Melissa Navia Live! Season 3 Discussion

[00:00:08] Is this thing on? Hello? Hello? Welcome to Open Pike Night, the Strange New Worlds Podcast, where your stream, and Strange New Worlds Stream, where your chat questions are the prime directive. I'm your host as always, producer John T. Boldz. Tonight, we take a bold new step into the world of live podcasting, bringing our favorite pilot straight to you. Here to help us kick off this strange new experiment, returning to the Open Pike Night stage, the one that's going to be a new podcast.

[00:00:50] The only Melissa Navia. Melissa, welcome back to the Open Pike Night stage. What's going on guys? Thank you for having me back. I'm very excited that we are kicking off the countdown to Season 3 and we're doing it together. The long awaited Season 3. The longest awaited season of Star Trek ever. Yes, we are here to chat about the upcoming Season 3 and take questions from our viewers in the chat. Looks like we got more folks joining the stream as we go.

[00:01:20] So, we're here tonight to discuss all things Ortegas. Get excited for Season 3 of Strange New Worlds, premiering in just over two weeks, July 17th on Paramount Plus, of course. And to spotlight your questions from the chat in true Open Pike Night style. But of course, no Open Pike Night mission can be successful without my first officer and trusty navigator, Cameron Harrison and Jesse Bailey. What's up guys?

[00:01:43] Hi. Excited to be here. I actually canceled an Air Canada flight to be here today, so I thought that was a lot of retribution. Oh, I actually did not book an Air Canada flight today, especially so I could be here. Well, it's much appreciated. I have to ask, when you're an actual pilot and you play a pilot on TV and you get word that your flight has been canceled, is there a small part of you that thinks, I could fix this?

[00:02:12] Do you know, there have been a few this season as we were filming Season 4, there have been, because we shoot in Toronto, I keep flying back to New York where I am from and my wonderful family and friends are here. There have been a few cancellations. Like, we had one flight where we were on the plane for six hours. And everyone, when they hear that, they're like, that's not legal. And I'm like, it's hard to explain. There was a lot of ups and downs.

[00:02:40] There was a lot of, like, we were about to get off that we didn't get off. And I did have this, like, sense of pride, like, when I was just like, nothing is going to happen without the pilots, you know? Like, it just fell. And then in the middle of the six hours, the two pilots had to change into new pilots. And then when we finally took off, it was amazing. But we did take off. And then what happened last Sunday is that the plane never took off. We never got on the plane. The whole thing got canceled.

[00:03:07] And so instead of having that moment of, like, I could fix this, I was like, I have to get to Canada. And so the only way to do that. And I had actually, I booked another flight for that evening. For everyone who has no idea what we're talking about, we were supposed to do this a week ago. And I was having quite the adventure trying to get to Toronto to film.

[00:03:32] And what ended up happening was with that new flight I booked, I immediately started getting emails being like, thunderstorms may impact this flight. And I was like, I can't, I can't do this. And so that was like a 7.30 p.m. flight. And I had to be ready to go to set the next morning at 3 a.m. So I raced back to my apartment via a ride share and said, we're just, we're going to go to Toronto. And so I learned something.

[00:03:57] And that is that the soundtrack to Mad Max Fury Road, excellent, excellent driving music. I mean, I was like storming the border. It was amazing. And I got to Toronto at approximately 2 a.m. And I got picked up to go to set at 3 a.m. And so I had an amazing day that was fueled by rage, adrenaline, and Star Trek. So you drove yourself or did you find like a Midwest polka band to hitch a ride with? I drove myself.

[00:04:26] I just said, I had, there were some offers and they were wonderful and kind. But I was like, no, I was like, this is Air Canada is not going to thwart all of our Mondays. It will just thwart mine. So, yeah. And then while I was doing all that, I was just like, I was communicating with you guys. And then at one point I was at a rest stop and I called my mom and she was like, when do you go to L.A.? Because I was supposed to go to L.A. later in the week, which I did. And my response was like, I'm trying to get to Toronto. I said, L.A. is later. It's a whole other country, mom. Yeah.

[00:04:55] I was just, I said one day at a time. And then I did get to L.A. at the end of the week. So it's just been a crazy week and now I'm back in New York. Wow. And I was just like, when you guys were like, how about 10 p.m. Wednesday? I was like, how about we do it or it's not going to happen. So. It's happening. Yeah. It is. I am trying another Air Canada flight on Sunday. Again, same story. But it's much earlier. And so, you know, we'll see how that goes. And I don't have, I don't have this booked. So if I have to drive again, you know, nothing is going to get canceled. You know what to listen to.

[00:05:25] There you go. Yeah. Yep. And we do just want to say thank you again, Melissa, for your time and helping Open Pike Night become the podcast that we always wanted it to be. You're the first guest we ever had. And it's great to have you back again. And hopefully we keep having you back since now we know what the lifespan of the show is. We can keep visiting with you as we go through all the way to the finale. So thank you so much. Yes. I have been, I have been so, so, it's my absolute pleasure.

[00:05:55] Like seeing every time you guys have had a new interview with one of my friends, my coworkers, my co-stars, our producers, our writers, like it's just been the coolest. And so I am so happy for the three of you and for your fans. And shout out to my sister Shariah out there who helps me in everything. And she rocks and you guys do. And so it's just been like this whole journey has been wonderful.

[00:06:20] And, and one of the reasons, like I was very excited to do this was because the feedback we've got from fans as soon. I mean, of course, for the run of the show, but when they found out that season three was dropping, like just the, the excitement doesn't even, it's not even the best word for it. Like everyone was just like, we are so happy that the show is coming back. Like we need this show right now. And then I, and then it kind of broke my heart too, that the season five news came out. It was just kind of like, life is such like ups and downs.

[00:06:50] Do you know, you can't have like a moment of good news. And then there's also like bad news. And it's like, ah, so what I've, what I've kind of been feeling this desire to do is just to really celebrate like that, that exuberance and that kind of like that joy and like storytelling and in Trek. And, you know, there's, there's always going to be ups and downs and, you know, uh, I've been talking to a lot of Star Trek actors from back in the day. And they've, they were like, you know, they're like Star Trek endures. You know, we always get, we always get, you know, you know, things about, you know, shows are ending.

[00:07:20] This is happening with these seasons and just Star Trek endures. So instead of everybody kind of, um, I know we're not focusing on the season five news, but we're focusing on the season three is here. We're filming season four. Like there's so much Trek to come and, uh, and yeah, so I just want to celebrate with fans. Um, as much as possible and, uh, and reaching out to you guys and doing this, I was just like, there's no other group of people. I would want to like kick off kind of, kind of, uh, this season of season three press. It feels right. Thank you.

[00:07:49] Thank you very much. Yeah. I texted the guys. I was like, you guys, Melissa Navia DM'd us. We got to set something up. If she says so. I guess. Who can help me pull off, pull off this hijinks? And you guys, you guys, uh, were my first choice. Yeah. The Navia maneuver. Yeah. And we can't get into specifics. Uh, but I, I will say for those of you watching at home, uh, you have nothing to worry about with season three.

[00:08:18] It is everything that you want it to be. The first two episodes alone put all three of us through the emotional ringer. Oh yeah. And we, we were blown away. We're so excited for everybody to watch this show and for us to be able to talk about it with you. It's, it's, it's going to be an amazing season. And yeah, it's, you know, it's interesting. You mentioned that we, we got the news of the full lifespan of the show.

[00:08:47] We've got season three just about to start. People are still talking about season two. You're filming season four. Like, do you ever feel like there is no part of your day that doesn't get taken up by Trek? Are you, or do you feel like you're in a Trek time loop? Yeah. Uh, definitely. That's a good way to describe it. So it was funny on the, on the flight to LA on what day is today? When did I fly to LA? On Thursday.

[00:09:14] Um, so sometimes I have on, on my necklace, I have this, um, this guy and, uh, and this is a gift from Chrissy to all the cast members at the end of season one. And sometimes I have it on sometimes I don't. Um, but it's definitely a bit of a beacon. Right. And on the, on the flight to LA, I had like my, I had like my big, my sun hat. I had my sunglasses and like the flight attendant, he walked by and he's just like, Oh, Starfleet. And I was like, yes. I thought he was like talking to me. He had no idea who I was.

[00:09:43] It was just like, it was like, I was like, Oh yes. Right. Okay. And I was like, even if I didn't have my hat on, I don't think he had any idea who I was, which I was like, this is great. But I just love that. You know, where I'm just like, yes. Starfleet. We had this great moment. Um, I got extra like, uh, uh, Sprite, which I don't think was actually Sprite, but it was right. I don't know, but, um, it was great. So it was just like, uh, you know, Trek fans are everywhere.

[00:10:08] And, uh, this has been a, become a big part of my life, but, uh, I wouldn't have it any other way. And like, I saw like a quote the other day from, uh, one of our wonderful guest stars coming up in season five. And he was just like, when you're part of a cult show, you know, you have to embrace it. Do you know? Um, and that's like such, that's so much a part of like the fun of this, you know, like so much of our job is, I mean, it's all fun.

[00:10:33] Like I, I enjoy every day of my job on set, you know, even all the madness and, um, all the business things that maybe not, are not always as fun. But, um, I enjoy all of it, but, but so much of it is like the fandom, you know, like things like this. And, and I learn so much, uh, from the fans and a lot of our, all of our writers are fans as well. And so I learned things in, in every new script and, um, and yeah, so answer your question. No, I feel like I'm in this crazy loop.

[00:11:02] Uh, and sometimes I get people asked this question. They're like, if this is all you, you know, if this is like your big role and this is like what you're remembered for, like, is that cool? And I'm like, yeah, it'd be like, yeah, like I'm, I'm on the cover of comic books, action figures, you know, like I'm the cover of books. Like I, um, I got a copy of, uh, the new Star Trek, uh, Strange New Worlds novel. Yes. Toward the Night. Yeah. Um, wonderful author James Swallow sent me a signed copy and I'm like, uh, do you know, I gave it to my parents.

[00:11:30] I was just like, I haven't written my book yet, but look, I'm on the cover of one. So unexpected. It's got to count for something, right? Yeah. So, so yeah, no, this has just been the, the role of a lifetime and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Uh, and even when the news we get isn't always the news we want to hear, I'm just like, you know, I'm like, this has been such a ride. So let's, let's enjoy it for, for the time that we have. Absolutely. Hey, everybody out there watching the stream, uh, go ahead and start popping your questions from Melissa in the chat.

[00:11:59] We'll ask a couple more here and then get to yours. Um, so the season premiere recently screened at Tribeca, which made me wonder when do you typically see, um, a finished episode? Uh, do you guys get like a cast and crew pre-screening? Do you get links or do you not get to see it until it airs? So yes, we get, um, we get a version, uh, before you guys do, of course.

[00:12:26] Um, and the funny thing about the season three episodes is we'll get like, we'll get like a link, you know, kind of a top secret link, but we won't kind of usually get a heads up about when that's happening. Um, and I got the link for season three episodes. We had like a week to watch them, but I got them while I was on another flight. Like my life seems to be flights. Um, uh, it's like, I like flying. Um, um, but like it was, it was the link and it was just like, you have a week.

[00:12:52] And I was on my way to Ireland and I was just like to be with friends and family. And I'm like, you know, I don't want to, you know, you want to be on vacation and do all the things. And I was just saying, when I watch our episodes, um, like we've probably spoken about this before, but I absolutely enjoy watching, um, the show. And I enjoy watching, uh, like I have no issue watching myself. Like there's some actors who don't like watching themselves. That is not me. You know, I was just like, when we first got the season one episodes, like I was just like, I was like, what did I do? How did I do it? What do I look like?

[00:13:22] Um, but here I was just kind of like, I was like, ah, I don't want to do it. Can I do it later? And so then they were like, oh yeah, they were like, you could do it later. We'll give you 72 hours, but like choose wisely. So then for like weeks when I got back, I was like, oh, 72 hours. And I said, when, and then I chose the 72 hours. And of course I had, you know, everything suddenly came up and I ended up having to watch all of season three in like eight hours. Um, so yeah, it was a little crazy. Um, might've had a couple more hours.

[00:13:51] Um, but I definitely had a bit of a marathon. Um, and, and I watch for everything and I, I see the biggest thing that sometimes I see is like the things that were cut, you know? And I'm like, ah, um, but, but seeing it was, uh, was very cool. And then for us, it's like, you know, we get to see special effects that we haven't seen, that we haven't seen before.

