I am always amused how much Walter Koenig lights up and gets animated whenever someone asks him about Babylon 5 and Bester at a convention or interview. It's clearly his favorite role he did.
James Doohan was at a small convention...20 people very intimate. I remember him telling us a story about bringing food to a starving actor. Everyone laughed at the moment we thought was appropriate. He got so very angry. A few moments of confusion past between us before he said, "I have to remember that none of you have probably really ever missed a meal. And you shouldn't feel bad. But you should understand that at that time.." And he began to explain that his friend was really starving to death. A starving artist he said, is no mythical thing. And he spent the rest of the week nursing his friend back to health. So if anyone lost any respect for Mr. Koenig when he tells the story about the bolt I thought I would share this story. I Didn't. I laughed. Because it was safe to laugh at this one. I bet young Walter really needed the money. And oh yeah....James Doohan did that whole convention for free. Nuff said right there
I remember seeing James at a convention as a kid and he was joking around about his time in the Canadian army and telling everyone about how he lost his fingers. The man was just... amazingly gracious and entertaining as all hell. I could have listened to him all day.
I watched an interview with walter k years ago and he was offered a one part role, but he had a heart attack or stroke and couldnt do it. So when Bester came along they offered him that role...😁😁😁
Having worked with Mr. Koenig several times and read his books, screenplays and seen him on stage (once with the late great Mark Leonard) - I can say he's gracious withe fans, intelligent with commentary and completely professional with his colleagues with a sharp sense of humor. His wife Judy is his real charm. She is twice as witty and twice as fun! Thank you Connor and Dominick and Walter - keep on sharing your stories, please! Bravo again guys!
I’m in my fifties and hope to be half as sharp as he is. Remarkable. They need to get him on a new Trek franchise like Lower Decks or other series with a time travel or flashback premise
It is weird to think about but Walter is only a couple years younger than my Dad. Since I started watching Star Trek on reruns I tend not to think of his as around my Dad's age.
I like every time Walter drops an F Bomb they tribble it out. Every time Dominic drops an F Bomb, they keep it in. 😃 This was one of the more fun interviews. Walter is awesome.
It blows my mind that these actors whom I adore are doing these podcasts and basically hang out together. All these people seem so down ro earth. I'm glad I stumbled upon this, it really warms my heart to see these guys having fun with these awesome guests
He played Bester so well. It was those moments where the "mask" would slip and you saw humanity and love in there then right back to a heartless scumbag so effortlessly. I always loved the interaction he'd have with the main cast too 🤗
I think the best part is that when you watch B5 he's Bester, when you watch Star Trek he's Chekov. With some actors, when you see them in different roles you can't help but identify them with the first role you saw them in because each 'character' they play is almost a carbon copy of each other.
@@MoA-Reload... Totally agree! There is no hint of Chekov in Bester. If you'd told me that the actor who played Chekov could be absolutely chilling, I would have wanted to see it to believe it (I always defer to actors being exactly that, actors, and having the ability to play anything, given the right opportunity). But Bester was absolutely terrifying.
@@MoA-Reload... Those slips makes his character more human, even behind all the terrible things his character did in show. His law was true towards the CORP. Bester did believe his cause! And that makes him so good villain. He was not a ”bad”, he defended the teeps best way he could! That is why he was a hero among the Psi-Cop!
So great seeing Connor and Dom back with Erica (and Mark's wonderful laugh!) and the LEGEND Walter Koenig! He was a gem to see at STLV and so enjoyable to listen to all of his stories! Fabulous interview and big thanks @Shuttlepod Show ! ❤💛💙🤓🖖🏾
Fun chat-- Walter is always amazing, and Connor, Dominic, and Erica brought out a lot of good stories from him too. Thanks @Shuttlepod Show ! And importantly, WELCOME BACK! (Hi also to Mark in the background...)
Just to make Dominic and Connor feel a little better: I've been bitter about the Enterprise's cancellation for literally my whole life, as I'm only 21 and binge-watched the show on DVDs somewhere in 2006.
@@phrixos2826 Oh, I know it, yes - I’ve actually read the books! But Trip’s survival doesn’t make the bitterness over the Enterprise’s cancellation go away! 😅
@@brianwilli2002 And that's also why most of the Trek movies suck. Oh sure, they're cinematic and epic. But as stories, they usually suck. Star Trek needs to stay. on. television.
I'm so happy Shuttle Pod is back. I'm actually a little tearful. Thank you for bringing in Walter. I cannot wait to see what you have in store. An avid fan from down under.
