One of my old spacesuits is being auctioned off on eBay. I’m not sure why, but it makes me feel a little sad.
I’m sitting here, about to write a little entry about it, when my phone rings. It’s a friend of mine, asking me if I’m going to the Star Trek X screening.
“Yeah, on Wednesday,” I tell him.
“No, it’s tonight,” he tells me.
“Tonight? At Paramount?”
“No, it’s in Westwood, tonight,” he tells me, “I just talked with Marina about it.”
Oh no.
That feeling I have gotten so many times before, when I was the only cast member not asked up on stage at the 25th anniversary party, when I was the only cast member not recognized at the screening of “All Good Things…” begins to well up. I feel a little sick.
He wouldn’t do this to me, right? Not now, not after the conversations we had when I was working on the movie, not since the phone call informing me of the cut. This must be a mistake. Past is the past, right? We’re cool now. There is no way he’d exclude me from this.
But he did.
He did it to me again.
I want to cry.
I tell my friend that I have to go, and hang up the phone.
I sit there alone and cold in the kitchen. I can hear Ryan watching Sabrina The Teenage Witch in the living room.
I can’t believe this is happening to me. When Rick told me that my scenes were cut, he assured me that I’d still be invited to the premiere, and that he’d see me there. I was excited to see all my friends again, and share in those moments with them. Be a part of what will really be the final mission.
It turns out that the screening I was invited to will be at Paramount on Wednesday, and pretty much anyone who works at Paramount can attend. It’s not the premiere, and none of the cast are going. There’s really nothing special about it.
I seriously, desperately hope that this was just an oversight. I desperately hope that this is totally out of Rick’s hands, and that he’ll tell me that he’s sorry if it ever comes up. I desperately hope this isn’t personal. I want so badly to believe that it isn’t. It sucks to be overlooked, but it sucks less than if I’d been intentionally not invited.
It sure fits a pattern though, huh?
I just — I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know how to feel anymore.
But I’ll go with hurt for now.
Really, really fucking hurt.
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Wil,
I’ve posted on this before. But I just feel that I should now. You’ve been fucked over by Berman, and I’m sorry for that. No person deserves to be treated like the way you have been for the past 15 years. I know that you are saying that you are a writer/actor now, but I don’t think I can post without saying that I truly believe that you are a great actor. Your character on ST was always my favorite. There was something about him, like the fact that he did manage to save the day, that just made me happy. Here was a kid who was bright/socially awkward, but he was doing amazing things. It just made me happy that this kid was doing these things, and it actually gave me more confidence to be smart and bright, and it actually led to my first boob-touching (I kid). So I thank you for that (the confidence, not the boob touching). And I can’t really top any of the past advice that has been posted here, so I’ll just repeat it (sorry about that) Bermans=asshole. But you can’t dwell on that and you cannot let him own your feelings like he has. You might not have as much “power” as him, or as much “money” or as much “Hollywood” success, but you are by far the better person. So go get your 50,000 Monkeys and 50,000 typewriters and just be yourself, and make a difference, like you have already with me and hundreds, thousands, of others.
Wil,
Some wise words for you dearie:
When the pasts dust lies on the ground,
Think not of whats lost, focus on whats found,
50,000 fans make one helluva sound,
cos (to Prick Berman) WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND!!!!!
And whilst we’re on the subject of Rick Berman, I give you this ancient proverb from my homeland. Use it as a mantra to get you through the day…..
“May the fleas of a thousand sheep, infest his armpits/groinal area” (delete as applicable).
Okay, somebody else is using “indigo”
which sucks, so I guess I’ll have to submit
future entries with a different nickname,
like the one I used in high school.
Okay, just dub me monkey 1,220 with the
name, “Sweet T”. I guess “indigo” is becoming
too popular. Uhm, yeah. That is all.
Oh, and one more thing I forgot to add:
WIL WHEATON IS ‘DA MAAAAAAN! Smooches all around.
Heh, please add a “never” in the first sentence of my previous post. It should read “I’ve never posted on this before.” And Berman still=asshole
Berman is a HUGE, GIANT, MONDO goober! This dumb stunt he pulled just makes me believe even more he’s a moron who couldn’t be able to pull his head from his bum even if he had a road map!
Hey Wil, I have a friend who knows someone who knows someone. I’m sure he’d be happy to put in a call to that person. 🙂
Next time the bastard wants something from you, sunddenly remember a urgent hair appointment! Fuck ’em, fuck ’em in the ear!!
*suddenly* remembered I can’t spell!
I hate Rick Berman!
Hmm. Just dropped in, like I do occasionally, and Damn.
I can only echo what I read before; Call Spinner. The only contact I have with the whole mess anymore is from ST:TOS and if I thought it would do any good, I would…Never mind, I’ll call anyway.