[00:14:11] Or, and also when we do ADR, um, so when we do ADR in post-production, we also get to see a lot of scenes and things that, you know, that we haven't seen before. Um, and then we also get to see things where the special effects are still, you know, being worked on, which is always kind of funny. Cause it'll like, it'll be like, you know, it'll be you on the bridge and then it cuts to like, kind of like stick figures in the sky. Definitely not quite that, but kind of like that. Um, so, so yeah, I, one of the things that, um,

[00:14:41] that I hear all the time and I get questions about, and some of it's like, you know, people being funny, but other times I really don't think people quite understand. And they're just kind of like, why can't we get seasons that are, you know, 20 plus episodes long? And why do we wait so long? And somebody was just like, don't take this personally, but I'm upset that it has taken so long and there's only 10 episodes. I was like, well, definitely not taking it personally. Um, but if you, if like to really understand the amount of time it takes, like up until we receive, you know, that,

[00:15:11] that top secret link, um, as the cast to look at the episodes, like stuff isn't completely locked down. So they're working from like, you know, to the very, very end. Um, pretty much until you guys, uh, you know, in the press got to, got to see those first five episodes. So, yeah. So the reason is cause you're getting 10 mini movies per season, you know? Yeah. Um, and, uh, and yeah, I wish we could do more, but I can tell you 10 episodes in a season is, is a lot of work. It's a lot. Yeah.

[00:15:41] We've, we've asked, uh, Henry and Akiva both like, did you guys ask for 10? Did they tell you it was 10? And they said, yes, we asked for more than 10 every season. 10 is what we're told. So, uh, and just one last note before we start spotlighting some of these questions. I think they're working on episodes possibly even after we get the screeners because there was, um, uh, a detail in episode two that we were trying to verify. And so I was like, oh, I'm smart.

[00:16:11] I'll turn on the closed caption and I'll see what it says in plain text. The only closed captions the screeners have are in Japanese. Yeah. So I, I can't read Japanese. So the other thing is they're all listed episode one, episode two, episode three. And then after that day, when all of the titles were released, the screeners updated to include the titles on top of the episode. So it's a, it's like a living thing that they send you. It's, it's not stuck in time. Totally, totally.

[00:16:40] So first up, shall we go with Jen, gentlemen? Let's do it. Jen says, what shows do you watch other than Trek? Oh, hey, Jen. Um, what shows do I watch other than Trek? Uh, I've spoken about this a lot, but I'm, I'm still watching it. It's kind of like my, it's become my, uh, my comfort show, but also comfort show makes it seem like it's just kind of like, oh, it's just a show you go watch. But it's just so, so, so well done. And, um, and it brings me a lot of, uh, a lot of joy.

[00:17:10] Uh, Downton Abbey. And I started watching Downton Abbey, uh, uh, at this, when we started filming season two. And, um, that was when I, I was grieving. I had just lost, uh, my partner in December of 2021. And so this would have been like February of 2022. And it was interesting because I needed to find a show that we hadn't watched together.

[00:17:34] And so that show, like, just, just because it was, now I can watch shows that Brian and I watch together all the time. Like, I love them. Like, they make me so happy. And I can watch them now. But at the time, though, it was just kind of like, I couldn't do it. And I started watching Downton Abbey. And I just thought it was such a, uh, I actually, it reminds me of, like, when people talk about Trek as their comfort show. Um, and when I see, like, the dinner scenes in Downton Abbey, all I could think about is how long they must, must have taken a shoot. And it reminds me of our bridge days, you know?

[00:18:03] So I'll, like, come home after a 15-hour day of shooting on the bridge. And I'll, like, just pop on Downton Abbey in the background. And, like, there'll be, like, a dinner scene. And I'm, like, I'm sure they couldn't stand that dining room, you know, when they were done filming. I mean, I'll always love the bridge. But Downton Abbey, to me, it's just, like, it just was, it became, like, such a metaphor for life. And it just does such a great job at tackling grief, I feel, discussing it.

[00:18:29] And also young grief, um, with, you have, like, a significant number of people in the cast who are very young who lose their partners. And so I immediately, I, um, I understood that. And then it also talks about older love. Like, you know, like, like, you know, when older people fall in love, you don't get to see that a lot in a lot of, um, TV shows. And so, and Downton Abbey's just one of those shows where there's so many characters and so much going on. You can pop it on in the background. Um, but yeah. So Downton Abbey, always and forever.

[00:18:58] Um, what have I been watching recently? I've been watching things on Paramount+. Um, I've been watching, uh, Mobland with Tom Hardy. Um. Yeah. And Tom Hardy, yeah, I've been, I've been watching quite a few things with Tom Hardy. I mean, I was listening to Mad Max Fury Road to get me to Toronto the other day. Um, what else did I, I just started watching Shogun. That was, yeah, yeah, I'm enjoying that. Um, what else? Um, it's so funny.

[00:19:25] Whenever I get these questions, I'm like, suddenly everything, everything leaves my head. But yeah, so just finished Mobland. Uh, if you stick around, Jen, I'm going to continue answering this question throughout the length of time that we are here. Just shout out TV show titles. Yeah. Oh, I also, I, I, I did get back on a Frasier Kick, the original seasons, just because there's just so good. So well written.

[00:19:50] Um, and so I was just watching like the best of, uh, and yeah, and really good comedy. Like to me is, is everything. Um, and, and yeah, so I've right now I've been on a Frasier Kick. I just finished Mobland. Um, and, uh, and then I'm currently watching Shogun. So what kind of shows like, do I like to watch? Like I like to watch things that are well-written and I can't stand to watch things that are not well-written. And there's been a couple of movies that I've seen recently that I will not discuss here. Yeah.

[00:20:18] That I want to just pretend don't exist. Same boat here. The last movie we went to, we both walked out like, who's going to say it first? Just, I did not like this movie. And she was like, neither did I. I was like, oh, I'm so happy. I was worried that you were going to love it and I was going to be. Oh no, no. There's definitely, there's, there's a, there's a film recently that I'm like, I'm feeling like I have to like write about it, like under a pseudonym or something because it just like on a weekly basis, I just get angry that it exists.

[00:20:49] Uh, so we won't discuss that. Um, but yeah, stick around Jen. And we'll keep, uh, we'll keep answering that question as, as I remember the things I've been watching. So our next question comes from one of those comic book artists who has been immortalizing you on the graphic page. Vernon would like to know, will you be at Star Trek Las Vegas this year or doing any cons in New Orleans? Um, so I would love to do a con in New Orleans. I've never been, and I would absolutely love to go.

[00:21:16] I love, I love, um, I've wanted to go to New Orleans for a long time. I've been very fascinated by the history and the people and the culture and the music and just everything about it. Um, I'm not a big party person. I always hear like people go to parties and, um, but I would love to like, just go and like, just be wrapped up in the history of it. Um, so yeah, if there's a con in New Orleans, I'll ask my agent to keep an eye out on it. Um, for Star Trek Las Vegas, a lot, I've been getting that question a lot and I don't entirely know how to answer it.

[00:21:46] I would love to go to Star Trek Las Vegas just at the moment I'm not going and I hope things change and I do go, but just right now I'm not going and I love Las Vegas. You know, it's just absolutely awesome. If anyone's watching this and hasn't been, it is, it was my first, it was my first convention and that was in 2022 and 2022, I only did two conventions. Um, and you guys know I was conserving energy for lots of reasons and I just did two conventions and they were Star Trek Las Vegas and I didn't meet you then, right? I met you the following year, I think, right?

[00:22:15] Like officially, like in person. Yeah. Um, and near Comic-Con, which was to me was so special because it's, you know, Comic-Con, you know, so it's my hometown and I was like seeing my name above me and, you know, being there next to Anson signing pictures. I was like, oh, I think I made it, you know, happy. Um, so that was cool. But, but Star Trek Las Vegas was the first, um, convention I ever did and it's just such a blast, uh, you know, you're, you're surrounded by Trekkies and family members and, you know,

[00:22:42] fan family members and maybe your own family members if you bring them. Um, and it's just such, such a fun time and I'm, I would not say I'm a, I'm not a Vegas person but, uh, Trek will always get me to Las Vegas. So, you know, so never say never, something might change but as of right now I'm not going. So, but I'm all my, my castmates are probably going, a bunch of them. So if you go think of me and remember me, talk about me. Last time we were there, people were thinking of you.

[00:23:10] I believe we calculated the line to meet Melissa Navia was about three and a half hours. Oh my goodness. That's about right. It was, it was the longest line in the convention. I know. And I, I'm also, and like, you know, people are sometimes like, oh, you know, you got to move things along. And I'm like, I feel like I don't, I don't dawdle. I don't dawdle when I'm talking to people, but I'm like, like you're there to get my autograph and also to meet me. But like just so many fans have like something to share with me, something to tell me, do you know? And so I'm just like, and I'm like, I love it too.

[00:23:39] Like sometimes fans will be like, thank you so much for staying. And I'm always just like, there's only one reason I'm in Vegas. There's only one reason I think I'll ever be in Vegas. And that's for Star Trek fans. So I have nowhere to go. So, and then everyone who ends up staying on that crazy line, I'm like, you know, I think you're wonderful and thank you. But, but yeah, that was the crazy. I think you guys got a video of it too. Yeah. Which yes, we did. It's like so wild. So I'm going to hijack it out for just a second.

[00:24:08] Vernon, who asked that question, he has been drawing a bunch of Star Trek comics lately and he's drawn characters like, let's see here. This guy? What? Vernon? Vernon? Editor's note. Star Trek comic book artist extraordinaire Vernon Smith, who you can follow on Blue Sky at Vernon Draws, drew some amazing pictures of the Open Pike Night crew as Star Trek characters.

[00:24:38] If you want to check those out, please go watch the video version of this episode at openpike.com slash Melissa Navia live. Wow. Wow. That is really cool. Vernon, thank you so much. You are forever a friend to Open Pike Night and we cannot wait to have you back on the show. But it looks like Jeff Newman in the chat is playing the role of fourth Open Pike Night

[00:25:04] host because this is exactly an Open Pike Night question where you try to get around all of the potential embargoes. If you are able to answer this in a very vague way, what do you think? Do you have a favorite episode in season three? And if so, is it a beginning or middle or end of the season? I have a favorite episode in season three. I do. I would say I have two for different reasons. Excuse me.

[00:25:32] There's one toward the middle of the season and then there's one toward the end of the season. However, I also love the ones at the beginning of the season. But definitely there's one in the middle that has that there's a very special reason for it. And when it when it airs, I will I will let everyone know. Um, and it was, uh, yeah, it was very special. And, uh, you know, a few different people came together to make it happen.

[00:25:59] And it and it also rested, um, with the director who's, who's kind of, uh, idea it was like, it was my, it was always kind of like, in my head. But then when she, she mentioned it, it was, it was, um, it was very cool and it was, it was perfect. So, so there's that episode. And then there's another episode later in the season that, um, I will definitely talk about when it comes out.

[00:26:26] And, um, and yeah, it was a, it was a blast to shoot and the director was wonderful. The writer was amazing. Uh, and it was an experience unlike any other. And I'll leave it at that, Jeff. Very well done, Jeff. Excellent. You should consider getting a podcast. We have our friend Melanie all the way from Germany where it's what time is it guys there? It's like 2 a.m., 3 a.m. For Melanie, I think. 4 a.m. I think it's very early in the morning.

[00:26:56] Hey, Melanie in Germany. But Melanie has an excellent question here. So Pike and Ortegas have a great relationship. Is it two pilots getting along? I do hope we get to see more of their easy banter and fun conversations. Can you say something about this? Oh, I love this question, Melanie. Um, yeah, I, I feel like, uh, the writers really did a great job in season one of, of, of writing it in.

[00:27:21] Um, and then with Anson on the bridge, it just, uh, do you know, I'll say it forever. I just, he's the perfect Pike, do you know? It's, it's like the casting directors really knew what they were doing. Um, casting Anson and me and everyone else. Um, but, uh, it's just, it's a, it's, it's, yeah, it feels like they both, it just doesn't feel like they do. They both really trust each other.

