Grand Slam 2006 - Day Three

Riley woke me up at 6 on Sunday morning. Then Ferris re-woke me up at 7:30. I finally gave in and got out of bed at 8. On a Sunday. So very, very wrong.

I moved in ultimate slow motion and didn't get to the convention until just before noon. I set my stuff up on my little table, sat down, and thirty seconds later discovered that I really didn't want to be there. It was cold, I was tired, the crowd was very, very small, and the people on stage were too interesting to miss.

So I packed up my stuff, trucked it back to my car, grabbed my camera and iRiver, and did something I haven't done for years: I walked around the Grand Slam convention as a fan.

I listened to astronauts talk about doing for real what I used to do for fakes, which was nothing new for me (I've had the great fortune to meet and talk with several different astronauts over the years) but is also something I will never, ever, take for granted. These guys have been telling the same stories for nearly forty years, but whenever they talk about blasting off, or looking back at Earth from orbit, they could have just stepped out of the capsule after landing. Their enthusiasm for science and their ability to infect their audience with the same is something everyone should get a chance to experience at least once. I'm thrilled that Creation is bringing astronauts to their shows, and I hope they do more in the future.

After their talks, I wandered over to the dealer's room, and took a few pictures. I'm happy to say that I only spent $15 before I left, on the coolest bit of geek ephemera I've seen in a long time (I purchased the d20 keychain) before heading back over to the main auditorium to listen to Ron Moore speak.

I knew Ron was coming to the show, because I'd read it in his blog late Saturday night, and I hoped that I'd get a chance to talk with him one-on-one, but I didn't expect that I'd run right into him backstage before he went on.

He lit up when he saw me for the first time in over fifteen years, and my prepared speech about how I didn't know if he remembered me flew out of my head. In one of those "hand on the car" moments, a series of images flashed through my mind in an instant, as I recalled some of the things he did for my character: Yesterday's Enterprise, the first time I got to do something really different on the bridge; The First Duty, the first (and only) time we saw Wesley interact with his peers, act his age, and witness his angst-ridden humanity; and Journey's End, the first (and only) time we saw Wesley as an adult, willing to take a principled stand against his father figure, Captain Picard. I felt a surge of emotion well up in my chest, and before I knew the words were coming out of my mouth, I said, "When we worked together on TNG, I was too young, and too immature to appreciate what you gave me as an actor, and what you did for my character. I know it's fifteen years late, but I wanted to say thank you."

He smiled warmly. "Thank you," he said. "It really means a lot to me to hear that."

I wanted so badly to tell him how I'd do anything in the world to be on his show, but I couldn't think of a way to say that without spoiling the moment, or coming off like a schmuck, so I just congratulated him on the success of the show, and asked him if he had as much creative control as he wanted.

"I do," he said. "I'm very lucky to work with great people, and the network is very supportive of what we want to do. Of course, we battle, but they are always good battles that make the show better."

He was called onto the stage before we could talk any longer, and as he stepped through the curtain to absolutely deafening applause, I felt happy. I've discovered that all I want to do as an artist (whether it's acting, writing, or whatever) is make something that matters to people; and I know that to be true for all the artists I know, particularly the writers. Ron, like Joss Whedon, has done that, and I felt happy for him in that weird i-was-just-talking-to-you way when the crowd went nuts for him.

I recorded some of what he said on my iRiver; it'll be on a future episode of RFB.

When Ron was done, I wandered around the con some more, talked to a lot of people, and managed to completely miss BIlly West's talk, where I hear he announced that there will be new episodes of Futurama on FOX either later this year or early next year. I spoke with Billy after he was done, and he gave me enough industry-specific details to assure me that this is for real, so get ready for hawesomeness.

By this time, my lungs were gasping for air and --

Sorry. Nerdy MST3K reference that 5% of you will understand. I should also point out that nobody will be admitted during the exciting rock climbing portion of the film.

By this time, I was really hungry, so I grabbed Rod Roddenberry and his girlfriend Heidi, and we went across the street to the Yardhouse for pizza and beer and sashimi and beer and grilled chicken sandwiches and beer. When we were younger, Rod and I goofed off on the set whenever we got the chance, and as we've grown older, we've spent a lot of time sharing stories about his dad. Rod is an amazing person, and in ways that we both understand but can't vocalize to anyone but each other, we're like long-lost half-brothers. It's always fantastic to spend time with him, and my only real regret for the whole weekend is that we didn't have more time to catch up and goof off.

After we ate, it was nearly 5:30, and I had to pick the kids up at 6, so I made my way back through the convention hall to say some goodbyes. On my way in, someone said to me, "Frakes was talking smack about you onstage," and I instantly knew that Jonathan told the "you used to be cool" story. I laughed out loud and hoped wished there was some way I could stop time long enough to visit with him.

I found Jonathan backstage, and said, "I can tell, just by looking at you . . . "

"That you used to be cool," he said. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me.

