, Brett Gray, Rylee Alazraqui, Angus Imrie and Jason Mantzoukas. The show is already winning praise for its thoughtful messaging, which teaches children the importance of acceptance, individuality and looking beyond appearances. Full Story from Pink News

William Shatner to Go Into Space

William Shatner

Science fiction will soon become reality, as William Shatner is scheduled to launch on the next crewed spaceflight of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. The company plans to fly the Canadian actor, who famously played Capt. Kirk in the original “Star Trek” television series, as one of the passengers on the company’s New Shepard rocket. The launch is planned for Oct. 12. Blue Origin’s vice president of mission and flight operations, Audrey Powers, is joining the flight, with the crew of four rounded out by previously announced members Planet Labs co-founder Chris Boshuizen and Medidata co-founder Glen de Vries. Full Story … Read more

There Are Trans Tribbles!

Kirk with Tribbles

The Transcendent Caracal and Transcendent Tribble pets both feature pink, blue and white colouring to support the trans community. “This breed has a bright pastel coloration that shows its fearless nature, and can be found in all manner of places as it seems to thrive on overcoming boundaries,” reads the blog description of the Tribble. Star Trek Online community manager Mike Fatum discussed the pets with Daily Star Trek News: “The name was chosen to fit more with Star Trek lore, but the in game descriptions, and the fact that these items are the colours of the trans flag, are meant to really signify that [Star … Read more

FOR READERS & WRITERS: When is a “Universe” Too Big?

Star Wars

FOR READERS & WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Scott: I’m old enough to remember when Star Wars was a single film. Now there are… well, I’ve lost count. Main films, side films, TV series, theme parks, cartoons, comics, and much more. Same with Trek, the MCU and DC to a lesser extent. Does it ever become overwhelming? Or are you always hungry for more? Writers: This is a reader/writer chat – you are welcome to share your own book/link, as long as it fits the chat, but please do so as part of a discussion about the topic. … Read more