WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.250 --> 00:00:01.334 This week, I open a channel 2 00:00:01.334 --> 00:00:03.628 with the U.S.S. Discovery's chief medical officer 3 00:00:03.628 --> 00:00:05.755 and ship's counselor, Wilson Cruz, 4 00:00:05.755 --> 00:00:07.841 to talk about the latest explosive episode 5 00:00:07.841 --> 00:00:09.009 of Star Trek: Discovery. 6 00:00:09.009 --> 00:00:11.011 Plus, we have an exclusive sneak peek 7 00:00:11.011 --> 00:00:13.471 of next week's installment of Star Trek: Discovery. 8 00:00:14.139 --> 00:00:17.642 Run, don't walk to The Ready Room for all that and more. 9 00:00:26.484 --> 00:00:27.777 Hey, nerds! I'm Wil Wheaton 10 00:00:27.777 --> 00:00:29.279 and this is The Ready Room, 11 00:00:29.279 --> 00:00:31.322 your official behind-the-scenes hub 12 00:00:31.322 --> 00:00:33.116 for all things Star Trek Universe. 13 00:00:33.116 --> 00:00:34.826 Today, we're taking a look at the latest episode 14 00:00:34.826 --> 00:00:37.120 of Star Trek: Discovery titled, "Rubicon." 15 00:00:37.120 --> 00:00:39.372 Which, fun fact, is a title that refers 16 00:00:39.372 --> 00:00:42.167 to Julius Caesar's decision to cross the Rubicon river, 17 00:00:42.167 --> 00:00:44.294 thus changing ancient Rome forever. 18 00:00:44.294 --> 00:00:45.754 Where are my history nerds at? 19 00:00:45.754 --> 00:00:46.671 I love you. 20 00:00:46.671 --> 00:00:50.216 Now, this episode was all about tough choices, 21 00:00:50.216 --> 00:00:52.927 but there's one choice that shouldn't be difficult. 22 00:00:52.927 --> 00:00:54.679 Make sure you're all caught up on Disco 23 00:00:54.679 --> 00:00:57.891 because we're heading into full spoiler territory. 24 00:00:57.891 --> 00:00:59.642 If you haven't watched Season 4, Episode 9 25 00:00:59.642 --> 00:01:02.145 of Star Trek: Discovery, go catch up, 26 00:01:02.145 --> 00:01:04.064 and then meet us back here to debrief. 27 00:01:05.273 --> 00:01:09.694 And look, we have all just been through a lot 28 00:01:09.694 --> 00:01:10.612 with this latest episode. 29 00:01:10.612 --> 00:01:13.114 So I am both relieved and delighted to say 30 00:01:13.114 --> 00:01:16.576 we have the ship's own counselor joining us today. 31 00:01:16.576 --> 00:01:17.410 That's right. 32 00:01:17.410 --> 00:01:20.330 Wilson Cruz is beaming in for a virtual discussion 33 00:01:20.330 --> 00:01:22.165 of this week's episode of Disco, 34 00:01:22.165 --> 00:01:25.168 as well as his storyline this season. 35 00:01:25.168 --> 00:01:28.004 We're gonna get through it together, y'all. 36 00:01:28.004 --> 00:01:32.759 Then starships aren't the only "ships" on Star Trek. 37 00:01:32.759 --> 00:01:34.385 Later on, we'll take a look 38 00:01:34.385 --> 00:01:38.139 at some of the swoon-worthy romantic relationships 39 00:01:38.139 --> 00:01:41.810 on Star Trek in honor of Saru's new love interest. 40 00:01:41.810 --> 00:01:44.062 Plus, we have an exclusive first look 41 00:01:44.062 --> 00:01:46.606 at the next episode of Star Trek: Discovery. 42 00:01:46.606 --> 00:01:48.858 But before we get to any of that, 43 00:01:48.858 --> 00:01:51.444 we have a brand new behind-the-scenes video for you, 44 00:01:51.444 --> 00:01:53.613 and this one's extra special 45 00:01:53.613 --> 00:01:55.490 because we'll both be watching it 46 00:01:55.490 --> 00:01:57.784 for the first time together. 47 00:01:57.784 --> 00:01:59.494 I have no idea what this is gonna be. 48 00:01:59.494 --> 00:02:00.912 It's so very exciting. 49 00:02:00.912 --> 00:02:03.540 I'm boldly going where no one has gone before. 50 00:02:03.540 --> 00:02:05.583 Control room, engage. 51 00:02:06.584 --> 00:02:08.211 Commander, will you please join us? 52 00:02:08.211 --> 00:02:09.295 Commander Nhan. 53 00:02:09.712 --> 00:02:10.672 Captain. 54 00:02:12.048 --> 00:02:13.174 I'm losing control. 55 00:02:13.174 --> 00:02:14.509 Just take the stick manually. 56 00:02:14.509 --> 00:02:16.636 You mean manually, manually? 57 00:02:16.636 --> 00:02:17.846 [ships whirring] 58 00:02:17.846 --> 00:02:20.098 Would you like to join me in making Leland scream? 59 00:02:20.098 --> 00:02:21.057 Yum yum. 60 00:02:21.057 --> 00:02:21.891 [phaser fires] 61 00:02:21.891 --> 00:02:23.309 Your augmentation allows you to breathe 62 00:02:23.309 --> 00:02:23.977 in our atmosphere? 63 00:02:23.977 --> 00:02:24.853 And why are you asking? 64 00:02:24.853 --> 00:02:25.812 Curiosity. 65 00:02:25.812 --> 00:02:28.106 There is no way Book was responsible for that attack. 66 00:02:28.106 --> 00:02:29.649 I lost half my team on my last mission 67 00:02:29.649 --> 00:02:32.068 waiting too long to make a call I knew needed to be made. 68 00:02:32.068 --> 00:02:33.778 I will not let that happen again. 