McNeill Directs The 'Dead'

Robert Duncan McNeill (Tom Paris) has lined up two Dead-ly directing assignments that will reunite him with former Trek alumni.

McNeill is now confirmed to helm an episode of the USA Network series, The Dead Zone, according to his official web site. In January it was reported the actor was "finalising arrangements" to direct for the series, which is executive produced by Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager creator Michael Piller. McNeill will enter pre-production for his Dead Zone assignment after he wraps his latest instalment of Dawson's Creek.

The actor's other upcoming directing gig, Dead Like Me, is also a Trek family affair. The Showtime series, which is expected to premiere later this year, was created by former Voyager writer-producer Bryan Fuller, whose Trek credits includ "Drone", "Barge of the Dead", "Course: Oblivion" and "Bride of Chaotica!"

Dead Like Me (previously titled Dead Girl) stars Ellen Muth as a recently deceased young woman who finds the afterlife isn't all white clouds and harps when she lands a job as a reaper. The series also features Emmy-winner Mandy Patinkin (Chicago Hope) and Rebecca Gayheart (Jawbreaker).

While his Dead Zone and Dead Like Me episodes won't be shown for several months, McNeill's second Enterprise outing, "The Breach", is currently scheduled to air on April 23. According to the director, the episode, in which the NX-01 crew must rescue a team of Denobulan geologists, "has the best climbing action ever on Trek!"

The original report can be found here at McNeill's official web site.

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