Next Generation actor Brent Spiner (Data) recently lashed out at those who feel the current Star Trek producers have betrayed the vision of the show's creator.

"For the most part, I think [Gene Roddenberry would be happy with [current Trek]," Spiner told the Star Trek Communicator. "I can't tell you the numbers of times when we were doing the films that we wanted to do something and Rick Berman responded 'You know, that's really not Roddenberry, That's really not his vision of this, and I don't want to cross that line.' People who say Rick has forgotten Gene's vision and tried to create his own Star Trek are way off base. It is just not true and I have been privy to moments where he has stated the opposite."

Spiner said that the evidence of this is plainly visible in today's Trek. "All you have to do is watch the shows - they are still about the same things. They are still about the hopeful vision of the future and the need for people to accept each other in whatever form.:"

The actor, who had a guest role on Enterprise earlier this year, said that the latest Trek spin-off has finally hits its stride. But despite that, the show is still doing badly in the ratings. "I don't know if I have a solution for [Trek's] future," Spiner said. "Some people think it needs to be put to sleep for a while and then woke up again in about five to ten years with a new concept and design and a bunch of young new kids. There is something to be said for that but, at the same time, I personally just like the fact that it is on the air. I want it to be around always."

More from Spiner, including his thoughts on what he would have liked to see in an eleventh Trek film, pick up the new issue of the Star Trek Communicator. Alternatively, a few more excerpts are available at TrekWeb.

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