[00:27:45] Um, but it's, there's something that just happens like when, when Anson and I deliver our lines and, and, you know, when we're on the bridge together and there's just these great moments, um, where even when I see it afterwards, I'm just like, oh, like, it's so good. Um, and there's also this very cool thing about so much of what Anson does as Pike. I don't get to see when he's in the captain's chair, do you know? Um, so like, there's that great, uh, that great exchange that, you know, I get people

[00:28:14] wanting me to autograph it. And it's just like, you know, it's like, do you know, uh, like, what is it? Uh, you know, first date, blind date. Uh, and it's just like that whole thing is like a whole conversation, you know, Ortegas is never looking at him, but it's like, it is very much like a, like a, like pilots talking where it's just like, you have a job to do, do you know? But that, that easy banter and what I hear from, you know, from everyone who served in the armed forces and everyone who, you know, I hear from pilots, they're just like, they're

[00:28:44] like the way that you guys are with each other is the way that we are with our friends, you know, when we were serving or when we were doing this, that, and, and, and on these missions. And that makes me like the happiest when I'm just like, you know, whatever we've done, like we've nailed some truth that, that people who have actually lived, um, kind of the scenarios that we're going through are just like, yeah, that just feels so organic and real. And it feels like people that we served with. So, so yeah, I give it up to the writing. I also give it up to, you know, our performances.

[00:29:11] Um, and, um, and yeah, every time, uh, every time Pike like says, Erica, I just love it. You know what it was just like, it's just a, it's just a familiarity and a trust and, um, and, and yeah, any, any scene that we have on the bridge where they get to have kind of an exchange, I, I appreciate. And I, uh, I don't take it for granted. Very cool. Uh, Melanie did also ask a followup. Will you come to another convention in Germany? Oh, absolutely.

[00:29:39] I was gonna, I was gonna, I really wanted to come to, to FedCon this year. Um, but just the filming schedule just makes it so, so difficult, understandably. Do you know? Because the film schedules are always changing. And even last year when I went to FedCon and anyone who was there will remember, it was so crazy because I was supposed to be there for three days and I ended up getting to only go there for one day. Um, and the fans were just incredible.

[00:30:07] Like they just powered me through that day. Um, and my favorite part was just like getting there at the top of the day and walking into like this kind of this big, I don't know, call it auditorium, but it was like, you know, the big like convention hall in the hotel and there's like a massive snaking line. And I was so like tired from the flight and I'm like, and I see all these other massive Trek actors sitting at their tables who've been there for two other days and they're all kind of hanging out. And I'm like, who's that line for? And they're like, that's you. That's your line.

[00:30:36] Um, start signing, move it. Uh, and that was the theme of the day. It was faster, faster, faster. Um, and then the fans would like come up to me and they'd be like, are you stressed out? We are sorry. This is so stressful. And I was like, I love you all. I was like, I'd be so much less stressed if you stopped reminding me that it is very stressful. Uh, but they made it not stressful. They made it so wonderful. Um, and I learned the word, uh, Osverkoft, which is, I mean, sold out, uh, which I like to share with everybody.

[00:31:03] Um, but, uh, but yeah, so FedCon last year was, was amazing. And then this year it was just a matter of just like the schedule was going to be too crazy. Um, but as soon as they want to have me back and, you know, hopefully I'll have, you know, the month off. So I'll definitely go there for three days. Um, cause I would love to go back to Germany. It was my, only my second time in Germany and everyone was just great. So yeah, Melanie, as soon as I can, was that a Melanie question? It was right. Yeah. When I can, I will, I will be back there and we'll talk Trek in German.

[00:31:34] Very cool. All right. Uh, gentlemen, if you, if you feel like I'm in the way, feel free to pick a comment and spotlight. Go for it. You're doing great. Yeah. Our next. Thank you very much. I'll let people be mad at you for not, not, not choosing their question. Yeah, this, this is our first ever live stream. So, uh, if you have any suggestions, email them to open pike at gmail.com because I don't think I could handle a live criticism.

[00:31:59] So our next question comes from our very good friend, Michael Kwan. He's been with us for a long time. Hey Michael. And I love this question. Have you ever seen executive producer Bill Wolkoff in his costume as LA Derby dolls mascot Pinchy the lobster? Cause I can tell you where to find it. I have not. I have not. I've seen Bill a lot. I love Bill, adore Bill. Oh, Bill is such a absolute treasure to our show.

[00:32:28] Um, and his scripts, when he writes his enthusiasm on set, when he, you know, when he, when he's, uh, when he comes for his episodes, it's just, um, it's just, it's, it's like, it's no, it's like nobody else. Like there's nobody like Bill. Um, and during the strike, like I was just so inspired and galvanized, um, by all the work he did during the writer's strike and the actor's strike. Um, so Bill is, is a wonder in many ways.

[00:32:54] And now I know that he's also sometimes Pinchy the lobster, which I didn't, you know, you learn something new every, every night when you stay up this late. That's the kind of thing you can just say one day on set, like, Hey, Pinchy and see how he goes. Uh, I do want to highlight one, uh, just cause I may have a follow-up question to it. Let's highlight this one. Let's see if it works. Yes. Pamela says the ship is an inanimate thing, but Ortegas has such a deep relationship with the enterprise referencing the third dateline during squall.

[00:33:23] How did you build such an intimacy with the ship? Oh, Pamela, very profound, very spot on. I love that. Yes. Like to me, the enterprise is the star of the show. I mean, it's just, it's everything. And I feel like, like I've noticed that, like it wasn't intentional at first, but I noticed that with kind of, you know, how me as Melissa was approaching the character and, you know,

[00:33:49] we've talked a lot about it here on open pike and I've talked a lot about it in interviews, but this whole idea of, of why it was so important to me that it feel like, not feel like that look like that it be like Ortegas is flying the ship. Um, and you know, we've talked about it that like, you know, I remember the first day we were, you know, we were, we were on set. I really thought I was going to get a manual. I was going to get training. I was going to get somebody who was really going to be like, this is how it goes. Um, and that didn't happen.

[00:34:17] And I was Googling, how do you fly a starship? Uh, and do you know, the answers were not, uh, were not incredibly helpful. Um, and then I remember going home to Brian and like telling him, and he was just like, you know, no joking. He was like, he's like, you better, you have to figure it out. He's like, you have to call people. You have to talk to people. He's like, because the fans will know. He's like, this is, this is Star Trek. Like this is, we're not playing around. He's like, you have to. And so I immediately was just like, I'm going to, I'm going to get on a zoom.

[00:34:46] I'm going to talk to people. Um, and, uh, and I did that and it was very helpful. And, and then it was just like this whole idea too. Like if it's real for you, then it's real for, for the, the audience. But, but hearing over the course of the last two seasons that have come out, um, hearing, especially from pilots when they're just like, and especially from pilots who are Trekkies and who have seen all the Treks and that they're like, they're like, it feels like you are flying the ship in a way that we have not seen before.

[00:35:17] And I'm like, that's really cool. And I'm like, you know, I would never say that, but other people can say that about Ortegas. Um, and so, so much of that is just like, do you know, you have to, you have to know your ship. You have to know your flying vessel. You have to feel like you're, you're one with it. Uh, and so much of, of my job, like, you know, some of, some of our other, my other castmates, you know, we'll talk about how like days on the bridge get so long, do you know? It's like, but so many of them get to kind of do lots of other things.

[00:35:44] Um, I'm not going to say what, what Ortegas gets to do in season three, but for so much of her screen time that you've seen, it's been on the bridge. And so the helm to me is very much like, you know, that's, that's a home base, you know, um, the couple of times I've been, uh, put in the captain's chair and I, I get to see, you know, an actor sit at the helm, you know, Starfleet officer. But, you know, a little part of me is hurting, you know, when they start hitting buttons that shouldn't be hitting, you know, touching things that shouldn't be touched.

[00:36:14] And I was like, ah, not my job because I'm in the captain's chair, but still. Um, so yeah, so, so what you're saying, yeah, it's very much to me, the enterprise is the star of the show. Um, and we are all supporting players and, um, and yeah, as a pilot, it being her ship. And also so much of like, when I tried to rationalize, like why something works a certain way, like I definitely go into it a lot more than probably anybody will ever know.

[00:36:44] But sometimes like, for example, there'll be like, um, you know, there'll be, there've been a few scenes where a director has been like, I need you to do this. And then I'll be like, but why, why am I doing that? Like, because that's not what that does. And then director will be like, well, how about for this scene? It's what that does. And I'm like, and I'm very much like, I'm like, whatever you need. And they'll be, I'm like, is it because you want this angle? And they're like, yeah. And I'm like, okay, all right, then we'll make it work.

[00:37:11] But so much of it is just like, I'm trying to think like, you know, a few hundred years in the future. I'm like, how much of the ship also understands its pilot? And how much does the pilot understand the ship in a way that another pilot sitting there would not be that same, um, relationship. And then I almost kind of like start to create a whole, like, you know, backstory in my head about like this organic relationship that also works through the tech. And I can't believe I'm saying this out loud. This is all just the weirdness that goes on in my head.

[00:37:39] When I'm sitting there and everybody else is doing everything they get to do. Those are long bridge stays, like you said. I'm like, oh, I'm like, Ortegas is one with the ship. Ortegas is the Enterprise. Enterprise is Ortegas. Yep. And without getting into specifics, I'll tell people there is a scene in the first half of the season somewhere where Melissa's attention to piloting detail absolutely matters. And you will know it when you see it. I'm so excited.

[00:38:09] Well, speaking to that. Yeah. My question is without spoilers. I feel like season three, we see how the Enterprise is piloted a lot more than we did in the first two seasons. Did any of that change from what you had figured out in season one? Now in season three, they actually need to show it. Did they stick with what you had figured out or did they modify what you had been doing? Interesting. So remember if we go back to those eight, nine hours I had to watch all of season three.

[00:38:37] I'm trying to remember specifically what we were referring to. But this is good because I can't spoil anything if I don't remember it. I do know that by the time we got to season three, all these kind of thoughts in my head. And also too, I think there's also producers and our writers, they see how much the fans love that aspect of Ortega and of the Enterprise.

[00:39:04] So I wouldn't be surprised if there's more of it that we're seeing and more of it that's happening. I know, like I'm trying to think of certain storylines. Like I can't wait to see that moment that you're like, you'll know it when you see it. I'm like, I can't wait to see it. I can't remember it, but I'm sure it's great. So yes, yes. The answer to your question, I think, is yes. Leave it there. I love it. Do you still hide your scripts in the chair? Dude. You told us a long time ago that you used to hide your...

[00:39:34] Was it... I don't know what the hell did it do. Was it you or was it... I don't think I do that. Or is it a... Celia, it's been a really long time. There's definitely some other cast members who do it. I won't say any names. But I've always been very big on never doing it because I'm always like, I don't want to be the Starbucks coffee in Game of Thrones. Do you know? I think you have said that. That's all right. Yeah. Like it's just, you know, it just, to me, it like freaks me out.

[00:40:00] Like when, you know, other actors and everybody, you know, it could be like, it could be guest stars. It could be anybody. But there'll be like a lot. And also actors who've been doing this for a lot, lot longer than I have. And there'll be... I feel like I could tell the story. I feel like I could tell the story. I feel like Carol will appreciate it. There's... And it's not really spoiling anything because it's a season three story. Carol once had... She's like this little... There's a little fan, you know, for like keeping cool.

[00:40:29] And she had it under a pillow and it turned on during the scene. And it was hilarious because like Ethan, who will like, you know, you know, there could be like a... Like the whole thing could be on fire and he's going to be like, he's like, we're still, we're going to get through the scene. You know, he's just great. He's just very like, we're going to make it happen. And I just remember he began his line and then he's like, I think there's a fan on. And it was her little fan was on underneath the, underneath this pillow.

[00:40:56] And it, I just thought it was hilarious because I was like, I would, I was like, you go, Carol. I was like, I would have never thought like, I leave all my, I leave my lip balm. I leave everything. Do you know? I think one time I might've put like, I might've put my head, my, my wireless headphones like in my boots and that freaked me out, you know? And you don't see my boots half the time. Um, but no, I would be curious if you just go by and find out who it was. And if it was me, I'd be very interested, but I, I don't. I think it might've been Celia now that I'm talking about it. Cause I definitely. Same time. Yeah.

