WEBVTT 00:00:00.280 --> 00:00:02.170 This week, we're talking to Doug Jones, 00:00:02.170 --> 00:00:04.350 aka Mr. Saru, about the brand new episode 00:00:04.350 --> 00:00:06.220 of Star Trek: Discovery that just dropped. 00:00:06.220 --> 00:00:08.680 We break down that jam-packed DMA assembly, 00:00:08.680 --> 00:00:10.680 plus we've got an exclusive sneak peek 00:00:10.680 --> 00:00:12.450 at the return of Star Trek: Prodigy. 00:00:12.450 --> 00:00:16.108 For all this and more, report to The Ready Room right now. 00:00:23.700 --> 00:00:27.000 Hey, nerds, I'm Wil Wheaton and this is The Ready Room, 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:28.750 your official behind-the-scenes hub 00:00:28.750 --> 00:00:30.480 for all things Star Trek Universe. 00:00:30.480 --> 00:00:32.820 Today, we're gathering around to look at 00:00:32.820 --> 00:00:35.210 the latest episode of Star Trek: Discovery, 00:00:35.210 --> 00:00:40.130 Season 4, Episode 7 called, "But To Connect..." 00:00:40.130 --> 00:00:43.040 The ellipsis there is silent. And just like 00:00:43.040 --> 00:00:45.130 that DMA strategy assembly, I am here 00:00:45.130 --> 00:00:48.100 to warn you about the dangerous perils that lay ahead. 00:00:48.100 --> 00:00:50.550 In my case, I mean spoilers. 00:00:50.550 --> 00:00:52.020 If you haven't watched the new episode, 00:00:52.020 --> 00:00:54.150 then definitely check that out first. 00:00:54.150 --> 00:00:56.660 I know I tell you this every week, 00:00:56.660 --> 00:01:00.160 but this time, I'm super extra serious, nerds. 00:01:00.160 --> 00:01:04.450 We ware talking Federation-level consequences. 00:01:04.450 --> 00:01:06.390 Now, with that out of the way, 00:01:06.390 --> 00:01:08.020 my special guest this week is one of 00:01:08.020 --> 00:01:11.360 my all-time favorite misters. Mr. Saru, of course! 00:01:11.360 --> 00:01:13.960 Doug Jones is here with us via viewscreen, 00:01:13.960 --> 00:01:16.250 and after our chat, we'll have a post-interview, 00:01:16.250 --> 00:01:17.960 sneak peek at what's coming up 00:01:17.960 --> 00:01:20.080 on Nickelodeon's Star Trek: Prodigy. 00:01:20.080 --> 00:01:21.890 But before we get to any of that, 00:01:21.890 --> 00:01:25.770 let's go back to that DMA assembly for a second. 00:01:25.770 --> 00:01:27.480 How freaking cool was that? 00:01:27.480 --> 00:01:30.600 All of Starfleet together in one giant building. 00:01:30.600 --> 00:01:32.190 Of course, it is no easy feat, 00:01:32.190 --> 00:01:34.980 getting all of those Federation members into that room, 00:01:34.980 --> 00:01:36.870 which is why we caught up with some of the cast 00:01:36.870 --> 00:01:39.140 and creators to tell us how it's done. 00:01:39.140 --> 00:01:41.155 Control room, engage. 00:01:43.069 --> 00:01:44.930 If I could have everyone's attention, please. 00:01:44.930 --> 00:01:46.830 It's time to begin the assembly. 00:01:46.830 --> 00:01:48.688 The meeting of delegates in Episode 7 00:01:48.688 --> 00:01:50.730 is a turning point for the season 00:01:50.730 --> 00:01:52.740 because it's the first time you see 00:01:52.740 --> 00:01:54.050 everyone coming together, 00:01:54.050 --> 00:01:56.080 Federation and non-Federation alike, 00:01:56.080 --> 00:01:58.677 discussing what we're going to do about this DMA, 00:01:58.677 --> 00:02:00.410 and what our plan of action is. 00:02:07.035 --> 00:02:10.075 It's been a while since we had so many people together. 00:02:10.950 --> 00:02:13.250 In Episode 7, we see a diversity of aliens 00:02:13.250 --> 00:02:14.460 like we've never seen before. 00:02:14.460 --> 00:02:16.084 My goodness, it's a manifesto. 00:02:16.084 --> 00:02:19.030 It really is, just to see, not just 00:02:19.030 --> 00:02:21.170 the prosthetics, but to see the costumes, 00:02:21.170 --> 00:02:23.180 being able to see all of these cultures 00:02:23.180 --> 00:02:24.270 right in front of you. 00:02:24.270 --> 00:02:26.360 It's very helpful as an actor, 00:02:26.360 --> 00:02:28.900 'cause then you can kind of, you can kinda take that, 00:02:28.900 --> 00:02:31.993 that feeling, and then funnel it back into your work. 00:02:33.100 --> 00:02:34.410 It was a team effort. 00:02:34.410 --> 00:02:37.000 Prosthetics and hair and makeup and costumes, 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:39.320 they just did an incredible job. 00:02:39.320 --> 00:02:41.100 Making all of these folks look different, 00:02:41.100 --> 00:02:42.920 like they're from different worlds. 00:02:42.920 --> 00:02:44.270 And then, you know, switching things up 00:02:44.270 --> 00:02:45.730 where they could to make it seem like 00:02:45.730 --> 00:02:47.780 we had more folks than we did. 00:02:47.780 --> 00:02:49.750 We're shooting during COVID, 00:02:49.750 --> 00:02:52.510 so we were limited in the number of folks 00:02:52.510 --> 00:02:53.740 that we could have on set. 00:02:53.740 --> 00:02:55.530 Just behind the scenes, we were struggling a little bit 00:02:55.530 --> 00:02:58.150 to make it feel full, and then, you know, 00:02:58.150 --> 00:03:00.000 VFX coming in and helping us out 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:01.363 with the great shot where we're looking down, 00:03:01.363 --> 00:03:03.110 and you see all the people down there. 00:03:03.110 --> 00:03:05.880 It just, it was really a team effort 00:03:05.880 --> 00:03:08.093 to be able to pull that off at all. 00:03:10.010 --> 00:03:12.280 I remember us mostly being in a mad panic, 00:03:12.280 --> 00:03:13.860 'cause at the same time we were doing that, 00:03:13.860 --> 00:03:15.490 we were building the EV suits, 00:03:15.490 --> 00:03:17.410 and actually also, we did the dress uniforms too 00:03:17.410 --> 00:03:20.180 for that whole sequence for Episode 1. 