But you should call Spinner.
wow….that really sucks…and to think that you were one of my favorite characters. Well here is all of my mojo for you to have. I hope it helps. I just wanted you to knoe that you are not alone, and you have more fans than Rick Berman could ever dream of. I think we should all complain to paramount. I bet we could get recognized. anyone have a web site in mind?
hey Wil, I just wanted to say sorry you got screwed out of seeing the screening. Spend some time with your family though and I know you will feel much better.
i boycott them.
i boycott them.
i boycott them…. throw dog poopy on their shoes.
fuckers.
There’s nothing magic to say to make you feel better, Wil, but just think of how strong this makes you for the long haul.
Screw that guy Rick! Screw the premiere!!! Invite your friends from the show to your house for a barbecue on your new lawn and don’t invite Rick!!! You’ll probably have more fun that way anyways
Chin up, Wil. While the majority of us who post here aren’t what you’ld call “close friends” (hell, half of us are just random folk and fans), we’re all behind you. Wil Wheaton _does_ have a posse, and we’re all with you. This equates to your friends telling you they don’t want you at your own birthday party (which happened to me once), and is just plain wrong. Why people do this to you (intentional or not), I don’t understand. He owes you a phone call and a good, honest explanation.
I’d have to agree with several previous posts – Trek has not been the same without you. It’s annoying that in order to support something that we love (ie. the Trek-y goodness), we must support someone we loathe (ie. the devil’s skid marks).
I’m sure another “sorry” at this point may seem superfluous, but I mean it. You are an inspiration to me, both as an actor and a writer, and it sucks that this has happened to you again.
Be hurt, be angry, be whatever you feel is necessary for you to get through this. Your monkeys are all supporting you.
wil, the struggling actor, would most likely be upset at news like this.
however…
wil, the renegade writer, should perhaps look on this as fodder for his next update.
wil.
you are a writer/actor.
use this.
the anger you’re feeling, the hurt, the shock at being left out.
use it.
channel it towards something better.
and never.
never
ever
take Rick fucking Berman at his word again.
Rick, no doubt your juniors are gonna read this and give you the synopsis…
heres a quick one.
you just lost me.
was going to see this movie.
now i’m not.
and neither are a lot of wheatons fans.
fuck you and your ‘oversight’
But Wil Wheaton Rawks!
MOJO to the man!
*sends major caring mojo*
Man, that totally sucks Wil. Wish we could all do something more, besides send ya caring & major mojo support. 🙂
*drool* Enchiladas sound really good… 🙂
Reading through the comments, something else occured to me.
The best advice, the best comfort anyone ever gave me was this: When all else fails, write a book. It’s the best revenge of all.
Looks like you’ve already got your revenge.
“Berman is the devil’s skid marks.”
Best. Insult. Evar. I am in awe. I applaud.
Wil, I already e-mailed you, but look above this — over 100 people writing to say “We’re in your corner.” I’d be willing to bet that Rick Berman doesn’t have 100 people sending the mojo.
I can’t believe you let Ryan watch “Sabrina the Teenaged Witch.” *Shudder*
I think you are being too hard on yourself. Really what is the big deal? You are the only one who knows who you really are. Why is a guy like you going to let an asshole ruin your day? Wil….Have some integrity. Pick yourself up, dust off your boots and hit the streets! I think you are cool even though we disagree politically. There isn’t a single person who wouldn’t agree with me on this. I really am not a Star Trek fan but I like your personality so quit being such a wus and make new contacts. To hell with the ELITE. You need to re-invent what it is that you see yourself as and not what everybody else sees you as. Just my opinion. I am Pete from 8bitjoystick.com And I just wanted you to know that I am a buddy of Jakes….who is a really cool person. I sure hope that you stop this TIRADE that your on and get back on the proverbial horse. This guy really sounds like an A-HOLE and I dont understand why it should matter to you. Good luck. We all need it sometimes.
Oh, yeah, and — it’s THEIR loss (Berman’s, everyone’s) too and they don’t even know it. Thoughtless or purposeful — either way it’s ignorance.
Buck up, I think they are probably saving Wesley for the sequel to the mess this film appears to be from all the negative reviews so far.
Hey, Riker and Troi will be gone, Data’s gone to android heaven (maybe), momma Bev’s gone- who are they gonna call to save Picard’s aging ass in the next film? Worf’s getting pretty gray even for a Klingon. Geordi is a great engineer, but not really the action figure type. Who will they gonna call?
Wesley, The Boy(-ish) Wonder, that’s who!
