Star Trek’s Jonathan Frakes reveals all in episode 1 of To Boldly Ask
July 25, 2022
Star Trek actor/director Jonathan Frakes joins Ian Spelling for the launch episode of new video podcast To Boldly Ask, in which Spelling is challenged to boldly ask questions that have never been asked before.
Episode One and is now available to members of The Companion. Fans who aren’t already Companion members can watch the podcast for free with a one month free trial subscription to The Companion.
As a bridge between every era of Star Trek, most recently acting and directing both Picard and Strange New Worlds, Frakes has a perspective on the series that few can match, and Spelling is the person he trusts to share it with. He reveals for the first time stories of behind-the-scenes happenings, words of kindness from DeForest Kelley, his regrets that The Next Generation shied away from LGBTQ+ themes, and speaks frankly of the personal hurt caused by social media, as well its effects on how we consume and enjoy culture.
Frakes joined the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987 as Commander William Riker, going on to direct episodes of The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and the feature films, Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and Star Trek: Insurrection (1998). In 2018, Frakes returned to Gene Roddenberry’s universe to direct a new generation of heroes in Star Trek: Discovery.
Frakes put in a shift on both sides of the camera in Star Trek: Picard and has directed episodes of the newest show, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, currently streaming on Paramount+.
The Companion will soon be announcing more Star Trek icons lined up for Season One of To Boldly Ask.