"W," he said, "it is so great to see you."

"You too," I said.

"Are you on your way out, or are you hanging around?" He said.

"I have to go pick up the kids," I said.

"How are they?"

"They're great. They're teenagers now, you know."

He chuckled and shook his head. "Man, we are getting so old!" I noticed that the impish glint I loved when we worked together, and always look for when I see him, was still in his eye.

"Are you well?" He said.

"Mostly," I said. "You?"

"I am great, man."

We talked as long as we could, about kids, and houses, and Star Trek and work and wives and all the things that I never could have talked about when I was younger. I just adore Jonathan, and I was genuinely sad when I saw that I had to leave to get the kids.

"I gotta go, Jonny," I said, "and I hope that it won't be a year again before I get to see you, but i'm pretty sure it will be."

"You look great, W," he said. Then he pointed at the huge screen that made up the back of the stage. "But not as good as Avery."

Avery Brooks did look great. He looked cooler than Shaft, and more stylish than anyone else in the convention hall.

"He's really fucking up the cool curve for us, isn't he?" I said.

"Ah, don't worry, W," he said with a grin. "I can tell just by looking at you that you used to be cool."

"You too," I said.

Comments

[MaraJade]

Awesome story.
My fiancee said to me this morning, "did you know there's a convention going on in california with jonathan frakes at it??" I said that I didn't since I hadn't been on here in a few days.

We both sighed and wished out loud that we didn't live in boring New England where no big cons ever happen. Patrick Stewart was out here last year but we didn't have $150/person to meet him... That was the best thing that ever happened out here.

We've got SuperMegaFest, which consists of everything pop culture. Our 501st Star Wars table was set up next to Joyce Dewitt from Three's company and Vern Troyer (forgive me if I spell it wrong, but I'm not a fan) from Austin Powers. Yea....

I'm so jealous. Sounds like a pretty good weekend.

[Wyldfire00101010]

Ireally enjoyed this post. It seems like you're in your element here; I can't wait for the tidbits from this in the next podcast... makes me wish we got cool events like this in the deep south... not exactly a geek-friendly environment, but that'll change someday.

Keep it up.

[Nicole]

Wow. That does sound HAWESOME, to use your wonderful word for it. =) Except the early-rising bit.

Your account was a joy to read - it made me want to get to one of these things more than ever. And I was practically drooling at the mention of new Futurama, so thanks for that. =D

Was going to say "Keep it up" but Wyldfire did for me so... *shrug, grin* Looking forward to your next entry, as usual.

[pylonian]

Man, I've got to pick up one of those natural 20 keychains. Awesome! Anyway - though if you wrote like this all the time it would probably get old, I really always enjoy these entries... I don't know what it is, perhaps just the specific narrative style. But you really manage to weave in the right amount of "technical" information (what happened, and what did I learn) and "personal" information "what did it feel like" - and I think that's really key to creating a story where people feel like they're there. And I did. And suddenly I have an overwhelming urge to go on a roadtrip. Go figure.

Glad you had a good time.

Eric in Portland, OR

[Amber]

I started reading your journal when I was 15. I "lost touch" for awhile, but now I'm 19 and I go to General Motors Institute, and I suddenly had the urge to revisit something that once was part of my daily activity. Though I feel like a fell asleep and woke up in the Reconstruction era, your writing never fails to amaze me.

I think on the surface people read your entries to learn about information that interests them, but it's your passion that comes through that keeps people coming back for more.

[Old_Wolf]

Now I feel guilty for not going to the convention when I wanted to, but I had promised my parents that I'd take my daughter to see them this past weekend. Thanks for the highlights from your time there.

[delmer]

Like the others, I enjoy these entries.

Every time I see Avery Brooks on TV I see him as Hawk. I can't imagine him ever beeing cooler than that.

[Joe]

I met Jonathan Frakes at Bally's during a premier of Star Trek: Insurrection.

Even after dealing with numerous crowds, pictures and interviews, Mr. Frakes was a gentleman with not only with those who admired him and his works, but also individuals who had some criticisms. I've always admired his delivery and effective manner of seamlessly swapping his director's mind with one of the actor.

During my brief talk with him, he made me feel as though I was honoring him with my questions, rather than placing him under a burden.

Anyone who has spoken with celebrities during any premier knows that this is usually not the case.

He truly made me feel like I was a welcome member of his great day!

His witty and sarcastic humor only contributed further to my comfort level.

I can't say that about many of the film's actors. Jonathan Frakes is a true example of a unique and humble soul that, fortunately for us, has been discovered.

Joe

[Cherikooka Munga]

Excellent.

[Solsra]

I know you have probably heard this a thousand times before...

You were my first celebrity crush, blah blah *make a fool of myself* and I came here looking to reclaim my early teens when life was good *more foolishness*...

Anyways, I keep coming back because you are an author who allows the reader to mourn with your losses and celebrate with your wins.

