Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 10, 1994 TAG: 9405100106
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: EXTRA2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ian spelling
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It's a statement that has been proven true time and again, and one need look no further than ``The Next Generation'' to know it still applies.
On this day, a beautiful March afternoon in Hollywood, the cast and crew of ``Next Gen'' are hard at work on ``All Good Things ...,'' a two-hour movie that marks the final TV voyage of the Enterprise-D cast and sets the stage for the big screen adventure, ``Generations,'' scheduled to be released in the fall.
The following are random thoughts from several ``Next Gen'' actors and frequent ``Next Gen'' director Rick Kolbe, who's at the helm for the finale.
Marina Sirtis on feeling Troi's mission is incomplete:
``I'm really very sad. In my head I thought we had another season left in us. So, I feel a little cut short. I'd love to have done a little more with Deanna and then wrap it up.
``Although I'm really very excited about the film, which I'm sure will be great, I'd be lying if I didn't say I wish everything were one more year away.''
Brent Spiner on the best part of having been on ``Next Gen'' for seven seasons:
``It's the friendships. Work is work. I've done a lot of jobs I enjoyed and a lot of jobs I didn't particularly enjoy. I've done episodes as Data that I've enjoyed and episodes I haven't enjoyed.
``The one constant on this show has been the relationships with the cast. We've developed some really rich friendships, and I expect those will go on forever.''
Gates McFadden on whether or not Dr. Crusher was developed enough as a character over the years:
``No, of course not. There's just so much we never learned about her, about her as a person, as a doctor, as a mother. But I must say we made some real headway the last two seasons.
``Since Jeri Taylor took over [as day-to-day executive producer] my character really did blossom. And I'm pleased to say I have some nice stuff in this last double episode. I think our fans are in for some very nice surprises.''
Rick Kolbe on the mood on the set:
``It's very interesting. It just doesn't feel like the last hurrah. In a way it hasn't sunk in yet for most of us because we're too busy doing the work on this [finale] to think about it.
``For the actors, there's the movie, so it'll probably be a while for them before it really sinks in.
``As for me, there's no indication that I won't be back doing more of `Deep Space Nine,' and, hopefully, I'll be directing `Voyager' [the new Star Trek series] when that begins filming in August.''
Trek specs
The ultimate ``Trek'' reference guide, ``The Star Trek Encyclopedia'' (Pocket Books) is now available. Written by Mike and Denise Okuda and Debbie Mirek, the encyclopedia covers all things related to ``Trek''-classic, ``Next Gen'' and ``DS9,'' including the first six films and the animated series. It comes in two editions, hardcover ($25) and paperback ($18). ... Coming this fall most likely is ``ShatterWorld,'' a futuristic science-fiction program in which the crew of a craft called the Magellan attempts to piece back together a shattered universe. The project's creators are former ``Next Gen'' staff writer Sandy Fries, ``Next Gen'' senior illustrator Rick Sternbach and Fred Kron, ``Quantum Leap'' writer. ``Trek'' veteran D.C. Fontana will also be involved. ... Contrary to previous reports, Whoopi Goldberg will not appear in ``All Good Things ...,'' but Colm Meaney will.
Con calendar May 20-22
nCreation at the Stouffer Hotel in Austin, Texas, featuring Michael Dorn (May 22 only). Call (818) 409-0960.
Trek alert
If you have Trek news or trivia to share - or if you have questions relating to ``Star Trek'' - write to Ian Spelling, in care of the features department, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
by CNB