‘Star Trek’ making a return to Las Vegas

I never tire of complaining how the old Las Vegas Hilton (now the innocent Westgate) evicted the “Star Trek” rides, bar and walk-around characters, for absolutely no good reason whatsoever.

It was a great, popular theme, making Vegas the “Star Trek” capital of the world. And it’s not like “Star Trek” became unpopular, despite J.J. Abrams’ terrible, profitable movies.

Anyway, the pleasant, futuristic fans of “Star Trek” will return this summer for Creation Entertainment’s official “Star Trek” convention, Aug. 6-9 at the Rio hotel. Thanks, Rio!

The “100th celebrity guest” of the convention series will be Sir Patrick Stewart, who said in a 2011 “Nerdist” podcast interview he was a real bitter pill when he began his time on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” but he turned over a new leaf and became a fun-loving man on set.

Patrick serves double-duty in sci-fi lore as Professor X in “X-Men” adventures.

Stewart will appear the Sunday of that weekend. He’ll sign a “limited number” of autographs (which usually cost money at ticketed sessions).

But he won’t be doing photo opps. Feel free to place your hand on your bald forehead and facepalm your head over that sadness. Or, if you prefer, stretch out your hand toward Patrick and ask, “No photos? What are you thinking?”

Patrick is in an upcoming Starz TV comedy coming called “Blunt Talk.” Patrick plays a newscaster-turned-talk-show-host, aided by an alcoholic manservant. “Blunt Talk” is produced by Seth (“Family Guy”) MacFarlane for Starz CEO Chris Albrecht.

Contact Doug Elfman at delfman@reviewjournal.com. He blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman. Find him on Twitter: @VegasAnonymous.