When you got 'CSI' we all cheered as though in some way we had gotten the part with you. And now this story about Ron and Jonathan, we feel giddy and are barely able to keep it cool, we feel like we are right there with you. But not in a creepy stalker way.

Anyways, thanks. The world needs a little more cheering for each other and you make it too easy to do.

[BonzoGal]

Joe, I could say the same thing about Wil when I met him at a booksigning in SF- he took the time to speak with every person in line, didn't rush through anything, and seemed happy to interact with his fans.

It figures Mr. Frakes and Mr. Wheaton are such compadres- they have the same philosophy for treating their fans with gratitude.

[Christina]

Great entry, Wil. I think Solsra said it perfectly - "you are an author who allows the reader to mourn with your losses and celebrate with your wins". When you care about something, you make us care about it, too. I'm glad you had such a good time.

(I always thought Avery Brooks was pretty badass on DS9 - glad he's still "cool". My machine at work is named Sisko.)

[KeithD]

you should totally hit them up for a job on BSG. It's a great show - you'd make a kick-ass viper pilot. And anyway, going back to your posts/writing on star trek/star wars toys, I had the original BSG Viper toy when I was a kid; it fired those plastic missles out the front. I should search e-bay for a used one, and spend my kids college fund on it...

[spacewriter]

Good entry Wil. I've always liked Jon Frakes, partly because he seems honest and fun. He also bears a striking resemblance to my hubby. Which I never noticed until a few years after the show had gone off the air.

It's funny how as we grow up we start to feel "solidarity" with those we formerly looked up to when younger. I had the same experience when I ran into a former teacher of mine and after we talked for a while she said, "Call me Mary... " something I would never have done when she was my teacher. It's a mark of growing up, which can be as exhilirating as it is bittersweet.

Keep lookin' up Wil! We're out here rooting for you.

[Jen Z]

Oh, thank you for the Jonathan Frakes story! He is so awesome. In fact, he is almost as cool as you are. That impish glint in the eye that you described is the single thing I adore the most about that man (even in syndicated reruns). Very neat that you are peers now, and can share stories as equals. Thanks for telling this one.

[Rhettro]

That is hawesome! Wish I had more free time to make the trek out to CA from AZ. I will make Comic Con though. :)

[Digital Goddess]

Sounds like the convention was a huge blast, and I laughed out loud at the stuff about Jonathan Frakes, somehow it does not surprise me to hear that he is so cool. Glad it went well for you.

[chris]

Hawesome as always! Every time I play one of these new-fangled games (Scene It being the latest) with their "multi-sided option dice" I fervently pray Gary Gygax or someone from D&D gets a nickel for each roll (Double Damage though if I roll an "All Play").

[chris]

Hawesome as always! Every time I play one of these new-fangled games (Scene It being the latest) with their "multi-sided option dice" I fervently pray Gary Gygax or someone from D&D gets a nickel for each roll (Double Damage though if I roll an "All Play").

[Ben Hearsum]

The style of writing in this post reminds me a lot of Just a Geek, perhaps because of the convention setting.

In any case, I loved reading this entry. There was something (other than the content) that kept me from even checking Gaim until I was done reading it.

[xmas74]

Your day was much better than mine. Six tornado warnings in a few short hours meant my family spent the day in the basement.

Sounds like you had a great time.

[slackferno]

Deeeeep hurting....

Okay, that silliness over, I must now trod all over your very sweet story with supersonic W00Ts that Futurama is coming back. I'll be bouncing around like a superball for the next forty-five minutes.

[kwietman]

Sorry for being about 5 days late on the Charlie Parker discussion of the 8th. If you are looking for a good-sized jazz collection with an excellent DRM model, try emusic.com. Large collection, including Bird at St. Nick's and Groovin' High, to name only two. I'm astonished at how many classic jazz recordings they have, along with their commitment to independent labels (SST just got added). The price is better than itunes, too.
/end digression

[jessiker]

Great, just great! I loved reading about this. And the pictures are nice, too. I think it's so cool that you still see your old friends. As a fan, I always wondered about relationships off the camera, and it's a big warm fuzzie to hear stories like this one.

[alicein1derland]

Wil - It was my very first convention and I felt a little out of my element because all of the crowd has way more knowledge than I do regarding the various shows and stars. But everyone was very nice and extremely helpful in directing me towards your table. My son hasn't stopped talking about you since we left on Saturday. He was so impressed by how down-to-earth and nice you were. We both read the chap book as soon as we got home and it was just as amazing and entertaining as I knew it would be. The stories were so funny and touching. After reading his copy my son commented that he thought you seemed like a wonderful dad. I just have to commend you for the manner in which you treat your fans. I watched you interact with the family standing in line in front of us, and they had a small child dressed as Darth Vadar. You were terrific with each individual, especially the child - devoting sincere interest for all their comments. Whatever happens career-wise, I believe you are already a true success as a human being...