[00:41:25] And also too. And we've spoken to about like my chair. Celia has spoken about, she calls it my football stance. Um, that like, you know, uh, like Ortega set the helm, like gets, and she's got like this great view of it. Um, and then I was just like, the next time I sat down, I was like, it is a football stance. Um, and so, so much of it is like, I'm, I'm practically off the chair. Do you know? Um, and so, yeah, I would be very concerned that scripts would, would end up in places they shouldn't be. Um, yeah.

[00:41:54] So it's like, it's like either I have the lines or you guys are getting a new line on the day. Beautiful. Sometimes we've heard that the new lines can be just as good as the old lines, as long as they actually fit. I'm, I know a lot of writers in the industry are very, you know, my word is the word, but it sounds like on the strange new world set, they're pretty open to taking input when necessary. They are. They are. I'm, I'm very big, like as a writer and also just, I have such, um, like just such a,

[00:42:22] such a respect and also awe for like what our writers do. Like there'll be times I'm on the bridge and we've, we've been through the cast read, you know, the table read and I've read the script and I know what's happening. And there'll still be like this crazy scene, um, where I'm just like, how do they come up with this? You know? And it's cause it's like, it's, it's action and it's science and it's also track and it's also, you know, relationships and it's all these things. And, you know, and then we're getting hit by this and, you know, so-and-so is coming on the view screen.

[00:42:48] And I'm like, this is just, this is very, very talented people who are doing this. And so when it comes to like a line change, um, and every director and writer will tell you this long after I'm gone either from the show or from this earth, they'll be like, yeah, Melissa was very big on like a word change. Like she would check with us, like not to a point. I don't think anyway, where it's just like, it's like, Oh, it's me again. But like, because I understand that, like sometimes even a word could be, there's a reason that

[00:43:16] that that's like, it's like that, you know, or even like a pronunciation of something. Like if it's, if it's a new word, um, you know, sometimes like, it'll be like, they named it after somebody. So it has to be pronounced this certain way. Um, and so I like, just like as a writer, like I understand like every kind of word that you put in there, you've, you've thought about that you've placed it. Um, and, and also sometimes just for my head, like I like to remember and know exactly how it has to be said.

[00:43:43] So then if I change it, um, I'm aware of it. And so often now the writers are on, on set with us, which is great. Um, but if there's something, like you said, like if there's something character wise that we want to change, um, you know, there's a bunch of us that are very good improv wise, like Anson is really, um, wonderful in that regard. He's wonderful in many regards, but in that regard, in terms of improv-ing, um, and me, even like, I, I just, I just value so much the work that they've put into it, unless it's something really like, I'm like, this is different and clever.

[00:44:13] Um, and there's definitely been some things, but I always just kind of run it by them. Um, and then sometimes things come out organically. Like you didn't think you were going to do that and they'll be like, oh no, that works. That works. Or they'll come in and be like, that doesn't work. Um, but yeah, it is very open. Like when I hear from other sets where they're just like, oh, you know, I don't have any input. I think that's, I don't have that experience. Like we have, we feel like we can talk to our writers and our showrunners and that's been since the beginning. That's a very cool.

[00:44:39] I think Star Trek, you know, from what we've heard, you know, from actors, writers, directors, everyone involved, it really feels like it's one of the few shows that's still made how all of our favorite shows from back in the day were made where everybody is super invested. The writers are on set, that kind of thing. I think that's one of the things that makes Strange New Worlds so amazing. But of course, what makes Open Pike Night so amazing are the wonderful fans here in the live chat.

[00:45:08] Our next question comes from Elizabeth regarding the tie-in novels. Do you read the tie-in novels that relate to your character? Toward the Night is a great Ortega's growth and backstory, and I can't wait to see how it plays into season three. I love how you guys are doing this. The question comes up and everything's so great. Oh, I love it. So I actually, so I have Toward the Night. James Swallow sent me a signed copy. We had a little exchange. I was just like, I was like, oh my goodness. I was like, this is the coolest thing.

[00:45:39] I sent him an email back and initially the email was like, ah, this is amazing. And then I was like, be cool, be cool. Just try to be cool. I was like, oh, so happy you like Ortega's. You're great too, you know? But I'm not cool at all because I just think authors and writers are the best. And so when I heard that there was going to be this Ortega storyline and that he's a fan of the show and he's a fan of our characters, that was the best. And I actually bought a copy of it for my mom on Mother's Day.

[00:46:08] Like it was like the day it came out. I like picked it up from Barnes & Oval. I pre-ordered it and got it at Barnes & Oval. And there was a part of me that was like, it's funny because between this and the flight attendant story, like I sound like I'm constantly being like, do you know who I am? But I'm not ever doing that. But with Barnes & Oval, I was just kind of like, I wonder if he's going to, the kid had no idea who I was. He didn't care. He didn't really want to be there, but I picked it up and I like brought it to my mom as like her Mother's Day gift.

[00:46:37] And then I just got the book from James in the mail. He sent it to my agents. And so I haven't read it yet, but I can't wait to read it because I have read the comics. This would be the first Strange New Worlds book that I've read. But hearing from him that the, that it was kind of, that he was able to, to write the voice of Ortega's because it came through so clearly because of my performance on the show. I'm like, that's just, you know, that's, that's what you want to hear as an actor.

[00:47:05] Do you think when you read it, you'll read your lines out loud and perform them as Ortega's? Oh, it's so funny. I've never, Cameron, I didn't even think about that, but I might have to. Send it to him. I might have to. Do you know? Yeah. And then he's going to be like, wait, I can't, I have to stop speaking to her. That email was a little intense, but this is getting, this is getting, it's getting odd. I'm picturing you sliding your book across the counter just to see like, is he going to see that my face is on this cover?

[00:47:35] And he looks down and looks at you and goes, would you like to join the Bards of Nile Awards program today? I'm going to like read it. I'm going to, it's going to be my next, uh, my next plane book. Cause I'm constantly on planes and it'd be like, I wonder if anyone sees my face. Hold the cover up. Like I do when I'm reading a Star Trek novel. Like anyone want to talk Star Trek? You know, I have a podcast. Anyone? I'm reading Star Trek here. Never. Never works. I love it. I know. I realized the other day that sometimes I'll be talking to people and I'll keep saying TOS.

[00:48:03] Um, and not everyone knows what that is. And so it occurred to me, and this was just, just like in the last 24 hours, I was like, I used to, and I still do. Like when I make a Lord of the Rings reference and someone doesn't get it, I kind of judge them. I judge them. Not in a mean way, but I just judge a little bit. Um, and then now like when someone does not know what TOS means, I'm like, oh, how sad for you. But now you know. You're, you're missing out. Your life could be better. So we have a, another great question here.

[00:48:32] And I, I'm going to take a shot at pronouncing this. I think it's Biscoito Cookie says, hi, hello, within what you can say, of course, how would you describe Erica's journey? And where would you like the character's conclusion to be, whether at the end of season five or future treks? Wonderful question. Um, so I would say her journey is so interesting to me because, because I play the character.

[00:49:00] Um, so it's particularly interesting to me, but it's, it's, you know, it's, it's in kind of like a, in a cast of legacy characters, right? She, she stands out that she's a, she's a brand new character to the Trek world. I mean, no longer brand new. Cause right. We're going to be three seasons in, but, um, you know, for me, it was always, I was always very happy that she was a brand new character. Um, I wanted the chance to, to originate, you know, a role that, uh, as you guys probably know, like, you know, that was in name.

[00:49:29] It was, it was in Gene Roddenberry's original vision for, um, the crew of the enterprise, but that character never made it to the screen. And so as an actor that always like, that has been like a very cool thing for me because I'm like, we know what it's like when, when you audition and you don't get the role or you, or you shoot, you shoot the scene and it doesn't make it to, to the episode. And so it's just in this cool way. It's like, here's this character that was supposed to make it to screen in the sixties. And now here we are.

[00:49:59] And, you know, I'm in a way bringing it, um, to light, not as Jose Ortegas, but as Erica. And, um, so in terms of her arc, like I always knew kind of the backstory of her being this excellent pilot and a soldier and being someone who you could see hanging out and getting along with everyone on the ship and somebody who everybody trusts. And so I always had like all these layers to who she is, where she's come from. But as we saw in the first season, and it's so funny cause it never dawned on me.

[00:50:29] Like as we were filming season one, like I was never like, Oh, Ortegas isn't getting as much screen time as everyone else. Cause I always thought that cause, and you guys have seen it. It's like anytime that she's on screen, like that's, you know, she makes, she not, not makes, makes the scene, but like, I mean maybe, but like, no, like makes the scene, but like she like, do you know, like, like it's like, to me it's everything right. Um, as the actor.

[00:50:53] And then it becomes like, you know, when she steps on, on the stage, if you will, or like her story is there. Does that make sense? Like, so when people were just like, Oh, we don't know enough about Ortegas. I'm like, what are you talking about? I'm like, she, she, you know, she's, it's all right there. But then I could come trying to see from like where the fans perspective, like we want to see her relationships, we want to see where she comes from. We want to see what makes her angry. We want to see what, you know, makes her sad. Um, and especially too, when you start to get all these other arcs where you have the

[00:51:21] other cast members dealing with all this interpersonal, um, turmoil, do you know? And, and you're hearing about their family backstory and I can then be like, ah, okay. So I see what they're saying. I'm like, that's all there. It's just, Oh, thank you. Every time Erica appears, it's Erica's moment. And it's amazing. I think so. To hear you guys say it, uh, makes it real. So thank you. Um, so it's like, and I always joke in the musical episode where it's like, I'm always just like, Oh, Ortega was totally owed a song, you know, and everything.

[00:51:51] I'm always just like, Oh no, it's exactly how it had to be. And the musical episode too. Like the whole, the whole plot, right. Was that the reason that everybody's breaking out into song is because their emotions are overwhelmed or, are, are, uh, overflowing, you know? So they're overwhelming them. I said, but Ortega was there. She's just like, I'm a pilot and I'm awesome. And you guys are dealing with relationship issues that are childish.

[00:52:16] And, uh, I'm just going to keep doing my job and you all figure, figure your stuff out. Um, and so I understood why she didn't get a song. Um, but, but for me, so much of that journey, like it's, it's, it's been layered into, into, into the performance that I've given. Um, in season two, we see a bit of her war backstory, which I love. Um, and in terms of where I see Ortega's going, like I really, I, I would love to see it. So see, it's so hard.

[00:52:43] It's so hard because season three hasn't come out and season four we're filming and season five is coming. And it's like, so it's really hard to say. Um, it's just, what I will say is, is if, is if everything were to stop right now, I am, I am so proud of, uh, everything that you guys have seen of Ortega's on screen as of now and, and everything too, that the fans have taken from that and created from that. And that also goes to like what's been created in books and comic books and like, like everything that you need to know of a person.

[00:53:13] Um, I think, I think she's shown, do you know? And of course season three is going to show a lot more of that, but, but yeah, I'm just in a tricky situation because it's so hard to talk about where you see her going when it's just like, I know some things. Well, let me ask it this way. Yeah. And Gay Fesh here says, yay. Hashtag Mortegas. Yes. And we have been promised Mortegas and we will say without spoilers, you get Mortegas in season three. Yes, you do. So when you started reading the scripts for season three and seeing that there was going

[00:53:41] to be Mortegas, like what, what were your feelings about, about it? You don't have to say what happens, but what were your feelings about what you would be doing? No, I was, I was all excited about all of it. Um, I was excited about some things you guys haven't seen yet. Um, I can say that. I was going to say something and it just, it just fled my head. Um, it's the time of night guys. Um, uh, I was just going to say I had my Mortegas coffee cup, but I like, I downed an espresso in a shot earlier. So that's why I don't have a coffee cup with me.

[00:54:10] Um, but no, I was very excited with all of it. Oh, that's what I was going to say is watching, uh, those streamers and like kind of that thing about like when you see the things have been cut. Right. So it's like when you, when you suddenly kind of get more screen time, there's also a lot more things get cut because there's more things to get cut. Um, so that has been, that has been very interesting where I'm just like, but they don't see that and that and that, and maybe it'll be in the behind the scenes or not behind the scenes, but in the DVD extras.

[00:54:39] Um, but, um, but yeah, it's so interesting. Like how much gets shot that, that you don't see. And yeah, I always think about like the fantasy episode in season one and we all had to climb up a Jeffrey's tube and it was hilarious because we'd like begin the scene at the bottom and then we'd all climb up the Jeffrey's tube and I'll never forget like, oh, like the fourth take and we're all standing at the top and it's just climbing through the Jeffrey's tube. But he's like, it's a one hour show.