Walter Koenig is such an icon, truly an amazing person! ❤ No matter how much I loved him as Pavel Chekov, he really got to me with his character on Babylon 5! The way he portrayed Alfred Bester made me love him even more as an actor in science fiction! 😁👍
Connor, Dom and Erica - welcome back and congrats on a fantastic opener! 🥰 Walter was a perfect first guest to ring in the new season, very mild mannered, humble and funny. Can't believe that he's 86, he looks great! The bolt story was so wild, I never would've thought he had it him in to do something like that! Getting all the behind the scenes Trek tidbits and insight from him was a real treat. Overjoyed to have the Shuttlepod flying for another fun filled season, I can't wait to see what happens next! I myself am glad to see Wash looking comfortable and healthy as well. Happy Shuttlepod Sunday one all - man does it ever feel good to say that again! 🍃🖖💚
Season 1 was Sunday morning with a coffee, now season 2 Sunday night with a Chivas!!! I can get used to this😁. Great seeing all of you again, Walter what a master!! Cheers
There was an exchange in here that is typical of not only why I love hearing the cast members and "inside" TREK people in general get together to talk about the show and the movies, but specifically why I love listening to you two: after Domenic told Walter that he watched a bunch of original series episodes and movies to see Walter's work as Chekov and complimented him on same, a little later Walter says that he never watched a single episode of ENTERPRISE, and you two both laughed at it, with Connor saying something like "well, not many people did." That Walter has none of the phony pomposity that would lie and say something like "oh, yes, I've seen several episodes, great work," but instead honestly says "I never watched it," and then that you two would laugh it off. Your refusal to take yourselves or TREK or any of it seriously is what makes this podcast the best. Keep it up. Suggestion: I'm hoping you can get some of the DISCOVERY or STRANGE NEW WORLDS cast members on as guests... particularly DISCOVERY, which I feel gets shunted aside by some fans. Tig Notaro would be great; Doug Jones, Sonequa Martin Greene, Anthony Rapp, Jason Isaacs... it's such a talented cast that really deserves some props! Keep up the great work... love it!
I'm watching this, and I just have to biggest smile on my face. Walter is an gem. Currently I'm watching Babylon 5 again for the first time in many years, & his character 'Bester' is such a contrast with Chekov. Growing up and seeing him play both characters showed me what a terrific actor he is. I feel so lucky to watch this interview in 2022.
You guys should really thank me. Eons ago, aged about 7, me and a few neighbor kids marched up and down a dusty street in fly blown Australia with handmade signs reading, 'bring back Star Trek'. Somehow we thought big Hollywood limousines would drive past us on a sun scorched, dry wasteland and notice our protest! lol Low and behold....it worked. Talk about manifestation.
1. I MADE IT TO SEASON TWO!! 2. As somebody who was raised watching Trek on WDCA channel 20 in the 70s, I cherish the actors from the original series. Thank you!
What a great interview by Connor and Dominic with the legendary Walter Koenig!! Been watching him since the beginning as I'm that old. Loved his turn as Alfred Bester on B5 and he is just awesome.
Yes, really excellent! I hope they get you all together (most of you) for a special series or 4-part, to begin with, then more. I really want Enterprise to make a come back!
Enterprise was a true gem. In it you see the formation of many things that came after. The show is a ride along in the early days of the federation. All the shows after, the federation is seen as this monolithic entity and very formal. The show was akin to The Right Stuff in that it was a show about test pilots pushing the edge of the envelope. The truest expression of Star Trek. The cast and the stories were all fantastic because as a fan, you know what things were like later and what the federation became. I think of the scene in Discovery where Sahil is commissioned as a starfleet officer in That Hope is You, Part 1 and what it meant to that character. That is reverence that later characters had for the federation defined most vividly. So in Enterprise, you see the creation of it all and for that, I truly love it.
Please pass on my thanks to firstly Walter, Connor, Dom, Erica, Mark and the rest of the crew. That was great, loved the stories he had to tell. I bet he has a ton more to tell. I hope like others you have had on, we get a part 2. Anyways great to see the shuttlepod out of spacedock and continuing to provide great...wait no...fantastic content. Keep it up
Yes. Astounding, isn’t it? I remember seeing him during the what was it 20th something reunion of the B5 cast… Mira and Jerry were still with us. Walter sat there, white, looking frail. Absent. We all have good days and bad days, of course. But Walter? He must’ve aged backwards since then.
Easily my most favorite show by now. The intro alone ( and hun #1 of course ) gets me fired up. Oh, there‘s guests , too ? Walter Koenig. What a legend.
That was a great start for season 2. TOS was the beginning of it all, I really got a little melacholic - especially each time Walter unpacked his Russian accent. Its so good to have you back, guys!
Always enjoy hearing Walter talk. I saw him at a convention some years back, in Chicago I believe and he decided, in the middle of his panel, to just come out and admit he had been wearing a Toupee for awhile now and he said he was done with it and pulled it off right there on stage! Got quite the applause from the crowd. Made it a very memorable event!
@@yellowblanka6058 LOL Is Shatners even a wig now? They can do wonders with cosmetic surgery and stuff. I'm sure Shatner upgraded from the toupe to hair extensions or weaving or whatever they do these days. Lots of well known actors are bald and with a lot of them you can tell they have and many you can't
@@laurarules3642 Not sure, but I'm reasonably certain he wore a wig at some point. He probably had hair plugs, where they take live hair/roots from the back of the head etc. and implant them in the scalp etc. that or a really elaborate wig/weave. At least it's better than Trump's ridiculous shredded wheat situation - not sure who he thinks he's fooling. I'm sure a lot of celebrities have had hair implants etc. - receding hairlines/male pattern baldness etc. are pretty common.