“Star Trek 11: The Generation After Next”
Christmas, 2004
Rick Berman is rotting hogshit. Remind me to bring a crate of rotten eggs to his next appearance. >:(
Just goes to show you what “friends” are like in Hollywood. If Brent, Patrick or ANY of the others put their foot down and said, “Rick, you had better make sure that Wil is at the premier, or I might be getting the flu that day,” he WOULD be at the premier. Instead, they look out only for themselves…
Wil:
Everyone knows Berman is a ‘blow hole’, but I can understand your disappointment. Only a schmeg like him would shine you on the way he did and then screw you over tonight.
Oh well, live and learn.
I wish you the best and hope things turn around. At least you know all of us are here every day keeping you company.
Scott
P.S. Wes was ALWAYS one of my favorite characters — you do have fans out here, you know…
Just another (((((HUG))))) from a BIG TIME Star Trek Geek. (I even dress-up at the cons). My husband and I have decided not to see the movie now. We were almost at that point when they cut you, one of our favorite character. But after this, it’s just not an option anymore. Maybe if they put you on the DVD we’ll buy it, but otherwise, no way.
I hope you know how hearfelt all these comments in here are. We all really enjoy your blog and feel like we know you and Anne and the boys like some kind of distant relative. You touch a lot of people. People like Berman have no real heart to touch.
Feel Better.
That just plain sucks. There is no other way to put it.
Sounds like it might be time to fucking REGULATE!
Phoenix is only 4 hours away from LA if I drive like I always do. Give me the word and I’ll hop in my sled and well go bust a ca- … er … have a conversation … with that piece of sh- … er … Rick Berman.
Fuckin’ cocksuckers.
Man if there is any one who deserved a warm cup of vomit ala Harlan Ellison style it’s that asshat.
Wil you deserve better but like some of the people that have typed before me-
Star Trek is the past. Don’t look back.
Hoping my mojo helps to dent the hurt you’re feeling.
-K
Beastie Lives!
You probably won’t read this far down the list, but what happened to you has stuck in my craw all night. You deserve better, and my only thought is to remember how you feel at this moment. Remember how you feel next time they want you for something, be it a convention, a cruise, etc. Remember what they did to you, and don’t do them the favor of taking what scraps they throw you.
I know you talk about the revolving door, but perhaps it’s time to walk through it one last time, and nail it shut behind you.
AC
Is there anyway we can e-mail Rick Bergman and complain?
Sounds to me as if we need to substitute the word “fuck” with the word “Berman” from now on in the English Language.(I realize, though, that this could be a case of shooting the messenger….)
For instance…”Looks like you got Bermanned over again, Wil.”
Could have been worse, though. Imagine not being able to escape that Wesley character at all!
Imagine… 40 years from now some jerk approaching you on the street saying, “Hey, look!! It’s Wesley Crusher! Hi, Wes!”
Wil,
I think it’s terrible, and echo many who’ve said much the same already tonight. You’ve got a lot that is good and right in your life, and both of your careers are moving forward.
I think what I’m surprised at is not just that the character you played hasn’t had any storyline closure, but also that not one of your former castmates thought of calling you tonight and making sure you were there with them. (I do hope that doesn’t make this worse) The character you played was a part of the main cast, and as such deserves inclusion, as do you. I think it’s a shame that this has happened. It does not reflect well upon Paramount, Star Trek, or Berman and others guiding this.
However you have a loving wife, a great family, and as I said before – your careeer(s) are going forward. I know this hurts, let yourslef feeling and then put it away. You seem to have a lot – cherish it, and let all else pass away.
K.
It’s a damn shame, really. The more I read from you and Robert Beltran, and the more episodes of Enterprise I see…the more Rick Berman makes me want to throw up. Sorry…I’ve tried to be a faithful good little Trek fan, but what he does to you, what he did to Voyager, and what he’s doing to Enterprise just isn’t right. How much longer are we expected to tolerate it?
Reality check. Did you think the red carpet premiere was really going to be at Paramount? Besides, you’d have shown up with blue hair and a Popeye arm. Had you been photographed on the red carpet, you surely wouldn’t get invited to Tom Hanks’ next picture.
What was it that Brent invited you to Europe for? You should use his cell number and give that man a call.
Bermen’s a snake, as you’ve seen. And it sucks to hurt Wil, but you can’t let this get you down too much. You have to just accept it, and move on, and the next time Bermen asks you to go on an episode of Enterprise or save Picard from some wretched alien scum – ask him where your premiere tickets next to Levar and Patrick are. When he looks at you in that odd “what is he talking about?” way – don’t bother explaining – instead stomp on his foot and steal his wallet and then run away. Serves the man right for kicking my childhood idol out of my favorite television series by making him some sort of indian traveler and not a ensign on DS9.
So sigh your last sigh, and wipe up those tears. You got to think of an appropriate line of obscenities for the next time you see Berman.
–Alex C. Schaefer
[email protected]
Are you sure the screening is Wednesday? I was supposed to go tomorrow (Tuesday).