[00:55:08] He was like, he was like, this is going to get cut. And he was right. And I'm like, ah, it's like, he's done this before. But I'll never forget him getting to that top of that Jeffrey's tube. We're all waiting for him. And he's like, it's a one hour show people. And I was like, he was right. So, so a lot of things get cut, but it's also, you know, it's the, you know, you're happy that to be filming so much that, you know, they're able to, to cut and you still end up, you still end up in the episode. Yeah, that's excellent.

[00:55:37] And I know all of you out there are wondering, wait, a Mortegas mug. How do I get a Mortegas mug? It's very simple. You just go to openpike.bigcartel.com. We have all of your Mortegas and Ortegas merchandise needs covered because we noticed there was a bit of a dearth of Mortegas merchandise. So definitely go check that out. Rep your favorite pilot wherever you are. And it's the kind of thing that when you wear it in real life, people will be like, what does that mean?

[00:56:05] And then you can trap them into a discussion about Star Trek because, you know, sometimes those kinds of things need to be done against people's will. We have an excellent question here from somebody that I'm not sure if we've had in our chat before. So welcome to Takakoko Nagumo. I hope that I pronounced that correctly. I'm really trying. She says, hello, Melissa. I met you at Trek Long Island. Are you still playing banjo?

[00:56:34] And are there places where we can hear you play? Thanks. Yes, I'm still playing banjo. And I believe I remember we met, if you can post or write again, was it your husband who is a musician and played? Because I believe we spoke about banjo as well. So I'm still playing the banjo. I play the five string, but I am right now learning the four string tenor banjo or the Irish banjo. And I am loving it.

[00:57:03] I don't know if those around me are loving me repeating jigs over and over and over again. And I've been asking a question every day the last month, which is how early is too early to play the banjo? And I feel like the answer is it's never too early. But other people think differently. And it's really hard to play the banjo quietly, but I've kind of gotten it down to, I've gotten it down because I have neighbors.

[00:57:32] But like after 9 a.m., I'm like, it's banjo time. Like, you know, if you're sleeping, it's time to get up. So yeah, so I've been doing the tenor banjo and I'm very excited because I won a... Yes, yes. Hey, what's going on? It is. That's right. And I think it... Hold on. Let's see how good my brain is. I believe that the session, right, or the event that they run takes place on Skillman, right? I think that's correct.

[00:58:02] Skillman is over in my neck of the woods in Queens. Yes. So, oh yes, I won. Yes. See, I remember things that I spoke about a year ago, but yet I can't remember what I was talking about two seconds ago. But no, I won an auction item with this wonderful banjo player from this band called the Steep Canyon Rangers, if you get a chance to check them out. I've been listening to them for years.

[00:58:30] The first time I went to see them in concert, I went with Soraya. Brian and I went to several concerts of theirs together. And so Graham Sharp is the banjo player, and they play a lot with Steve Martin. But I won this auction item to pick a banjo and ride bikes with Graham in Asheville, North Carolina. And so I'm very much hoping to do that this summer.

[00:58:53] So you guys are finally going to get the banjo, Trek, bluegrass, bike riding team up that the world didn't know it needed. Will you learn to play the Trek theme on banjo? I mean, I will now. I apologize. I put that out there now. You have to. Yeah. No, I mean, I feel like Graham is going to be able to, he's probably going to be able to do that quite easily. Um, I'm just concerned when he sees that my banjo skills are not, uh, are not, you know,

[00:59:22] that I love the banjo far more than I can just, you know, sit down and play it. So in answer, yes, you can't currently hear me. You can't currently hear me play anywhere live. Um, but one of these days you just wait and you least expect it. We're still waiting for Erica to do it on the show. I know. That makes, that makes all of us. I'm going to bring it. Thank you. I'm going to bring that up again with them. And then Perry Matt will pay for your lessons.

[00:59:46] I promise to pre-order the Melissa Navia, Steve Martin banjo album as soon as it's available. I have no compunctions about doing that. These are things guys that we are making happen. Yes. And I'm going to say one more time because I pretty sure I screwed this up. Thank you to Kako for your question. We appreciate it deeply. Now we do have some more questions here and, but I, I, I just want to spotlight a couple

[01:00:15] things, people that have met you at conventions. And we know that that has actually meant a lot to people. And it's like you were saying before, being a fan of Star Trek is one of the best fandoms you can be a part of. It's, it's like a big giant family. Um, we've got people who met you in Dallas. We've got obviously folks who met you in Germany at FedCon. It's just, it's so cool to see everybody sharing their experiences of meeting you.

[01:00:45] Met you at Star Trek Dallas last year. You were so nice. Jen says she took the time to acknowledge us, felt so seen. Michelle says it was great to meet Melissa at Trek Long Island last year. So glad we're getting hashtag Mortegas soon. Michelle, you don't even know. Oh my gosh. You're going to get so much. Michelle, I don't even know. I can't even remember at the moment. Oh, I'm so excited for season three. And I'm like, what happened? I'm excited just to watch it again with you guys.

[01:01:12] Well, we do know that we literally get more Morteguses. You get a brother in season three. Uh, what was it like? Yeah. Right. This was in a trailer revealed. We could say this. What was that like working, working with a brother? Oh my goodness. He's, uh, again, perfectly cast, like could not be more perfectly cast. And like, I remember when my sister came to set and, uh, and my brother-in-law and we hung out with Minor who plays, who plays Ortegas' brother.

[01:01:41] I don't know if his name has been revealed yet. So I'm going to hold off on that. Yeah. I'll hold off on that. Um, I'm so good. You can't get a spoiler out of me. Um, and his sister. And Minor's sister was also on set and it was just so funny. We got like the best picture. And I remember my sister being like, he like, he like looks like our brother. Like he could totally be our brother. Um, and so it was just such a blast. Like he's just so, um, he just came with such a, such a joy for the role and a dedication.

[01:02:10] And the, the research that he did into playing Ortegas' brother, like into watching Ortegas was like, you know, it was, uh, oh, like I was just, I, I fell in love with the whole thing. And he even gave me like a, uh, like a sheet that he had been working on to kind of like write down all the, all the qualities and do you know, the, the, the attributes that stood out about Ortegas. And I was just like, oh my God, it was like, so you know what? I'm like, this is amazing. And he's just like, is it weird? I'm like, maybe, but no, it's not weird. I'm like, this is like, you did your homework. Um, and it's incredible.

[01:02:40] And yeah, it was just so easy to work with him. Um, I'm looking forward to doing it again. Uh, we're working on a little project together, which I'm very excited for him for and to see how I can, I can best help with it. Um, but no, he's wonderful and I can't wait for you guys to meet him and I cannot wait to, to go to conventions with him. Um, so I don't think he knows truly what he's in store for. Um, but you guys are going to love him at conventions and you're going to love him in the show. Yeah.

[01:03:07] We, you know, folks, if you've watched the trailer, there's a little bit of a hint of one of the storylines that Ortega's brother is involved with. And I'm just going to tell you right now, there, uh, there are new relationships in season three that you are going to have so much fun diving into. I, I was blown away. And before we knew he was your brother, I totally called it from the first trailer. It's like, yeah, we have to get that out there. Like he, he nailed it. Absolutely.

[01:03:36] And the funny thing is too, like we did kind of like a chemistry read, um, like, you know, chemistry reads that they also did it probably, I think, um, I believe he might've also done with Celia, but like in terms of like, you know, a brother, sister chemistry read, but it was kind of like when we did it, he does, he didn't know it at the time, but the cast directors were like, no, this is who we want. And I was like, oh, I'm just, I'm just here to just play along. Um, but I'm like, if there had been like a massive issue, I would have, I would have said something. I don't know if that would have, I would have played at all, but I, but the cast directors

[01:04:05] are so wonderful, um, that they know what they're doing. And so when they were like, he's the guy. And then I, and then I, you know, we, we zoomed a scene together and I was like, no, he's the guy. He's, he's my brother. He's my baby brother. That's great. Yeah, we do. I think that, you know, one of the things that we try to do at Open Pike Night is to shine a spotlight on some of maybe the lesser known people that help shows like this get made.

[01:04:31] And we did speak with your casting directors, Marjorie Simkin and Orly Sidowitz. Oh yay. God, you guys have spoken with everyone. It's like amazing. It makes me so happy. It makes me so happy. And they absolutely know what they are doing. They know when they strike gold and they're very good at finding the gold. So big shout out to them. If you, if you're looking for something to listen to until season three comes out, just go back in the open Pike Night Feed. Totally, totally. A lot of good interviews. That's a really good one. Yeah. Yeah.

[01:05:00] I still remember when they told me that like they saw, they saw my self tape and they were like, they were like, that's Ortegas. And I was like, well, I, I, I knew it too, but they were like, you know, it's mind blowing that they seem to know who the characters are before the writers do, before the directors do, you know, it's like sometimes it feels like they may even know before the showrunners themselves. And it was a great conversation. And we were, I mean, we could not heap enough thanks and praise on them when they were here.

[01:05:29] We're like, you have given us this thing that we all love. And thank you so much for doing that. They seemed especially proud of, of, of casting you as their, their Erica Peck. Yeah. Yep. Oh, I love it. I've actually not seen your episode with them and I will, I will completely watch it. I'll listen to it. Um, I, I love, I respect in the same way that like, I'm in awe of writers, like casting directors. I don't know how they do what they do. I couldn't do it.

[01:05:56] Um, and so them in particular, like, you know, they're right up there with, with people who have changed my life. So, uh, Margie and Orly, uh, love you guys. Yeah, we, you're right though. We do try to talk to everybody. And because of that, we've hit a hundred episodes of open Pike night before strange new worlds has hit 21 episodes. So seriously, like if you need a place to go to think about star Trek, strange new worlds, please. We'd love to have you at open Pike night.

[01:06:24] Just like we love to have this question from Lauren in the chat. You have done such an incredible job of portraying a soldier who is now dealing with post-war peacetime. Were you able to talk with veterans and incorporate that experience into Ortegas? Oh, lovely question. Thank you, Lauren. Um, yeah, so I've spoken with, with a lot of veterans and soldiers and, um, I have, uh, do you know, when it comes to our veterans, uh, and especially now with, with everything

[01:06:53] that's happening, like I just have such a massive appreciation and just, uh, uh, a reverence for, for what they do, what they have been through that I, I cannot even fathom. Um, and, and so when I get to speak with them and when they tell me that, you know, Ortega, my portrayal of Ortegas, Jess's portrayal of Chapel, Babs's portrayal of Mbenga, like how much, um, that particular episode in season two, um, really hit home for so many of them.

[01:07:22] Like, uh, that just, you know, that just, you sit with that and you're just like, what I'm doing is a, is a very small piece of a, of a much larger picture. Um, and, uh, and just like it's a, it's to, to play a soldier, which I've done a lot in my career. Um, and I'm not sure why, for whatever reason, I've also played a pilot a lot. Clearly, clearly I, I, I read a soldier on pilot. I'm like, I'm cool with that.

[01:07:50] Um, and I was, I, I did, it's so funny cause we spoke so much in that first interview and then we had like a second Q and A, I'm sure I've spoken about this, but like, I remember doing a, um, uh, like, what was it? What'd you call it? Like an industrial for the military once years ago. Uh, and we shot it on a, on an army base and, um, they had a problem finding, um, because of the uniforms that they had, um, finding one that fit me because my boots, my boots were too big cause it didn't fit me and the, the uniform was a little bit too big, but yet

[01:08:20] I'd walk around and people like people from the crew were like, when did you serve? And I was just like, that is acting, that is acting that I'm doing. Um, but I always like, like, there's like a, a bit of pride to it because I just, I, I respect and appreciate so much when I get to speak with and I get to, to hear the stories from soldiers, um, active duty and especially veterans, um, who a lot of times are going through things that we can't even, that we can't even imagine.

