Sometimes actors want out before end of contract. And just when they had become part of 'the crew' for us who watch and enjoy it like that, not always for the best. But this is such a strong series, it could handle it and still draw the Trekkies back in, keeping them hooked for life, hahaha.

Just had a memory of 'Coupling', dunno if you know that comedy series, but when 'Jeff' left, the new added dude was fun too, but not 'Jeff' like fun. Man I had moments when I hurt my stomache laughing so hard with that 'Jeff' guy...