LIVE CHAT - Majel Barrett Roddenberry

Chat transcript from 8-21-99 (Content edited for readability)

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Hi, I'm MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY:... I'm looking forward to all the impossible questions you are thinking up!

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Please call me Majel.

King Seph asks: Majel first off, I would like to say thank you for joining us tonight. I know you have been asked this question before but when are we going to see the season 1 video tapes of EFC (EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT) released here in the US... I've heard rumors they are out in the UK? And second, can you give us info on the two new Roddenberry series?

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Release of the tapes here in the US will be handled by Tribune Entertainment. When? I'm not sure. As far as information on our other 2 shows, ANDROMEDA we are now cultivating for Kevin Sorbo. At the moment we are working on the Bible/Writer Guide for the the show. Also, we have one other show which is currently Title-less. It will be started upon as soon as we get into production on ANDROMEDA.

Rilei Sarah asks: Majel, hi! We've all heard by now that Marina Sirtis is guest starring on EFC this next season (I can't wait!!!).....Was this your doing? If it was thanks for getting her to guest on EFC!!!

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Rilei, Yes it was my doing and it really wasn't very hard to convince everyone. She's very beautiful, very talented, and excellent in this part. Everyone in Toronto fell in love with her instantly.... as I knew they would.

Dot-ferret asks: Majel, my friend Barry Synodleadercm and I are meeting in Atlanta for Dragon Con 2000 in June. We were wondering if you are going to be there to profile your 2 new shows? And do you plan a reunion with your Star Trek cast to celebrate still being run in the year 2000

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Dot, I do not believe their is a plan to celebrate Star Trek entering the year 2000. As of yet, I have not yet been invited to Dragon Con. It sounds like a ball and I'd love to be there.

EFC France (Pas'kal) asks: Hello Majel, I'm the president of EFC France French fan-club. We noticed a lots of incoherence in the second season's scripts, what do you think about ?

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: EFC, I think your absolutely 100% right! We've notice that too. And consequently have taken steps to correct it. I think your going to love year 3!

HoloLevi asks: Hi Majel, I started watching the show in season 2 and love it. In the opening credits it talks about the mysteries that surround Liam's past, I know that there was an article out where it was said that they made a mistake with Liam's powers in Season 2? (personally I don't think so!) will they be exploring his past more?

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Holo, probably not... we've got so much to look forward to in Liam's future that there is not much sense in exploring his past. Especially when he doesn't really have a past. He was born and grew up in 9 hours.
It's one of those subjects best left alone.

Info asks: A show that I like, Sliders, is in the same exact place that Star Trek was. We've saved the show twice, but it was just canceled again. (Just when it's getting good) Do you have any advice for us? (I think you may know the creator... Tracy Torme) Thanks!

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY:Info, yes I know and admire Tracey very much. However perhaps you have exhausted all of your persuasions. I'm sorry but maybe you'll like Tracey's next show. (Not sure what it is)

Adam asks: Will we see a return to the quality and drama of Season One? Will Boone return? Thank you.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Adam, Yes we will see the quality of season 1 return. And, if a script should come along that would fit Kevin Kilner, I'm sure we would love to have him back... if he would be willing.

Keeshond asks: Hi Majel! What was it like playing nurse Chapel in the original Star Trek series? Oh, and I've heard that Star Trek: Voyager will end at season 7, is this true? By the way, I've been following every EFC episode since the very beginning, it's my favorite show on TV (it's beautifully written!).

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Keeshond, It was a barrel of fun because I loved working with DeForest Kelley... although I did not get out of sick bay often. STVOY will end after season 7. However they are already working on a new series. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words regarding EFC I hope you'll continue watching and tell us if we're doing it right.... we do care.

Crystal Korine Ma'el asks: Majel, I just wish to say I am very glad you found the script for Earth:Final Conflict, I love it, even season 2. I also loved your acting in the episode that stars your character's daughter Joyce (the title escapes me right now). I cried right with your character on that one. I am wondering, what is your character going to be doing in season 3? I have heard rumor's that she is now going to be working at the Flat Planet Cafe. (Note: No matter what happens with E:FC, I'll ALWAYS love it.)