69 00:02:34.195 --> 00:02:35.989 What the hell was that? 70 00:02:35.989 --> 00:02:38.032 [phasers firing] 71 00:02:39.033 --> 00:02:40.243 [Nahn gasps] 72 00:02:42.287 --> 00:02:44.080 Barzan an atmosphere lends itself 73 00:02:44.080 --> 00:02:46.249 to more accelerated plank growth. 74 00:02:46.249 --> 00:02:47.167 Your eyes! 75 00:02:47.167 --> 00:02:48.710 Real air, real me. 76 00:02:49.878 --> 00:02:51.004 Leland, you look well. 77 00:02:51.004 --> 00:02:52.714 For a couple of batteries and a data core 78 00:02:52.714 --> 00:02:54.215 stuffed in a meat sack. 79 00:02:54.215 --> 00:02:56.217 Kind of like an AI sausage. 80 00:02:56.217 --> 00:02:56.885 Ew! 81 00:02:57.218 --> 00:02:59.470 [Burnham] Looks like a Barzan family was most recent. 82 00:02:59.470 --> 00:03:00.513 We joined the Federation? 83 00:03:00.513 --> 00:03:02.056 In the 25th century. 84 00:03:02.599 --> 00:03:03.850 Never imagined. 85 00:03:03.850 --> 00:03:05.894 Haven't seen a Barzan since I joined Starfleet. 86 00:03:05.894 --> 00:03:07.270 Nhan, if you stay, 87 00:03:08.021 --> 00:03:09.856 you'd be giving up your career. 88 00:03:09.856 --> 00:03:12.692 Let's just say I'm good here. 89 00:03:13.735 --> 00:03:15.987 You know I have never forgotten 90 00:03:17.322 --> 00:03:19.741 what you said at Airiam's funeral, 91 00:03:19.741 --> 00:03:22.744 that one of the reasons we joined Starfleet 92 00:03:22.744 --> 00:03:27.540 is to reach for the best in ourselves and each other. 93 00:03:32.712 --> 00:03:34.756 I am now joined by Star Trek: Discovery's 94 00:03:34.756 --> 00:03:37.467 primary physician and new ship's counselor, 95 00:03:37.467 --> 00:03:39.052 Dr. Hugh Culber himself, 96 00:03:39.052 --> 00:03:41.387 Wilson Cruz is with us onscreen. 97 00:03:41.387 --> 00:03:43.598 Wilson, thank you for spending some time with us today 98 00:03:43.598 --> 00:03:44.432 in The Ready Room. 99 00:03:44.432 --> 00:03:46.434 Hi Wil, I'm so happy to be here with you. 100 00:03:46.434 --> 00:03:50.688 So Culber has always been Discovery's resident doctor, 101 00:03:50.688 --> 00:03:55.151 but this season he is now officially the ship's counselor. 102 00:03:55.151 --> 00:03:58.529 Has exploring this new side of your character informed 103 00:03:58.529 --> 00:04:00.615 or changed your performance 104 00:04:00.615 --> 00:04:02.700 or your relationship to Hugh at all. 105 00:04:02.700 --> 00:04:04.077 You know, one of the things that I've loved 106 00:04:04.077 --> 00:04:06.162 about Culber is his bedside manner. 107 00:04:06.162 --> 00:04:08.915 His taking on this new role as counselor 108 00:04:08.915 --> 00:04:10.083 is an extension of that. 109 00:04:10.083 --> 00:04:12.418 Everyone in Starfleet brings their own genius. 110 00:04:12.418 --> 00:04:15.922 I think Culber's genius is really his emotional genius. 111 00:04:15.922 --> 00:04:18.132 We've seen him do that with Michael Burnham 112 00:04:18.132 --> 00:04:20.343 before she was captain in Season 3, 113 00:04:20.343 --> 00:04:23.346 but I love this official position for him to do this. 114 00:04:23.346 --> 00:04:25.556 And it also has brought out 115 00:04:25.556 --> 00:04:27.684 even a few more of his vulnerabilities. 116 00:04:27.684 --> 00:04:32.397 There is a tendency to forget to take care of yourself, 117 00:04:32.397 --> 00:04:34.899 you know, when you are taking care of others. 118 00:04:34.899 --> 00:04:37.235 He has always teased Paul 119 00:04:37.235 --> 00:04:42.240 about being too focused on work and not about his life, 120 00:04:42.907 --> 00:04:44.534 and we see that he's in danger 121 00:04:44.534 --> 00:04:46.035 of doing that himself sometimes. 122 00:04:46.035 --> 00:04:49.747 In my attempt to continue to make Hugh 123 00:04:49.747 --> 00:04:52.000 three-dimensional and multifaceted, 124 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:55.753 it's been a great way to fill him out many ways. 125 00:04:55.753 --> 00:04:57.463 There's that old saying 126 00:04:57.463 --> 00:05:00.591 that the shoemaker's children doesn't have any shoes, right? 127 00:05:00.591 --> 00:05:02.927 And earlier this season, 128 00:05:02.927 --> 00:05:05.847 Culber needs to get some help for himself, 129 00:05:05.847 --> 00:05:09.851 so he goes to Kovich. The person who loves Discovery, 130 00:05:09.851 --> 00:05:11.686 the fan in me thinks, 131 00:05:11.686 --> 00:05:13.813 well, this is gonna be something. 