Thanks for producing this show. It was great to learn about Walter and his career. I am sure lots of people have told you this, but I loved Enterprise and was so sad it went off the air.
What a show ! Walter on form gently encouraged by the hosts of the show … You guys followed in my book the number 1 rule of this type of show … let the guest talk !! All great talents in their own right , but a generous amount of respect offered by all to original Star Trek royalty. The show held my attention , made me smile , and reminisce about watching the good old BBC even before the days of Betamax & Sony video!!! ( yes showing my age. 😅!) Thank you
Your show is a joy to watch,been going back on the interviews, and you guys make them all enjoyable and I appreciate the honesty that you as hosts have, and you bring out that same honesty in your guests, I feel like I could sit down and have a beer with you guys
Knowing how many have gone beyond the galaxy's edge, it's great that you guys are bringing guys like Walter and George in to tell their stories. How amazing would it have been to have Rene Auberjonois or Andreas Katsulas, but sadly the universe had other ideas. What a treasure to hear his voice as Chekov's son, the Federation President and Anton Yelchin's namesake, and it was so gracious of him to not get into Michael O'Hare's struggles too much, as JMS had already told that story many times now.
Much as I love start trek, Mr. Koenig will always be Mr. Bester for our family. His roll on Babylon 5 was so much fun. There's only a few shows we re-watch every few years, Babylon 5, Enterprise, Fringe, X-files, a couple others, but whenever Mr. Koenig's Bester would show up, we knew we were in for a treat.
So glad to have you all back in the swing of things, I have definitely missed you and the show. Great seeing the wonderful Walter Koenig. Awesome show all the way around. Welcome back Shuttlepod Show. LLAP to everyone. \\//
I’m 56 and I think the reason for the Motion Picture being made was reruns. Star Trek was on every single Saturday afternoon in the 70s for YEARS. I was a baby when it was first made but grew up being a diehard fan, like many others.
VHF on TV always carried a star Trek. I found it there. So I am a TOS-VHF fan, about 2 years before the first movie. BTW, I absolutely loved this interview. You captured TV history! And Walter is gem. He was cute as a young man, and in a totally different way, he is cute and fascinating as an older man! I was a teenager when TOS came out, so it was over my head. But I was about 26 when I found it on VHS. And I was crazy for it. And TOS is still the series closest to my heart. And, hey! I really liked the actors in Enterprise (except the captain). You supporting actors, including the Vulcan, were really excellent. ❤❤❤
Was lucky enough to see Walter do a talk at a comic con in London some years back. He was great then and has lost nothing since. Amazing guy. And as others have mentioned here, he's so proud of his role in B5, as he should be.
Watched with a smile on my face alllll the way through. Looking forward to sitting down with a bottle of something one evening this week to watch the extended Patreon edition. What a dear, sweet man. I bet he could write a whole book just of actor stories. Brilliant.
This interview was so much fun! Walter can often times be a melancholy man, and to see him having so much fun is, quite frankly, joyous. Connor and Dominic are amazing with him. Thanks so much.
Such a pleasure watching a living treasure like Koenig share stories. Great job bringing the original generation and the Enterprise generation together
Seeing Malcom and Tripp interview Chekhov is pretty surreal. I can see little bits of the characters in the interactions. Really cool podcast spanning all of Trek
I recently found this wonderful podcast and have been watching them all from the start. They are all great but this one just had me smiling all the way through - Walter Koenig is amazing!
I been thinking about this for awhile. To me, Walter's talent and power was wasted in TOS and most of the movies (save for TWOK). Chekov was a great character that had more to give and actor capable of delivering. Seeing him in B5 back when it first aired was an amazing experience. Each scene with him as the badass Psi Cop was like fine French wine. I grew up with Trek in the 1980s with the films and the DC Comics series. In those comics, Chekov was a more flesh out character and I wished we all could have seen more of Mr. Koenig as that Chekov then no one would pay no worship to the garish Kirk. Cheers to you Shuttlepod show, I loved how much honor you paid to this titan of trek and I love you guys so much for what you do. Also, your show allows all of us non-actors to see into the bipolar world of acting...both its highs, lows, and creamy middles. Shuttlepod show should be watch by anyone and everyone that wants to be an actor.
Welcome back gentle beings, I really have enjoyed hanging out with a couple of Enterprise alumni. But the show with Walter Koenig is incredible. Not to denigrate Walter On TOS but he made an indelible impression on B5 and for a 5 year run and only 12 episodes I am still stunned
I met Mr. Koenig at the Omaha Comic convention almost over a decade ago. I remember him just walking around in the crowd and younger folks just passed by him without much recognition, but every time I passed by him, I had no idea what to say! I had never seen any actor, in person, before that day and I was thrilled to get a Bester autograph from him. He seems tired and worn out but he stayed the whole weekend. This was also shortly after his son's death which I imagine weighed heavily upon him. Great to him interviewed with this crew.
Walter is truly a class-act. I met him in the late 90s at a convention as a greasy 12-year-old. At the autograph table, there was a sign that read "Mr. Koenig does NOT personalize autographs!" When I approached, he greeted me and my dad and my dad mentioned, "This is my son. It's his first Star Trek convention." Walter stopped what he was doing, looked right at me, and said, "That's great! Who's your favorite character?" I sheepishly answered, "Chekov," and he laughed and asked me for my name. I told him my name and he personalized an autograph for me with a little message. I still have it.