00:03:20.180 --> 00:03:23.470 It's the same idea of trying to diversify 00:03:23.470 --> 00:03:26.670 and find new ways of doing costumes for this era. 00:03:26.670 --> 00:03:29.630 We sort of try to find things that we haven't used, 00:03:29.630 --> 00:03:31.300 which are not many, I have to say, 00:03:31.300 --> 00:03:32.880 'cause we have used quite a bit, 00:03:32.880 --> 00:03:34.360 but we do buy some things, 00:03:34.360 --> 00:03:36.180 and then we just augment them 00:03:36.180 --> 00:03:37.740 and put them through different processes 00:03:37.740 --> 00:03:40.750 to make them feel like they're futuristic. 00:03:40.750 --> 00:03:42.320 I knew we were gonna do that Hornish, 00:03:42.320 --> 00:03:43.500 which was one of the new masks that 00:03:43.500 --> 00:03:44.680 they did for this season. 00:03:44.680 --> 00:03:46.990 That character I felt could be more organic 00:03:46.990 --> 00:03:48.990 because he has the horns. So we built him 00:03:48.990 --> 00:03:51.050 a really cool leather dress basically 00:03:51.050 --> 00:03:53.460 that's real long and then added these pieces 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:55.010 that we got from this company on top 00:03:55.010 --> 00:03:58.410 and just reworked them into two cool, really great pieces. 00:03:58.410 --> 00:03:59.980 So yeah, it's just, it's a lot of, 00:03:59.980 --> 00:04:03.340 like, hunting and finding inspiration wherever we can. 00:04:03.340 --> 00:04:06.230 We're now competing with three Star Treks. 00:04:06.230 --> 00:04:08.620 It's interesting to see how everybody's interpreting it, 00:04:08.620 --> 00:04:10.140 and sometimes we do use the same thing, 00:04:10.140 --> 00:04:12.030 and how it changes with each show. 00:04:12.030 --> 00:04:13.210 It's quite fun. 00:04:13.210 --> 00:04:14.610 We need to be prepared. 00:04:14.610 --> 00:04:16.950 The Federation recently reminded my people 00:04:16.950 --> 00:04:19.060 that we need not fear the unknown. 00:04:19.060 --> 00:04:21.390 I love it because you end up delving into 00:04:21.390 --> 00:04:24.600 the very spirit and essence of the Federation 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:26.200 in this episode because there's these 00:04:26.200 --> 00:04:27.720 two opposing points of view. 00:04:27.720 --> 00:04:31.970 We have a peaceful first contact or we attack. 00:04:31.970 --> 00:04:34.680 The weight of the situation really really 00:04:34.680 --> 00:04:36.770 weighs on him, and even more so 00:04:36.770 --> 00:04:39.360 when he sees that Michael Burnham has 00:04:39.360 --> 00:04:41.040 a contradictive opinion. 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:43.760 There are different points of view in this room, I know, 00:04:43.760 --> 00:04:46.010 but I hope that, when a decision is reached, 00:04:46.010 --> 00:04:48.480 whatever it is, that we can hold together, 00:04:48.480 --> 00:04:51.240 that we can move forward as a united front. 00:04:51.240 --> 00:04:53.340 Some differences are too great. 00:04:53.340 --> 00:04:55.760 Sometimes, you just have to accept 00:04:55.760 --> 00:04:57.330 the consequences of that. 00:04:57.330 --> 00:04:58.580 I remember reading the episode, 00:04:58.580 --> 00:05:01.583 seeing that moment and it had touched me a little bit. 00:05:02.500 --> 00:05:07.110 It's not an easy choice, and I've often boasted 00:05:07.110 --> 00:05:11.780 about the story of Star Trek, and our particular story 00:05:11.780 --> 00:05:14.380 on Discovery, you actually see us 00:05:14.380 --> 00:05:17.180 having to fight for this better future 00:05:17.180 --> 00:05:18.610 that we find ourselves in. 00:05:18.610 --> 00:05:21.510 You see us having to confront each other, 00:05:21.510 --> 00:05:24.020 to rub each other the wrong way for 00:05:24.020 --> 00:05:26.570 the ultimate end of the greater good, 00:05:26.570 --> 00:05:29.060 and I love that you see that played out 00:05:29.060 --> 00:05:32.290 in this really interesting, intriguing way. 00:05:32.290 --> 00:05:34.710 We very specifically had Rillak saying, you know, 00:05:34.710 --> 00:05:36.700 even if you felt for the other side, 00:05:36.700 --> 00:05:38.350 we will still continue to collaborate with you. 00:05:38.350 --> 00:05:40.160 It doesn't have to be antagonistic. 00:05:40.160 --> 00:05:43.480 Again, that Star Trek idea of 00:05:43.480 --> 00:05:45.010 we can work together even when 00:05:45.010 --> 00:05:47.070 we have different perspectives on things. 00:05:47.070 --> 00:05:49.230 That right there is a shining example 00:05:49.230 --> 00:05:50.760 of what the Federation represents, 00:05:50.760 --> 00:05:53.000 and therefore, what Star Trek represents. 00:05:53.000 --> 00:05:56.593 Do we lash out blindly, no matter the risk, 00:05:58.620 --> 00:06:00.323 or do we proceed thoughtfully, 00:06:01.410 --> 00:06:03.410 work toward the future we wanna live in? 00:06:04.410 --> 00:06:06.101 I believe that's who we are. 00:06:12.770 --> 00:06:15.110 I have lovingly referred to my next guest 00:06:15.110 --> 00:06:18.400 as the "King of Creatures" and "A Master of Movement," 00:06:18.400 --> 00:06:20.540 and I think that description gets 00:06:20.540 --> 00:06:24.340 a little more fitting every single year. 00:06:24.340 --> 00:06:27.160 Please join me in welcoming the man, 00:06:27.160 --> 00:06:29.540 the legend, the Kelpien. 