Warp Five 242: Toward the Federation
“Cease Fire” 20th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the story brings the Federation’s founding worlds closer together through a growing relationship and trust among unlikely players.
The Orb 144: How Gullible Is the Federation?
“How Gullible Is the Federation?“ We conclude our discussion of the breadcrumbs sprinkled by the writers as they set up the story of the Dominion and one of Star Trek’s most complex stories.
The Orb 143: Finding It As They Go
“Finding It As They Go.“ We discuss the breadcrumbs sprinkled by the writers as they set up the story of the Dominion and one of Star Trek’s most complex stories.
Warp Five 241: An Element of Ignorance
“Stigma” 20th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how this story, which aired during Viacom’s HIV awareness campaign in 2003, advances the development of Vulcan society while deftly balancing serious and comedic stories to make a strong statement about cultural differences and unfounded prejudice.
Warp Five 240: Darmok Lite?
“Dawn” 20th-anniversary reflections. We we ask whether this story is just an attempt to recreate the magic of “Darmok,” a clone of the film Enemy Mine, or something much more.
The Orb 142: In Awe of the Pylons
“Hear All, Trust Nothing.“ We discuss how this humorous installment in the Star Trek franchise successfully captures the feel of the richest and most serious series while also delivering plenty of laughs.
The Orb 141: What She Left Behind
Remembering Louise Fletcher. We reflect on the actor who brought Kai Winn to life, how her skill in portraying the character led the DS9 story in a different direction than first planned, and why Fletcher’s Winn triggers self-reflection in so many of us.
The Orb 140: Gul Facade
Dukat’s “Civil Defense.” We discuss Gul Dukat within the context of the episode “Civil Defense,” including the character’s selfish nature, desire for adoration, hatred of Garak, and lust for anything that puts him on the pedestal. You have two minutes to start listening before we release the hounds!
The Orb 139: Swept Up in Revolution
Michael Eddington. We discuss the character from conception to conclusion as we deep dive into the mind of Eddington as he casts himself as the hero of his own story, based on his favorite book, Les Misérables.
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The Ready Room 234: When You Orb an Orb [Anything Is Possible]
The State of Star Trek 2022. We discuss each of the “modern” series, dig into the fan split over old and new, and imagine what new series might be on the horizon. We also debate the pros and cons of the streaming model for storytelling and how Star Trek and Star Wars are pushing each other forward.
Saddle Up! 11: The Alternate Terror
“A Quality of Mercy.” We explore how this new story reinforces the importance of TOS as the foundation of Star Trek as we know it, how it highlights the pivotal roles of Kirk, Spock, and Pike, and ask whether the series is leading us to a soft reboot.
Saddle Up! 10: Hulk Spock and Hemhura
“All Those Who Wander.” We explore the reimagining of the Gorn and Star Trek as a platform for horror, as well as the added emotional texture for Spock and the departure of Hemmer.