Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
The Orb 72: It's a Trap!
The Battle of the Omarion Nebula. We discuss the first major battlefield engagement between the Dominion and the Alpha/Beta Powers and the motivations on both sides of the conflict that led to the battle.
The Orb 71: They're More Elite Than You Are
Red Squad. An elite group at Starfleet Academy that receives special treatment, Red Squad is the object of desire for many Cadets. We discuss the dangers such a group poses to the stability of Starfleet and how it is used in storytelling.
Literary Treks 74: Kelp Cakes In the Morning
Mission Gamma: This Gray Spirit. We discuss the second book in the series with a focus on the legacy of Ziyal, the intricacies of Bajoran-Cardassian-Federation politicals, and Ezri and Shar each searching for personal identity.
The Orb 70: The Reality of the Mind
The Final Chapter, Part 7 of 9: "Extreme Measures." With the end of the DS9 story looming, a surprisingly positioned bottle show gave us one last adventure with Miles and Jules. We discuss the ethics and relationships of this story.
The Orb 69: Gentleness Missed
Kai Opaka. We never truly got to know her, but the role that Opaka played in setting up DS9 is irreplaceable—at least for the series we came to know. We take a close look at the kinder, gentler Kai.
The Orb 68: Doomed from the Beginning
"Time's Orphan" Rewrite. What happens when your reach the end of a season, need another episode, have little money, and dust of a thrice-rejected script? Nothing good, that's for sure. We try to make this maligned episode work.
The Orb of Mail: Apparently Section 31 Is Batman
The Orb Supplemental: The Orb of Mail Feedback Show. In this special show we share our thoughts on your thoughts and questions about past episodes including the Breen, Section 31, Ezri Tigan, and the true nature of the Prophets.
Literary Treks 69: We Hope Margaret Is Listening
Star Trek Lit Wish List. With more than 2,000 books already written, there are still so many stories to tell. We share with you a list of sixteen things we want to see in the years to come. Is your wish on our list?
The Orb 67: The Metanarrative
The Final Chapter, Part 6 of 9: "Tacking Into the Wind." The sixth part of DS9's endgame throws you right into the middle of the story with one of the longest cold opens in Star Trek. We discuss Kira, Gowron, Damar, and more key elements.
The Orb 66: There. Are. Fourteen. Planets!
The Bajoran Solar System. Deep Space Nine is first and foremost a story about characters, so one easily overlooked part of the DS9 framework is the enormous solar system in which the series is set. We take you on a tour.
The Orb 65: Song, Ritual, and Unbridled Passions
You Are Cordially Invited Commentary. From the very moment Worf and Jadzia met in Quark's, it was clear that there was a spark between them. We take you through the ultimate outcome of that spark, the wedding that not even Lady Sirella could stop.
The Orb 64: An Evil Spectacular
The Cult of the Pah-wraiths and the Book of the Kosst Amojan. With DS9's shift deeper into mythology, the Prophets and their evil counterparts played a critical role. We explore the religious and mythological framework underlying the series.