#chris o'bray

[jmalkki]

Team Stamets 

Finally! A proper group shot, to feature some of the uncredited regulars of the Disco family. Hopefully this is only the first of few more to come.

Haven’t done a ‘cast post’ like this in a while, but here goes:

(Though, before the cut I also need to make the customary mentions of this work on instagram, on twitter, and that the Disco works are all listed here).

I am so ecstatic to finally have gotten this done! I've been attempting to do group shots of the various Disco teams for the couple past years now (as some may recall me lamenting on several occasions). Poster type, posed things, which always failed at unnecessarily intricate planning stages (trying to figure out who to include, how to group them, and not wanting to leave anyone out), or couple times having already started drawing, to my attention just wandering off to more interesting scenes, away from illustrating just frigid poses.

This half-staged looking approach seems like it was the way to tricking my brain into sticking through with it. This looks it could very well be a paused scene in-universe; the (available) team gathering for a group shot mid workday, for some introductory organization PR clip or some such (though, Paul’s looking rather unnaturally mellow here for any Fleet propaganda nonsense *ha*).

This duo continues to have a special place in my heart. LtJG Harrington,  played by Devon MacDonald, was introduced in ep3 of the first season, and was the first one of Team Stamets to ‘welcome’ Burnham to the Engineering in Paul’s absence. They were also the one who found Paul by the escape pods after the poor fellow had discovered and wandered off with dead Hugh later in the season (scene, which btw reeked of unresolved possibilities). Unfortunately we haven’t seen them after that (please, bring them back! ...if Devon is still up to play them, that is).

Chris O’Bray. This fellow should get so much more recognition! They’ve played several roles in the series already, as a Klingon, Kelpien, Andorian, ‘red shirt’... more? As well as continuously appearing as a Science officer on Team Stamets (I hear they even played opposite Anthony in season 2 in a scene of frustrated Paul, and though the interaction was ultimately cut, you can see a glimpse of it in an episode opening montage scene where the team is trying to figure out how to recover Tilly from the network). Yet, uncredited, Disco isn’t even listen on their imdb-page. I keep waiting to see them to get invited to Trek cons eventually, alongside older ‘minor role alumni’, having already gained such a repertoire of Trek roles.

Speaking of O’Bray, they were the one who’s mention of the name ‘Anna’ introduced me to this redhead on the left, too: Anna Popowicz (thank you!). I had been keen to know their name since season 1, where they are a prominent regular at the controls of the reactor core at that top level in the engineering room. In their most prominent screenshot I thought they greatly resemble Yeoman Mears from TOS.

Often appearing at the same station is also ‘Buddy’ - as I had gotten to calling this jovial looking fellow in the middle here, before learning they are played by ‘Jordan’ (name according to their instagram profile). Their most prominent on-screen appearances in season 1 include this lovely moment in ep 4 (with Paul Marion Landais, who didn't make the cut here, but was previously featured in this one), and the team briefing scene in episode 13. In season 2 they can be seen ie. standing behind Paul at Airiam’s funeral.

Then there is this Science officer on the right. They are the only one yet to wear earring with their uniform, and were thus first most recognizable to me too. Appearing several times in season one at a fairly regular spot at the controls in the Engineering. Previously featured way back in here (with Harrington), and since discovered to be played by one ‘Naima’ (real, or a stage name?).

Often alongside ‘the Earrings’ in season 1 is also this, as of yet unidentified character in the far background here. First appearing in ep 3 with ‘Earrings’, in that first Engineering scene with Burnham and Harrington, they’ve continued to be one of the most familiar presences around the premise all the way through to season 2 too. Their most prominent appearances in season 1 include that same celebratory sweep across the team in episode 4 mentioned above with ‘Buddy’, and running to the collapsed Paul’s aid in the spore reaction chamber with Saru, Tilly et co, after the mushroom man had taken upon himself to dose with the Tardigrate dna. In season 2 you can see Paul instructing them to a task in episode 13 (incidentally, while chatting with ‘Buddy’).

And this I haven’t asked in a while, but: if anyone recognizes them and knows to give a name, I’d love to credit them, and perhaps find more of them to help with featuring them more in any future works too. Any hints much appreciated.

Edit: Identified as one Michelle Browne. Yaay! So awesome to finally have the name to such a stable member of the Disco crew. Thanks to O’Bray, again <3

And lastly, there is also the fellow reading the PADD, an Engineering Ensign portrayed by Christian Rodriquez. Previously featured/identified here alongside both Buddy and Harrington, and in this season 2 starter piece with several other familiar faces. Oh, and in this one, too. Their most prominent scene on screen must still be their first season 1 appearance: they’re the one on duty when Burnham sneaks into Paul’s mushroom garden.

Oh, and there are of course Nilsson and Tilly of the credited cast there too, but much like Paul, I doubt they really need any introduction.

Obligatory hands/arms appreciation shot <3

Gosh, this was rewarding. Wouldn’t seem like the same ship without the recognizable crew aboard. Much kudos to the casting for keeping things consistent. Next, Bridge or Medical?

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