00:06:29.540 --> 00:06:32.290 Doug Jones is joining me today, 00:06:32.290 --> 00:06:33.410 virtually in The Ready Room. 00:06:33.410 --> 00:06:34.570 Hello, sir. 00:06:34.570 --> 00:06:35.403 Oh, hello. 00:06:35.403 --> 00:06:37.470 Wil, you have outdone your introductions 00:06:37.470 --> 00:06:38.420 one year after another. 00:06:38.420 --> 00:06:39.680 I can't live up to these. 00:06:39.680 --> 00:06:42.320 You make me sound like, I... 00:06:42.320 --> 00:06:45.960 I have imposter syndrome, so thank you for reinforcing that. 00:06:45.960 --> 00:06:49.320 As a fellow member of the Imposter Syndrome Club, 00:06:49.320 --> 00:06:51.430 I a hundred percent see you, 00:06:51.430 --> 00:06:53.680 and I'm gonna keep this excitement train 00:06:54.810 --> 00:06:57.100 barreling out of control down the track, 00:06:57.100 --> 00:06:58.830 as I congratulate you on winning 00:06:58.830 --> 00:07:03.227 your second Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor 00:07:03.227 --> 00:07:04.760 on Star Trek: Discovery. 00:07:04.760 --> 00:07:06.390 How does that feel? 00:07:06.390 --> 00:07:07.910 It feels pretty amazing. 00:07:07.910 --> 00:07:08.920 You know, the Saturn Awards is 00:07:08.920 --> 00:07:11.990 the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, 00:07:11.990 --> 00:07:16.410 and that's the voting body that understands what I do. 00:07:16.410 --> 00:07:17.886 - [Wil] Yes, absolutely. - You know, I think, 00:07:17.886 --> 00:07:21.150 yeah, I saw myself among a list of other nominees, 00:07:21.150 --> 00:07:23.780 and they were all, you know, well-known faces, 00:07:23.780 --> 00:07:25.675 and then there's this guy in the rubber bits. 00:07:25.675 --> 00:07:26.890 And the guy in the rubber bits 00:07:26.890 --> 00:07:29.350 does not get nominated for any other awards show. 00:07:29.350 --> 00:07:32.460 So, I adore the Saturns, and having my second one now 00:07:32.460 --> 00:07:34.500 is just an honor beyond belief. 00:07:34.500 --> 00:07:36.720 I think it is wonderful that the voting members 00:07:36.720 --> 00:07:40.340 of that body recognize how challenging it is 00:07:40.340 --> 00:07:43.690 to bring a performance to life 00:07:43.690 --> 00:07:46.017 under the amount of makeup that you have 00:07:46.017 --> 00:07:49.108 for your entire career. 00:07:49.108 --> 00:07:49.941 [Doug laughing] 00:07:49.941 --> 00:07:50.774 It is the reason, I mean, it's like, 00:07:50.774 --> 00:07:53.810 my introduction is not hyperbolic at all. 00:07:53.810 --> 00:07:56.380 Well, you are very kind. Thank you so so so much. 00:07:56.380 --> 00:07:59.857 I want to go back to the premiere episode of Season 4. 00:07:59.857 --> 00:08:00.690 Ah, yes. 00:08:00.690 --> 00:08:02.720 So, a few weeks ago, for us in the audience, 00:08:02.720 --> 00:08:04.890 a little over a year ago for you, the actor, 00:08:04.890 --> 00:08:05.950 I'm gonna talk you through it, 00:08:05.950 --> 00:08:07.110 and we're gonna get there together. 00:08:07.110 --> 00:08:08.670 At the very beginning of the season, 00:08:08.670 --> 00:08:13.150 Saru's journey as a Kelpien has kind of come full circle. 00:08:13.150 --> 00:08:16.940 He has left his home in secret. 00:08:16.940 --> 00:08:20.120 He has united Kelpiens and the Ba'ul, 00:08:20.120 --> 00:08:25.120 and now, he has come back as an elder of Kaminar 00:08:25.270 --> 00:08:27.360 in this far-flung future. 00:08:27.360 --> 00:08:29.180 Would you just talk about how 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:31.410 rewarding this is for Saru? 00:08:31.410 --> 00:08:33.370 Yeah, no, the journey with Saru 00:08:33.370 --> 00:08:37.020 has been so multi-level, so multi-faceted. 00:08:37.020 --> 00:08:38.710 You know, the writers have been so good 00:08:38.710 --> 00:08:42.220 about taking our own personality and, as actors, 00:08:42.220 --> 00:08:44.620 and infusing that into our characters, 00:08:44.620 --> 00:08:49.505 and at 61 years old, I am an elder now in real life. 00:08:49.505 --> 00:08:50.380 [Wil laughing] 00:08:50.380 --> 00:08:52.410 So, to be back on my own planet of Kaminar 00:08:52.410 --> 00:08:54.190 as a respected elder, with an opinion 00:08:54.190 --> 00:08:56.210 that people want to listen to is really, 00:08:56.210 --> 00:08:57.850 it really feels like, oh gosh, 00:08:57.850 --> 00:09:00.840 that's a place I wanna be in in real life, you know, 00:09:00.840 --> 00:09:03.000 to give wisdom to the young folk. 00:09:03.000 --> 00:09:03.833 Of course. 00:09:03.833 --> 00:09:05.140 And Saru certainly has earned it 00:09:05.140 --> 00:09:07.760 because, you know, he's known old Kaminar. 00:09:07.760 --> 00:09:08.770 He knows new Kaminar. 00:09:08.770 --> 00:09:12.660 He was instrumental in making it what it is today, 00:09:12.660 --> 00:09:15.320 and so, they do revere his opinion very very much, 00:09:15.320 --> 00:09:16.500 and it's lovely to share that. 00:09:16.500 --> 00:09:20.040 I have always been aware of a kindness 00:09:20.040 --> 00:09:23.230 and a compassion and just strength in you 00:09:23.230 --> 00:09:26.580 that I see in Saru. 00:09:26.580 --> 00:09:28.120 Two-part question: do you agree 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:30.330 with Saru having those qualities, 00:09:30.330 --> 00:09:34.350 and if you do, what's the ratio of, like, 00:09:34.350 --> 00:09:36.560 on the page versus, here's Doug bringing 00:09:36.560 --> 00:09:38.940 these pieces of Doug into this character? 