The Captains Close-Up

The Captains Close-Up is an iconic exploration into the rich and complex universe of Star Trek told through the lens of unforgettable roles which the captains played throughout the franchise. Presented by the entertainment network EPIX in 2013, directed by William Shatner and Joey Zapata, this thrilling five-part miniseries offers you a unique and personalized voyage through the subtle intricacies and compelling journeys of the characters, their actors and the Star Trek universe as a whole.

The show expands on the original full-length documentary, "The Captains," by Shatner, by diving deeper into the psyche and experiences of the commanding officers that made up the heart and soul of the Star Trek properties. These include William Shatner (Captain Kirk), Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard), Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway), Avery Brooks (Captain Sisko), and Scott Bakula (Captain Archer). Each episode is individually curated to close-focus on one captain's story letting fans gain an insider's view of what it was like to live and work as the galactic pathfinders they were staged to be.

The show begins with William Shatner, widely acclaimed for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series, and revisits his own remarkable journey—exploring his life before Trek, the impact of the role in his career and personal life, as well as his relationship with the franchise and its followers. With his unique perspective as a fellow actor and commander within the Star Trek family, Shatner is not just an interviewer but an experienced tour guide to the inner lives of his fellow captains.

Patrick Stewart, who led the groundbreaking reboot of the franchise in Star Trek: The Next Generation, is another significant focus. The series delves into Stewart's illustrious career outside Star Trek, including his renowned Shakespearean performances, and how he brought that depth to the character of Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

Kate Mulgrew gives viewers a rare glimpse into the challenges she faced as the first female captain, Captain Kathryn Janeway, in a franchise that had been traditionally male-led. Avery Brooks, besides being the first black Starfleet Captain, Benjamin Sisko, shares his African-American heritage, and its reflection in Deep Space Nine, shedding light on representation and diversity in the Star Trek milieu. Scott Bakula's portrayal of Captain Jonathan Archer, during the pioneering days of cosmic exploration in the prequel to the first series, also receives due attention.

In these captivating exchanges, William Shatner encourages his fellow Captains to recollect and discuss their preparation for the role, their understanding of the character, their relationships with their cast mates, and the emotional tolls they experienced due to the immense popularity of the franchise. Each conversation is a deep-dive into the actors themselves, going beyond Star Trek, to explore their backgrounds, early days in acting, personal challenges, and triumphs, all of which have molded them into the icons they are today.

In a broader sense, The Captains Close-Up is not just a commentary on the Star Trek universe; it unfolds as a series of revealing, insightful and often poignant dialogues about the scope of an actor's craft and the burdens and blessings of fame. This narrative petal by petal uncovers the human dimensions behind the imposing facades of the Star Trek captains.

Visually, the show features a blend of intimate face-to-face interviews, archival footages, and dramatic reenactments at times to depict the life experiences of the Captains. The insights shared throughout the show provide fans with a newfound appreciation for not only the characters but also for the actors who brought them vividly to life.

Regardless of whether one is a fan of just one series or the entire Star Trek franchise, The Captains Close-Up from EPIX in 2013 is a must-watch for anyone wishing to delve deeper into the mind and spirit of these iconic characters and the stalwart actors who portrayed them. It is a rich melange of personal narratives, philosophical reflections, and showbiz realities that go beyond the confines of the Starship Bridge, offering a whole new perspective into a universe that has enthralled audiences for over five decades.