This was a great show, love that Shuttlepod interviewed a beloved actor from another Star Trek. It was very interesting to hear all about Mr. Koenig's career. Well done!
As usual I just can't stop watching. From opening scene to closing credits, the show is riveting. Every episode fails to disappoint. Y'all need to be proud of what you're doing because this is phenomenal work. I do wish Walter would have talked about the later films and how they contrasted with the monumental disaster that was STTMP. The second film was a complete reversal, from worst to best. There's a non-joke joke about the even-numbered films being good and the odd ones bad. I feel that Walter wanted to discuss Babylon 5 more. That would have been nice. Despite appearing in only 12 episodes, I would say his role there far exceeded Chekov. While Star Trek evokes a comfy "old-home" feeling, Babylon 5 teaches us the universe is hostile and will stab you in the back the first chance it gets. Visceral yet epic, I cannot say enough about Babylon 5. Walter's portrayal of the Bester character was a big part of that.
Glad to hear SPECTRE OF THE GUN given its props... it just shows more than any of those original series episodes how that cast and crew could make something great out of literal budget-next-to-nothing.
Probably my favorite of the Star Trek Movies, Star Trek IV The Voyage Home. Love the dialog between the actors and others in the San Francisco scenes ("Well, double dumbass on you!"). As a dyed in the wool Trek family, when we have occasion to drive through Denver on I-25 there's an exit in the Central area for Alameda Avenue. When we approach the big interstate exit sign "Alameda Avenue" MUST say it with Walter's inflection, "AH LA MEEDA!" and my wife will respond, "NUCLEAR WESSELS!". It's a nerdy Star Trek family tradition! Love Ya Walter!
I am always amused how much Walter Koenig lights up and gets animated whenever someone asks him about Babylon 5 and Bester at a convention or interview. It's clearly his favorite role he did.
Playing a bad guy is fun I think. Especially one as layered as Bester is.
I feel that unless you always play the bad guy then its relished when you do.
He was magnificent in B5!!
I wonder how many people understood where the character's last name came from? Alfred Bester was a well known science fiction writer.
@@martinjrgensen8234 And Bester was a real SOB too.
James Doohan was at a small convention...20 people very intimate. I remember him telling us a story about bringing food to a starving actor. Everyone laughed at the moment we thought was appropriate. He got so very angry. A few moments of confusion past between us before he said, "I have to remember that none of you have probably really ever missed a meal. And you shouldn't feel bad. But you should understand that at that time.." And he began to explain that his friend was really starving to death. A starving artist he said, is no mythical thing. And he spent the rest of the week nursing his friend back to health. So if anyone lost any respect for Mr. Koenig when he tells the story about the bolt I thought I would share this story. I Didn't. I laughed. Because it was safe to laugh at this one. I bet young Walter really needed the money.
And oh yeah....James Doohan did that whole convention for free. Nuff said right there
Doohan was a beautiful soul
🙏 RIP Jimmy
I remember seeing James at a convention as a kid and he was joking around about his time in the Canadian army and telling everyone about how he lost his fingers. The man was just... amazingly gracious and entertaining as all hell. I could have listened to him all day.
It's been said a million times, but Walter was fantastic on B5, really happy he got that role.
I watched an interview with walter k years ago and he was offered a one part role, but he had a heart attack or stroke and couldnt do it. So when Bester came along they offered him that role...😁😁😁
Having worked with Mr. Koenig several times and read his books, screenplays and seen him on stage (once with the late great Mark Leonard) - I can say he's gracious withe fans, intelligent with commentary and completely professional with his colleagues with a sharp sense of humor. His wife Judy is his real charm. She is twice as witty and twice as fun! Thank you Connor and Dominick and Walter - keep on sharing your stories, please! Bravo again guys!
He's 87 and seems "old age" doesn't seem to be anytime close to caught up to him, amazing.
So glad to have the podcast back :)
Thank you for watching!
I hope to be mentally sharp at 87 - Just like Mr.Koenig!
86
I’m in my fifties and hope to be half as sharp as he is. Remarkable. They need to get him on a new Trek franchise like Lower Decks or other series with a time travel or flashback premise
It is weird to think about but Walter is only a couple years younger than my Dad. Since I started watching Star Trek on reruns I tend not to think of his as around my Dad's age.
I like every time Walter drops an F Bomb they tribble it out. Every time Dominic drops an F Bomb, they keep it in. 😃 This was one of the more fun interviews. Walter is awesome.
It blows my mind that these actors whom I adore are doing these podcasts and basically hang out together. All these people seem so down ro earth. I'm glad I stumbled upon this, it really warms my heart to see these guys having fun with these awesome guests
I can’t believe Walter is 86 the guy doesn’t look over 60 and it’s great to know that Dominic and Conner are good friends off screen
Getting Walter was fantastic. He is most wise and kind Trek cast member I ever met. Not unusual for him to wander around and just sit and talk .