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Crystal, Belman will be half owner of the Flat Planet. Supposedly a "Silent Partner" but not according to Augur. She creates a bit of hell... and has a ball irritating Augur. He really would like his partner to be SILENT! The character will be a little bit like Lwaxana.

Phoenix1 asks: Hello Majel, I'm the founder of the Open Chronicles Clan, I would like to know how you were inspired to follow in your late husband's footsteps and create EFC and the other to shows in the works which have followed the morality play concept throughout Star Trek, and Earth: Final Conflict, it is an inspiring legacy, and are you a Ray Bradbury fan?

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Phoenix, I knew the properties were there because I remember when Gene would start them and then for some reason would have put them away.... I know they were good then, so I figured they were good now. Gene wrote in a timeless manner. I love Ray! Ray is a sweetheart and always has been.... and extremely talented one. As a matter of fact, my partner, David Kirschner is producing a movie which Ray wrote.

Deacon asks: Thank you for your time, Mrs. Roddenberry. Are there any plans to do a film with Deep Space Nine. I really enjoyed the series.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Deacon, Not that I know of.... and it's too bad because the series is or was extremely well written and produced. But I believe Paramount feels it has run it's course.

DaAlien asks: Will we be seeing your character more in season three? I missed your character in season two.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: DAALIEN, Yes... I objected to the storyline is season 2 so had myself written out of that year, but I've already been in one episode this year called DEJA VU and there is another one called SUBTERFUGE. I don't know what will happen after that.

Aurel asks: I look forward to seeing more of Dr. Belman in Season 3 in a recurring role as in Season 1. Is this planned? Thank you for visiting with us. It was asked by DaAlien

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: AUREL/DAALIEN,, I hope there is more of Belman in season 3. I would be honored to be a part of it. I think you guys are going to be pleased with it too. There is a lot of passion on the set just as there was on season 1... Everyone is working twice as hard to make it better.

Lili asks: Which series of Star Trek do you like the best and rank them including EFC? Thank you very much for EFC, your voice on Star Trek, acting skills, and time.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: LILI, I'd have to say EFC is first... then THE NEXT GENERATION, followed by THE ORIGINAL SERIES, and both VOYAGER and DEEP SPACE NINE are the same as far as I'm concerned. They each have great episodes and are extremely well-done.

Tasslehoff asks: *waves!* do you have any good hints or spoilers about the upcoming EFC season? Also, I am wondering if fans are allowed to watch on location filming of the show, cause I've always wanted to see live filming of EFC And if we are allowed to watch, is there any chance you can maybe give us a location and time of when we might stop by? :) Thank you for taking the time to chat with us!

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Tasslehoff, If I did have spoilers I sure wouldn't tell ya! LOL... That would really spoil it. I guess I'm not the one to ask. Rod, my son, informs me that it is a close set and they are fairly strict. But on location they certainly cannot throw you off the street can they?

Anysia asks: Loved the way the show handled Lisa's pregnancy. Very nicely done. Have there been any OTHER real life situations that have had to be worked around or into the show?

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: ANYSIA, I don't know any. Sorry. Anysia, you are right I've notice not uncut. Even they have to make time for commercials.

Maxence asks: As an executive producer are you obliged to be present in Toronto during all the shooting? Do you think that the second season had respected the Gene's writings ?

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Max, No, I do not have to be in Toronto. This year I have not spent much time there because we are in the process of getting ANDROMEDA going... which will be filmed in Vancouver. So it is going to be quite a fun triangle for me. And No, I do not think Season 2 was true to Gene's writings. Not at all.

Agent Danella Long asks: Majel, all of the Sandoval and Liam fans would like to know if their father/son relationship is going to be explored further anytime this season.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Agent, Yes there will be an episode which delves into that relationship.

Rayjay: All Atwitter asks: Mrs. Roddenberry, first let me say how much of a treat and honor it is to Listen to you tonight. Thank You for making the time to be here. My question is: Everyone who knows me, knows my weakness for bloopers and flubs.. Do you have any you could (or *would*) share with us? :)

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Rayjay, I do have the blooper reels from season 1 & 2, however I am not allowed to share them with you.... yet.

Life's scar asks: Will Boone come back soon or will we be tortured to write fan-fic about him coming back

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Life's scar, if a story comes up that the Boone character would fit into then we will ask him to come back to do it. But that is our only option.

