Star Trek: Enterprise, despite its lasting impact on the genre, faced mixed reactions, particularly from its own cast members. A striking example of this comes from Connor Trinneer, best known for his role as Trip Tucker in the series. Trinneer recently shared his less than fond memories of portraying his character in a unique manner in the show’s fourth season, specifically in the Mirror Universe episodes.
The Mirror Universe was among the numerous creative additionsStar Trek: Enterprisecontributed to the Star Trek universe during its broadcast. This alternate dimension, first introduced in the originalStar Trekseries, presented darker versions of the beloved characters. The Mirror Universe episodes in “Enterprise” were no exception, offering viewers a twisted take on their favorite characters.
Connor Trinneer, however, did not share the same enthusiasm for this creative twist. In a recent episode ofThe Shuttlepod Showpodcast, which he co-hosts with Dominic Keating, Erica LaRose, and producer Mark J. Cartier, Trinneer recounted his experience. The actor, who first reprised his role as Trip Tucker since the show’s cancellation in 2005 in theStar Trek: very Short Treksepisode “Holograms All The Way Down,” described his discomfort with playing his character as a pirate in the Mirror Universe saga. Trinneer revealed:
So we get the episodes, “In a Mirror, Darkly,” and the entire time I’m like, “I think this is just ridiculous”… I don’t really know what to do [to play Mirror Universe Trip]. I walk in, do the scene, and you’re like, “Well, we need a lot more here. This is clearly an alternate universe, yadda yadda yadda…" And I said, “What? So, uh, like a pirate?” And you go, “Yeah, try that.” We shoot the scene, you go, “Cut! Print!” and I go, “No! No! I was kidding!” And you’re like, “No, it’s great! We’re moving on.” Oh no! For the next three weeks, I had to do “Arr! Arr! Arr!” Hated every second of it!
In his recounting, Trinneer humorously recalls his initial reaction to the script for “In a Mirror, Darkly,” the two-part episode that explored this alternate universe. His disbelief and reluctance were palpable as he tried to wrap his head around the drastic character shift. He shared a story where, upon being asked to amplify his performance for the alternate universe setting, he jokingly suggested a pirate-like portrayal, only to find the directors taking him seriously. The result was three weeks of begrudgingly delivering lines in a way he found ridiculous, an experience he openly admits to disliking.
This anecdote offers a glimpse into the challenges actors can face when their characters undergo significant changes, particularly in long-running series where they have become intimately connected to their roles. It also highlights the unpredictable nature of creative directions in television, where actors must often adapt to the evolving visions of writers and directors.
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Bittersweet Reflections: The Mirror Universe and the End of Star Trek: Enterprise
Star Trek: Enterprise
The Mirror Universe episodes, while a unique and enjoyable departure from the show’s usual format, also marked a bittersweet moment for the cast and crew ofStar Trek: Enterprise. During the production of these episodes, the team learned of the series' cancellation by UPN Network, signaling the end of their journey with the show. This revelation added an emotional layer to the already intense episodes, as they became some of the final stories told in the “Enterprise” narrative.
The fourth season ofStar Trek: Enterpriseheld much potential, with the late showrunner Manny Coto expressing interest in further exploring the dark alternate reality of the Mirror Universe. There were even discussions of bringing William Shatner on board to reprise his role asCaptain James T. Kirk’sevil Mirror counterpart, Tiberius Kirk, in a different set of Mirror Universe episodes. These unrealized plans remain a topic of fascination and regret among fans of the series.
The influence and legacy ofStar Trek: Enterprisepersist, keeping it a subject of frequent discussion and analysis among its fanbase, even years after the show ended. The show, including its foray into the Mirror Universe, is available for streaming on Paramount+, offering new generations of viewers and long-time fans alike the opportunity to explore its depths. The stories behindStar Trek: Enterprisegain depth from Connor Trinneer’s honest recounting of his experiences, shedding light on the unexpected challenges and surprises in the science fiction television industry.