He was absolutely chilling in Babylon5, so excellent, it was wonderful & impressive to see him play someone so different from Chekov.
He played Bester so well. It was those moments where the "mask" would slip and you saw humanity and love in there then right back to a heartless scumbag so effortlessly. I always loved the interaction he'd have with the main cast too 🤗
I think the best part is that when you watch B5 he's Bester, when you watch Star Trek he's Chekov. With some actors, when you see them in different roles you can't help but identify them with the first role you saw them in because each 'character' they play is almost a carbon copy of each other.
@@MoA-Reload... Totally agree! There is no hint of Chekov in Bester. If you'd told me that the actor who played Chekov could be absolutely chilling, I would have wanted to see it to believe it (I always defer to actors being exactly that, actors, and having the ability to play anything, given the right opportunity). But Bester was absolutely terrifying.
@@MoA-Reload...
Those slips makes his character more human, even behind all the terrible things his character did in show. His law was true towards the CORP. Bester did believe his cause! And that makes him so good villain. He was not a ”bad”, he defended the teeps best way he could! That is why he was a hero among the Psi-Cop!
Walter was fantastic and enjoyed his stories so much. He was such a cutie on Star Trek and still is.💖
So great seeing Connor and Dom back with Erica (and Mark's wonderful laugh!) and the LEGEND Walter Koenig! He was a gem to see at STLV and so enjoyable to listen to all of his stories! Fabulous interview and big thanks @Shuttlepod Show ! ❤💛💙🤓🖖🏾
It saddens me that the two best Star Trek shows only made 3 and 4 seasons but so happy for what we got.
Thanks for the show.
Fun chat-- Walter is always amazing, and Connor, Dominic, and Erica brought out a lot of good stories from him too. Thanks @Shuttlepod Show ! And importantly, WELCOME BACK! (Hi also to Mark in the background...)
Thank you for stopping by, Mohamed! Thanks also for being a Patreon member!
@@ShuttlepodShow It's a pleasure!
Just to make Dominic and Connor feel a little better: I've been bitter about the Enterprise's cancellation for literally my whole life, as I'm only 21 and binge-watched the show on DVDs somewhere in 2006.
Upd: I’ve just turned 22, the bitterness is still going strong. 😂
@@СнежанаПалкина-л8ш Just fyi, Connor Trineer's character trip was said to have survived after his supposed death! So rest assured!
@@phrixos2826 Oh, I know it, yes - I’ve actually read the books! But Trip’s survival doesn’t make the bitterness over the Enterprise’s cancellation go away! 😅
Most trek shows take about three seasons to fdind thier footing and this was the same, it was getting good and then cancel and it had such promise smh
@@brianwilli2002 And that's also why most of the Trek movies suck. Oh sure, they're cinematic and epic. But as stories, they usually suck. Star Trek needs to stay. on. television.
I'm so happy Shuttle Pod is back. I'm actually a little tearful.
Thank you for bringing in Walter. I cannot wait to see what you have in store.
An avid fan from down under.
True legend.
Great to see Walter Koenig with you, and looking well. 👍
Walter Koenig is such an icon, truly an amazing person! ❤ No matter how much I loved him as Pavel Chekov, he really got to me with his character on Babylon 5! The way he portrayed Alfred Bester made me love him even more as an actor in science fiction! 😁👍
Connor, Dom and Erica - welcome back and congrats on a fantastic opener! 🥰 Walter was a perfect first guest to ring in the new season, very mild mannered, humble and funny. Can't believe that he's 86, he looks great! The bolt story was so wild, I never would've thought he had it him in to do something like that! Getting all the behind the scenes Trek tidbits and insight from him was a real treat. Overjoyed to have the Shuttlepod flying for another fun filled season, I can't wait to see what happens next! I myself am glad to see Wash looking comfortable and healthy as well. Happy Shuttlepod Sunday one all - man does it ever feel good to say that again! 🍃🖖💚
Season 1 was Sunday morning with a coffee, now season 2 Sunday night with a Chivas!!! I can get used to this😁. Great seeing all of you again, Walter what a master!! Cheers
Raymond- you clearly have it figured out! We commend you! Thank you for being a part of this!
There was an exchange in here that is typical of not only why I love hearing the cast members and "inside" TREK people in general get together to talk about the show and the movies, but specifically why I love listening to you two: after Domenic told Walter that he watched a bunch of original series episodes and movies to see Walter's work as Chekov and complimented him on same, a little later Walter says that he never watched a single episode of ENTERPRISE, and you two both laughed at it, with Connor saying something like "well, not many people did." That Walter has none of the phony pomposity that would lie and say something like "oh, yes, I've seen several episodes, great work," but instead honestly says "I never watched it," and then that you two would laugh it off. Your refusal to take yourselves or TREK or any of it seriously is what makes this podcast the best. Keep it up.
Suggestion: I'm hoping you can get some of the DISCOVERY or STRANGE NEW WORLDS cast members on as guests... particularly DISCOVERY, which I feel gets shunted aside by some fans. Tig Notaro would be great; Doug Jones, Sonequa Martin Greene, Anthony Rapp, Jason Isaacs... it's such a talented cast that really deserves some props!
