By GustavoLeao / 01:46, 25 March 2008 / General Star Trek

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TrekWeb talks to actor Brandon McConnell, who plays the role of Lieutenant Commander Ro Nevin, acting captain of the Allegiance Class starship U.S.S. Odyssey, in the new fan production series Star Trek Odyssey. In 2384, the Odyssey and her crew was designated as Missing In Action while on a classified mission to the Andromeda Galaxy.

1- How familiar were you with the Star Trek phenomenon before you got involved with Star Trek Odyssey ?        

I grew up on TNG with my mother, it was just her and I growing up and we'd spend our nights around the tube watching. My affinity for Star Trek never grew much after that, but now that I've got a ship to command I'm learning just how expansive the Trek-universe is, and my curiosity and amazement continues to swell. Much like that of a StarFleet Captain in his/her search for discovery, I suppose. :)  

2-How did you get involved with this Star Trek fan production ?              

Lol, good question. :) I responded to a casting call for James Cawley, regarding Star Trek: New Voyages, where, as fate would have it, I auditioned with Bobby Rice as his love interest in "Blood and Fire." I was auditioned by J.T. Tenapa (Corey Aster), however at this point I had no idea of Hidden Frontier. I was offered the part by Mr. Cawley but, for one reason or another, we never connected again. Months later (maybe a year?), I received an invitation from J.T. and Rob Caves to audition for a different character, Ro Nevin. Apparently, after sorting through many actors to fill the role, J.T. vaguely recalled our meeting and decided to give me a shot. The rest is history I suppose. It wasn't until recently though that I realized Bobby and I had not only crossed paths but shared a scene, ironic. Hmmmm, wonder where that audition tape is?  

3-Describe the character of Ro Nevin for us.  

Ro Nevin has become a man that must constantly define his worth to himself. He is selfless and romantic. Charming and courageous. But he is not the go-to hero as Kirk was. His spotlight does not shine on his prime but rather on his definition. He is raw and unpolished, unsure and reluctant. Afraid and worried, burdened with an unwanted weight, but it is his triumph over these things that will make him worthy of notoriety. He is not a captain, but a captain in the making. He is naïve, yet knows a truth in purity. He is emotional, but thinks it unprofessional. He is twisted in conflict between duty and desire. He is loyal and he is determined.  

4- You are playing the first gay captain in Star Trek history, a somewhat controversial subject among the fans. What is your opinion on this ?            

It is my understanding that in the 24^th century there is no gay or straight, only love and connection between two beings. I think that is something we can all learn from. However, to address today's social atmosphere, I would have to make two points. First, to the fans of Star Trek that disagree with the endeavor, I would have to insist that negating or condemning the issue would be contrary to what ST represents and seeks to achieve; understanding through exploration. ST has always tackled controversial issues through its allegorical episodes and utopian perspective. I am not attempting to debate one's personal beliefs but if the final frontier represents the unknown, how are we to judge it without understanding it first. Secondly, I do not believe my portrayal of Ro Nevin as a gay character, to be for the sake of a particular audience or a gregarious attempt for a minority to be heard. At the core of Ro lies the same conflict of any young man, gay or straight; a boy struggling to realize it is time to be a man and to be the man that is true to himself.  

5- You are the third actor to play this role. Have you gone back and looked at the old episodes with your predecessors, actors Arthur Bosserman and Bobby Rice ?    

I've watched a few episodes for the storyline but not to critique my predecessors. I have my own interpretation of Ro at this point in his life and intend not to falter in portraying that.  While I hope that my intentions please the fans and critics, I have to be true myself and to the character as I (and the writers) see him. Someone in the forums commented that Ro gets a new face every time he faces a dramatic change in his life... I think this is fate at work. :)   
 
6- What surprises can we expect in future episodes of Odyssey ? Can you reveal something?                      

Hahahaha..... hmmmm...lets see, Odyssey will be nothing short of spectacular! This isn't just a ship and crew trying to get home... there is a reason why Odyssey is lost in Andromeda.  Poor guys, things are gonna get a lot worse before they get better.      

7- What are you future projects ?              

I'm a carpenter during the day, so there are always upcoming projects. :) Been shooting a few commercials lately and will be performing a new show with my sketch comedy group Easily Distracted in the coming months. Check us out at www.myspace.com/easilydistractedsketchcomedy