When the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Most Toys” was first produced in 1990, British actor David Rappaport was cast in the role of collector Kivas Fajo. Rappaport attempted suicide over the weekend after a few days of filming were completed. Director of the episode, Timothy Bond stated, “[T]here was a story going around that they had found him in his car with a tube running from the exhaust. Obviously I had to replace him.”
The part was subsequently hurriedly recast, and actor Saul Rubinek was chosen to portray the character of Fajo. Rappaport later attempted suicide again and was successful, dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on May 2, 1990 – just three days before “The Most Toys” aired.
At yesterday’s Wondercon Convention in Anaheim, California, the Blu-ray team (consisting of Mike & Denise Okuda, Brannon Braga and VAM producers Roger Lay, Jr. and Robert Meyer Burnett) were out in force to discuss the upcoming release of TNG Season 3. TrekCore’s Tom Bateman was there at the scene to bring us full coverage and shot some great footage. Among the goodies was the news that Robert Meyer Burnett and Roger Lay, Jr. have pieced together original film found from Rappaport’s appearance and edited it into several scenes which will be included on the Season 3 Blu-ray collection. You can watch the announcement in full through the video below:
This is the first time this footage will have been seen by fans after being buried away in Paramount’s vaults for over two decades. Talking to Robert Meyer Burnett some time ago, he mentioned how honored and privileged he felt to be able to handle the footage and edit it together with care and respect. The result is truly astounding – Rappaport gives a 
far different interpretation of Fajo than Rubinek, lending an eerily sinister air to the character which was absent in the final version.
We can confirm that the piece is included on the same disc that features “The Most Toys” and is dedicated to the memory of David Rappaport. Robert, Roger and the team at CBS are to be commended for pursuing this footage and ensuring it can finally be seen by fans. It’s a poignant piece given the back-story, but a pleasure to watch.
We’ll have more coverage of the Wondercon Panel soon, so stay tuned! In the meantime, feel free to let us know what you think about the inclusion of the Rappaport footage on the Season 3 Blu-rays, and if you haven’t already – lock in your order for Season 3 using the links below!
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