Eric Pesola

Eric W. Pesola is a Heavy contributor writing about the Star Trek Universe. He’s also written for StarTrek.com, TOR.com, Trek.Report, and many other Virginia-based publications. Twitter: @epesola
Rarely seen images from ‘Star Trek’ history, as seen in the new book ‘Star Trek: A Celebration.’

Secrets of ‘The Original Series’ Revealed in ‘Star Trek: A Celebration’

Eric Pesola

For their second “celebration” book, Hero Collector assembled an impressive collection of rare photos, sketches and interviews from birth of “Star Trek”

‘Star Trek: Voyager’ debuts this Thursday on Paramount+

Everything You Need to Know About the Newest ‘Star Trek’ Series

Eric Pesola

This Thursday will mark the premiere of the newest installment in the Trek franchise — ’Star Trek: Prodigy.’ We put together this guide to get you prepared to watch!

The “crew” of the U.S.S. Protostar

In Another First, a ‘Star Trek’ Story Without a Crew or Captain

Eric Pesola

As fans look forward to getting all their “Star Trek: Prodigy“ questions answered, Heavy got a chance to ask a few questions to three of the shows’ stars.

Captain Sisko and Keiko O’Brien

Why Wasn’t Keiko O’Brien on ‘Deep Space Nine’ Full-Time?

Eric Pesola

They wanted Rosalind Chao to be a full-time cast member on ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,’ but she turned them down. The reason will warm your heart.

Denise Crosby as Tasha Yar

The Secret Goodbye to Fans From Tasha Yar

Eric Pesola

Her death was shocking and sudden, but it was not filmed in order. This gave Denise Crosby a second chance for her character to save goodbye to her fans…

FAN THEORY: ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Is Bringing Back V’ger

Eric Pesola

At the end of the film, V’Ger transcended “into another dimension.” One fan says that V’Ger is back, and will face Burnham on “Star Trek: Discovery,” Season 4.

The Unflappable William Shatner Returns to Earth Stunned, Full of Emotion 

Eric Pesola

On television and in the movies, he experienced both death and life. But when it was finally his turn, the legendary actor was not prepared for the experience of space.

William Shatner and his NS-18 crew

How to Watch William Shatner’s Historic Flight Today

Eric Pesola

Captain Kirk himself, television and film icon William Shatner, will be a part of Blue Origin’s NS-18 mission to space. His flight launches at 9 a.m. Central Time.

Jason Isaacs

Why Actor Jason Issacs Compared His ‘Star Trek’ Costume to Encased Meat

Eric Pesola

Patrick Stewart and Jason Isaacs have come out on the record on why they dislike the uniforms on ‘Star Trek.’ Isaacs may win for his meaty descriptions.

What Lynda Carter might have looked like as Captain Janeway

The Interesting Group of Actresses Who Could Have Been Captain Janeway

Eric Pesola

Casting decisions can affect the success or failure of a series. Check out the talented group of actresses who had a shot at playing Captain Janeway.

Mart McChesney as Armus.

What Exactly Was ‘Armus’ From ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation?’

Eric Pesola

He appeared one just one episode of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,” but his mark is hard to remove. Get to know the slimy ‘Titan’ known as ‘Armus.’

Will Riker, Deanna Troi, and Tom Riker

How ‘Star Trek’ Nearly Killed off William T. Riker

Eric Pesola

Killing main characters is commonplace on “Game of Thrones,” but would be a radical thing to do on “Star Trek.” Aside from Tasha Yar and Jadzia Dax, this is a rarity.

What Exactly is Gene Roddenberry’s Vision?

Eric Pesola

Much has been written about Gene Roddenberry’s vision for the future, and for ‘Star Trek.’ Here's what he actually said on the subject.

Klingons

The Interesting Backstory of Worf’s Ceremonial Sash

Eric Pesola

The Klingons are the mighty warrior race of ‘Star Trek.’ This is a look at the backstory of how the Son of Mogh got a new ceremonial sash, or baldric.

Teri Hatcher

Why Teri Hatcher Was Unhappy With Her Episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation”

Eric Pesola

Teri Hatcher was the star of two hit television shows, and even appeared as a James Bond love interest. But she also appeared on “Star Trek,” and left unhappy.