Keep up the great work... love it!
I'm watching this, and I just have to biggest smile on my face. Walter is an gem.
Currently I'm watching Babylon 5 again for the first time in many years, & his character 'Bester' is such a contrast with Chekov. Growing up and seeing him play both characters showed me what a terrific actor he is. I feel so lucky to watch this interview in 2022.
Good to have you back!!! Gotta love Walter Koenig, such a dear man❤🖖
Thank you for coming!
I was glad to meet Walter at a convention in '87. He was very funny and kind!
great episode. maybe you can get Robert Ducan McNeill and Garrett Wang next time on as guests and discuss Voyager
We would love to have them
I want to see Jolene and Scott too!
@@ShuttlepodShow Genevieve. Boujould perhaps. ??????
You guys should really thank me. Eons ago, aged about 7, me and a few neighbor kids marched up and down a dusty street in fly blown Australia with handmade signs reading, 'bring back Star Trek'. Somehow we thought big Hollywood limousines would drive past us on a sun scorched, dry wasteland and notice our protest! lol Low and behold....it worked. Talk about manifestation.
1. I MADE IT TO SEASON TWO!!
2. As somebody who was raised watching Trek on WDCA channel 20 in the 70s, I cherish the actors from the original series.
Thank you!
What a great interview by Connor and Dominic with the legendary Walter Koenig!! Been watching him since the beginning as I'm that old. Loved his turn as Alfred Bester on B5 and he is just awesome.
WTF? I JUST watched STIII and then out of nowhere this thumbnail pops up? What a treat!!!
Glad to see Walter is doing well! Guys I'm so happy you're back :)
You guys have made me realise that I need to watch the rest of Enterprise.
That's awesome. We like this.
Best of the Trek Spinoffs.
Yes, really excellent! I hope they get you all together (most of you) for a special series or 4-part, to begin with, then more. I really want Enterprise to make a come back!
Enterprise was a true gem. In it you see the formation of many things that came after. The show is a ride along in the early days of the federation. All the shows after, the federation is seen as this monolithic entity and very formal. The show was akin to The Right Stuff in that it was a show about test pilots pushing the edge of the envelope. The truest expression of Star Trek. The cast and the stories were all fantastic because as a fan, you know what things were like later and what the federation became. I think of the scene in Discovery where Sahil is commissioned as a starfleet officer in That Hope is You, Part 1 and what it meant to that character. That is reverence that later characters had for the federation defined most vividly. So in Enterprise, you see the creation of it all and for that, I truly love it.
Please pass on my thanks to firstly Walter, Connor, Dom, Erica, Mark and the rest of the crew. That was great, loved the stories he had to tell. I bet he has a ton more to tell. I hope like others you have had on, we get a part 2. Anyways great to see the shuttlepod out of spacedock and continuing to provide great...wait no...fantastic content. Keep it up
I love the loose shoot the shit tone. It's good to see y'all back with a legend
Amazing interview! Moving across the Star Trek platforms for this interview was genius. Thank you!
Wow. What an amazing interview with Walter. So nostalgic for the old cast!
Good to see Walter being well, he looks even better than he did 10 years ago
His son died at about that time.
@@ashleyschultz3217 I know, suicide I believe, very sad
@@danielmannandersen2332 yes!! 😢😢
Yes. Astounding, isn’t it? I remember seeing him during the what was it 20th something reunion of the B5 cast… Mira and Jerry were still with us. Walter sat there, white, looking frail. Absent. We all have good days and bad days, of course. But Walter? He must’ve aged backwards since then.
I'm glad you guys are back, great start to season 2
Thank you!
Welcome back Shuttlepod, the best episode of the season 🙌 👏
So excited for you guys to get a guest from outside of enterprise please don't stop enjoying every episode
Easily my most favorite show by now. The intro alone ( and hun #1 of course ) gets me fired up. Oh, there‘s guests , too ? Walter Koenig. What a legend.
Welcome back and thanks for the terrific episode. Great to hear from Mr. Koenig. Looking forward to next week already!
Awesome show! Walter was fantastic as Chekov and Bester in Babylon 5! 🖖♥
Thank you Pam!
Thought his name was pronounced Kay-nik.
Holy shit, I never realized that was the same person. Idk how but I didn't.
No, chekov was OK, his Bester tho, was fuckin fantastic
@@rayfinkle94 so good I didn't even recognize him, even though I've seen b5 like 6 times.
what an absolute treat!
Great show guys! Thank you to Walter Koenig for giving us your time and sharing your stories. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Great to have you guys back!!❤ and so awesome to have Walter on. I pray I’m that with it and witty at 86🖖
Right!?
Thanks for the reply! Always fun to get that interaction!! FYI loved your panel at Mission Chicago you guys were a blast👍🏻
That was a great start for season 2. TOS was the beginning of it all, I really got a little melacholic - especially each time Walter unpacked his Russian accent.
Its so good to have you back, guys!
Always enjoy hearing Walter talk. I saw him at a convention some years back, in Chicago I believe and he decided, in the middle of his panel, to just come out and admit he had been wearing a Toupee for awhile now and he said he was done with it and pulled it off right there on stage! Got quite the applause from the crowd. Made it a very memorable event!
