Patrick Stewart ("Jean-Luc Picard") is the latest big name to sign on for a stint in the new Ricky Gervais comedy series called Extras. Gervais, of course, is co-creator of the original U.K. version of The Office as seen on the BBC, BBC America and now on DVD. (The adapted U.S. version of The Office has just finished its six episode run on NBC.)

Extras takes jabs at the acting profession, with Gervais starring as a jealous, out of work thespian. Other actors that have reportedly signed on to appear in the comedy series include Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet and Samuel L. Jackson. The show, the first jointly produced by the BBC and HBO, doesn't have a U.S. airdate as yet.

Brent Spiner in Braga's "Threshold"

Brent Spiner ("Data") is getting quite a bit of work these days. Apart from his three-episode arc on Star Trek: Enterprise, you may have caught him playing himself on Joey as the object of Michael Tribbiani's fan affections in the episode "Joey and the Premiere." Brent has also recently completed filming Brannon Braga's alien invasion pilot "Threshold." Again, the airdate is not yet confirmed.

While you're at it, add one more job to Brent's résumé: Spiner has just signed on to appear in the new Duff sisters (Hilary and Haylie) movie "Material Girls." Martha Coolidge ("Valley Girl") is directing the film, currently being shot in Los Angeles. Angelica Huston and Lukas Haas also star.

Finale Viewing Parties

Friday, May 13 is a dark day for many of us. For those of you unable to watch the Enterprise finale "These are the Voyages..." on your own, there may be help at hand. Plans are afoot to have specially organized viewing parties so fans can gather and share the final two hours together as UPN broadcasts "Terra Prime" and the finale back to back.

UPN 38 in Little Rock, Arkansas, will be hosting their own event at the Clear Channel Metroplex from 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. The event is free to the public and for more information you can click on the link below.

UPDATE - for information on this and other viewing parties, click here.

If you know of any more viewing parties for the finale, please send us an e-mail at: editor@startrek.com and we can update the story.