The Orb 136: Shift in Tone
“The Search, Part I.” We discuss how the arrival of a cloaked starship named Defiant, a new path for Odo, and a growing feeling of family to kick off Season 3 signaled a change which would send ripples through DS9’s storytelling.
The Artificial Tango 6: Shadows of the Night
“Two of One.” We talk about Jean-Luc’s interactions with Renée, the Borg Queen’s interactions with Agnes, Pat Benatar, Adam Soong, a Stargazer spin-off, and what may be happening inside Jean-Luc’s mind as he recalls the struggles of his mother.
The Artificial Tango 5: A Thread of Melancholy
“Fly Me to the Moon.” We talk about what the introduction of Adam and Kore Soong means for the story, speculate on what Q is really up to, and look at the various threads of Star Trek lore which the writers are pulling on to create a unique story built of familiar elements.
The Orb 135: Listening for Personal Gain
Martus Mazer and El-Aurians. We revisit the only appearance of El-Aurians on DS9 and discuss how the original idea would have made Martus Guinan’s wayward son. We also explore the concept of El-Aurians in general and how the three we've spent time with use their skills as listeners.
Warp Five 227: Let No Good Crisis Go to Waste
“Shockwave” 20th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how this story moves the Temporal Cold War toward a hot one, Archer's guilt, the use of time travel, and the repercussions of the efforts of the Suliban and Future Guy to change history.
The Artificial Tango 4: A Bowl of Time Salad
“Watcher.” We discuss why we feel time has been shattered, why Guinan doesn't recognize Jean-Luc, and, of course, the reveal of the Watcher, their apparent connection to Gary Seven, and why their identity means so much to the story.
The Artificial Tango 3: Shatter to Mend
“Assimilation.” We discuss the messages conveyed by Q and the Borg Queen, how the characters are reacting to the situation, a slingshot around the sun, living in a world of contradictions, and much more.
Warp Five 226: Intergalactic Florida
“Two Days and Two Nights” 20th-anniversary reflections. We discuss this fun shore leave story that brings some serious commentary, contrasting Hoshi's experience with that of Trip and Malcolm and discussing the portrayal of language, technology, and the ongoing Suliban plot.
The Artificial Tango 2: Fear Run Amok
“Penance.” We discuss Q's setup for the trial that lies ahead, how a part of Picard is dying, how two sets of characters contrast one another, the Borg connection, who the Watcher may be, and pay homage to Queen Liana of Borg.
Warp Five 225: Let’s Play Some Sand Polo!
“Desert Crossing” 20th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the episode serves as a proto-Prime Directive story, Archer's reputation, shades of gray, and how the story could have benefited from more information and the mini-arc format found in Season 4.
The Artificial Tango 1: We’ll Always Have Laris
“The Star Gazer.” We discuss the start of Season 2, digging into Picard as a character, his connection to Laris, how Seven on Nine serves as a mirror to Picard, how the story sets up a hopeful Federation worth saving.
Warp Five 224: So Much Unexpected Behavior
“Fallen Hero” 20th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the story brings us an unexpected take on Vulcans and an ambassador who we wish we'd seen more of, as well as the realities of life in deep space and picking the right Hawaiian shirt.