Bujoldly Go The Lessons Of Genevieve Seem Lost On Series V

Remember, back in 1994, when a big-name, respected actress was cast to play Captain Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager?  That was Genevieve Bujold, a respected feature film actress.  Her casting was a boon: Bujold, although not altogether prominent, had racked up an Academy Award nomination earlier in her career and her name had promotional value.  The results?  Barely a day into filming, Bujold was out of the captain's chair, unable to handle the rigors of series television.  Does this trouble with the captain sound slightly familiar?  It should.

Now, Series V finds itself in the same position: hurtling toward production, and without a captain.  It seems that the producers are intent upon Scott Bakula to fill that role, oddly, ignoring the lessons that Genevieve Bujold taught them so well back in 1994.

On the surface, the problems between Bujold and Bakula don't seem that similar.  Bujold could not take the hectic schedule of primetime television production; Bakula is a TV veteran.  But like Voyager, Series V (let's just hold off on calling it Enterprise quite yet) seems too intent on getting a 'name' to headline the cast, and seems blissfully unaware of the problems fraught therein, and blindingly ignoring the too-close-a-call situation that was Genevieve Bujold.

Reportedly, Paramount-Bakula negotiations have stalled over a few key issues.  Namely, Bakula wants creative input and possibly even some sort of bizarre veto control.  Red Alert!  Rick Berman is a smart, savvy producer, and should recognize the problem inherent in this.  The intent of the producers is to hire Bakula to act in the project, not to invite him to cash in on it.

Rick Berman used to say about Genevieve Bujold that they were just happy they found out that it wasn't going to work on the first day-- before there were any "children" to worry about.  The same is true of Bakula, an actor who seems to come into the franchise expressing a self-entitled expectation that he will have creative input.  An informal poll this site conducted recently suggested that fans overwhelmingly prefer the idea of a devoted professional to fill the role of the captain over a big name star whose dedication, and even talent, perhaps, is called into question.  Bakula's "interest" in Trek seems cynical-- it's a jackpot, not necessarily a serious acting gig.

With Bakula, Series V could possibly look forward to a detached, disgruntled and jaded television star.  Where the problem really comes in is when Bakula, if cast, renegotiates his contract mid-series, or perhaps-- gets bored of the role.  At that point, he'll have real leverage.  Trek shows are almost guaranteed an extended run-- a rarity in the entertainment industry these days.  Actors can be fickle, and can get bored quickly.  In investing in a "name" star like Bakula (and Bujold before him) Series V runs the risk of being the first Trek series to replace their captain half-way through.

Enjoy the days of Kate Mulgrew, a devoted professional who realizes her job is to act, and goes into work to give a good performances every week, while she lasts.  With a Bakula lead Series V, we might just have a jaded, reluctant, disinterested actor to look forward to (Hey, it's Avery Brooks all over again!).

Memo to the producers: take Bakula's hard-ball negotiating as a sign.  It's time to look for a new captain who will do Series V justice.

I hear that Kate Mulgrew, or someone like her, might be looking for work.

--Jason Davidson.