He is mostly known as the android who wants to be human in Star Trek: The Next Generation, but now on UPN's Star Trek: Enterprise, actor Brent Spiner will play a much different role as a criminal who helps resuurect aspects of the infamous Eugenics Wars.

In an interview with Zap2it, Spiner discussed his upcoming role on the UPN series, as well as shedding some light on the future of the Star Trek franchise.

Spiner will debut on the series in the episode Borderland Friday night where he plays Dr. Arik Soong, the grandfather of Dr. Noonien Soong, Datas creator.

"There is a subtle kind of reference to things like genetic engineering and stem-cell research in the argument that's created of, 'Who's right here? Was I right or was Starfleet right?'" Spiner said. "That's why I don't particularly see the guy as a villain as much as a committed revolutionary.

Spiner's stint on Enterprise will last for three episodes, and should serve to bring the show closer to the original Star Trek series, as well as the feature film Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan, where the plot is heavily related to the events of the Eugenics Wars.

As for future Star Trek movies, Spiner said that the poor-performance of Star Trek: Nemesis in 2002 has effectively ruled out the possibility of doing any more. However, the actor did say that the franchise is seen as a dependable cash cow for Paramount.

I hope these guest shots that are happening on 'Enterprise' make some kind of a difference," he said. "Really, this is going to be their best year. They're coming into their own."

The episodes also features an Orion slave girl (Bobbi Sue Luther), who wears an outfit comparable only to a bikini.

"Hopefully she'll draw a billion people," Spiner jokes. "She's even better-looking green."

Borderland airs Oct 29 at 8 p.m. ET on UPN.