AceShowbiz - Star Trek: Enterprise actor Connor Trinneer, known for his role as Commander Trip Tucker, has openly expressed his disdain for the show's beloved Mirror Universe episodes from season 4. Despite the widespread fan appreciation for the two-part story arc titled "In a Mirror, Darkly," Trinneer admitted during a panel at a Star Trek cruise event that he "hated every second" of filming these episodes and has never actually watched them.

Star Trek: Enterprise aired on UPN from 2001 to 2005, spanning four seasons. The series is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the entire Star Trek franchise. After struggling creatively during its initial seasons, the show saw a boost in quality when the late Manny Coto took over as showrunner. Coto, a fan of the original Star Trek series, reintroduced classic elements and storylines, including the much-lauded Mirror Universe arc in the fourth season.

However, Trinneer was far from enthusiastic about this creative direction. Speaking candidly alongside his co-stars John Billingsley, Dominic Keating, and Anthony Montgomery, and moderated by Lolita Fatjo, Trinneer described his experience on the episode with frank honesty. He shared how the director, James L. Conway, who had directed the pilot episode, instructed him to portray Mirror Trip Tucker as a "pirate," a choice that originated from what was initially a joke by Trinneer himself.

"I hated them. I still hate them. The 'Mirror Darkly' episodes," Trinneer stated. He recalled the rehearsal process where Conway asked for "more," urging him to play the character with "higher stakes," which led to the pirate-style performance. "I kind of just [did] sort of a [pirate 'Arr' noises]. And Jim Conway says to me, 'I need more. We're playing higher stakes here.' And I was like, 'You mean like a pirate?' And he goes, 'Yeah. Yeah, do it like a pirate.' So, action! [Pirate 'arr' noises] Cut! Print! Wait a minute! Jim, I was totally joking! I'd love to go again. He's like, 'Nope, that's it.' Three weeks later, I finished those two episodes, and I hated every second. I've actually never seen them."

The Mirror Universe is a well-known alternate reality within the Star Trek universe where characters exhibit more ruthless and villainous traits. The episodes featured Trinneer's character with facial scars reminiscent of Captain Christopher Pike's injuries from the original Star Trek series episode "The Menagerie." These details were designed to connect the storylines across the franchise's history.

Adding to Trinneer's dissatisfaction was the timing of the filming. While shooting "In a Mirror, Darkly," the cast and crew received confirmation that UPN had canceled Star Trek: Enterprise. Although the cancellation was not unexpected, it was a disappointment for the actors to know their run on the show was coming to an end after only four seasons.

Connor Trinneer has also discussed his negative feelings toward the Mirror Universe episodes on "The D-Con Chamber" podcast, which he co-hosts with Dominic Keating. As they rewatch Star Trek: Enterprise episodes, the pair have only reached season 2 so far. Fans eagerly await the moment when Trinneer will finally view and comment on the Mirror Universe two-parter and the infamous 'pirate Trip' portrayal during their reviews of season 4.

Interestingly, had Star Trek: Enterprise been renewed for a fifth season, Manny Coto had plans to revisit the Mirror Universe storyline. It is likely that most fans would have welcomed a continuation of this arc, as "In a Mirror, Darkly" is frequently cited as a highlight of the series. However, Trinneer may have been the sole cast member reluctant to reprise his role as the darker alternate version of Trip Tucker.

Overall, Star Trek: Enterprise remains a significant chapter in the franchise's history, with its blend of classic Star Trek themes and new interpretations. Despite the mixed feelings from some cast members about specific episodes, the show’s contributions continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide as it marks over two decades since its debut.