[01:08:47] Um, and so any, any sort of thing that I could do, uh, in my character work to kind of, to spotlight that. Um, and then to also kind of, uh, you know, give people a moment to kind of be like, you know, in, in life when we step away from Trek, like what is it that we can continue doing for our veterans, um, that is more than just kind of, um, do you know, saying that we appreciate them, but what can we be doing to, to show our appreciation, do you know, in a way that

[01:09:17] like matters? Um, and so just right now there's a number of organizations that I follow that I'm still trying to formulate, like how I can, I can best help when like the little platform that I have. Um, but the fact that Ortegas is a soldier, um, and when I hear from veterans and soldiers at conventions and, um, and I get messages, uh, it just, it means, it means everything. So, so I have gotten to speak to them and I hope that I am, I'm doing right by them.

[01:09:43] And I hope that Ortegas gets more storylines where we get to explore that more. I hope, maybe I know, maybe I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. It's hard to say. Yeah. So yeah, we had a comedian and veteran Tom Tran on to discuss Under the Cloak of War. And he said that you all really seem to nail the, if you've been in it, you get it. And if you haven't, you don't kind of aspect to that sort of situation.

[01:10:10] And he, he really could not say enough nice things about all of you in the cast who had been given that backstory. And I've, we've talked about it. John always like forces us to rank episodes. And that episode is my top for season two. Like it is, it, it hits hard. It gives you everything you want. And I stand by hashtag Mbenga did nothing wrong.

[01:10:37] So shifting gears here a little bit. I love this question in the chat from Gayfish. I was hoping you were going to say that one. Melissa, do you think Ortegas uses one of those glowing blue space cube razors to shave her head like Jordi used on The Next Generation? Or does the Enterprise have a hairstylist? Which TNG also had a hairstylist. It was like, it was all about options. Yeah. I feel like, so in addition, so you guys have brought up a few things that I have to talk to our showrunners about.

[01:11:06] And I'm sure they're going to be so happy when I bring this up because I've thought about this before. I'm like. You were an open pike night again. Right. I know. I'll be like. Right. I know. How could it be later? The answer is no, you don't have to talk to them. Right. You don't have to listen to them. I'm like, but I do. They have good ideas and their fans do. So interesting because I think it could be either or both. Like I actually been given by one of my hairstylists in LA who is incredible.

[01:11:34] Love her work and you've seen it on the red carpet a few times when I've been in LA. She gave me a foil, which is like this cute little razor. And it's just like, it's supposed to be to just kind of, you know, when it's just a little bit of growth because my hair grows super fast on the side, but I'm always so like freaked out to do it because I'm just like, I don't know what I'm doing. So I wait for the professionals to do it. But I feel like it could be a mix of that. It could be a mix of, she does a little touch up on her own and then she's also got like this hairstylist.

[01:12:03] But I feel like we should see that hairstylist right before, before the end of season five. We need to know the backstory. And right. Yeah. And this is not necessarily a spoiler gay fish, but it might be spoiler adjacent. I'll just say hair is discussed in season three. So keep your eyes and ears open. I don't even remember. Is it? I was, I was beside myself so many times, even in just the first five episodes.

[01:12:31] I'm, I cannot wait to be able to. Oh, I think I know what you're talking about. Oh, the mouth of the crowd. Oh, I know what you're talking about. That one in particular. Yeah. It's just come over, come over me. I just had a thought too, just if Jen is still watching or if anyone cares about what I'm watching. The other thing that I've, I watched recently and is so good. Reacher. Oh yeah. So, so good. And I hadn't seen the movies.

[01:12:57] But like now that I've seen the TV show, I'm just like, it's just so good. And the whole like Reacher himself is like this massive man. Um, and that's such a part of like the, the character. Um, and so then, yeah, it's very different. Cause I just saw one of the movies for the first time the other day. And it's, it's, it's interesting. It's just a different take on Reacher, but the TV show Reacher. And then, cause we're talking about the military too.

[01:13:23] We're talking about, um, you know, camaraderie and brother and sisterhood. And like, but like, you know, knowing what somebody has been through and then also being with, with us for, Hey, Hey Jen, I'm still here. Um, like being with, with those people who you've been through so much with, and then coming back into like regular everyday life. I don't know. The show just does a really good job of, of, of balancing a lot. And some of it too is absolutely insane, but that's what you, but the fact that it's absolutely insane and then you make it real. I mean, that's kind of also Trek, right?

[01:13:52] Um, so I just appreciate, uh, Reacher so much. It's just such a blast. I think there are three seasons in, um, and some of our stunt guys, uh, who we work with all the time when they told me that they were like stunt guys on Reacher, like I fangirled out. I was like, who were you? Um, and so I'm like massive guys. And so it's been, uh, it's been fun. Yeah. So that's another show you should check out. I love watching the discourse about that show because people are like, how did this show take this long to get made? The plot is there's a giant guy and he wants to get things done.

[01:14:21] And then when they introduce a villain, it's like, okay, but get this. The bad guy is even bigger than the giant guy. And it's just so, it's just so good and ridiculous and also good. It's just like, yeah. And I've like, yeah, I've really quite enjoyed it. So, so check out Reacher. Is Reacher? Yeah, no, I'm two seasons and I still need to watch the third season. Oh, cool. Yeah. Yeah. And the second season and you see a lot of that, of that, of, of, um, right.

[01:14:51] Cause the second season, right. Is when, is when they're, um, they're, they're going back to like, it's, it's doing the flashbacks, right? Yeah. Yeah. So watch me. There you go. We do also have just some general love and requests in the chat. Lauren would love for you to come to Boston slash England and Angela seconds. I would love to come to Boston. The only, please let us know my daughter's request on Ortega's haircut and I've only managed a regular undercut.

[01:15:18] But yes, so the Ortega's haircut is, is not easy. Um, I remember I've seen some fans, especially after season one, I saw some fans trying it themselves and I was just like, you are brave and I think you're wonderful. And then all these, oh, these just parents that like, oh my goodness, they made, they made little Melissa like so happy with like, they were sending me pictures. This was during the, the actor's strike of like their daughters going to space camp and getting Ortega's haircuts.

[01:15:47] And I was like, that's the coolest thing. Um, but especially like when your hair grows very fast, like it's very tough to, to keep up. Um, and my hair grows fast and like, it's even, I don't know if you could see it very well in here, but it's like growing in, it's growing in super fast. And I have like full, I've been, I've been going silver since I was like, it's so weird cause it's like a mirror, but it's not a mirror I'm having. And it's like almost midnight here. So I'm like having, um, but like, uh, my hair has been silver since like forever. Um, since I was like, I was like in my early twenties.

[01:16:16] It's a star going to silver. So it's actually growing quite a bit here and it looks super cool. I like it, but then everyone's like, um, so it's just a, it's just a lot of upkeep. I'll say that. Like legitimately every time I go to get my haircut, I have two pictures on my phone. One is like a, like a, must be a costume fitting or something where you're like full profile and it's clearly just to show the haircut. And I'm like, I could, I can do this. I can get the Ortega's haircut. And then when I sit down in the chair, I immediately swipe to the other photo.

[01:16:45] I go, it's a high top fade. Just think about what's on top. Cause I'm, I'm like this close, but I'm like, but there's something about being able to pull it off that I'm not sure I've gotten to yet. And it's, but I, I probably maybe for season five, we'll have a big watch party with everyone who listens and maybe I'll reveal the Ortega's. Oh my goodness. I would, I would love that. It became immediately iconic.

[01:17:11] You're the only person who has this haircut and is on TV and it's, it's like, we love it. And, and that's, and that was, that went into like the decision to get it. Like when people are like, did they tell you to get this cut or was that your decision? And you guys can go back in my Instagram to like a few months before I would have booked the show. I had asked for this haircut and I got it. And then my rep at the time, he was a little bit freaked out. He was just like, what am I supposed to do with that?

[01:17:40] He's like, I didn't talk like that, but I'll, I'll make it. What am I supposed to do with that? Like, how can we send you out an audition? So I was like, all right, so I went to a pixie cut because I was just like, you know, I'm trying to, trying to book a job here. And so I booked Ortega's with a pixie cut. And then when they showed me their kind of their pictures, their ideas, I was just like, no, this is cool. And that wasn't even, this wasn't even in one of the pictures. Like it became this because of like the way my hair grows and, and, and, and the color

[01:18:06] and, and also the severity of kind of having it fully shaved on the sides and really also having like less of a fade and more of just like a, like a sharp delineation. I remember Brian saying, he was just like, he called it. He was like, it's an action figure. He's like, he's like, nobody else will have this cut. And I was just like, yeah. What I didn't know, I was just like, there are times definitely filming now when it's just like in the morning, all the hair, all our hair team is wonderful and I love them.

[01:18:33] And if, if I had to be with anyone at three in the morning, it would be them. But there are certain times where I'm just like, this was my idea. I chose to have to do this every day. Cause we have to shave every day. That's how fast it goes. Who's longer in the hair chair? You or Anson? Yeah. I think me. I think me. Maybe, maybe it's the same. Maybe it's the same. But the shaving is just crazy. Cause those little hairs, they get everywhere. And so you have to, I have to always get cut before makeup.

[01:19:03] Which took a couple of seasons for everybody to fully get. There were still times in like the first two seasons, they'd be like, oh, we're going to put you in makeup first. I was like, no, you're not. Cause it's not going to end well for anybody. So we always have to cut first and then, and then makeup. Yeah. I would imagine they're doing less shaving of Anson's head when he's in the chair. It's more about like the building, which should kind of build itself. It's a structural thing where you need one architect and one hairstylist.

[01:19:31] Speaking of which, Michael says there has to be a minimum of two hairstylists on the enterprise. Pike alone has to have a dedicated one to start with. I agree. I agree. And even if we, maybe if we went back to like, if we ended up getting some Trek shorts again, we could just have a whole ridiculous short of Ortegas and Anson. Ortegas and Anson, listen to me. Ortegas and Pike. That would be really meta. That'd be weird. Just arguing over, over barbers and stylists. I'd watch that. And yeah. Yeah.

[01:20:00] That would be a great short trick. Watch that in a second. Bring it back just for that. Yeah. Well, I want to go back to the beginning of the conversation. Maybe we're getting, wrapping things up now, but when you were talking about going back and watching your performance and watching the show and enjoying watching yourself while doing that, was there ever a moment where you're like, where you kind of impressed yourself, where you're like, oh, I did really good in that scene. That was really good.

[01:20:25] I really liked in season two, when I saw the premiere of season two, because I was so, that was the first episode we shot coming back. And you guys know I was, I was dealing with grief and I was just, I was blown away. I, I'm not often blown away when I see myself just cause I was there. I did it. You know, I'm like not super surprised. I'm like, I shot that. I was there, you know, but I was blown away by just, um, because I knew what I was feeling

[01:20:55] and how I was and everything. And then I'm just like, you know, I was like, I was like, I'm pretty good at what I do. Cause I look so, you know, I look like Ortegas and I don't look like Melissa who was just like, you know, I don't know what life was at that time, but you know, and especially in, in that scene on the bridge when, um, when, when they're trying to steal the enterprise and Spock is in the captain's chair and she gets that great Vamanos line. Um, I mean, it's just like, I'm looking at it and I don't, I don't even almost, it's almost

[01:21:22] like I don't have any memory of even shooting it and doing it. Do you know? Like I remember the day I remember being there, but I was just like, it was just so good. I was just like, every time we, you know, every time action was called, like I just, I was Ortegas and that helped also. And for the whole season, right. It helped take me out of, um, it not take me, I not take me out of the grief cause the grief is always there, but it helped, it helped me get through it and help me remind me of like what it is that I do so well and what it is that I'm, I'm here for.

[01:21:50] And so that particularly, like I was just so happy with it. And then what I wasn't happy about was when I put all the subtitles and I felt, and I realized that they were misspelling Vamanos. And I was like, Oh my God, I was like in another life, I was an editor and a copywriter. And I was like, why does this haunt me? And I was like, I didn't even know who to contact. I was like, who do I contact about subtitles? Um, and apparently like they, it was misspelled. They fixed it. So I learned that they could fix, they could fix it.

[01:22:17] And then I think somewhere else, I think it was like in the UK, it was like Vamanos. It was also a different thing altogether. And which I love because I was getting fans being like Vamanos. And I was like, interesting take on it, but sure. But it was because that's what the subtitles were. And so I just was laughing that I'm just like, if you had asked, like, you know, uh, you know, me as like the, my editor of my college newspaper that one day I would be on Star Trek, still editing, you know, like subtitles.