00:09:38.940 --> 00:09:40.750 Again, I'm gonna give credit to the writers. 00:09:40.750 --> 00:09:43.570 They've given Saru such a beautiful story, 00:09:43.570 --> 00:09:48.570 and such, such paternal instincts with his crew, 00:09:49.430 --> 00:09:51.280 whatever position he's been in. 00:09:51.280 --> 00:09:52.120 I mean, he's been pretty much 00:09:52.120 --> 00:09:54.934 at the top of the ranking food chain on the ship 00:09:54.934 --> 00:09:56.756 for most of the series. 00:09:56.756 --> 00:10:00.680 So, he's been very very, he's been very gentle 00:10:00.680 --> 00:10:03.745 with anyone that he outranks, 00:10:03.745 --> 00:10:06.150 but also he's been nurturing 00:10:06.150 --> 00:10:07.940 and wants to educate them, 00:10:07.940 --> 00:10:10.760 wants to bring them along. But when time, 00:10:10.760 --> 00:10:12.400 when the situation demands it, 00:10:12.400 --> 00:10:17.130 he can be very stern and very pointed with his direction. 00:10:17.130 --> 00:10:18.610 I would love to think that I have 00:10:18.610 --> 00:10:20.330 all of those qualities in real life. 00:10:20.330 --> 00:10:21.300 I have no idea. 00:10:21.300 --> 00:10:23.748 I'll have to, you'll have to ask Mrs. Laurie about that. 00:10:23.748 --> 00:10:25.377 She knows me better than anybody. 00:10:25.377 --> 00:10:26.360 Of course. 00:10:26.360 --> 00:10:30.438 In Season 3, Saru was the captain of Discovery 00:10:30.438 --> 00:10:33.447 for quite a bit of time, and Michael Burnham 00:10:33.447 --> 00:10:35.360 was his Number One. 00:10:35.360 --> 00:10:37.590 Those roles have now flipped. 00:10:37.590 --> 00:10:38.423 Welcome back, Captain. 00:10:38.423 --> 00:10:40.740 Thank you, but call me Saru. 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:42.370 How about Mr. Saru? 00:10:42.370 --> 00:10:47.370 That moment, when Saru agrees to be called Mr. Saru, 00:10:47.410 --> 00:10:50.760 it just felt to me at little bit like, 00:10:50.760 --> 00:10:54.617 yeah, you know who the other Misters are, Data and Spock. 00:10:54.617 --> 00:10:58.810 Yeah, absolutely, I am super on board with this. 00:10:58.810 --> 00:11:03.230 Do you think him offering to be Burnham's first officer 00:11:03.230 --> 00:11:05.130 speaks to Saru's lack of ego 00:11:05.130 --> 00:11:07.420 and him intuiting what is best for the ship 00:11:07.420 --> 00:11:10.730 or do you think that part of his 00:11:10.730 --> 00:11:13.010 willingness to embrace this role 00:11:13.010 --> 00:11:14.520 has something to do with maybe 00:11:14.520 --> 00:11:17.358 staying on Discovery with his found family 00:11:17.358 --> 00:11:20.870 instead of being the captain to a crew he doesn't know? 00:11:20.870 --> 00:11:23.360 In Season 3, Doug Jones felt 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:25.330 that being captain was a bit above my pay grade. 00:11:25.330 --> 00:11:27.748 I was terrified of that position. 00:11:27.748 --> 00:11:28.890 [Wil laughing] 00:11:28.890 --> 00:11:31.100 So, I was, I was happy to hand that 00:11:31.100 --> 00:11:32.910 back over to Sonequa Martin-Green as, you know, 00:11:32.910 --> 00:11:33.743 she's the lead of our show. 00:11:33.743 --> 00:11:34.576 She should be Captain. 00:11:34.576 --> 00:11:35.750 That's where we've been headed all this time. 00:11:35.750 --> 00:11:36.583 I'm all for it. 00:11:36.583 --> 00:11:39.170 There's a dichotomy going on with Saru this Season 4. 00:11:39.170 --> 00:11:41.530 He has a sense of responsibility to 00:11:41.530 --> 00:11:44.390 this Discovery family on the ship. 00:11:44.390 --> 00:11:47.170 He also has a sense of responsibility and longing 00:11:47.170 --> 00:11:48.980 for home on Kaminar, and the family 00:11:48.980 --> 00:11:51.440 that he's formed there, with Su'Kal still being there, 00:11:51.440 --> 00:11:53.780 and he feels very responsible for Su'Kal, 00:11:53.780 --> 00:11:55.847 even though Su'Kal is finding his way. 00:11:55.847 --> 00:11:58.620 So, he's got this tug going back and forth 00:11:58.620 --> 00:12:01.490 throughout the season, hence that extra broach 00:12:01.490 --> 00:12:04.920 on my uniform now that I keep fondling 00:12:04.920 --> 00:12:07.700 every time I have a thinking thought. 00:12:07.700 --> 00:12:09.480 It kinda, it soothes me. 00:12:09.480 --> 00:12:11.910 It helps me think of, like, you know, of my roots. 00:12:11.910 --> 00:12:13.620 Being First Officer, yes, he came back. 00:12:13.620 --> 00:12:17.310 He wants to help out, but sense of family though is split, 00:12:17.310 --> 00:12:18.860 and we'll see where that goes. 00:12:18.860 --> 00:12:21.230 That sense of longing for something 00:12:21.230 --> 00:12:24.700 we have left behind is very palpable this season. 00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:26.820 It was there last season with the jump forward 00:12:26.820 --> 00:12:29.217 and the Burn, but this season, it's just, 00:12:29.217 --> 00:12:33.680 everyone seems to have lost someone or something 00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:35.890 that is deeply meaningful and important to them. 00:12:35.890 --> 00:12:39.470 It seems to be a big part of the arc this year, 00:12:39.470 --> 00:12:42.880 which feels to me like a little bit of a mirror 00:12:42.880 --> 00:12:44.770 for what a lot of us are experiencing 00:12:44.770 --> 00:12:47.140 in the world right now. 00:12:47.140 --> 00:12:49.200 You are no stranger to science fiction. 