132 00:05:13.813 --> 00:05:16.441 The person in me who is an actor 133 00:05:16.441 --> 00:05:20.903 and knows what it is like to have a one-on-one 134 00:05:20.903 --> 00:05:24.991 with David freaken Cronenberg for several pages 135 00:05:24.991 --> 00:05:28.828 was just in awe and a little envious of you. 136 00:05:28.828 --> 00:05:30.496 Would you talk about that 137 00:05:30.496 --> 00:05:32.623 from maybe the perspective of Hugh, 138 00:05:32.623 --> 00:05:34.417 but also from Wilson's perspective 139 00:05:34.417 --> 00:05:36.461 of working with him in that scene? 140 00:05:36.461 --> 00:05:39.630 Working with David Cronenberg, as you're saying, 141 00:05:39.630 --> 00:05:44.010 is, I mean, an out body experience, right? 142 00:05:44.010 --> 00:05:45.303 He's given us so much. 143 00:05:45.303 --> 00:05:46.054 Yeah. 144 00:05:46.054 --> 00:05:48.723 And I find myself, you know, 145 00:05:48.723 --> 00:05:51.142 talking to him about The Fly all the time, 146 00:05:51.142 --> 00:05:54.604 because it's one of the movies that I'm obsessed with. 147 00:05:54.604 --> 00:05:55.605 Yeah. 148 00:05:55.605 --> 00:05:57.482 David will tell you himself personally, 149 00:05:57.482 --> 00:06:02.445 he's not an actor, so this is new territory for him. 150 00:06:02.862 --> 00:06:07.200 But you know, he brings so much to those, 151 00:06:07.200 --> 00:06:08.826 to every performance. 152 00:06:08.826 --> 00:06:10.370 And he's so invested in it. 153 00:06:10.370 --> 00:06:11.996 But you know, that relationship, 154 00:06:11.996 --> 00:06:14.832 Dr. Culber needs someone who is not Paul. 155 00:06:14.832 --> 00:06:15.917 Yeah. 156 00:06:15.917 --> 00:06:18.836 That he can reach out to 157 00:06:20.213 --> 00:06:24.175 and trust that he's gonna get the absolute truth from. 158 00:06:24.175 --> 00:06:27.929 In this episode that we just saw this week, 159 00:06:27.929 --> 00:06:29.597 the stakes are so high, 160 00:06:29.597 --> 00:06:31.265 the stakes are high for Discovery. 161 00:06:31.265 --> 00:06:32.558 The stakes are high for Star Trek. 162 00:06:32.558 --> 00:06:35.395 And I'm sure Hugh's just as amped up 163 00:06:35.395 --> 00:06:38.648 and just as nervous as absolutely everybody else. 164 00:06:38.648 --> 00:06:41.275 And he is this incredible, beautiful, 165 00:06:41.275 --> 00:06:43.152 calm in the eye of that storm. 166 00:06:43.152 --> 00:06:45.113 Would you talk about approaching that performance? 167 00:06:45.113 --> 00:06:46.406 Yeah, I think you're right. 168 00:06:46.406 --> 00:06:48.366 He is the calm in the eye of that storm. 169 00:06:48.366 --> 00:06:50.368 But the thing that I think is true 170 00:06:50.368 --> 00:06:53.454 and I think is important for all of us to remember 171 00:06:53.454 --> 00:06:56.916 is that even the people who are the calm in our storms, 172 00:06:58.209 --> 00:07:03.214 find ways to suppress in a useful way 173 00:07:03.673 --> 00:07:06.968 their own anxieties and uncertainties 174 00:07:06.968 --> 00:07:08.719 in order to serve the greater good. 175 00:07:08.719 --> 00:07:09.679 This is Star Trek. 176 00:07:09.679 --> 00:07:11.055 This is Starfleet. 177 00:07:11.055 --> 00:07:12.640 We are the best of the best. 178 00:07:12.640 --> 00:07:14.725 We are the best among us. 179 00:07:14.725 --> 00:07:19.480 And he knows that in order for us to navigate 180 00:07:19.480 --> 00:07:21.482 this uncertainty and this anxiety, 181 00:07:21.482 --> 00:07:23.359 everyone has to be in a place 182 00:07:23.359 --> 00:07:25.194 and a healthy place where they can bring 183 00:07:25.194 --> 00:07:28.531 their strengths to bear in order to solve this problem. 184 00:07:28.531 --> 00:07:30.783 What Hugh wants to exude 185 00:07:30.783 --> 00:07:33.828 and to convey to the entire crew at all times 186 00:07:33.828 --> 00:07:36.289 is that he is a safe space. 187 00:07:36.289 --> 00:07:39.417 Whether the stakes are incredibly high in the moment or not, 188 00:07:39.417 --> 00:07:42.462 that he is a place where they can come 189 00:07:42.462 --> 00:07:44.380 and lay all of their burdens down 190 00:07:44.380 --> 00:07:46.883 and that he will he will carry them for them 191 00:07:46.883 --> 00:07:48.009 for as long as he needs. 192 00:07:48.009 --> 00:07:48.843 Yeah. 193 00:07:48.843 --> 00:07:49.552 We all need that. 194 00:07:49.552 --> 00:07:52.513 We've been through so much in the last two years. 195 00:07:52.513 --> 00:07:53.473 Yeah. 196 00:07:53.473 --> 00:07:57.018 And I am a huge advocate for mental health 197 00:07:57.018 --> 00:07:59.687 and therapy and counseling. 198 00:07:59.687 --> 00:08:01.481 I think we should all be doing that. 199 00:08:01.481 --> 00:08:04.901 We all need a place that we can feel safe 200 00:08:04.901 --> 00:08:06.360 telling our truths. 201 00:08:06.360 --> 00:08:09.280 We talk a lot about representation on Star Trek 202 00:08:09.280 --> 00:08:10.823 and that's a big important part 203 00:08:10.823 --> 00:08:11.782 of the Star Trek conversation. 