[01:22:46] Um, so yeah, so before the subtitles, I was like, Oh, this is an amazing scene. After the subtitles, I was just like, what is my life? Um, but we got it fixed. So, so that's a wonderful. And I, to your point, I remember that day, like when that episode aired, there were so many people online, like they spelled it wrong. We got the wrong version. That's not even the word. Like this is the kind of things Trekkies will notice. So you're in very good company. Oh, I love it. I love the fans.

[01:23:16] You guys get me. You, we, and we're lucky because we're, we, we just love the show. And like I was saying, there's no, there's nothing about strange new worlds that we've encountered yet where we're like, Oh, I kind of wish they'd gone a different direction. It's like, this is the show we would make if we had the power to make this show. Um, you did mention the first time you were on open Pike night, uh, you talked a lot about grief and the process of grieving.

[01:23:43] And you had written that article about it, which I know has reached a lot of people personally. And people have had a lot of reactions to that. And I know that it has helped a lot of people. And I may have mentioned in that, in that episode, in our discussion that I had been incredibly lucky to make it to my mid thirties without really losing anybody close to me.

[01:24:06] Um, and since that had, since that I did, uh, end up losing my grandmother, which was kind of the first big loss in my life. And I had such a serene peace. Um, just kind of thinking back to what you had been talking about during that process, because I was, I mean, obviously overwhelmed. Um, and so much of real life demands that you keep showing up for things and keep functioning

[01:24:36] as a person through all of that. And I was constantly reminding myself every day leading up to her service, like this is, this is not a timeframe oriented thing. This is however it works. It will work. Let it flow, you know, be here in these moments and then let those moments step back. And it was a huge help. So I just want to personally say, thank you so much for sharing that with everybody, because

[01:25:05] it, it really does matter to people. I know, I know Star Trek matters to people and it should, but you kind of bring it to that second level of the people who make Star Trek matter to people outside of Star Trek. And that was, it was a gift that I didn't know I needed at the time, but I absolutely leaned on your advice and your process. So thank you very much for that. Thank you for sharing that. Jesse, what, what, what is her name? Mary. Mary.

[01:25:32] Mary was 82 or 83. She was about to be 83. Um, and she, she had, I asked, you know, can I see her will? I just, I love the way that she writes. I want to see her handwriting and she was so pragmatic about everything. She, uh, was kind of the person in our family who kept magic alive. She taught us all about magic and how, if you want a thing, you can have that thing and how to bring that thing into the universe.

[01:26:03] And so as everybody was planning, you know, they're like, well, what about this day for the service? And what about this day? And I said, well, can I just see what she wrote? And it was on her because she had written whatever you need to do for yourselves at my service is fine. I'm not, I'm not going to be there. So like, just do whatever you want. I was like, this is to me. I think that really helped me realize like, this is a process that everybody deals with and there are so many ways to approach it.

[01:26:33] But seeing her approach written down in her, like almost Victorian script, I was like, this is, yes, she gets it. She knows that this is for us. And I think that really helped all of us because it was very tumultuous. It was right around the holidays. There were so many people in so many different towns around here trying to make it work. And I realized, oh, the way this is going to go is how it needs to go for the people who are organizing it because that's what she wanted.

[01:27:02] And it was, I mean, it was a tough day, but it was so happy. Like there was so much love and smiles happening. And I remember thinking repeatedly like, oh, I should, I should stop smiling so much. I should stop, you know, feeling all this love and happiness and would always come back to you like, no, the love is the reason that it hurts. And that's the reason that you want to hold on to that.

[01:27:26] And it was, I absolutely credit the conversation we had with you, with me being able to not completely break down into a puddle that day. It was, it was very intense, but it was beautiful and we all loved it. It was really, really cool. Oh, Jesse, I'm so happy to hear that. And thank you. I'm just that I'm a very, very small part of that, that I helped in any way at all. And the thing that I keep going back to as well is like, just to remember like that her story isn't over, do you know?

[01:27:54] Um, and with what you're saying and with what just, I get messages all the time. And I, I always say this, that like, you know, my apologies that I can't respond to everybody or even to a lot of people, but I get the messages and there are just some, um, I mean, all of them are beautiful, but it's about people talking about losing a family member,

[01:28:18] a grandparent, a partner, um, talking about somebody that they've lost many years ago or just recently. And then in some way me talking about it, um, has helped. I'm like, you know, I definitely did not ever envision. I didn't want to, this to be the thing that I talk about. But, um, so much of me writing that article, like we spoke a lot about, um, was just like, this hurts so much.

[01:28:44] And I think as a, as a writer and as an artist and as somebody who's like, you know, whose whole life is, is storytelling is just like, I'm like, I want this to, I can't keep this in, like, I want to share, not only I want to share Brian, but I also want to share like what this is because I think so often people are made to feel like you have to get over it and move on. And, um, and that just doesn't work for me.

[01:29:10] Um, and, and the biggest thing that I've kind of like, you know, that's kind of been going in my head the last few months is like, just to remember. Um, and that's so much of like what I knew as soon as we, right. Hit 2022, where I was just like, I was like, his story is not over. Or, and you guys, I want to tell you about him. And so in doing that, people were like, you were so open and honest and vulnerable about your grief. I was like, yeah, I guess I was, but it was all, it was all selfish and that I wanted to tell you about him. Do you know?

[01:29:41] Um, and, and then now that like, you know, cause every, every month is like a, a new understanding of what it is that I'm going through. And it's just like, that's the, the kind of the, the phrase that I've been, I keep going back to, I'm like, just remember their story isn't over. Um, and, and the messages that I get from people, it's just like, that's the big thing is just that the relationship continues. It also evolves and it also, um, in really, really beautiful ways. And, um, I know my grandmothers, I was super, super, super close to them. I still am.

[01:30:09] Um, and my grandfathers, they both passed, um, when my parents were, were both younger, my mom and her teens and my dad younger. And they were such a powerful, beautiful, strong presence in their lives that they passed that down to me. And so I still feel so much like I, I know my grandfathers, um, because they left such an indelible mark on my parents, um, my grandmothers as well. And so, so thank you for sharing with that, with me about Mary. And I just love that.

[01:30:38] Like you guys being like, what do we do? And she was like, do whatever you want. Do you know? And that's, that's, that's her way of just being like, this is on you guys now. And she's, and she's working through all of you. And so that's just really beautiful. So thank you for sharing that, Jesse. Thank you. Yeah. The, your, your point about the story not being over is I think the thing that helped me the most because, so my daughter, I think the first time we spoke to you, I think she was three or four and she's now six.

[01:31:05] So she's old enough to recognize like, Hey, this is different. I don't see Gigi anywhere. And she asked, you know, where's Gigi? Why isn't Gigi here? And I was able to use that story not being over to say, well, actually Gigi's with you all the time now and you can always talk to her. You don't have to wait to see her to be able to talk to her. And I think that has really helped her. I'm sure she doesn't quite understand what I mean when I say that, but it has helped her.

[01:31:34] And I'll, I'll hear her, you know, walking around the house. She's like, I miss Gigi. Oh, hi Gigi. And you know, my wife is very much like, who is she talking to? I'm like, it's not a, it's not a haunting situation, honey. She's, she's processing. I'm processing. It's, it's totally fine. But yeah, I mean, to your, to your credit, like this is, you know, showing up in the chat. This has affected a lot of people. Lauren shared your article with a coworker who lost her partner and it really touched her. It was a gift.

[01:32:02] It was a beautiful and open view into your resilient heart. Elizabeth says, I lost my mom young and I was alone. You sharing about your loss and grief is a huge gift to young people and anyone, a reminder that they're not alone. And it's just, I know that it's a thing that has affected so many people and it's a kind of vulnerability that is not required of actors, especially of a fun, silly sci-fi show like Star Trek. Right.

[01:32:30] But the fact that you choose to do it, I think is incredibly admirable and it's, it's a wonderful gift. And Michael shares a great Terry Pratchett quote. No one has truly gone from the world until the last ripple fades from everything they did and everyone they touched. And our good friend Mark shares moving on is a non-starter. It is always forward with them. And thank you all so much for sharing in the chat with us on that topic.

[01:32:55] It was a thing that I was like, I don't want to, I don't know if I should talk about this, but it's the same thing. I keep going back to you having the courage to talk about it. And I'm, I was like, this is as good a place as any. And this is the person who made me able to do it. So. Yes. No, always, always, always feel free with me. And what I say to people too, is like, it's like tears will come.

[01:33:18] Like I've had a few interviews in the last few weeks where I'm just like, suddenly I'm kind of, I get a little bit like the tears are coming, but I'm like, that's okay. That's okay. And then you get, you know, and there's some days still where I'm completely, I have moments and I don't have moments, but all of that's okay. And if I'm talking to somebody and, and I'll, I'll, you know, it'll be like, that's okay. Do you know? And yeah.

[01:33:43] And I'll say that to people too, like who, who don't, who are sometimes concerned about what to say to somebody who's grieving, who's newly grieving. Um, or even to somebody who's, you know, because there's the whole thing, right. It's just like, you know, people are like, they're, they understand what it's been, you know, a few weeks, but they understand less when it's been a few years.

[01:34:04] Like I definitely, I'm going through a moment now where it's like, I'm a little bit tentative sometimes just because I'm just like, you know, every time I go out into the world, people are going to start to think, you know, she's, she's a total mess. If she's still talking, but that's not, you know, just like people who don't know me very well, there's just a certain level of just like, you know, in the first few months, like, you know, and the first year really, like they could understand why it was so at the surface. Right.

[01:34:30] But after a certain time, like there's, you start to kind of be like, you know, do you want to hold back a bit? Definitely. Like in the, in the last year and a half, right. I've been a little bit less quiet about it because I've been, you know, that just for different reasons. Um, but there's that thing of just like, of like for everybody, it's a little bit different. It's, it all comes, like you said, like there's, it's not linear, right? There's all sorts of different ways. Every day is different. Um, but for people who are like being like, Oh, I always feel like I'm going to say the wrong thing. It's just like, do you know what?

[01:34:57] It's like, sometimes you will say the wrong thing and that's okay. Do you know? That's totally okay. Like the, it's the person who's, who's grieving, do you know, who's, who's going through it. And the, and just saying something is good. Like I, sometimes I've, I remember somebody once saying, uh, when I was commenting, when I was a little bit more, and I'll be active on social media again, when, as season three comes out and very excited to be, but, um, you know, there was like a time where I was really quite on there and conversing with everybody. And, you know, I would see sometimes people would say something about something that was happening.

[01:35:26] I was just like, do you see how there's like a, a little, a little issue or thing there. Like when you say that, like I would hear about people who lost a partner, um, and the person, you know, somebody would come up to them and be like, I, you know, my husband's my best friend. I could never imagine losing him like to somebody who just lost their husband or their partner. Right. And it's just, that's insane. I've gotten that. I got that quite a bit, but it wasn't, it wasn't from a place of malice. It was from a place of like, you know, I would see people in full like breakdowns being just like my husband's my best friend.

[01:35:55] I can't imagine, I can't imagine where you're going. I can't imagine. And I was just like, I was like, yeah, I couldn't imagine it either until right now. It's pretty, pretty horrendous. Um, and you'd hear it from like people who've lost kids. They said that people say the same thing to them, which seems pretty crazy. And so I called it out one day. Uh, and there was people like, there were some people that are just like, this is why I don't say anything to anyone who's grieving because you know, this is what happened. And I'm just like, or so, and somebody else said to me that she's okay when people say

[01:36:23] things like that, because at least they're saying something. And that like broke my heart. And I was like, ah, so I'm just like, just kind of, you know, however I can continue the conversation, just help people be like, it's okay to say the wrong thing. And it's okay when you're grieving to call it out and it's okay. Like all these things are okay, but it's just like, it's being silent about it and acting like it's this really weird thing. That's what's wild to me. Cause I'm like, yeah, grief is a thing that we are all going to go through life and death.

[01:36:51] Like we can't like, there's lots of other things we don't have in common, but we have this in common. So it's strange that it still remains so taboo. So I'm just, I'm like, my whole thing is just like, talk about it. If it's weird, it's weird, make it weird. It's okay. Because it's better than, than saying nothing. But yeah, but I'm glad to hear that, that what I wrote and what I did, especially in that first year, year and a half has resonated with people. You know, like sometimes you do something like a few years ago and you look at it and you're like, oh, why'd I write that?

