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.
The 602 Club 388: Speaking of Butts
Thor: Love and Thunder. We discuss after Endgame, the humor, Thor, flashbacks, Jane, no character development, deserves more, action, effects and music, our ratings and the post credits.
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.
The 602 Club 387: Planet-Sized Questions
Star Wars: Shadow of the Sith. We discuss the Sith, Luke, Lando, Ochi and more connections, Rey, her parents and even more connections, wrapping up with our ratings.
Saddle Up! 9: A Cloud Called Debra
“The Elysian Kingdom.” We debate going to this Trek trope so early in the run of a series limited to 10 episodes per season, delve into the resolution of the plotline involving Doctor M’enga’s daughter Rukiya, and discuss the choice to make Benny Russell a real person in the Star Trek universe.
The 602 Club 386: How Kenobi Gets His Groove Back
Obi-Wan Kenobi. We discuss, movie vs show, rewriting, doubling back, back to Ben, call to arms, Ben to Obi-Wan again, the fight, getting the reward, Inquisitors, Leia, new friends, Vader's back, the look and feel, music and our ratings.
The 602 Club 385: The Despair and Hope
Stranger Things 4: Part 1. We discuss coming back, splitting up the season, trauma from the past, to be loved, amping up the horror, the villain, another answer, three different strands, our ratings and recommendations.
Saddle Up! 8: Vulcan Affairs
“The Serene Squall.” We explore Spock’s struggle with identity, the rich world building of Vulcan affairs that will transform how viewers read “Amok Time” and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, and the trajectory of the Spock–Chapel relationship. We may also do pirate imitations.
The 602 Club 384: Coming Full Circle
Jurassic World Dominion. We discuss how we feel, coming to an end, a lot to say, the big three, Owen, Claire and Maisie, the villain, action and effects, the music, our ratings and recommendations.
Saddle Up! 7: Hotel Majalan
“Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach.” We explore the important messages in the story about our own complacency in society, the exploitation of children, and the importance of strong father figures, along with the structural flaws in the story.
The 602 Club 383: A MTV Production
Flashdance. We discuss launching producers, directors, cultural phenomenon, the story, Jennifer Beals, other actors, the rest of the cast, the look and feel, the soundtrack, our ratings and recommendations.
Saddle Up! 6: Spock and T’Pring’s Freaky Friday
“Spock Amok.” We discuss the importance of humor in Star Trek, finding balance between comedy and social commentary, Nurse Chapel's crush on Spock, and, of course the body swap that delivers both laughs and insight.