In honor of my solidarity, i’m about to go dye my hair blue. Can’t get you out of the hole unless we’re in the hole with you. And when people ask why my hair is blue, i shall say, “Cause Rick Berman’s an ASS!” and walk away triumphantly as people stare me down, worried about my mental health.
Now, to finish the job, i just gotta find some poison oak.
Again, i say it: mojo. mojo. mojo.
Everybody now!
#1 Star Trek X isn’t a “must see” for me anymore. I hate learning that people behind a product are assholes.
#2 Have your own premiere. Tell us where and when and you can bet a bunch of us show up.
On the up-side, The Girl’s Room is on Showtime Women tonight… I missed the screenings in LA and it’s so far just great. Kudos on this project…
I’m sorry, but the only thing that can be said here is that Rick Berman’s a c*cksucker. That’s about the extent of it.
Damn the man Wil…damn the man! There is nothing I can say to make the pain go away. Everyone knows the feeling of being left out of something important. Just as Rick Berman will feel when you do not mention his name in any of your acceptance speeches when you one day win an Academy Award.
I agree with Skeptic…buy the suit and burn it..lol.
My prayers for you and your hurt feelings!
Remember:::
“The soul that is within me no man can degrade.” Frederick Douglas
“You still remember, Rick Berman –I cannot help but be touched. I, of course, remember you.”
“What is the meaning of this blog attack? What happened to your William F**King Shatner T-shirts?”
“Surely I’ve made my meaning plain, Rick. I mean to avenge myself upon you, Berman. I have deprived your limp, failing Star Trek franchise of power and when I swing around I mean to deprive you of future stupid TNG sequels entailing B-9’s Katra…But I wanted you to know first who it was who had beaten you!”
“Wil, if it’s me you want, I’ll have myself appear as a cameo on Enterprise dressed like a female Ferengi…spare my legal entourage!”
“I’ll make you a counter-proposal. I’ll agree to your terms if….IF, in addition to the cameo, you create for me a Star Trek TNG spin-off series called, “Wesley loves the Traveler,” chronicalling the growing superpowers I’d developed in that American Indian, peyote-laden episode that sucked so bad!”
“The Traveler? Who is that?”
“Don’t insult my intelligence, Berman.”
“Give me some time to recall the casting agents for our next search.”
“I give you 60 seconds, Berman….”
I doubt Rick has enough free time to factor in the human element into most of the things he thinks and does (I don’t know the guy, but I know the type.) That’s no excuse for excluding you, but for alot of people a promise is another thing to forget to enter into a calendar.
Forget about it. You were cool on Star Trek, (real) people liked you, and you made your mark on that universe. Your real friends will probably wonder where you were at the premire, but such is life. Go to the Wednesday premire and be grateful that you can even go to such things (we can’t go to that.) Then go to the movie with your kids and wife on Friday and enjoy it again! (That’s better than a premire anyway… assuming you wait until school’s out this time. 🙂 )
Rick Berman sucks. It is, however, my sincere belief that by continuing to screw both you and ST fans like this over and over again, he is shooting himself in the foot. He is simply promoting the further decline of the franchise, and the decline of the franchise means the decline of Rick Berman.
Here’s to hoping that after this movie tanks there will be an internal power struggle within Paramount resulting in the demise of said Rick Fucking Berman.
I know it’s hard today, and I know you know that there’s more important things in life. I hope you can put this in the past sooner than later.
I wish I could say that I am surprised by I am not. Why he treats you that way is beyond me, but you do have the power to stop it. Refuse to let him get to you anymore. Just let the whole thing go. If he is going to act like a little shit then let him. If he tries to call you to get you to call off the attacking hordes at his gates (and you know that is what we will all do) don’t take the call, or take the call and tell him to his face that you know his game and you are changing the rules! Let him know that you know exactly what kind of two face bastard he his. Tell him that you are no longer concerned with him or his projects and that if his conduct has gotten him into trouble then he can get himself out of trouble with the fans. Then hang up in his ear and be done with the sorry S.O.B..
There are pleanty of us who are interested in your current projects and genuine good fortune. If that is not enough then think about this.
You;
1 Got me thinking about free speach and the internet to the point that I have emailed my senators about the issues.
2 Entertain me often with your stories which I have retold to many people in general conversations
3 Helped a little girl and her family through a very tough time
4 YOU GOT TO WORK WITH ISSAC HAYES HOW COOL IS THAT!
5 You have a wonderful wife and terrific kids
6 Just got a new lawn
7 Have a loving family
there is a lot more and I invite everyone to add to the list, but the last item I will add is a fan base that likes you for more than a character you played years ago, we like you for who YOU are. Some dumb ass can not take that away from you! Now go kiss your wife, pet the dog, play with the kids and start writing the next great american novel, or be on Tech TV again.
Patrick (no I am not bald)