There were no problems with the warp core or the phase inducers when the Enteprise-D’s chief engineer warped into Salt Lake City, Utah, for the semi-annual Fan X convention on March 24.

The charismatic actor/producer answered an array of questions regarding his experiences with Trek, the Roots mini-series, and Reading Rainbow – including singing the theme song.

One fan asked him if he disliked wearing the VISOR, to which he effusively responded, “Yes! I hated it!” He was very grateful when Jonathan Frakes finally let him ditch the VISOR in First Contact.

Another fan asked him what he thought of the reboot series, to which he demurred that his mother taught him, “If you can’t say anything nice…” He elaborated that he admired what an exciting, energetic director JJ Abrams is but that he felt it lacked “Gene’s vision.”

When TNG first started, Burton was the only member of the cast with any real fame, thanks to his starring roles in Rainbow and Roots, where he played Kunte Kinte. Burton promoted the upcoming remake of Roots, which will air in May and June, where he is serving as co-executive producer.

George Takei also spoke at Fan X, on March 25, but – alas – this reporter was unable to attend.