Zefram Cochrane To Appear In 'Enterprise' Pilot

Although most previous Trek pilots featured a character from one of the other series, the fact that all these characters weren't even born in the mid-22nd Century was thought to make this impossible for Series V. However, new rumours today suggested that Enterprise will still get its send-off - by a character thought to be dead for several decades in this series' timeframe.

According to a report on Ain't It Cool News, James Cromwell will be reprising his role as Zefram Cochrane from 'First Contact' for the Enterprise pilot. He will supposedly appear to give a "stirring speech that sends this first crew of explorers on their way."

Other net rumours said that Cochrane will actually appear as a hologram, in a 'video message' to the Enterprise crew. In addition, while most of the contents of Cochrane's speech is not yet known, some rumours suggested it will end with the words 'To boldly go where no man has gone before,' recalling the famous opening speech of the first two Star Trek series.

Originally, producers were also planning to have Cochrane make a similar appearance in the Voyager episode 'Friendship One.' In one of the earlier drafts of the script, the Friendship One probe would broadcast a message saying, "My name is Zefram Cochrane. I send greetings on behalf of the inhabitants of Earth." However, this was changed to "We the people of Earth greet you in a spirit of peace and humility" for the final version of the episode.

While it is unknown why the Cochrane cameo wasn't included in 'Friendship One,' this may well have been because Cromwell wasn't available. This may also turn out to be a factor for Enterprise, as the actor is currently also working on Citizen Baines, a new CBS show premiering this Fall in which Cromwell has the lead role.

All previous Trek pilots since The Next Generation have featured a character from one of the other series. 'Encounter at Farpoint' had an aged Admiral McCoy visiting the Enterprise. The Enterprise herself visited Deep Space Nine in 'Emissary,' when Picard gave Sisko his orders. Finally, when Voyager left for the Badlands in 'Caretaker,' she departed from Deep Space Nine, where Tom Paris and Harry Kim met Quark.

As usual, please be aware that Paramount has made no official statements yet about the guest actors or the plot of the Enterprise opening episode, and Cochrane may well turn out to not be in the episode. Until Paramount releases official info, please treat all Series V news from unofficial sources as you would any rumour.

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