El Cosmico here, with some more disturbing words from the world of development on Star Trek series 5...

Oh, and special thanks to the Paramount plants in talkback...you guys think you're so clever, don't you? ;-P Ahh...that's what makes talkback so cool!

I know, a lot of readers want us to post "more specifics" from the script we've seen, like by posting pages of the script...well, here's a lesson to a few of you, some of the people asking for that probably work for Paramount as well, and are trying to bait us into an open-and-shut lawsuit. Posting pages would get us sued so fast, we'd be...umm...sued. So, that's not going to happen. I've been talking to Derek about it, we'll think about where to go from here.

Okay, so you're right, it was probably more of a rant than a review... Potato. Either way, we've got a right to express our feelings. You go get your own website, eh?

FIRST OF ALL, before you believe this next rumour, you should know that according to TrekWeb, Scott Bakula is listed as being "signed" to helm the series in the latest issue of TV GUIDE CANADA. I don't know what their sources are, but the thread is here. Take it for what you think it's worth.

That aside, the most disturbing rumour I've seen about this series is that Scott Bakula may NOT be in the running for Captain anymore. What?

Our pal Viacom Girl says that the word is that he's no longer being considered. I hope there are some great actors in the running, because ultimately, a great cast, and specifically, a great Captain, could save this show from even the worst writing. I, for one, happen to think that if ANYONE could make Star Trek Series 5 a success, it would be Scott Bakula.

Just one man's opinion, but I think he's a hell of a good actor, and since hearing rumours of his involvement a while ago, Bakula has been the single biggest reason I've wanted to see this show. If this latest word is true, it should be reconsidered, on both sides.

First of all, Paramount shouldn't underestimate the appeal of Bakula to sci-fi fans, or the simple fact that his talent would be an enormous boost to the show's potential. That's that. You NEED a killer-good actor as captain. As for Scott, if he's the one who's decided to pull out of the running, well, Scott, think of it as an enourmously challenging opportunity to save the Trek universe and Trek fandom from mediocrity. Sure, it's not without risk, but if you could pull it off, in spite of a probable rocky start, well, just ask William Shatner how it feels to be a beloved starship captain. Oh, and even if the whole thing tanks, you could just blame it on Berman. No problem there.

Anyway, folks, like I said, I hope this isn't true, but I'm afraid that it probably is. Anyone in talkback care to offer up more suggestions for captain?