Saddle Up! 27: The Monster Past the Edge of the Map
“The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail.” We discuss Kirk's backstory and evolution, bringing together the original series crew, pack rat Pelia and her '80s solution, and the story's closing twist.
Saddle Up! 26: Indiana Jones and the Prisoners of Azkaban
“Through the Lens of Time.” We discuss the mystery and its film inspirations, AI, flying cameras, and the Q, Vezda, and Gorn.
Saddle Up! 25: Where on the Ship Is La'an Sandiego?
“A Space Adventure Hour.” We discuss the use of the Holodeck, La'an and Spock's tango, and the Last Frontier cold open as we also ask whether this very meta episode is really a love letter to Star Trek.
Saddle Up! 24: Dak'Rah Part Deux
“Shuttle to Kenfori.” We discuss the continuation of M'Benga's story, future paths for Batel, designing TOS-inspired Klingons, insubordination, and a few creative ideas we maybe should keep to ourselves.
Saddle Up! 23: Emotional Whiplash
“Wedding Bell Blues.” We discuss Chapel's character arc, contrast her and Spock's relationship with that of Pike and Batel, question the story's tone, and, of course, delve into the return of the lonely squire of Gothos.
Saddle Up! 22: The Best of Both Gorn
“Hegemony, Part II.” We kick off Season 3 as we discuss the challenge of continuing a story after a two-year break, the character progressions, the potential end of the Gorn threat, and the familiar nature of the resolution.
Warp Five 262: Arrested Development
“North Star” 20th-anniversary reflections. We discuss the story's classic roots, its message about prejudice and isolation, and how it works as a breather within the Xindi arc.
To The Journey 291: Pleasure Dome
“Prime Factors” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the story challenges the principles of the crew while bringing opposing views together as it leverages the promise of the series premise.
The Orb 169: Defying Gravity
“Melora” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss what the story says about challenges and limitations, becoming comfortable with yourself, and how the character connects to the original concept for the series.
Warp Five 261: Shacking Up to Save History
“Twilight” 20th-anniversary reflections. We discuss Mike Sussman‘s clever concept, the story’s Voyager origins, and how it raises the stakes for the rest of the season.
To The Journey 290: Death and All His Friends
“Emanations” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss the exploration of aging and death, disregard for the Prime Directive, and cocoons.
The Orb 168: A Father’s Choice
“Cardassians” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the story expands the rich world created for the series, the return of Garak, and the difficult questions around culture and identity.