Synodleadercm asks: Mrs. Roddenberry, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to ask this of you. . ..If Dragon*Con 2000 invited you, would you attend? I know for a fact that they are eager to have an EFC representative there.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: SYNOD, By all means I would attend. As long as I am not filming then.

Mira Van Guild asks: Some of us have loved the past season and Liam, lately we have heard rumors that Liam was going to loose his powers this year, please say it ain't so.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Mira, I'm sorry I can't say it ain't so. We'd like to make him more humans so that there is jeopardy for his character. Last season, the audience had nothing top relate to. We tried to stay believable but lightning coming from someone's hand is sort of on the edge.

EFC France (Pas'kal) asks: We are organizing a convention in Paris (France) next year with Leni Parker, Richard Chevolleau, Von Flores, Andrew Robinson and Chase Masterson. Is it possible to have a video message from you to opening the convention ?

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: EFC, Sure, please send me an email to remind me.... my address is: majel@roddenberry.com

Adam asks: Will we see more recurring Taelons, besides Zo'or and Da'an? Thank you.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: ADAM, occasionally we will see more. Cost is a big factor and we are trying to have our stories include more everyday people.

Lili asks: What is your favorite episode of each series and over all ? (EFC, DS9, TNG, TOS, and VOY) and where and when will the bloopers be available?

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: LILI, The bloopers will probably show up at conventions "strictly by accident" if you know what I mean... Lili, my favorite episode of ALL the series would be "THE CAGE". It was the first pilot episode of THE ORIGINAL SERIES.

HoloLevi asks: I loved your character in the NewGenerationStarTrek, (sorry, can't remember her name) Did you have a lot of input into her character?****note: I agree with all the shockers :)***

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: HOLO, Gene came home from the office one day and said "Majel, I've got a great part for you and you don't even have to act!" and that's how the mother from hell was born. I guess there is a lot of me in Lwaxana and if you ask my son, he'll probably agree 100%.
ROD says 95%...LOL.

Dot-ferret asks: Hi Majel, Have you sat down with Kevin Sorbo to actually look over the storyline yet?? and will we have a previews of ANDROMEDA & your new Animated series on this site?

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: DOT, yes I have spent time with Kevin... talking story and playing golf... he's an excellent golfer! DOT, the animated series has not yet gone into production. As soon as we can get you something we will. .. AS far as the other projects go, we'll release what we can when we can.

King Seph asks: Majel, do you know when or if we will be seeing any EFC Merchandise being released, especially the music CD? I know this refers back to my question about the season 1 tapes but myself and every other EFC Fan is dying to get a hold of *some* type of merchandise whether it is books, action figures, etc.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: King, very, very, very soon. The Music will be release in plenty of time for X-Mas.

enigmaticSphinx asks: I THINK IT MIGHT BE COOL to have KEVIN KILNER playing a Jaridian under heavy make-up as a counterpoint to BOONE!!!!!....To me this would be like BECKETT and RHO'HA. or MA'EL and DA'AN.......... is it possible to "MAKE IT SO" either by the end of season three or the start of season four?.......................As to Liam and the Shaqarava,can his powers be infrequent and unpredictable?...............[ I guess this is why Taelons meditate. So they don't scorch their livingroom furniture]

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Enigmatic, I wouldn't think that would be the best spot for him. I think people would want to recognize him. I don't think he'd be very happy either.

Tasslehoff asks: My beeping landed me another question! Yah! Ummm, let's see... from what you are saying about season three, it would be correct then to expect it to be a lot better than the second season, right? Can't wait! So... besides digging through the attic looking for lost scripts, what other hobbies or past time do you enjoy? :) oh.. and are we going to see more of the Taelon culture in the upcoming season? With language and history and all that. ooo... the honor of the last question... heehee... thanks for chatting with us again! It's been fun!

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: TASS, Golf, I LOVE Golf! I'm very deeply into the Animal world. I have formed a new organization called G.R.A.S. (Gene Roddenberry Animal Sanctuary) where we will take animals that are no longer wanted or are too old to perform... including Elephants, Lions, tigers.... etc. So that they can life out the rest of their lives in peace. You'll hear more later.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: Thank you all for being here... Thank you for supporting us for all this time AND for your future support. I love you all and I really do care.

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY: PEACE and LOVE!