"Jonathan Frakes, the director, discusses the unconventional holodeck episode 'A Space Adventure Hour' in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds', a lively event he finds enjoyable"
In the vast expanse of the Star Trek universe, veteran actor and director Jonathan Frakes continues to make his mark. His latest project, "A Space Adventure Hour," an episode from the third season of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," has recently been unveiled on Paramount+.
Frakes, known for his role as Commander Riker in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and his directorial work on various Star Trek series, has once again taken the helm, this time directing "A Space Adventure Hour." The episode, a delightful blend of '60s TV sci-fi and a "Clue"-like murder mystery, has been well-received by fans.
The episode features an ensemble cast, including Celia Rose Gooding, Paul Wesley, and Anson Mount. Mount's performance in the episode serves as a tribute to the late Gene Roddenberry, while his wig, absurdly deserving of a separate number on the call sheet, resembles something reminiscent of a little Hendrix.
Hairstyles play a significant role in transforming characters in the murder mystery sequences, with Rebecca's wig taking on a Lucille Ball-like appearance, and Babs' wig being spectacularly Hendrix-esque. The cast enjoyed the process of discovering the right hairpieces and wigs for their characters.
The set of the USS Adventure, showcased at Comic-Con, was a popular spot for photo opportunities, attracting fans with its bold saturated colors, glossy reflective interiors, and period-correct browns, golds, and oranges.
Beyond "Strange New Worlds," Frakes has a few upcoming projects within the Star Trek universe. He is involved with chapters of "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy," although these are not yet fully realized. He is also hoping to reboot "Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction," the show he hosted.
Frakes has directed episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Voyager," "Deep Space Nine," "Enterprise," "Discovery," "Picard," and now "Strange New Worlds." He also starred in four "Star Trek" films and directed "First Contact" and "Insurrection."
In addition to his Star Trek projects, Frakes has a couple of pilots he's attached to direct, which he has little acting parts in. Despite his busy schedule, Frakes expressed his love for acting and enjoyed doing Season 3 of "Picard" and revisiting Riker.
As "Strange New Worlds" continues to air new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+, fans can look forward to more of Frakes' directorial magic. The series is currently in production with a fourth season underway and a fifth and final season scheduled for late 2025. Frakes has directed at least two episodes in the series so far, and his active directing style is praised by the cast.
- Jonathan Frakes, known for his acting and directing roles in various Star Trek productions, is also involved in projects outside the franchise, such as directing pilots and taking on small acting roles.
- The Star Trek universe is not only a source of entertainment but also a platform for exploration of history, as seen in the '60s TV sci-fi-inspired "A Space Adventure Hour" episode of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."
- The new season of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" is not just a source of entertainment but also news, featuring the return of Jonathan Frakes as a director and the unveiling of intriguing plotlines like "A Space Adventure Hour."