204 00:08:11.782 --> 00:08:13.576 It's one of the things I really love about Star Trek. 205 00:08:13.576 --> 00:08:15.244 What you're talking about right now 206 00:08:15.244 --> 00:08:18.080 is also in my opinion modeling behavior. 207 00:08:18.080 --> 00:08:21.792 I hope that there is at least one young person 208 00:08:21.792 --> 00:08:24.212 in the audience somewhere who is watching you, 209 00:08:24.212 --> 00:08:25.421 who has made the decision, 210 00:08:25.421 --> 00:08:27.256 I'm gonna be that person in my real life, 211 00:08:27.256 --> 00:08:28.674 sort of related to that. 212 00:08:28.674 --> 00:08:31.969 We are in the midst of a trauma. 213 00:08:31.969 --> 00:08:34.347 Humanity is living through a trauma 214 00:08:34.347 --> 00:08:39.352 and a crisis real similar to the crisis 215 00:08:39.352 --> 00:08:42.104 that the Discovery crew is experiencing right now 216 00:08:42.104 --> 00:08:44.774 in that there's a large scary thing 217 00:08:44.774 --> 00:08:47.610 that we cannot seem to do very much about. 218 00:08:47.610 --> 00:08:50.029 And we're doing our best to get through it. 219 00:08:50.029 --> 00:08:54.575 As you have put Hugh on this season, 220 00:08:54.575 --> 00:08:57.745 if it has given you as a person any insights 221 00:08:57.745 --> 00:09:00.456 or given you any sense of connection 222 00:09:00.456 --> 00:09:03.334 to our real life frontline workers 223 00:09:03.334 --> 00:09:07.296 who are challenged in similar, 224 00:09:07.296 --> 00:09:11.092 and in some cases, even more intense ways 225 00:09:11.092 --> 00:09:13.886 than we see Hugh being challenged this season on Discovery? 226 00:09:13.886 --> 00:09:14.971 Absolutely. 227 00:09:14.971 --> 00:09:18.432 I wanna be very clear about this. 228 00:09:18.432 --> 00:09:21.644 I only found Hugh this season 229 00:09:23.312 --> 00:09:28.317 because I paid attention to the real distress 230 00:09:29.652 --> 00:09:34.073 and vulnerabilities of our essential workers in real life. 231 00:09:34.073 --> 00:09:39.036 You know, the courage, the true sacrifices that were made 232 00:09:39.704 --> 00:09:44.417 throughout the world by medical workers and counselors 233 00:09:44.417 --> 00:09:47.503 in order to see us through this incredibly difficult time. 234 00:09:48.462 --> 00:09:53.467 I looked to them as the models of how does one live through 235 00:09:58.055 --> 00:10:02.101 an anxious and vulnerable time themselves 236 00:10:02.101 --> 00:10:05.396 and still find the capacity 237 00:10:05.396 --> 00:10:07.773 to extend themselves in that moment? 238 00:10:07.773 --> 00:10:09.650 And it has been a traumatic time. 239 00:10:09.650 --> 00:10:10.735 You know, I also wanna say, 240 00:10:10.735 --> 00:10:13.779 it's not lost on me that this is a gay man 241 00:10:13.779 --> 00:10:17.950 who is acting as counselor here 242 00:10:17.950 --> 00:10:19.785 during this very traumatic time. 243 00:10:19.785 --> 00:10:24.081 You know, as a gay man of this generation, 244 00:10:24.081 --> 00:10:26.167 I have lived through a different trauma, 245 00:10:26.167 --> 00:10:28.711 a different epidemic. 246 00:10:28.711 --> 00:10:32.715 I came to be as a man at a time 247 00:10:32.715 --> 00:10:35.968 when my community was losing people 248 00:10:35.968 --> 00:10:39.221 in numbers that were devastating 249 00:10:39.221 --> 00:10:42.850 and the government response was lacking even then. 250 00:10:42.850 --> 00:10:47.855 So, you know, we as a queer community 251 00:10:50.024 --> 00:10:52.526 have our, you know 252 00:10:52.526 --> 00:10:54.737 lived experience through trauma 253 00:10:55.738 --> 00:10:59.033 and understand that the way through that trauma 254 00:10:59.033 --> 00:11:00.368 is through each other. 255 00:11:00.368 --> 00:11:02.953 Which is why it's so important 256 00:11:02.953 --> 00:11:05.081 that we see this chosen family, 257 00:11:05.081 --> 00:11:07.458 that we choose to support each other 258 00:11:07.458 --> 00:11:10.878 and these young people on the show, 259 00:11:10.878 --> 00:11:13.631 as an example of how the queer community 260 00:11:13.631 --> 00:11:15.466 has survived these traumas. 261 00:11:15.466 --> 00:11:17.510 I'm so glad you said chosen family. 262 00:11:17.510 --> 00:11:19.970 Sometimes we make a chosen family out of our castmates. 263 00:11:19.970 --> 00:11:22.390 It's a beautiful gift when we can do that. 264 00:11:22.390 --> 00:11:25.559 Within the family of Discovery, 265 00:11:25.559 --> 00:11:30.106 there is this amazing family unit of Paul and Hugh, 266 00:11:31.232 --> 00:11:36.278 and Grey and Adira, and it is a beautiful queer family. 