Explained: Walter Koenig, Ensign Chekov on original 'Star Trek' series, dies at 90

Walter Koenig played Ensign Pavel Chekov on the original 'Star Trek' television series and several movies

Trekkies

Fans of the 'Star Trek' franchise who have kept interest in the show alive

Ensign

A junior naval officer rank held by the character Chekov

Communist-bloc

Term referring to nations aligned with Communist governments, used to describe Chekov's character as the sole representative from that bloc on the Enterprise bridge

spinoff

A TV series or other media derived from an original show, referenced regarding new 'Star Trek' series and Koenig's other projects