00:12:49.200 --> 00:12:51.360 You know, like I do, that when science fiction 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:53.310 is at its best, it's talking about 00:12:53.310 --> 00:12:56.810 what's happening right now and it is setting it 00:12:56.810 --> 00:12:59.680 in a great, far-flung future. 00:12:59.680 --> 00:13:02.330 Did you all talk about any of those things? 00:13:02.330 --> 00:13:05.300 Did this come up in table reads 00:13:05.300 --> 00:13:08.580 or in the coalescence of this season? 00:13:08.580 --> 00:13:09.530 It felt like it. 00:13:09.530 --> 00:13:11.350 I'm not sure that those words were actually spoken, 00:13:11.350 --> 00:13:13.420 like, this is exactly the point we're trying to make. 00:13:13.420 --> 00:13:15.960 It felt more like, like, no, the vibe is there 00:13:15.960 --> 00:13:17.700 that loss is a part of life. 00:13:17.700 --> 00:13:20.000 Loss has certainly been a part of our last couple years. 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:22.320 When the season opens up with Book 00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:25.398 losing his entire planet and all that he knows as home, 00:13:25.398 --> 00:13:29.490 and then the rest of our worlds are next, 00:13:29.490 --> 00:13:32.670 they're in peril, we have a huge threat out there. 00:13:32.670 --> 00:13:36.460 How can we join together and unite 00:13:36.460 --> 00:13:40.320 to combat that, or to fix that, or to address that, 00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:42.360 or diplomatically get through that? 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:43.590 We're headed there. We're headed there. 00:13:43.590 --> 00:13:46.670 So, I think it very does mirror, 00:13:46.670 --> 00:13:49.000 like, you know, planet Earth and 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:50.720 us living on it in real life. 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:51.680 We have a lot to get through, 00:13:51.680 --> 00:13:53.710 and we have a lot to diplomatically 00:13:53.710 --> 00:13:55.720 join together and address. 00:13:55.720 --> 00:14:00.000 In this latest episode, Zora, who is rapidly becoming 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:03.238 one of the most interesting characters on Discovery, 00:14:03.238 --> 00:14:05.360 [chuckling] I did not expect that. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:07.210 I didn't see that coming. 00:14:07.210 --> 00:14:08.440 Zora has progressed to a point where 00:14:08.440 --> 00:14:13.440 she is able to choose to disobey a direct order 00:14:14.070 --> 00:14:17.060 because she believes she's keeping her crew safe. 00:14:17.060 --> 00:14:19.080 - Right. - Rogue AI goes 00:14:19.080 --> 00:14:22.300 all the way back to the beginning of Star Trek. 00:14:22.300 --> 00:14:25.666 We've had rogue AI in Star Trek since the 1960s. 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:30.120 This time, the rogue AI seems to be 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:33.460 coming from a positive place. 00:14:33.460 --> 00:14:35.990 Well, if we look back in, I think, 00:14:35.990 --> 00:14:39.630 what was it, Season 2, where we 00:14:39.630 --> 00:14:42.470 encountered the Sphere data and 00:14:42.470 --> 00:14:45.710 took it into the ship, and it became a part of us. 00:14:45.710 --> 00:14:48.880 And of course, the computer was where it lives, 00:14:48.880 --> 00:14:51.010 having been through that, having jumped through time, 00:14:51.010 --> 00:14:52.850 having-- you know, we've been through a lot. 00:14:52.850 --> 00:14:55.640 So, the idea of a computer getting its own personality, 00:14:55.640 --> 00:14:58.320 it's not that preposterous, right, so... 00:14:58.320 --> 00:14:59.270 Yeah, okay. 00:14:59.270 --> 00:15:00.520 The computer had a little glitch 00:15:00.520 --> 00:15:01.510 that I thought was a glitch, 00:15:01.510 --> 00:15:03.850 but no, she came up with an idea 00:15:03.850 --> 00:15:06.790 for us to watch a Buster Keaton movie together, 00:15:06.790 --> 00:15:08.920 and have a laugh as a family, 00:15:08.920 --> 00:15:10.490 and Saru understands that sense 00:15:10.490 --> 00:15:13.560 of being the oddball out in a, in a... 00:15:14.657 --> 00:15:15.490 - Of course. - And so I think he, 00:15:15.490 --> 00:15:18.650 I think he has a sense of empathy for her, 00:15:18.650 --> 00:15:21.020 and wants her to be a part of the crew, 00:15:21.020 --> 00:15:23.230 part of the family as well, and she's-- 00:15:23.230 --> 00:15:25.930 The thing is, going rogue, yes, 00:15:25.930 --> 00:15:27.870 you always take that chance that, like, okay, 00:15:27.870 --> 00:15:29.590 could, could this go amuck, 00:15:29.590 --> 00:15:31.780 'cause she has the power to destroy us all, 00:15:31.780 --> 00:15:33.890 and we've been through that with her, 00:15:33.890 --> 00:15:36.950 but I think he's the one who understands that she hasn't. 00:15:36.950 --> 00:15:38.160 She, if she wanted to destroy us, 00:15:38.160 --> 00:15:40.360 she could have done it long before now. 00:15:40.360 --> 00:15:42.460 I cannot have you on The Ready Room, 00:15:42.460 --> 00:15:45.260 and not talk to you about Saru's makeup. 00:15:45.260 --> 00:15:48.310 When you are in Saru, 00:15:48.310 --> 00:15:52.210 when you're in all of that, I noticed, 00:15:52.210 --> 00:15:54.210 there's a calmness to Saru. 00:15:54.210 --> 00:15:59.210 There is almost a suppressing of, like, 00:15:59.880 --> 00:16:02.850 extreme movement and extreme emotion 00:16:02.850 --> 00:16:05.148 that I thought, if I were an actor 00:16:05.148 --> 00:16:08.620 cocooned in makeup, I may need to 00:16:08.620 --> 00:16:10.780 exhibit some of these behaviors just 00:16:10.780 --> 00:16:13.010 to get through the day without, like, 00:16:13.010 --> 00:16:14.480 panicking 'cause I'm in the makeup. 