267 00:11:36.278 --> 00:11:38.155 I've had the privilege of speaking 268 00:11:38.155 --> 00:11:42.034 with Ian and Blu and Anthony about this. 269 00:11:42.034 --> 00:11:46.163 I am so excited that I finally get to round out the family 270 00:11:46.163 --> 00:11:51.001 and ask you to weigh in a bit about this extra family unit 271 00:11:51.627 --> 00:11:54.088 that is within the existing family structure 272 00:11:54.088 --> 00:11:55.131 of the Disco cast. 273 00:11:55.131 --> 00:11:57.466 I'm scared that I'll break out into tears about it, 274 00:11:57.466 --> 00:11:59.260 but it's really important to me. 275 00:12:00.177 --> 00:12:04.890 You know, throughout history it is a tradition 276 00:12:04.890 --> 00:12:08.602 in the queer community throughout millennium 277 00:12:08.602 --> 00:12:13.607 that we have always had to create a support network, 278 00:12:14.775 --> 00:12:19.655 a chosen family to support us through issues 279 00:12:19.655 --> 00:12:24.660 that our blood family or communities that we're a part of 280 00:12:26.954 --> 00:12:31.250 couldn't understand or chose not to or rejected us. 281 00:12:33.377 --> 00:12:33.878 Right? 282 00:12:33.878 --> 00:12:39.049 So we have found ways to rely on each other, 283 00:12:40.468 --> 00:12:43.179 to educate each other, to step in. 284 00:12:43.179 --> 00:12:45.931 And it's incredibly moving to me that here we are 285 00:12:45.931 --> 00:12:49.852 on a show that takes place a thousand years in the future 286 00:12:49.852 --> 00:12:53.355 and we are modeling, as you say, 287 00:12:54.231 --> 00:12:56.442 that this is a need we will always have, 288 00:12:56.442 --> 00:12:58.569 but also the guidance that you can get 289 00:12:58.569 --> 00:13:01.405 from someone older than you who's been through it. 290 00:13:01.405 --> 00:13:04.158 I can't talk about it without talking about 291 00:13:04.158 --> 00:13:08.454 how Anthony and I have also stepped in in real life 292 00:13:08.454 --> 00:13:11.791 because we see ourselves in these two young people 293 00:13:11.791 --> 00:13:16.170 who are taking on these historic roles on television. 294 00:13:16.170 --> 00:13:21.342 Something that he and I understand at a visceral level 295 00:13:21.342 --> 00:13:23.594 because we went through it ourselves. 296 00:13:23.594 --> 00:13:26.388 We're talking about an historic franchise 297 00:13:26.388 --> 00:13:29.225 that has meant so much to so many people 298 00:13:29.225 --> 00:13:32.186 that comes with an inordinate amount of pressure 299 00:13:32.186 --> 00:13:35.105 that we want to be able to help them navigate. 300 00:13:35.105 --> 00:13:37.483 And we do it with with great pleasure 301 00:13:37.483 --> 00:13:39.026 because we love them so much. 302 00:13:39.026 --> 00:13:40.986 And one of the things that I absolutely love 303 00:13:40.986 --> 00:13:42.571 about the familial relationship, 304 00:13:42.571 --> 00:13:44.865 and I love this about Hugh and Paul's relationship, 305 00:13:44.865 --> 00:13:47.117 is it's a relationship. 306 00:13:48.994 --> 00:13:51.163 It's like, hey, straight folks, 307 00:13:51.163 --> 00:13:53.040 we've been here all along. 308 00:13:53.040 --> 00:13:55.167 We love each other, just like you love each other. 309 00:13:55.167 --> 00:13:57.169 And there is something about that 310 00:13:57.169 --> 00:13:59.046 and I struggle to articulate it. 311 00:13:59.046 --> 00:14:01.590 There is something about almost like-- 312 00:14:01.590 --> 00:14:02.341 Ordinary 313 00:14:02.341 --> 00:14:03.551 The ordinariness of it. 314 00:14:03.551 --> 00:14:04.510 Yes, thank you. 315 00:14:04.510 --> 00:14:07.596 The ordinariness of it that I absolutely love. 316 00:14:07.596 --> 00:14:10.099 And I feel if I feel that as a straight dude 317 00:14:10.099 --> 00:14:12.685 what that must mean to a young queer person 318 00:14:12.685 --> 00:14:15.020 who is maybe struggling with their identity 319 00:14:15.020 --> 00:14:16.856 and looking for acceptance in their world. 320 00:14:16.856 --> 00:14:20.025 It's the power of just acknowledging the fact 321 00:14:20.025 --> 00:14:21.360 that we are part of the world. 322 00:14:21.360 --> 00:14:22.194 - Yeah. - Right. 323 00:14:22.194 --> 00:14:26.574 Without having to explain it, like I said earlier. 324 00:14:26.574 --> 00:14:27.199 Yeah. 325 00:14:27.199 --> 00:14:28.909 Or make a fuss about it. 326 00:14:28.909 --> 00:14:31.704 It's why I think that moment 327 00:14:31.704 --> 00:14:35.583 when our relationship is revealed in Season 1 328 00:14:35.583 --> 00:14:36.750 is so powerful, 329 00:14:36.750 --> 00:14:40.379 and I think iconic is that we didn't explain it to you. 330 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:41.964 We let you experience it. 331 00:14:41.964 --> 00:14:47.303 This is just two grown-ass men who love each other, 332 00:14:48.137 --> 00:14:50.139 who wanted to love more people 333 00:14:50.139 --> 00:14:53.475 and found someone who needed it. 334 00:14:53.475 --> 00:14:54.643 Love is love. 335 00:14:54.643 --> 00:14:55.561 Absolutely. 