Cillian's comments about too many guest stars makes me think that he actually filmed scenes with Jess for season 4 but they were edited out after Paramount heard the negative fan feedback about season 3. Erica's brother Beto was also neither seen nor mentioned. Season 3 had so many romances and guest stars that some episodes felt like a silly episode of The Love Boat. It would explain why Nurse Chapel was rarely seen in season 4.

This Collider article by Michael Block makes me nervous because he imagines a recast of the TOS show without even mentioning the cast of Strange New Worlds. Zachary Quinto's Spock got a mention but not Ethan Peck? Does anyone know if Michael Block is a well regarded sci-fi writer? What prompted him to write an article like this?