Something you'll never see Shatner do, lol.
@@yellowblanka6058 LOL Is Shatners even a wig now? They can do wonders with cosmetic surgery and stuff. I'm sure Shatner upgraded from the toupe to hair extensions or weaving or whatever they do these days. Lots of well known actors are bald and with a lot of them you can tell they have and many you can't
@@laurarules3642 Not sure, but I'm reasonably certain he wore a wig at some point. He probably had hair plugs, where they take live hair/roots from the back of the head etc. and implant them in the scalp etc. that or a really elaborate wig/weave. At least it's better than Trump's ridiculous shredded wheat situation - not sure who he thinks he's fooling. I'm sure a lot of celebrities have had hair implants etc. - receding hairlines/male pattern baldness etc. are pretty common.
Looking forward to this! Great to have you back!
Thanks for being here, Eve!
I can only hope to be in as great of shape as Mr. Koenig when I'm 86. Bless him.
Thanks for producing this show. It was great to learn about Walter and his career. I am sure lots of people have told you this, but I loved Enterprise and was so sad it went off the air.
Great comeback episode guys. Walter's story about getting the Chekov role was golden! A damn entertaining dude
What a show ! Walter on form gently encouraged by the hosts of the show …
You guys followed in my book the number 1 rule of this type of show … let the guest talk !!
All great talents in their own right , but a generous amount of respect offered by all to original Star Trek royalty.
The show held my attention , made me smile , and reminisce about watching the good old BBC even before the days of Betamax & Sony video!!! ( yes showing my age. 😅!)
Thank you
Your show is a joy to watch,been going back on the interviews, and you guys make them all enjoyable and I appreciate the honesty that you as hosts have, and you bring out that same honesty in your guests, I feel like I could sit down and have a beer with you guys
Thank you Juan
Can't wait to see you guys again xx
Knowing how many have gone beyond the galaxy's edge, it's great that you guys are bringing guys like Walter and George in to tell their stories. How amazing would it have been to have Rene Auberjonois or Andreas Katsulas, but sadly the universe had other ideas.
What a treasure to hear his voice as Chekov's son, the Federation President and Anton Yelchin's namesake, and it was so gracious of him to not get into Michael O'Hare's struggles too much, as JMS had already told that story many times now.
Much as I love start trek, Mr. Koenig will always be Mr. Bester for our family. His roll on Babylon 5 was so much fun. There's only a few shows we re-watch every few years, Babylon 5, Enterprise, Fringe, X-files, a couple others, but whenever Mr. Koenig's Bester would show up, we knew we were in for a treat.
So glad to have you all back in the swing of things, I have definitely missed you and the show. Great seeing the wonderful Walter Koenig. Awesome show all the way around. Welcome back Shuttlepod Show. LLAP to everyone. \\//
Thank you Jeanne!
I’m 56 and I think the reason for the Motion Picture being made was reruns. Star Trek was on every single Saturday afternoon in the 70s for YEARS. I was a baby when it was first made but grew up being a diehard fan, like many others.
Mr. Koenig was a LOT sharper than I had expected him to be at that age. His memory doesn't seem to be dimmed all that much.
I have been waiting and waiting and finally you are back. Thank you for great show!!
Thank you Brenda!
Thank you to the fan for submitting the question about Babylon 5
Happy you are back!
VHF on TV always carried a star Trek. I found it there. So I am a TOS-VHF fan, about 2 years before the first movie. BTW, I absolutely loved this interview. You captured TV history! And Walter is gem. He was cute as a young man, and in a totally different way, he is cute and fascinating as an older man!
I was a teenager when TOS came out, so it was over my head. But I was about 26 when I found it on VHS. And I was crazy for it. And TOS is still the series closest to my heart. And, hey! I really liked the actors in Enterprise (except the captain). You supporting actors, including the Vulcan, were really excellent. ❤❤❤
Was lucky enough to see Walter do a talk at a comic con in London some years back. He was great then and has lost nothing since. Amazing guy. And as others have mentioned here, he's so proud of his role in B5, as he should be.
Excellent episode and legendary guest. Great start for season 2 and great to see everyone back.🖖
This will be kept for the ages. You guys are awesome for keeping these beloved characters.
This was an absolute treat. thank you so much!
Walter is a wonderful man! Thank you for having him on the show!
We agree!
Thanks to the team! This brought back so many childhood memories and I LOVE a good story - these folks do it so well; cheers!
Such a wonderful episode with one of the OGs 👏❤ 🎉 can’t wait for more and so glad you guys are back
Watched with a smile on my face alllll the way through. Looking forward to sitting down with a bottle of something one evening this week to watch the extended Patreon edition. What a dear, sweet man. I bet he could write a whole book just of actor stories. Brilliant.
Walter is ageless! Loved this interview!!
Wow! What a fantastic kick-off for season 2. Walter Koenig was hilarious. Loved his stories.
An absolute gem guys. Thank you.
To hear Connor say, "Thanks, Daddy" is all I need in my life!