336 00:14:55.561 --> 00:14:56.854 And that's how it should be. 337 00:14:56.854 --> 00:14:57.688 [Will] Yeah. 338 00:14:57.688 --> 00:14:59.023 That's how we should be seeing it. 339 00:14:59.023 --> 00:15:01.191 We've talked about love being love. 340 00:15:01.191 --> 00:15:02.026 Right? 341 00:15:02.026 --> 00:15:04.737 And here's Hugh counseling a Kelpien 342 00:15:04.737 --> 00:15:08.032 about how he can best express 343 00:15:08.032 --> 00:15:12.494 and explore a little bit of a crush he has on a Vulcan 344 00:15:12.494 --> 00:15:16.290 who's the president of Ni'Var, P.S. 345 00:15:16.290 --> 00:15:17.499 Right. 346 00:15:17.499 --> 00:15:19.752 [laughs] It's not just some random person, 347 00:15:19.752 --> 00:15:22.755 you know, from the canteen at work. 348 00:15:22.755 --> 00:15:25.090 And I think that's a great Star Trek message, 349 00:15:25.090 --> 00:15:29.678 that love is so universal that it can transcend species. 350 00:15:30.721 --> 00:15:31.680 Yes. 351 00:15:32.932 --> 00:15:35.392 And it's always crazy to me 352 00:15:35.392 --> 00:15:37.770 when, you know, every now and then 353 00:15:37.770 --> 00:15:40.606 when someone decides that they're upset 354 00:15:40.606 --> 00:15:43.275 about two men loving each other on Star Trek. 355 00:15:43.275 --> 00:15:45.235 And I'm like, so you had no problem 356 00:15:45.235 --> 00:15:47.738 with Captain Kirk and that alien over there. 357 00:15:47.738 --> 00:15:48.697 I know! 358 00:15:48.697 --> 00:15:50.032 It's definitely a metaphor. 359 00:15:50.032 --> 00:15:51.492 But I will also say, 360 00:15:51.492 --> 00:15:55.537 it's says something about existence, right? 361 00:15:55.537 --> 00:15:59.124 That even here where the stakes are so high 362 00:15:59.124 --> 00:16:02.836 and the threat to the galaxy is so real, 363 00:16:02.836 --> 00:16:05.714 that you're still capable of feeling love 364 00:16:05.714 --> 00:16:07.549 and wanting connection 365 00:16:07.549 --> 00:16:10.886 and wanting to share that feeling with someone 366 00:16:10.886 --> 00:16:13.722 that Saru is finding himself in that position. 367 00:16:13.722 --> 00:16:16.308 It's life affirming, I think. 368 00:16:16.308 --> 00:16:19.687 I would like to end our time today with a question 369 00:16:19.687 --> 00:16:22.690 which I hope will be fun and light [laughs] 370 00:16:22.690 --> 00:16:25.234 as we have touched on some, 371 00:16:25.234 --> 00:16:27.945 we've touched on a few heavy things today. 372 00:16:27.945 --> 00:16:30.197 In the entire Star Trek canon, 373 00:16:32.032 --> 00:16:35.661 there have been a few counselors, official counselors. 374 00:16:36.620 --> 00:16:39.707 There are also characters who are not counselors, 375 00:16:39.707 --> 00:16:42.292 but maybe they could have chosen that path. 376 00:16:42.292 --> 00:16:47.172 And I would love for you to share who you, Wilson Cruz, 377 00:16:47.172 --> 00:16:50.968 would choose from the canon of Star Trek 378 00:16:50.968 --> 00:16:53.846 to be your counselor if you had a choice. 379 00:16:53.846 --> 00:16:55.639 Well, I've thought about this. 380 00:16:56.598 --> 00:17:00.894 And I would give one of my appendages 381 00:17:02.062 --> 00:17:07.067 to do a scene with Whoopi Goldberg, any day, anywhere, 382 00:17:08.277 --> 00:17:09.319 anytime I can. 383 00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:12.364 That is I think the best answer. 384 00:17:12.364 --> 00:17:13.240 I hear that, you know, 385 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:16.910 she might be part of the Universe again somehow, some day. 386 00:17:16.910 --> 00:17:18.287 You know, I don't know if she finds herself 387 00:17:18.287 --> 00:17:20.873 a thousand years in the future, but I would-- 388 00:17:20.873 --> 00:17:22.458 I would die. 389 00:17:22.458 --> 00:17:26.003 I believe that I can officially on behalf of Star Trek, 390 00:17:26.003 --> 00:17:27.421 in my role as host of this show, 391 00:17:27.421 --> 00:17:32.134 confirm through trailers that Guinan does appear in Picard. 392 00:17:32.134 --> 00:17:37.139 I cannot confirm or deny that she appears in Discovery, 393 00:17:38.390 --> 00:17:40.893 but she could go just about anywhere. 394 00:17:40.893 --> 00:17:41.560 Who knows? 395 00:17:41.560 --> 00:17:43.562 I'm obsessed. 396 00:17:43.562 --> 00:17:45.731 That is a thing that I'm really glad we share, Wilson. 