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June 12 - 18, 2023 Page 3 By Jay Bobbin A prequel series in one of sci- fi's most iconic franchises is ready to go, boldly, back to the roots of the saga. "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" begins its 10-episode second season Thursday, June 15, on Paramount+, as it continues the exploits of the starship Enter- prise when it was under the com- mand of Capt. Christopher Pike (Anson Mount, "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," 2022), the predecessor of the vessel's legendary later skipper, James T. Kirk (played by "The Vampire Diaries'" Paul Wesley, who reprises the recurring role in Season 2). Spun off from another prequel show, "Star Trek: Dis- covery," "Strange New Worlds" has even more in store for fans: A third season already has been ordered, ahead of the premiere of Season 2. "We have tried to harken back to some of the values and styles of the original series that got those of us who are a little older ignited on our 'Star Trek' journeys," explains executive producer Akiva Goldsman. "In doing so, we've tried to look back and interpolate some parts of the original series that might not have made it to the screen, some things that might have happened just before Jim Kirk took over the Enterprise. And, as such, some familiar faces are finding new life." Mount brought his Pike portrayal over from "Star Trek: Discovery," which also featured Ethan Peck ("In Time," 2011) as Spock and Rebecca Romijn ("X-Men," 2000) as Number One before they made the jour- ney to "Strange New Worlds." Nurse Chapel (played by Jess Bush, "Playing For Keeps") and Ensign Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding, "Broadway Whodunit: Escape From Camp Eerie," 2020) are among other long-famil- iar characters who make their "Strange New Worlds" presence known. The second season of "Strange New Worlds" also in- cludes Carol Kane ("Hunters") in a recurring role. "There was something about 'Star Trek' that was so far off the radar for me," reflects "Hell on Wheels" alum Mount, who also is the character Black Bolt in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. "It wasn't even on my bucket list. I just never thought I would end up captaining the Enterprise. It's insane when you think about it. And every single day I'm on the set — I'm not exaggerating — is both disbelief and a feeling of tremendous gratitude." A particularly intriguing cross- over story is part of Season 2 of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," which will merge temporarily with "Star Trek: Lower Decks" ... an animated show. Franchise veteran Jonathan Frakes ("Star Trek: The Next Generation") directed that story, which features the voices of Tawny Newsome ("Space Force") and Jack Quaid ("The Boys") in their "Lower Decks" parts — and challenges traditional "Star Trek" boundaries by combining live action and animation. ACROSS 1. Action movie star Jackie 5. Camera inits. 8. Sheriff in 1970s and 1980s TV 12. L.A.'s state 13. "The Matrix" trilogy's hero 14. "Dancing with the Stars" host Andrews 15. Tops for 22 Down 16. Lt.'s subordinate 17. Personal assistant 18. Fox reality competition, with "The" 21. Helicopter evacuation 22. Bob Ross' material 25. Energy from the sun 29. C.I.A. forerunner 30. Spanish treasure 31. "We hold these truths ..." 34. Jerry Seinfeld, for one 36. "Friends" star Jennifer 40. Gordon Ramsay's ride in "24 Hours to Hell and Back" 45. Gait between walk and canter 46. "Star Wars: The Rise of Sky- walker" (2019) actor Billy ___ Williams 47. Itty-bitty bit 49. Ripped up 50. 007 creator Fleming 51. Too much sound 52. Pace to put koi 53. Cadillac model 54. Former Fords DOWN 1. Half of D 2. One of The Two Coreys, of 1980s fame 3. Six-time Emmy winner Alan 4. Japanese automaker 5. Cartoon villain's look 6. Legendary tennis player Ivan 7. "Arrested Development" star Portia de ___ 8. Simple shelter 9. The first: Abbr. 10. Tarry for a time 11. Humdinger 19. Set of equipment 20. uncertainties 22. Coffee container 23. Shade of blonde 24. Expert finish 26. "Pink Panther" films actor Herbert 27. The Diamondbacks, on score- boards 28. "Arabian nights" menace 32. Like many pretzels 33. Rock's Brian 34. Cedar Rapids college 35. "Modern Family" star Ed 37. "The Jungle Book" (2016) setting 38. I can be broken at the gym 39. If-___ (programmer's routines) 40. uRL starter 41. Switch ending 42. Love ender 43. Illegally acquired goods 44. Small earring 48. Magazine revenue source CoverStory The identity of the featured celebrity is found within the answers in the puzzle. In order to take the TV Challenge, unscramble the letters noted with asterisks within the puzzle. InFocus Boldly going: 'Star Trek' prequel explores 'Strange New Worlds' again "The Righteous Gemstones - Season 3" (season premiere - HBO/Max, June 18) Telling the story of a world-fa- mous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work, Season 3 picks back up as the spoiled Gemstone children finally get their wish to take control of the Church, they dis- cover leadership is harder than they imagined and that their extravagant lifestyle comes with a heavy price. Solution is on page 2. Ethan Peck in "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"

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