This interview was so much fun! Walter can often times be a melancholy man, and to see him having so much fun is, quite frankly, joyous. Connor and Dominic are amazing with him. Thanks so much.
We are so glad you enjoyed it!
Such a pleasure watching a living treasure like Koenig share stories. Great job bringing the original generation and the Enterprise generation together
Welcome back! We have missed you.😍 Great interview.
Thank you for having us back!
Awesome start to Season 2, people!
Im such a Sci-fi geek. At 70 I love these shows , their creators, actors and wannabe explorers.
Great to have you guys back.
Thank you! It's great to be back!
Great interview! Gave me a lot of laughs too! Thank you very much Walter for coming to chat
Seeing Malcom and Tripp interview Chekhov is pretty surreal. I can see little bits of the characters in the interactions. Really cool podcast spanning all of Trek
This is awesome, you guys. Thanks! 🖖🏽
Thank you for watching!
I recently found this wonderful podcast and have been watching them all from the start. They are all great but this one just had me smiling all the way through - Walter Koenig is amazing!
Bless him, such an adorable person and a true legend
I been thinking about this for awhile. To me, Walter's talent and power was wasted in TOS and most of the movies (save for TWOK). Chekov was a great character that had more to give and actor capable of delivering.
Seeing him in B5 back when it first aired was an amazing experience. Each scene with him as the badass Psi Cop was like fine French wine. I grew up with Trek in the 1980s with the films and the DC Comics series. In those comics, Chekov was a more flesh out character and I wished we all could have seen more of Mr. Koenig as that Chekov then no one would pay no worship to the garish Kirk.
Cheers to you Shuttlepod show, I loved how much honor you paid to this titan of trek and I love you guys so much for what you do. Also, your show allows all of us non-actors to see into the bipolar world of acting...both its highs, lows, and creamy middles. Shuttlepod show should be watch by anyone and everyone that wants to be an actor.
Welcome back gentle beings, I really have enjoyed hanging out with a couple of Enterprise alumni. But the show with Walter Koenig is incredible. Not to denigrate Walter On TOS but he made an indelible impression on B5 and for a 5 year run and only 12 episodes I am still stunned
Thank you!
I met Mr. Koenig at the Omaha Comic convention almost over a decade ago. I remember him just walking around in the crowd and younger folks just passed by him without much recognition, but every time I passed by him, I had no idea what to say! I had never seen any actor, in person, before that day and I was thrilled to get a Bester autograph from him. He seems tired and worn out but he stayed the whole weekend. This was also shortly after his son's death which I imagine weighed heavily upon him. Great to him interviewed with this crew.
Walter is truly a class-act. I met him in the late 90s at a convention as a greasy 12-year-old. At the autograph table, there was a sign that read "Mr. Koenig does NOT personalize autographs!" When I approached, he greeted me and my dad and my dad mentioned, "This is my son. It's his first Star Trek convention." Walter stopped what he was doing, looked right at me, and said, "That's great! Who's your favorite character?" I sheepishly answered, "Chekov," and he laughed and asked me for my name. I told him my name and he personalized an autograph for me with a little message. I still have it.
Just brilliant.
So happy to see your team again with this new episode. Thank you so much for this great entertainment!
Yes Shuttlepod is back baby 😄
Great episode to open up season 2. Looking forward to the rest. Good to have you back lads.
This was a great show, love that Shuttlepod interviewed a beloved actor from another Star Trek. It was very interesting to hear all about Mr. Koenig's career. Well done!
This man is a national treasure. All hail and long live the Koenig!
Right!?
As usual I just can't stop watching. From opening scene to closing credits, the show is riveting. Every episode fails to disappoint. Y'all need to be proud of what you're doing because this is phenomenal work.
I do wish Walter would have talked about the later films and how they contrasted with the monumental disaster that was STTMP. The second film was a complete reversal, from worst to best. There's a non-joke joke about the even-numbered films being good and the odd ones bad.
I feel that Walter wanted to discuss Babylon 5 more. That would have been nice. Despite appearing in only 12 episodes, I would say his role there far exceeded Chekov. While Star Trek evokes a comfy "old-home" feeling, Babylon 5 teaches us the universe is hostile and will stab you in the back the first chance it gets. Visceral yet epic, I cannot say enough about Babylon 5. Walter's portrayal of the Bester character was a big part of that.
This is awesome. Thank you pillsburied
What a great return back to the pod. Loved every second of this.
Such a great episode!!
Glad to hear SPECTRE OF THE GUN given its props... it just shows more than any of those original series episodes how that cast and crew could make something great out of literal budget-next-to-nothing.
This was the funniest episode that I have watched. Chekov is awesome.
Probably my favorite of the Star Trek Movies, Star Trek IV The Voyage Home. Love the dialog between the actors and others in the San Francisco scenes ("Well, double dumbass on you!"). As a dyed in the wool Trek family, when we have occasion to drive through Denver on I-25 there's an exit in the Central area for Alameda Avenue. When we approach the big interstate exit sign "Alameda Avenue" MUST say it with Walter's inflection, "AH LA MEEDA!" and my wife will respond, "NUCLEAR WESSELS!". It's a nerdy Star Trek family tradition! Love Ya Walter!