397 00:17:45.731 --> 00:17:46.940 Thanks so much for your time. 398 00:17:46.940 --> 00:17:50.110 Thanks for all of your work on Star Trek: Discovery. 399 00:17:51.361 --> 00:17:53.238 Wil, I just want to say thank you publicly 400 00:17:53.238 --> 00:17:55.199 for helping support an organization 401 00:17:55.199 --> 00:17:57.076 that's really important to me, GLSEN. 402 00:17:57.076 --> 00:17:58.243 So thank you for all of the ways 403 00:17:58.243 --> 00:18:00.662 that you've helped me in that organization. 404 00:18:00.662 --> 00:18:03.916 It is an honor and a privilege. 405 00:18:03.916 --> 00:18:07.044 Let us share with the audience some information on GLSEN. 406 00:18:07.044 --> 00:18:09.463 Let them know where they can find out more about GLSEN. 407 00:18:09.463 --> 00:18:10.756 You can go to GLSEN.org, 408 00:18:10.756 --> 00:18:13.884 and you can find out all about GLSEN 409 00:18:13.884 --> 00:18:15.969 which is an organization that exists 410 00:18:15.969 --> 00:18:18.514 just to make every school in our country 411 00:18:18.514 --> 00:18:20.474 a safe space for queer people. 412 00:18:20.474 --> 00:18:21.475 Awesome. 413 00:18:21.475 --> 00:18:24.645 Wilson, it is always such a pleasure to speak with you. 414 00:18:24.645 --> 00:18:27.773 Have a wonderful afternoon and I'll see you next time. 415 00:18:27.773 --> 00:18:29.483 Thanks, Wil, muah! 416 00:18:44.832 --> 00:18:46.083 As I mentioned earlier, 417 00:18:46.083 --> 00:18:47.543 in this week's episode of Discovery, 418 00:18:47.543 --> 00:18:50.754 Mr. Saru decides to pursue the connection he feels 419 00:18:50.754 --> 00:18:52.756 with president T'Rina of Ni'var, 420 00:18:52.756 --> 00:18:55.175 his first romantic interest on the show. 421 00:18:55.175 --> 00:18:57.845 And that development is just the latest 422 00:18:57.845 --> 00:18:59.972 in a bevy of romances blossoming in 423 00:18:59.972 --> 00:19:02.141 the dark vacuum of space. 424 00:19:02.141 --> 00:19:03.767 Who knew the dark vacuum of space 425 00:19:03.767 --> 00:19:06.603 was a romance-blossoming rich environment? 426 00:19:06.603 --> 00:19:08.897 Well, let's go on this voyage through the stars 427 00:19:08.897 --> 00:19:12.651 and relive some of the dreamiest ships in Star Trek. 428 00:19:13.735 --> 00:19:16.113 These personal feelings have little import. 429 00:19:17.072 --> 00:19:19.658 Such feelings are always of import. 430 00:19:20.576 --> 00:19:22.953 [Narrator] Even in the nothingness of space, 431 00:19:22.953 --> 00:19:26.874 love can bloom in the most unexpected of places. 432 00:19:27.583 --> 00:19:31.420 While Mr. Saru and President T'Rina's budding relationship 433 00:19:31.420 --> 00:19:33.463 is still in its infancy... 434 00:19:33.463 --> 00:19:37.342 She asked me to join her for dinner. 435 00:19:38.510 --> 00:19:40.304 [Narrator] ...the Star Trek Universe 436 00:19:40.304 --> 00:19:43.473 is full of romance amongst the stars. 437 00:19:43.974 --> 00:19:46.894 These are a few of the relationships in Star Trek 438 00:19:46.894 --> 00:19:49.813 that have set our hearts to stun. 439 00:19:55.444 --> 00:19:57.487 Commander Riker, this is our ship's counselor, 440 00:19:57.487 --> 00:19:58.405 Deanna Troi. 441 00:19:59.114 --> 00:20:00.199 A pleasure, Commander. 442 00:20:03.493 --> 00:20:05.245 Likewise, counselor. 443 00:20:05.662 --> 00:20:08.498 [Narrator] Deanna Troi and William Riker. 444 00:20:08.999 --> 00:20:10.250 Maybe we could go dancing? 445 00:20:10.250 --> 00:20:11.960 And after that, I suppose you'll expect me to kiss you? 446 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:13.045 Well, it's possible. 447 00:20:13.045 --> 00:20:14.087 But then who needs dinner? 448 00:20:14.087 --> 00:20:16.298 Why don't I just get it over with and kiss you right now? 449 00:20:16.298 --> 00:20:17.424 Well, why don't you? 450 00:20:18.675 --> 00:20:20.219 [Narrator] Kira and Odo. 451 00:20:21.720 --> 00:20:23.222 That sounds like baseball. 452 00:20:24.014 --> 00:20:25.432 You know about baseball. 453 00:20:26.725 --> 00:20:27.976 It's my favorite sport. 454 00:20:28.977 --> 00:20:31.188 [Narrator] Kasidy and Benjamin Sisko. 455 00:20:32.522 --> 00:20:33.982 Excuse me, miss. 456 00:20:36.485 --> 00:20:37.277 Where are we? 457 00:20:39.655 --> 00:20:42.032 [Narrator] Edith Keeler and James Kirk. 458 00:20:43.450 --> 00:20:44.952 I'm ready to get back to work. 459 00:20:44.952 --> 00:20:46.745 Oh, no, no, no. 460 00:20:46.745 --> 00:20:48.497 I had to use all of my influence 461 00:20:48.497 --> 00:20:50.916 to extend your accommodations at the lagoon. 462 00:20:50.916 --> 00:20:53.043 We'll drop you off on our way home. 463 00:20:53.043 --> 00:20:56.255 But we haven't any bags! No holocam. 