Before getting to Frakes, however, Romijn and Mount were quick to note that Newsome and Quaid were impressive performers and skilled comedians. It seems there isn’t a lot in the way of improv on the set of “Strange New Worlds,” so hearing their guest stars make up lines and jokes on the spot was a welcome change of pace. “They both have such great backgrounds in improv and they never did the same thing twice,” Romijn said. “They did something different, they took it off the page and played with it in every single take.” Monu commented that he had never seen guest stars “come with such ownership of the material before.” 

Romijn then commented that Frakes, a longtime “Star Trek” veteran, was keen to blend the lighthearted adventure tone of “Strange New Worlds” with the brash comedy of “Lower Decks.” It’s notable that Frakes directed one Trek film that was action-oriented and another that was youthful and silly. The director seems keen to keep “Star Trek” as chipper and bright as possible. Romijn noticed Frakes’ intentions, saying: 

“It was so fun, and having Jonathan Frakes there was very important to massage the two worlds so that it was cohesive, so that they come from this animated show and now they’re on the Enterprise, which is a very, very different tone. It was really important that he was there to meld those tones.”

Mount added: 

“I don’t think anybody else could’ve directed the episode.”

It certainly took someone with experience. As Trek actors go, LeVar Burton might also have been good; he’s directed 28 “Star Trek” episodes. Roxann Dawson from “Voyager” would have also been a fine choice, as she’s directed 12 Trek episodes and dozens of other TV shows.