As Star Trek: Strange New Worlds approaches its fifth and final season, actors Martin Quinn and Bruce Horak share poignant reflections on their characters. Quinn expresses a bittersweet sadness over Scotty’s arc concluding just as the character truly finds his footing, while Horak revisits Chief Engineer Hemmer’s noble sacrifice and lasting mentorship, emphasizing the deep impact these roles have had on both the cast and the dedicated fanbase.
The acclaimed Paramount+ series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is currently filming its fifth and final season, an announcement that has elicited a mix of excitement and sorrow among its devoted fanbase. As the crew of the USS Enterprise prepares for their last voyages, two actors, Martin Quinn and Bruce Horak, have shared particularly poignant reflections on their characters’ journeys and the show’s impact, highlighting the bittersweet nature of creative endeavors coming to a close.
Their experiences, one stepping into an iconic role late in the game and the other departing heroically early on, offer a unique lens into the profound connection actors forge with their characters and the enduring legacy of the Star Trek universe.
The Engineer’s Lament: Martin Quinn’s Bittersweet Farewell to Scotty
For actor Martin Quinn, joining the ranks of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was a dream come true, yet it comes with a tinge of sadness. Quinn, who began portraying the beloved Montgomery “Scotty” Scott towards the end of Season 3, confessed in an October 2025 interview with Screen Rant at New York City Comic Con that he wished for more time to fully establish his character.
Quinn described Scotty’s initial arc as quite confident, followed by a “knock to his confidence,” and now, a period of self-discovery. “I joined the party late,” Quinn explained. “And I’m kind of sad that just as he’s finding himself, we’re in Season five, and I feel like he’s getting into his stride. And then it’s the kind of finale of Season five, you know, before we know it. So, I’m kind of sad about that, you know, joining the party and everyone’s booking taxis to go home.” This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who were eager to see more of this younger version of the legendary engineer.
Scotty, a character etched into the very fabric of Star Trek lore, was originally brought to life by James Doohan in Star Trek: The Original Series, which ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1969. As a prequel series that premiered in 2022, Star Trek: SNW has offered a fresh perspective on familiar faces, with Quinn stepping into big shoes to portray Captain Kirk’s future chief engineer in his formative years.
Mastering the Technical Dialogue
Bringing a Starfleet engineer to life isn’t without its unique challenges, as Martin Quinn revealed. In a July 2025 interview with Screen Rant Plus, alongside castmate Jess Bush (Nurse Christine Chapel), Quinn elaborated on the difficulty of delivering Scotty’s technically dense lines. He often runs lines out loud with his father and frequently seeks clarification from the writers before shooting a scene, ensuring accuracy and natural delivery.
He noted that while tricky, his role is somewhat less demanding than that of Ethan Peck, who portrays the impeccably logical Mr. Spock. “It’s not as bad as it is for Ethan. Because I feel like Spock can’t even put any hesitation in, whereas I can kind of like scratch myself and ‘Ums’ and ‘Ahs,’ you know, lots of hesitation,” Quinn quipped. Before his tenure on Star Trek: SNW, Quinn had already built a notable career with appearances in television shows such as Annika, Derry Girls, and Scot Squad, as reported by IMDb.
Chief Engineer Hemmer: A Noble Sacrifice and Lasting Impact
While Martin Quinn reflects on an arc cut short, Bruce Horak’s portrayal of Chief Engineer Hemmer left an indelible mark despite his early departure from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Hemmer’s heartbreaking death in the penultimate episode of Season 1, during a harrowing encounter with the Gorn, was a pivotal moment that resonated deeply with audiences.
Horak revealed that he knew about Hemmer’s fate from the very beginning. “Henry Alonso Myers and I met over Zoom and he just flat out said, ‘listen, this is what we have in mind for Hemmer.’ And yeah, so I knew before I’d even had my head mold made,” Horak shared in a Parade interview. Filming that final scene proved to be “tough” and “heartbreaking,” especially after forming strong bonds with the cast over several months. Yet, Horak expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, feeling that his character’s sacrifice was both “noble” and beautifully written, leaving a lasting impression through its message of sacrifice and love.
Hemmer’s Mentorship: Shaping Uhura’s Journey
One of the most cherished dynamics in Strange New Worlds Season 1 was the mentorship between Hemmer and Cadet Nyota Uhura, played by Celia Rose Gooding. Horak quickly connected with Gooding, describing her as “such a dynamic and fun person.” He felt honored to play such a crucial mentor figure in Uhura’s arc, a character destined for a legendary career as a communications officer in Star Trek: The Original Series.
The relationship was not one-sided, however. Hemmer, known for his stern demeanor, learned valuable lessons from Uhura. In episode 4, trapped in a cargo bay, she taught him the importance of teamwork and helped him lower his guard, revealing his hidden aspiration to be a botanist and his deep-seated pacifism. This interaction even led to Hemmer’s first on-screen smile, showcasing a softer side influenced by Uhura’s joy and optimism. Later, his playful portrayal of a wizard in Episode 108 further demonstrated her profound influence on his character.
A central theme of Hemmer’s character, rooted in the Aenar belief, was that “the end only comes once you’ve fulfilled your purpose.” At his memorial, Uhura articulates that his purpose was “to fix what’s broken.” Bruce Horak agrees, interpreting it both literally, as an engineer fixing the ship, and spiritually, as making the crew “whole” through his sacrifice. It was a beautiful culmination of his journey, taking a leap into the unknown, confident in the positive change he left behind.
A Legacy Remembered
When asked how he believed Hemmer would want to be remembered, Horak mused that his character would wish to be seen as an “excellent engineer” and a “genius” who achieved his life’s purpose by fixing things. For Bruce Horak himself, he humorously declared he wants Hemmer to be remembered as “the all-time greatest engineer on any Star Trek franchise ever.”
On a personal note, Horak fondly recalled his time on the show as the “best year of my life, tops.” His favorite scenes included the iconic Vulcan salute he got to share with Spock, the family-like dinner table scene in Episode 2 (which felt like genuine social interaction during strict COVID protocols), and the adrenaline-fueled tension of Episode 109, which created a true “horror movie” atmosphere during the Gorn encounter. These moments highlight the depth of the creative experience and the lasting joy it brought to the actor.
Fan Reactions and the Future of Star Trek
The emotional departures of characters like Hemmer and the bittersweet arc of new additions like Scotty underscore the profound connection that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has forged with its audience. The show’s willingness to take risks, from character deaths to its episodic “different flavor” approach, has been lauded by critics and fans alike. The depiction of Captain Pike’s (Anson Mount) Enterprise as a tightly-knit “family” further amplifies the emotional impact of any loss or change within its ranks.
As the final season approaches, discussions among the fan community will undoubtedly focus on how Scotty’s accelerated development will tie into the established canon and how Hemmer’s legacy will continue to influence Uhura and the entire crew. These character stories, whether long or short, contribute to the rich tapestry of the Star Trek universe, ensuring that even as one chapter closes, the spirit of exploration and connection endures.