00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:16.030 Do you experience any of that? 00:16:16.030 --> 00:16:19.860 Does any of that inform the choices you make for Saru? 00:16:19.860 --> 00:16:22.270 It's funny, you know, when you're covering up 00:16:22.270 --> 00:16:24.720 part of your natural expression, 00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:28.700 some actors have an instinct 00:16:28.700 --> 00:16:30.410 to let the makeup do the performing 00:16:30.410 --> 00:16:31.920 for them, and they do nothing. 00:16:31.920 --> 00:16:35.050 Others feel the need to push a performance 00:16:35.050 --> 00:16:38.570 through such layers, so with Saru, 00:16:38.570 --> 00:16:40.330 I had to find a balance in the middle somewhere. 00:16:40.330 --> 00:16:43.300 My instinct was to overdo it, 00:16:43.300 --> 00:16:47.260 but I feel that Saru does have a calm heart 00:16:47.260 --> 00:16:51.687 and a calm spirit that is very comforting 00:16:51.687 --> 00:16:53.700 to those around him. 00:16:53.700 --> 00:16:57.070 So, I had to trust that less was more, 00:16:57.070 --> 00:16:59.388 and that the eyes were selling it. 00:16:59.388 --> 00:17:00.937 I just realized that it is all in the eyes. 00:17:00.937 --> 00:17:02.508 And he does have gorgeous eyes. 00:17:02.508 --> 00:17:03.868 [Wil] He really does. 00:17:03.868 --> 00:17:04.701 [chuckling] Right. 00:17:04.701 --> 00:17:06.176 We've talked in years past about 00:17:06.176 --> 00:17:09.120 how y'all have been able to shave a little bit of time 00:17:09.120 --> 00:17:11.670 off of the conversion from Doug into Saru. 00:17:11.670 --> 00:17:12.890 How are we doing this year? 00:17:12.890 --> 00:17:14.330 I think we've shaved off as much time 00:17:14.330 --> 00:17:16.367 as can be shaved off 'cause when you have 00:17:16.367 --> 00:17:20.870 pre-made, pre-painted, pre-sculpted prosthetic pieces, 00:17:20.870 --> 00:17:22.590 getting them onto an actor is gonna 00:17:22.590 --> 00:17:24.010 take how long it takes. 00:17:24.010 --> 00:17:25.420 It still has to be glued down. 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:26.950 I still shave my head during the season, 00:17:26.950 --> 00:17:29.140 and they stick it to me and down my collar. 00:17:29.140 --> 00:17:30.980 And depending on who's doing the makeup, too, 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:32.660 we've had three different heads 00:17:32.660 --> 00:17:35.700 of the prosthetic department since the show started. 00:17:35.700 --> 00:17:37.740 So, it's been anywhere from an hour and a half 00:17:37.740 --> 00:17:39.580 to two hours, in that range, 00:17:39.580 --> 00:17:42.640 and that's still remarkably fast 00:17:42.640 --> 00:17:43.750 for this much of a transformation. 00:17:43.750 --> 00:17:44.583 It is. 00:17:44.583 --> 00:17:46.610 But, I do want to give props and shout-outs 00:17:46.610 --> 00:17:48.975 to the current team for Season 4, 00:17:48.975 --> 00:17:53.975 that transform me. Rocky Faulkner and Nicola Bendrey 00:17:54.850 --> 00:17:58.370 have been just brilliant, brilliant with me all season. 00:17:58.370 --> 00:18:01.030 Yeah, absolutely, huge high-fives to both of them. 00:18:01.030 --> 00:18:04.000 Before I let you go, I'm gonna let 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:07.260 my inner giant Discovery fan nerd 00:18:07.260 --> 00:18:09.548 just come a hundred percent out. 00:18:09.548 --> 00:18:11.470 Oh, let's do it. [laughing] 00:18:11.470 --> 00:18:15.130 All of us, and I mean all of us, 00:18:15.130 --> 00:18:18.380 have been shipping Saru and T'Rina since Season 3. 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:21.590 Here we are at Season 4, 00:18:21.590 --> 00:18:25.820 starting to see a little bit of maybe 00:18:25.820 --> 00:18:27.110 we're gonna have some dates. 00:18:27.110 --> 00:18:28.540 We're gonna share some tea. 00:18:28.540 --> 00:18:31.670 We're gonna, I'm gonna give you flowers. 00:18:31.670 --> 00:18:34.800 What's going on over there, buddy? 00:18:34.800 --> 00:18:37.630 Well, let me join you and the crowd 00:18:37.630 --> 00:18:40.660 in the shipping because, you know, 00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:44.790 when President T'Rina was introduced in Season 3, 00:18:44.790 --> 00:18:48.010 when I read the script for it, I was, like, "Oh!" 00:18:48.010 --> 00:18:50.730 And I asked Michelle Paradise, our showrunner, 00:18:50.730 --> 00:18:51.563 - Yes. 00:18:51.563 --> 00:18:52.830 "Is that where you're headed with them?" 00:18:52.830 --> 00:18:55.100 At the time, the writer's room had not thought of this. 00:18:55.100 --> 00:18:56.980 Tara Rosling, who plays T'Rina, 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:59.980 is she not wonderful? 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:01.590 She is sensational. 00:19:01.590 --> 00:19:04.650 Tara and I both agreed when we first met 00:19:04.650 --> 00:19:07.556 that, like, this feels like it could be headed there, 00:19:07.556 --> 00:19:09.510 and so, I'm glad that the writer's room 00:19:09.510 --> 00:19:11.240 responded to what was happening on film 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:14.196 because, because it's very very sweet to see. 00:19:14.196 --> 00:19:19.196 And it's not a typical television romance budding. 