Moonves: Star Trek Might Need A Break

A two-year break might be the best thing for the Star Trek franchise, said Viacom co-president Leslie Moonves at the winter press tour for CBS and UPN in Hollywood.

Sci Fi Wire quoted Moonves, the co-chief operating officer of UPN and Paramount's parent company, that although no decision has been made yet about the fate of Star Trek: Enterprise, "The ratings aren't great. It may be a franchise that should be rested a year or two. I know the die-hards are not in favor of that, but I think if we rested a year or two, it might be a better thing."

Scott Bakula (Captain Archer) worked to halt rumours which have circulated in the past several days suggesting that the studio had cut the number of episodes that would be filmed this season and claiming that the star wanted to leave at the end of this season. "I'll be disappointed if we wrap up this year," announced the actor. "I love the crew. I love the cast. The work situation has been tremendous. We're doing creative work, still, I think...as a television gig would go, it's a great, wonderful gig."

Bakula did expect that if UPN decided to cancel Enterprise, the writers would be given sufficient notice to write a series finale rather than a cliffhanger such as the one that ended last season. The producers are currently working on the 21st of 22 episodes, so such notice would have to come soon. "They're not under any obligation to let us know," the actor noted. He said that they have "often" received indications that this would be the show's last season, but no official decision has yet been announced.

"I think the show this year has been much better [creatively] than last year," said Moonves, stating that he liked the changes, including more references to the original series and a focus on mini-arcs rather than a season-long action storyline. Moonves added that UPN did not have the same ratings requirements as other networks, like Viacom's other network, CBS, but said that Enterprise ratings for the rest of the season and the schedule for next season would determine the show's fate.

The original article is at Sci Fi Wire. Now Playing Magazine has additional quotes from Bakula at the press tour, calling the rumours that he wished to depart "crazy."

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