“There was no world where I thought that it would lead to me being on seasons of Star Trek."
Two Star Trek series, in particular, often find themselves on the wrong end of negativity and criticism from some fans of the beloved science fiction franchise. However, the sci-fi saga is a much better place thanks to characters like Jett Reno, who are funny as hell and always laying down the law.
And Tig Notaro, who portrayed the feisty engineer-turned-teacher first on Discovery and then later Starfleet Academy truly appreciates being “on a show that has a positive message.” The actor and comedian also said during an interview with the Denver Gazette, “When I was writing my first joke, there was no world where I thought that it would lead to me being on seasons of Star Trek.”
Notaro, who first appeared on screen as Jett Reno in Discovery season 2’s premiere, “Brother,” continued during the same sit-down by saying:
"It’s nice to be on a show that has a positive message, but I would say there were so many great people that worked on that crew from bottom to top. Of course, there’s always a rotten apple here or there, but in general that cast was just so fun to be in scenes with, hang out in the green room and have ongoing friendships with. That’s what surprised me the most is the friendships that came out of that show.”
Jett Reno is unquestionably one of the most entertaining Star Trek characters to come out of the [Alex] Kurtzman Era. In fact, Commander Reno became such a fan-favorite, thanks in large part to her snarky attitude, that she was a must-have addition for the players of the wrongly maligned Starfleet Academy streaming series.
From the get-go, Notaro’s nuanced performance perfectly balances Professor Reno’s brilliance and smart-assed ways. My favorite example of this juggling act happens earlier on in Starfleet Academy season 1 when Reno must downshift from Teacher Reno to Discovery's Engineer Reno to put cadet Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta) in his place in front of her entire class of students.
Additionally, while Notaro is a brilliant comedian, she also has the acting chops to easily and convincingly change personalities from Lura Thok’s (Gina Yashere) loving girlfriend to becoming the acting captain on the bridge of the USS Athena during an unspeakable crisis in the Starfleet Academy season 1 finale.
I for one look forward to seeing Notaro’s Jett Reno in season 2 of Starfleet Academy. However, since sophomore year will mark the end of the short-lived streaming series, I truly hope the character will return in some future iteration of Star Trek, whether it be on the small or big screen.
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Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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