Bakula Not Creatively Involved With 'Enterprise'

Rumours abounded prior to the Enterprise premiere that Scott Bakula (Jonathan Archer) was to have a creative role on the series, but according to the actor, this was never going to be the case.

"Never believe what you read," Bakula said in a question and answer session at EnterpriseUK.tv. "I was hired as an actor only. I have input into my character and a good relationship with Rick [Berman] and Brannon [Braga] once I get a script in my hands. They are very collaborative."

Bakula was attracted to the series because of its more contemporary setting. "I think the idea of Enterprise being the first Starship out there and only 150 years from today allows everyone access to the idea of being on that ship, that excitement, fear, awe, etc. The opportunity to discover, make mistakes, and the responsibility of carrying humanity into space makes it exciting for everyone."

The special effects wizards are integral to making this vision of the future a reality, and it's a contribution Bakula appreciates enormously. "The biggest surprise for me is always what the effects teams come up with," he said. "During the pilot I remember saying that I sure hoped these guys were good, because a large part of the success of the pilot and subsequent success of the show rested on their shoulders. Of course, I needn't have worried, as their work has been stupendous."

Working on Enterprise has allowed the actor to spend more time with his family. "One of the reasons I took this job was to be home more (I'm home every night) so that I could spend more time with my family," he said. "Our shooting schedule is varied, so some times I'm around a lot, and some times the days are long, but overall I try to be as present in their lives as I can."

The full question and answer session, in which Bakula also talked about the possibility of working with fellow Quantum Leap actor Dean Stockwell again, can be found here at EnterpriseUK.tv.

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