The Beautiful, Alternate Option for the “Star Trek: Enterprise” Opening Music

Eric Pesola

Nearly all fans of ‘Star Trek’ dislike the opening for ‘Star Trek: Enterprise.’ But there was another, expensive option which cast and crew considered...

Colm Meaney as Chief O’Brien

Why Didn’t Chief O’Brien Ever Get Promoted?

Eric Pesola

Chief Miles O’Brien put himself — and his family — on the line for Starfleet numerous times. Why didn't Captains Picard or Sisko ever get him promoted?

Jolene Blalock as T’pol

How ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ Nearly Got a Very Different T’pol

Eric Pesola

Paramount was set to launch the new ‘Enterprise’ series in 2001, and they had their captain. But who would be the ’austere yet sensual’ female Vulcan?

Leonard Nimoy as Spock and Christopher Lloyd as Kruge on ‘Star Trek III.’

How Leonard Nimoy Fought for This Legendary Actor’s Part on ‘Star Trek’

Eric Pesola

He’s world famous for his role on the ”Back to the Future“ trilogy, but after ‘Taxi,’ Christopher Lloyd was in danger of becoming typecast.

William Shatner showing off some of the blue cuisine.

The Story of How a ‘Star Trek’ Director Had to Bribe His Actors

Eric Pesola

The crew of the Starship Enterprise are the most bold and fearless explorers in the galaxy. Unless it comes to consuming strange, new alien cuisine.

Kirstie Alley as Saavik

Why Did Kirstie Alley Leave ‘Star Trek?’

Eric Pesola

She turned heads as Saavik on 1982’s hit film, ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.’ But instead of returning for the sequel, Kirstie Alley left the franchise. Why?

Drs. Pulaski and Crusher

Why Did Diana Muldaur Leave ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’?

Eric Pesola

Almost as suddenly as she arrived, Dr. Pulaski left the crew of the Enterprise, and Dr. Crusher returned. Here’s the story behind the story.

George Takei and Mel Brooks

George Takei Talks About His New Project With Comedy Legend Mel Brooks

Eric Pesola

Known to most for his iconic role of Mr. Sulu on ‘Star Trek,’ the great George Takei will soon be lending his famous voice to a new Mel Brooks project.

John Noble has joined the cast of ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’

‘Star Trek’ casts new actors for villain roles

Eric Pesola

Paramount announced that John Noble, known the world over as the Steward of Gondor from ‘Lord of the Rings’ has joined the voice cast or ‘Prodigy.’

Many of the ’Star Trek’ titles are warping out of Netflix.

‘Star Trek’ Titles Begin to Leave Netflix

Eric Pesola

When ViacomCBS created Paramount+, they made a streaming service where all ‘Star Trek’ titles would be available. This plan is starting to play out...

Avery Brooks

Why Don’t We See Avery Brooks at ‘Star Trek’ Conventions?

Eric Pesola

Avery Brooks astounded and amazed fans with his portrayal of Captain Benjamin Sisko. But his prominence on TV does not translate to his appearance schedule.

The Stars of ‘Star Trek’ and Their Appearances on ‘The Simpsons’

Eric Pesola

One launched in 1966, while the other set sail in 1989. Both incredibly influential pop-culture phenomena. A look at ‘Star Trek’ through a ‘Simpsons’ lens.

Captain Sulu

Why George Takei Declined to Return for Star Trek: Generations

Eric Pesola

Fans might be surprised to learn that George Takei was supposed to be in the final film for the Original Series cast, but turned down the role. Here’s the reason why.

Mr. Worf (Michael Dorn)

A Guide to the Best Next Gen and Deep Space Nine Episodes Featuring Worf

Eric Pesola

Star Trek fans: If you want to watch just the ’good ones’ featuring Worf and the internal struggles of the Klingon Empire, this is the list for you.

Marc Alaimo

All the Roles Played by Marc Alaimo — Including Gul Dukat

Eric Pesola

Veteran actor Marc Alaimo was a mainstay on cop shows through the 1970s and ’80s. But he became a star on ‘Deep Space Nine’ via Gul Dukat.