On Sunday’s episode of After Trek executive producer Gretchen J. Berg was the main guest, joined later by creature designer Neville Page and makeup designer Glenn Hetrick. When the designers joined, discussion initially focused on the mysterious bridge officer, Lt. Commander Airiam (played by Sara Mitich). This character was originally described by the official Star Trek site as a “robot.” However, two weeks ago After Trek did a segment on bridge officers changing Airiam’s official description to “augmented alien.” Yet on Sunday’s After Trek Airiam was now being described as an “augmented human,” with the latest change surprising host Matt Mira. However, no explanation was given for the changing descriptions.

Berg did reveal that the Airiam was introduced in “Context Is for Kings” after executive producer Akiva Goldsman (who directed the episode) “fell in love” with a concept sketch made by Neville Page which Goldsman called “plate face.” Berg said Airiam has since become a “favorite” of the writers.

It was also suggested that Airiam may even be able to swap out some of her components for different missions, although it didn’t appear any of this will be seen in the first season. Hetrick noted “I feel like she could evolve more,” with Page adding “There is so much dimensional depth to her in the mechanism that she is.”

You can watch the segment below, which included some behind the scenes shots of the design and makeup process for Airiam.

Sci-fi fans may recognize Sara Mitich, the actress underneath all that Airiam makeup, as Gia from the Syfy series The Expanse.

Martin-Green, Frain and Berg on Sarek’s choice in ‘Lethe’

Gretchen also shared insights into Sarek’s thought process as to why he held held back the truth over his decision to pick Spock over Michael Burnham to join the Vulcan Expeditionary Group.

I think for somebody who pushes his emotions down and not letting his emotions dictate his actions, it wasn’t logical for him [to tell Burnham the truth]. It was hard for him to tell her and the longer you wait, it becomes a bigger and bigger thing. It’s one of those secrets that builds…To admit to it would probably take Sarek to an emotional space.

Actor James Frain also joined the discussion via Skype, and he discussed the internal struggle with Sarek’s decision:

When he is presented with this choice between Spock and his adopted daughter, he cannot not choose Spock. But we see in this episode that this is the thing he regrets most in his life.

Sonequa Martin-Green appeared in a pre-recorded segment to discuss Sarek’s betrayal.

More behind the scenes clips from ‘After Trek’

Star Trek: Discovery is available on CBS All Access on in the US and airs in Canada on the Space Channel. It is available on Netflix outside the USA and Canada.

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