InHouse-Con, a new virtual convention service from Coolwaters Productions is hosting a Star Trek panel with additional online events this Saturday, May 9th. The panel will feature Discovery cast members Doug Jones, Patrick Kwok-Choon, Hannah Cheesman and Raven Dauda. TrekMovie.com sat down with Jones to discuss virtual conventions and season three of Star Trek: Discovery.

Like many of us, Jones has never attended a virtual convention before. “We are going to be doing a four person panel,” Jones said. “It is my first virtual convention ever. I don’t want to call it the new normal because I don’t want this to last. I will call it the ‘for-now’ normal.” Jones had planned to appear at several upcoming functions, all of which have been postponed or cancelled. While he believes that virtual conventions are likely here to stay, Jones would like to get back to live events, saying “nothing can replace the in-person experience.” 

When pressed for details about season three of Star Trek: Discovery, Jones noted that the series has many possibilities, but, he says, “there is absolutely nothing we can say about it, outside of what you have seen in that teaser trailer.”  And while we still don’t have a release date for the upcoming season, Jones was able to comment on the lighthearted, but also serious nature of what’s to come. “In season three, yes there is humor,” Jones said, “but there is more at stake too. Saru has to take a more serious demeanor. But there is still humor in the right places.”

With the season three release of Star Trek: Discovery delayed, some of us just can’t help but wonder about season four.  The COVID-19 pandemic has halted film production almost entirely, but Jones seemed optimistic, saying “They will find a way to bring our industry back and to bring our show back, I hope. I wish I had something juicy to tell you about season four, but I don’t know if or when we will go back for a season four, if that happens.”

This weekend’s panel is just $4.95 to attend. For those who want the full virtual con experience, InHouse-Con is offering different levels of engagement, all the way up to their $425 “ultimate package”.  The package includes a twenty-minute Zoom meeting with all of the panelists, autographed 8x10 photos of each panelist, a Hallmark Star Trek ornament signed by Jones, a set of 11×17 Star Trek mini movie posters, a Coolwaters shoulder bag and a 30% off coupon for future purchase. Find out more at InHouse-Con.com.