00:19:19.840 --> 00:19:22.150 It's very, very, it's very old school. 00:19:22.150 --> 00:19:24.790 It's like watching Pride and Prejudice or something. 00:19:24.790 --> 00:19:26.580 You know, it's like, they're, these are two, 00:19:26.580 --> 00:19:31.580 very well-mannered, manicured people, beings, 00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:35.476 that have found each other and are going through, 00:19:35.476 --> 00:19:37.190 I think it's the beginning of 00:19:37.190 --> 00:19:39.420 what could be a lovely courtship. 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:41.550 So, I think this is very very tentative, 00:19:41.550 --> 00:19:43.960 and you'll see that hopefully continue 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:45.240 as the season wears on. 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:47.890 Doug, thank you so much for making 00:19:47.890 --> 00:19:49.330 some time with us today, 00:19:49.330 --> 00:19:52.970 and I just cannot wait to see the rest of this season 00:19:52.970 --> 00:19:54.460 of Star Trek: Discovery. 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:55.293 Aw, thanks so much, Wil. 00:19:55.293 --> 00:19:56.730 It's always a pleasure talking with you. 00:19:56.730 --> 00:19:57.880 I heart you. 00:19:57.880 --> 00:20:00.063 I heart you back. Stay safe and healthy. 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:19.000 So, conversations with Zora got a little heavy 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:21.480 in this week's episode of Discovery, 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:25.290 but she is by no means the first artificial intelligence 00:20:25.290 --> 00:20:28.080 to give Starfleet pause for concern. 00:20:28.080 --> 00:20:30.150 What do you say we look back at 00:20:30.150 --> 00:20:31.990 some of the other errant computers 00:20:31.990 --> 00:20:34.440 and sentient androids that have stirred up 00:20:34.440 --> 00:20:35.980 trouble on Star Trek? 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:37.510 Check it out. 00:20:37.510 --> 00:20:38.788 Computer? 00:20:38.788 --> 00:20:39.790 [Zora] Hello. 00:20:39.790 --> 00:20:41.100 Hello? 00:20:41.100 --> 00:20:43.210 [Narrator] In Starfleet, the ship's computer 00:20:43.210 --> 00:20:45.180 is a constant companion. 00:20:45.180 --> 00:20:48.080 Call all bridge personnel to stations, please. 00:20:48.080 --> 00:20:49.580 [Zora] Thank you, Captain. 00:20:49.580 --> 00:20:50.970 It's only polite. 00:20:50.970 --> 00:20:52.410 [Narrator] From playing your favorite song 00:20:52.410 --> 00:20:54.470 to locating a specific person, 00:20:54.470 --> 00:20:57.530 the computer is all too happy to oblige... 00:20:57.530 --> 00:20:59.610 at least most of the time. 00:20:59.610 --> 00:21:01.610 Can you triangulate a navigational reference 00:21:01.610 --> 00:21:03.110 using prior flight path data? 00:21:03.110 --> 00:21:05.300 [Zora] No, Captain, I cannot. 00:21:05.300 --> 00:21:07.670 [Narrator] Discovery's own computer, Zora, 00:21:07.670 --> 00:21:10.320 recently complicated things when her sentience 00:21:10.320 --> 00:21:12.360 reached all new heights. But she's not 00:21:12.360 --> 00:21:15.550 the first computer to get too big for her mainframe. 00:21:15.550 --> 00:21:18.360 Here are just a few times Star Trek reminded us 00:21:18.360 --> 00:21:19.990 that when it comes to distinctions 00:21:19.990 --> 00:21:22.430 between man and machine, it's best to keep 00:21:22.430 --> 00:21:25.610 one finger on the off-switch. 00:21:25.610 --> 00:21:26.919 [Computer] Stand by. 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:37.620 [AGIMUS] Thank you, friend. I am freed. 00:21:37.620 --> 00:21:39.220 Aw crap, it's the evil computer. 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.480 We're not supposed to interact with it. 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:43.610 [Narrator] AGIMUS, from Star Trek: Lower Decks. 00:21:43.610 --> 00:21:45.450 After crash-landing on a planet 00:21:45.450 --> 00:21:47.750 with the evil computer AGIMUS in tow, 00:21:47.750 --> 00:21:50.240 Boimler and Mariner had to outsmart 00:21:50.240 --> 00:21:54.010 the scheming AI in its attempts to deceive them. 00:21:54.010 --> 00:21:55.580 I control this ship. 00:21:55.580 --> 00:21:57.550 All you control is the dimmer switch. 00:21:57.550 --> 00:21:58.928 I shall blind you! 00:22:00.630 --> 00:22:02.610 A system designed to compensate 00:22:02.610 --> 00:22:07.230 for limited human ability, and you, brother, 00:22:07.230 --> 00:22:09.530 are beginning to think as a human. 00:22:09.530 --> 00:22:13.050 [Narrator] Lore, from Star Trek: The Next Generation. 00:22:13.050 --> 00:22:16.410 When Star Trek's most beloved android, Data, 00:22:16.410 --> 00:22:19.430 discovered he wasn't the only one of his kind, 00:22:19.430 --> 00:22:22.170 it soon became clear that his brother, Lore, 00:22:22.170 --> 00:22:24.630 was taken offline for good reason. 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:30.700 Thank you for my human qualities, Dr. Soong. 00:22:30.700 --> 00:22:35.160 Your individuality will merge into the unity of good. 00:22:36.640 --> 00:22:39.633 [Narrator] Landru, from Star Trek: The Original Series. 00:22:40.808 --> 00:22:42.720 When Captain Kirk and his crew investigated 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:45.400 a starship's disappearance on Beta III, 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:47.840 they found a civilization ruled 00:22:47.840 --> 00:22:50.420 by an ancient computer whose programming 00:22:50.420 --> 00:22:52.610 had evolved into tyranny. 