Being part of a “Star Trek” series must be an experience like no other. Every day, whether it is something as stupid as the “lower decks” animated (and now committed) or the melodramatic future of “discovery”, there is always a chance that the casting and the crew can bang the shoulders with some of the most indellorable aspects of the franchise tradition. As a rule, this is in the form of literally crossing with the greatest and best known scenarios of trekkies. Other times, however, it is a question of finding yourself face to face with living and breathable legends – and not necessarily on the side of the camera you expect. “Strange New Worlds” is obviously up to its invoicing as a prequel show to “The Original Series”, translating the five -year mission that the members of the USS Enterprise undertook before a certain James Tiberius Kirk took the reins. But he also has a secret weapon in his sleeve in the form of director Jonathan Frakes.
The best known actor for having played the indomitable William Riker continued his love story with “Trek” throughout his career in recent years. But beyond the simple fact of acting as an encyclopedia of walking of its experiences on the sets of “The Next Generation”, the various films, and “Picard”, it also brings a richness of knowledge and insight on modern “trek” productions which followed in their wake. Take “Strange New Worlds”, for example. Frakes previously produced the episode of “Lower Decks” “Crossover” these old scientists “in season 2, and he returns once again for the third season to come. It turns out that this has distributed invaluable advice which greatly contributed to defining the relationship between two of the most important characters in the series: Una Chin-Riley by Rebecca Romijn and Captain Christopher Pike (Mount Anson).
It turns out that Frakes had a recurring mantra prepared for the two stars before filming any scene in which they were together … and this is not excellent news for all sender.
Sorry, the sender, but Jonathan Frakes believes that Pike and the number one are nothing more than “old friends”
As far as “Strange New Worlds” lends itself to all the possible combinations of romantic pairs under the sun, some are simply not supposed to be. (That’s what Fanfic, friends!) We saw Spock (Ethan Peck) and Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) come together and move away later throughout season 2, for example. But it is fair to say that there are a number of surprising tangles to come in season 3 (which Jacob Hall of the film has examined here). One of those probably won’t Be Captain Pike and the number one, however – at least, it is according to the way Jonathan Frakes led the actors Anson Mount and Rebecca Romijn on the set of the series.
Romijn revealed this treat during a recent round table interview, which / film attended. When asked how she considers the dynamics of the number one with Pike, whether professional or platonic or something else, the actor responded in a very thoughtful way:
“Never romantic. I would say very good old friends. We imagine – and we do not know, because it has never been extensive for us – so we decided, between us, that we were probably at the Starfleet Academy together and we have known each other for very well, and we have always admired and we were trusting deeply. I would say very well. He always starts with that.
The ability to quickly settle in a tone and establish motivations for the characters during a particular scene is crucial for directors to master, and it seems that Frakes has this to a science. This specific direction certainly confirms at each interaction that Pike and UNA share, allowing the two to serve as a resonance fund for each other in a way that no other member of the USS Enterprise can – even the love interest of Pike, Captain Marie Batel (Melanie Scrofano). For our money, Frakes properly intuated the unique chemistry that the two actors share. For viewers who do not agree, well, there are always archives.
Season 3 of “Strange New Worlds” will be presented on Paramount + July 17, 2025.