464 00:20:56.255 --> 00:20:58.215 I have nothing to read. 465 00:20:58.215 --> 00:20:59.132 [Keiko] Perfect. 466 00:21:00.968 --> 00:21:03.095 [Narrator] Keiko and O'Brien. 467 00:21:04.888 --> 00:21:07.057 I guess we proved it again. 468 00:21:07.057 --> 00:21:07.891 Proved what? 469 00:21:08.934 --> 00:21:10.435 That you and I make a hell of a team. 470 00:21:11.395 --> 00:21:13.397 [Narrator] T'Pol and Trip Tucker. 471 00:21:16.775 --> 00:21:19.736 Maybe that's why I fell in love with you. 472 00:21:19.736 --> 00:21:21.238 We have the same pathology. 473 00:21:22.614 --> 00:21:24.283 Making you either a total narcissist 474 00:21:24.283 --> 00:21:25.367 or a glutton for punishment. 475 00:21:25.367 --> 00:21:27.411 A little column A, a little column B. 476 00:21:28.704 --> 00:21:31.623 [Narrator] Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber. 477 00:21:35.335 --> 00:21:37.212 I do not deserve you. 478 00:21:37.629 --> 00:21:39.381 You're right about that. 479 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:43.427 [Narrator] B'Elanna Torres and Tom Paris. 480 00:21:43.427 --> 00:21:46.430 Anyway, I kind of like the sound of Tom Torres. 481 00:21:47.597 --> 00:21:48.849 I hope your kidding. 482 00:21:48.849 --> 00:21:51.852 Hey, it is the 24th century. 483 00:21:57.399 --> 00:22:00.694 This is not the science lab [groans]. 484 00:22:02.112 --> 00:22:04.072 [both laughing] 485 00:22:05.490 --> 00:22:07.034 We have these new badges. 486 00:22:07.534 --> 00:22:10.454 [Narrator] Michael Burnham and Cleveland Booker. 487 00:22:11.663 --> 00:22:16.043 These Star Trek couples prove that when love warps in, 488 00:22:16.043 --> 00:22:19.379 it's best to lower your shields. 489 00:22:19.713 --> 00:22:21.214 Do you have feelings for her? 490 00:22:23.717 --> 00:22:24.885 Perhaps, I do. 491 00:22:52.788 --> 00:22:55.540 Okay, we have come to the time travel portion 492 00:22:55.540 --> 00:22:56.375 of The Ready Room 493 00:22:56.375 --> 00:22:57.876 when we get to watch an exclusive clip 494 00:22:57.876 --> 00:23:00.128 of next week's episode of Star Trek: Discovery. 495 00:23:00.128 --> 00:23:01.505 So if you think about it, 496 00:23:01.505 --> 00:23:03.965 it's like this clip is traveling backwards in time 497 00:23:03.965 --> 00:23:05.509 while we are traveling forwards in time 498 00:23:05.509 --> 00:23:08.136 and we're kind of meeting in the middle, right? 499 00:23:08.136 --> 00:23:10.514 Wrap your head around that and watch this clip. 500 00:23:11.932 --> 00:23:13.975 It's a hell of a thing. 501 00:23:13.975 --> 00:23:15.018 Yes, it is 502 00:23:20.649 --> 00:23:23.026 Admiral, it's my constitutional duty to inform you 503 00:23:23.026 --> 00:23:25.529 that I'm transferring power to the vice president. 504 00:23:28.323 --> 00:23:29.533 Excuse me. 505 00:23:29.783 --> 00:23:31.451 I'll be joining the mission. 506 00:23:31.868 --> 00:23:33.120 Madame President. 507 00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:36.665 I was the Federation's top ambassador for 20 years. 508 00:23:36.665 --> 00:23:40.794 Given the complexities that we'll face, 509 00:23:40.794 --> 00:23:43.505 I believe my skills will be needed. 510 00:23:43.505 --> 00:23:44.923 They're leaving the galaxy. 511 00:23:44.923 --> 00:23:46.133 We've never done that. 512 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:47.134 You know as well as I do, 513 00:23:47.134 --> 00:23:49.428 Discovery might not be coming back from this. 514 00:23:49.428 --> 00:23:51.680 Which is why I am counting on you 515 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:54.349 to support the vice president in my absence, 516 00:23:56.643 --> 00:23:58.270 however long it may be. 517 00:24:00.730 --> 00:24:04.025 Laira, you are the Federation now. 518 00:24:05.569 --> 00:24:07.362 What your presence means, 519 00:24:07.362 --> 00:24:08.780 what you represent-- 520 00:24:08.780 --> 00:24:12.451 Makes it all the more crucial that I be there 521 00:24:12.451 --> 00:24:13.618 when we make contact. 522 00:24:15.454 --> 00:24:17.914 Thank you all so much for joining me 523 00:24:17.914 --> 00:24:19.207 in The Ready Room today. 524 00:24:19.207 --> 00:24:21.877 Next week, Season 4, Episode 10 525 00:24:21.877 --> 00:24:23.545 of Star Trek: Discovery drops, 526 00:24:23.545 --> 00:24:25.422 and you better believe we'll be back here 527 00:24:25.422 --> 00:24:26.756 to talk all about it. 528 00:24:26.756 --> 00:24:27.924 There's a lot going on 529 00:24:27.924 --> 00:24:29.593 and we're gonna need a minute. 530 00:24:29.593 --> 00:24:33.638 Until then, I'm Wil Wheaton, live long and prosper.