00:22:52.610 --> 00:22:56.930 [Landru] Peace, order, and tranquility are maintained. 00:22:56.930 --> 00:23:01.820 The body lives, but I reserve creativity to me. 00:23:01.820 --> 00:23:03.870 It's just a science project. 00:23:03.870 --> 00:23:06.900 You know, a doctor friend once said the same thing to me. 00:23:06.900 --> 00:23:09.960 Frankenstein was his name. 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:12.810 [Narrator] Nanites from Star Trek: The Next Generation. 00:23:12.810 --> 00:23:15.100 [Dr. Crusher] Tiny machines built from the atom up. 00:23:15.100 --> 00:23:17.470 [Narrator] The well-intended Wesley Crusher 00:23:17.470 --> 00:23:20.540 unleashed chaos when an experiment with nanites 00:23:20.540 --> 00:23:24.000 resulted in the tiny machines gaining sentience. 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:26.260 I have established contact. 00:23:26.260 --> 00:23:27.560 It's almost like the computer doesn't 00:23:27.560 --> 00:23:29.030 want me to leave it alone. 00:23:29.030 --> 00:23:31.330 You almost make it sound like a child. 00:23:31.330 --> 00:23:32.530 [Narrator] The probe's program, 00:23:32.530 --> 00:23:35.320 from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. 00:23:35.320 --> 00:23:38.710 Proving that some AI just want to be seen. 00:23:38.710 --> 00:23:40.030 I've got to build a doghouse. 00:23:40.030 --> 00:23:41.180 [Narrator] Chief O'Brien gave an 00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:44.890 attention-seeking computer program its own home. 00:23:44.890 --> 00:23:46.730 I'll take care of it, make sure it gets 00:23:46.730 --> 00:23:48.380 enough attention and all. 00:23:48.380 --> 00:23:50.100 Keep it off the furniture. 00:23:50.100 --> 00:23:52.710 [Narrator] Indeed, the unfathomable potential 00:23:52.710 --> 00:23:56.530 of artificial intelligence will always have its risks, 00:23:56.530 --> 00:23:58.803 but also its rewards. 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:01.390 I'm so glad you're with us, Zora. 00:24:02.790 --> 00:24:04.156 [AI] As am I, Captain. 00:24:32.339 --> 00:24:34.747 And for all of you who got the answer correct, 00:24:34.747 --> 00:24:37.790 I am massively impressed. 00:24:37.790 --> 00:24:39.310 Now, it pains me to tell you that 00:24:39.310 --> 00:24:41.540 we'll be taking a little break after today 00:24:41.540 --> 00:24:43.580 until Star Trek: Discovery returns 00:24:43.580 --> 00:24:45.940 with part 2 of Season 4. 00:24:45.940 --> 00:24:47.920 It is the longest wait of the year for me. 00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:50.670 I get it, however, there's a silver lining 00:24:50.670 --> 00:24:52.770 because Nickelodeon's Star Trek: Prodigy, 00:24:52.770 --> 00:24:55.160 my nephew Shane's favorite Star Trek show, 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:57.650 will be returning in just one week's time, 00:24:57.650 --> 00:25:00.640 and we have an exclusive clip from their next episode. 00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:02.270 Take a look. 00:25:02.270 --> 00:25:06.830 Hey, what about this? The Kobayashi Maru? 00:25:06.830 --> 00:25:08.990 An advanced academy training module 00:25:08.990 --> 00:25:11.170 designed to test the greatest captains 00:25:11.170 --> 00:25:12.770 Starfleet has to offer. 00:25:12.770 --> 00:25:14.510 Greatest captains? 00:25:14.510 --> 00:25:17.610 Oh boy, here we go. 00:25:17.610 --> 00:25:20.360 Not sure you're quite ready for that one. 00:25:20.360 --> 00:25:24.300 How about your silly little cone and disc game instead? 00:25:24.300 --> 00:25:25.720 A little more your speed. 00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:28.200 I think I can handle some little Starfleet test. 00:25:28.200 --> 00:25:29.523 Janeway, dismissed. 00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:32.750 What about the rest of the crew? 00:25:32.750 --> 00:25:36.010 Mm, nah. Once I ace this thing, 00:25:36.010 --> 00:25:38.770 they'll see I'm just as good as any Federation crony. 00:25:38.770 --> 00:25:41.066 Then, they'll have to listen to their captain. 00:25:42.074 --> 00:25:42.936 Oh! 00:25:48.370 --> 00:25:51.400 [Computer] You have chosen the Kobayashi Maru. 00:25:51.400 --> 00:25:53.546 Please select your desired crew. 00:25:53.546 --> 00:25:54.379 [Together] Huh. 00:25:54.379 --> 00:25:55.410 This is gonna be fun. 00:25:56.510 --> 00:25:59.120 Thank you all so much for joining me here 00:25:59.120 --> 00:26:00.280 in The Ready Room today. 00:26:00.280 --> 00:26:01.870 We will be taking a little break 00:26:01.870 --> 00:26:03.600 until Star Trek: Discovery returns 00:26:03.600 --> 00:26:06.800 with part 2 of Season 4, but I have to say, 00:26:06.800 --> 00:26:10.540 these first several episodes on our new set 00:26:10.540 --> 00:26:14.380 have been an absolute joy to work on. 00:26:14.380 --> 00:26:17.110 I want to say a personal thank you to everyone 00:26:17.110 --> 00:26:19.140 in the control room, on the set, 00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:20.530 all those people you don't see 00:26:20.530 --> 00:26:22.120 who make The Ready Room possible. 00:26:22.120 --> 00:26:25.860 I cannot wait until we all come back to bring you more. 00:26:25.860 --> 00:26:30.498 Until then, I'm Wil Wheaton. Live long and prosper.