In a recent revelation, Walter Koenig, best known for his role as Ensign Pavel Chekov in Star Trek: The Original Series, shared an anecdote about correcting a mistake in a classic episode of the iconic sci-fi series. Discussing the episode “Who Mourns for Adonais?” on The 7th Rule podcast, Koenig revealed that he rectified an error in the script related to Greek mythology, with none other than William Shatner supporting his correction.
In the episode, the Starship Enterprise encounters the Greek god Apollo, who attempts to win the affections of Lt. Carolyn Palamas. During the podcast discussion, Koenig pointed out that the script incorrectly referred to the mythological hero Odysseus by his Latinized name, Ulysses. Recognizing the error, Koenig insisted on the correct pronunciation, and Shatner, the series lead, agreed with him.
According to Koenig, this instance of script adjustment was a rare occurrence during his tenure on Star Trek, spanning two seasons and seven movies. Despite any personal differences, Koenig’s correction highlights a collaborative effort to maintain accuracy and authenticity within the series.
While Koenig’s correction may seem minor, it underscores the attention to detail and commitment to accuracy exhibited by the cast and crew of Star Trek. In the realm of Greek mythology, getting the names right is crucial for maintaining narrative integrity and respecting the source material.
Moreover, Koenig’s ability to adjust dialogue represents a departure from the strict adherence to scripts that characterized earlier eras of Star Trek. In contrast to the past, actors now have more freedom to improvise and contribute to the creative process, as seen in recent Paramount+ series.
Overall, Koenig’s anecdote serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Star Trek and the dedication of its cast and crew to delivering quality storytelling. As fans continue to revisit classic episodes, they can appreciate the meticulous efforts made to ensure the series’ authenticity and integrity.
FAQ
What episode of Star Trek: The Original Series did Walter Koenig correct?
Walter Koenig corrected a mistake in the episode “Who Mourns for Adonais?” from Star Trek: The Original Series season 2.
Who supported Walter Koenig’s correction of the script error?
William Shatner, the series lead, backed Walter Koenig’s correction regarding the misidentification of the mythological hero Odysseus.
Has Walter Koenig always been fond of William Shatner?
While Walter Koenig respects William Shatner as an actor, there have been instances where Koenig expressed his differences with the series lead. However, their collaboration on correcting the script error demonstrates professionalism and mutual respect.