‘Star Trek: Discovery’: Ethan Peck Teases an ‘Emotional’ Spock in Season 2

Ethan Peck as Spock in Star Trek Discovery
Q&A
Michael Gibson/CBS

Trekkers, rejoice! Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery, the sci-fi franchise’s prequel, introduces fan favorite Spock (Ethan Peck) as the wise half-human/half-Vulcan joins the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery. (Also on board: Hell on Wheels actor Anson Mount as Capt. Christopher Pike.)

Look for nonstop action as he and the other officers set out to stop the Red Angel, a malignant being that could bring about the extinction of all sentient life in our galaxy. Peck (the grandson of late film star Gregory Peck) gives us a preview.

What was your reaction to getting cast?

Ethan Peck: I was elated. Then I was brimming with terror! The task seemed impossible. Spock [originally played by Leonard Nimoy] is an important figure to so many people.

How does your decade-younger Spock differ from the beloved character?

He’s not yet fully realized. I view this time in his history as an opportunity for us to explore Mr. Spock’s genesis. It’s during this moment that he reconciles his human and Vulcan [sides], so we see him sway between extremes of emotion and logic.

An emotional Spock?!

He’s absolutely more emotional than we’ve seen him before. [Those feelings] erupt from deep within him, triggered by a traumatic event. He’s dealing with his human side for the first time since childhood, a process that is essential to his development.

How’s his relationship with his foster sister, Cdr. Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green)?

It’s badly damaged, and this season explores where it stands and where it can go.

Star Trek: Discovery, Season 2 Premiere, Thursday, January 17, CBS All Access