[01:37:19] I'm still happy with everything, everything that I've written and everything I said about that and everything that I'll continue to say. Do you know, hopefully, hopefully as I'm kind of growing and learning and, and I can, I can, I can pass along that to, to fans and to the greater community. Cause again, grief is a thing that we are all going to go through and it absolutely stinks. But like I've said, and like you guys get like, it's, it's love, it's love, it's love. Yeah. Yeah.

[01:37:47] And I think you're right that the conversation is part of the important thing, right? Because it does seem like people are loathe to talk about it or pretend that it's not something to talk about. But as matrix of time points out in the chat, I lost my best friend in December. And every time I see Melissa talk about her loss or post grief on Instagram, it helps me understand my own grief. And Lauren nails it right here. It is so wonderful that you were opening up the conversation and not letting grief lurk in the shadows.

[01:38:17] That's, and to Michael's point, make it weird. Got that covered. The human experience is weird. Life is weird. You got to talk about all the parts of it. And talk about your person that is no longer physically here. Like I get a kick out of like when I have to like hear, I was talking about this in an interview the other day too, but like I have to, you know, hear so often we, we have to hear so many mundane things from people about like the people in their lives who are, you know, who are like doing just, just regular things. And they talk about it. And I'm like, I get to hear about them all the time.

[01:38:45] But then like, but it's, but then people are like the person who's no longer physically here. Like you kind of have to stop talking about them or they're afraid to say their name. And I'm like, that's absolute nonsense. Like, do you know, my person did all these amazing, cool, oh, he was just the coolest things. And, um, I want to talk about it and things that I'm experiencing now remind me of him and that thing he did. And so in the same way that you can, you know, bring up the boring thing that your baby did

[01:39:12] the other day, you know, I can bring up that very cool thing, um, that my guy did a few years ago. So hopefully that helps anybody who's kind of like out there right now, just being like, you know, I don't, I don't know what to say, or I don't know what to, what to do, or I don't know if this is weird. Like we said, make it weird. Yeah. I mean, it's the way that life is. This is a great question from Jen. If you have an answer for this, what was Brian's favorite meal?

[01:39:46] Guys. Come on. Um, he was a wonderful cook, such a good cook. He'd always kind of shoot me out of the kitchen. Um, cause he would just get it done. He would get it done so fast. Um, and I don't know, his favorite meal was like, um, Brian was originally from Ireland.

[01:40:15] Um, but he would always say he was a, he's from County Donegal, Valley Shannon. See, this is what happened. Um, cause you have me thinking about his amazing cooking now. Um, but he was like a New Yorker through and through. Um, and he was like, as one of his friends once said, he's like, Brian didn't just, cause I said, I was like, Brian loved New York. And his friend was like, Brian didn't just love New York. Brian was New York. And so he also had this great appreciation for all food, do you know?

[01:40:43] And he would take me to the best restaurants and, um, he introduced me to so much food. I had never had, I'd never thought I would ever like oysters. And now I love oysters cause Brian and I loved oysters. Um, but yeah, he loved, he loved all food. I really can't pinpoint like a favorite meal because it was just like, it was like all food. Like, you know, he would take me to like, oh yeah, he would take me everywhere. And, and we just all over New York city. Like it was just the best thing. Like we got a kick out of like when we'd see people waiting online outside a restaurant.

[01:41:12] Cause he's like, this is New York city. He's like, we have, we have the best food in the world everywhere. Like, why would you wait on mine? Um, and, uh, he would say, we don't queue up. I'm like, yeah, we don't queue up. Um, so, but, um, but yeah. So, so thank you for that question. Um, and I'll say, yeah, just, uh, it's funny too. Cause he, cause he was, uh, like sometimes I'm also just like, I never want to speak for him.

[01:41:39] So I'm just like, I'm like, I'm going to say a meal and I could feel him being like, no, that wasn't my favorite meal. So I'll just say, uh, he, like me, we loved food and we, one of the many things we loved about New York city is that you could just, you get everything here. You get the best of everything here. Um, and he was a wonderful cook. And when I finally started, um, cooking, it's really been, it's been very therapeutic because I've been thinking about the way that he did it and the way that he would just kind of go into it.

[01:42:05] And, you know, um, I find myself cooking for, for myself now, like, you know, coming home from a day on set and it's just, I love it because I look back to where I was like two years ago. I'm like, I couldn't have been doing this. I would have been falling apart and now I'm just loving it. So, so yeah, thank you for that question. Ooh. And I kept it together. Excellent. John Cameron, do you guys have any other big questions that we need to get to before we let Melissa finally get some sleep before her next flight?

[01:42:32] I mean, there is that one question we always have to ask with the, uh, you know, time loopiness of how Star Trek Strange New Worlds works. Do you have a one word teaser for season four? Because I believe you gave us home for season three. I did. I did. I still stand by that. And I, I'm just going to throw this out for folks. When we asked for the season three teaser, zero exaggeration.

[01:42:59] Melissa took like 14 minutes to, to think about scripts, to think about storylines, to pick out just one thing that she could say. And you know, our goal is never to get anybody fired or break an NDA. So if you need some time, you can totally have it while we marvel at this wonderful comment from Elizabeth. If you ever need a chuckle, you can know that there's a Strange New Worlds themed flock of chickens that includes Ortega's family members.

[01:43:27] Elizabeth, please send us photos of the chickens. I love that. I love that so much. That's fantastic. That bought me a little bit of time too, Elizabeth. Thank you. This wonderful Q&A, like what I watch on TV. I am literally right now being like, what have we shot in season four? It's all been amazing. But I'm like, and considering I drove, I drove like I was in Mad Max to get to Toronto the other day to film. And I'm just like, what did we do that day?

[01:43:57] It was a heat wave too. I don't know, I don't know where it was, how it was, where you guys are at. But in New York and Toronto, it was a heat wave. We're in the middle of a heat wave. It was great. All the East Coast, we're cooking over here. But, okay, this is the first word that came to mind. So I'm just going to go with this chaos. I like it. All right. With a C, this is a get smart crossover with K-A-O-S. There's a Nick at Night reference for everyone. I love it. We're for the young crowd.

[01:44:26] We appreciate that. Nick at Night. I haven't heard of Nick at Night in forever. I love that. We're up on it. Yeah. And before we get out, I do want to just spotlight a couple things right here. One from Michelle, grief is tough. Cooking and sharing a meal, especially a recipe from a loved one whose past can be so healing. Thank you for sharing. And then Vernon really wraps it all up the way that we all feel. What a great show. You guys rock. Oh, he's talking about us.

[01:44:54] I didn't mean to use that tone of voice. Melissa is absolutely amazing. That's what I was trying to spotlight because we agree here. We do tell people you are the patron saint of Open Pike Night. You opened doors for us that we didn't know we wanted to walk through. You have helped our show grow from what we legitimately planned to be a 10-episode podcast about season one to where we are now, which is over 100 episodes. We've met a lot of folks at conventions.

[01:45:23] We've had panels at conventions. We have merchandise. There's patrons. It's a whole legitimately life-changing thing for us at Open Pike Night to be able to talk about strange new worlds, especially when we get to talk to the people that make it. So I want to say thank you on behalf of everyone in the chat. And, of course, on behalf of John and Cameron, thank you, Melissa, for sharing some of your time with us. We really appreciate it.

[01:45:49] And I'm so excited for people to see what you've done in season three because, again, emotionally, like every end of every spectrum in just the first two episodes. So, people, please make sure that you watch the premiere of Strange New Worlds, both two episodes of the premiere of Strange New Worlds on July 17th. I cannot wait to not have to think about what I can say and cannot say about the show.

[01:46:18] So, I can't – it's going to be, yeah, it's going to be like a big release. And I'll say too, my niece who you guys met – I think you guys met my niece at Star Trek. Yep. At the convention, yeah, last year. But she – when she found out that I was going to be meeting up with you guys, I was with my parents. I was with her and was with Saraya earlier. But she was like, you have to wear your Ortega shirt. Because I was telling her who you guys were and I was like, they're the guys who did the Ortega shirt. Because she had like a light blue one that day. She was like, you have to wear your Ortega shirt.

[01:46:48] And I was just like, yeah. I was like, it might be a lot of Ortega's on Ortega's on Ortega's. So, then I went with my Vulcan shirt gifted by the camera team. Don't wear the T-shirt of the band to the concert. Right, right, right, right. But I appreciate that she was like, oh, they're those guys. Love them. And so, what you guys have done with like Ortega's merch and like I still have to – I know I keep like – I keep being like, I got to get a lot of stuff. But there's like gifts I want to get for people. And I'm like, they don't know what's coming. They're getting mugs. They're getting shirts. They're getting stickers.

[01:47:18] I saw the other day there's like three different sizes of your Ortega stickers. It was like, decisions have to be made. So, thank you guys for all of that. Absolutely. Yeah. And, you know, there was talk of panels in Vegas. You'll find at least some of us at Vegas this year. Hopefully we'll see, Melissa. It sounds like we'll see. But come check us out there. This was our first season four one-word tease. But we have received another one you haven't heard yet. Be sure to check out our writers.

[01:47:47] Strange New Words is what we're calling it. Every episode, we're going to hear from the writers. And Bill Wolkoff has a great one-word tease for season four as well. I love that you guys are like talking to our writers and our showrunners and everybody. It just makes me so happy. We love them all. They're great. They're fantastic. Bill Wolkoff is the second patron saint. Oh, yeah. Oh, I love it. That makes me happy. That makes me happy. Well, guys, thank you so much. And thank you to the fans. And I've actually gotten thanks to what you guys are doing where you pull it up big like that.

[01:48:15] I get to see so many of the messages. And, yeah, season three, let's go. Let's make it happen. Let's go. And, yeah, I can't wait to enjoy it again, like, for the first time because I currently can't remember much of anything. So I can't wait to experience it anew with everybody. Excellent. Excellent. And if folks wanted to experience it with you on social media, what is the best place for them to do that?

[01:48:44] And how can they follow you on social media? Oh, that's a great question, Jesse. Let's see. So on the Instagram, I believe I'm at MC Navia, which is M for Melissa, C for my middle name, and Navia. So MC Navia. And then on the Twitter, or whatever you want to call it these days, it's Melissa C Navia. And, yeah, I think those are, like, the best places.

[01:49:13] Like, I'm hoping to have some more things out this season where you guys can see more of my writing. That would be kind of cool, right? But, yeah, right now, definitely Instagram is the biggest. And I know people want me to get on, like, all the other types of Twitters. And I'm just like, I don't know how everybody does it. I'm like, I am tired and I am busy. Yeah. I have flights to catch and to miss.

[01:49:37] And so for right now, you have me on the Instagram, the Twitter, and hopefully you'll be able to see more of my writing very soon in other places. I got to assume, based on your tease, that your middle name is Chaos. Because that's what the city stands for. Hilarious. Hilarious.

[01:49:57] Now, Lauren points out, well, she asks Blue Sky, and I'm not going to push you to join Blue Sky, but I will tell you, Blue Sky seems to have fewer instances of unmitigated vitriol than some of the other social media sites that we've all grown to love over the years. So if you ever are looking to expand, we highly recommend Blue Sky. And, of course, all of you folks out there, you can get open Pike Night wherever you get your podcasts.

[01:50:25] Just open up your podcast player, type in OpenPike Night. We'll pop up. You can follow us on social media at OpenPike, basically whichever social media you are looking for. And, of course, if you want to be on the show, which is not normally a live stream, it's usually a podcast, just go to OpenPike.com. Everything you need is all in one place. Merchandise, Patreon support, episodes of the show, lots of stuff there. We do have a few articles that we've done over the years.

[01:50:53] We're looking into maybe pumping out some more written things there. But it is. It's a chaotic thing to try and keep up with a 10-episode show that comes out once every two and a half years. And, you know, write something that hasn't been written about it. So I think that's basically where we're at. John, you're kind of the master of shutting the show down. So if you would, please, would you mind shutting the show down?

[01:51:22] Well, it's been a long night. And the OpenPike Night crew definitely needs to go watch all the Strange New Worlds that's out already. Because Season 3 starts in just over two weeks. We are almost here, folks. The wait is almost over. So be sure to clean up after yourselves. Be sure to tip your servers. You can go anywhere you want. But you can stay here. See you later.