Roswell executive producer and former TNG star Jonathan Frakes (William T. Riker) confirmed today that the series will feature a crossover with Enterprise in the fourth episode of its third season.

"This was the brainstorm of Ron Moore and Jason Katims," Frakes told Zap2it. "They said, 'Since you're directing, would you mind playing yourself in the episode? And while you're at it, would you mind playing yourself as if you're directing an episode of Enterprise? And while you're directing the episode of Enterprise, do you think we can get somebody from the cast of Enterprise? And while you're at that, would you call Rick Berman and Paramount and see if it's okay?'"

Berman gave his permission for the crossover to go ahead, with the proviso that none of the Enterprise sets were to be used. "It's an audition scene," said Frakes. "Max is auditioning to play the role of an alien, only he doesn't know how to play an alien, hence the wacky, ironic hijinks. It's a comedy scene in a serious episode."

Although the original report stated that Scott Bakula (Jonathan Archer) would be appearing in the episode (story) - the actor turned the role down. "He thought it was too early to break the fourth wall," said Frakes. "Bakula is not going to do it."

"I don't know that you'd get any bang out of anybody but Bakula," he continued, "because Bakula is at least a TV star. These other guys [in the Enterprise cast] are about to become TV stars. So I think we can get as good a laugh out of me directing Jason [Behr] as Max in the audition. It'll play because it will be me telling Jason that he doesn't know how to be an alien. The joke is there."

Nevertheless, Frakes was full of praise for Trek's latest captain. "He's a wonderful leader, Bakula," says Frakes. "He's charming; he's strong; his acting is effortless. He's a real pro. It's a great addition to the family."

The original article can be found here at Zap2it.

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