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.
Warp Five 223: It’s All About Communication
“Vox Sola” 20th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how this story approaches the importance of communication, the nuance of language, and cross-cultural misunderstanding from many angles, plus the attempt to bring a truly alien alien to Star Trek.
The Orb 134: Coffee in the Afternoon
“Armageddon Game.” We discuss the Miles/Jules relationship, the O'Brien's marriage, the original concept for the episode, and the story's warning that is even more relevant in today's world.
The Orb 133: We All Put Our Faith in Something
The Emissary’s prophecies. We discuss the events of “Rapture” as we explore the role of faith and spirituality in Deep Space Nine, Roddenberry's vision of the future and how religion has been portrayed throughout Star Trek.
The Orb 132: The Longevity of Memories
“Blood Oath” and Trill obligations. We discuss how joined Trill cope with memories that span multiple lifetimes as well as the choice to bring back three of Kirk’s most famous Klingon antagonists and how DS9 pays homage to The Original Series.
The Orb 131: No Easy Answers
"The Way of the Warrior," Part 2. We discuss the insidious nature of the Changeling threat, the tough choices faced by Sisko and the Federation, how DS9 offers rich character development amid bigger storylines, Worf finding a new path for himself aboard the station.