Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
The Orb 42: Unpredictable Variables
Implications of Genetic Enhancement. Ever since “Space Seed” genetic enhancement has been viewed almost universally as a negative within Star Trek. We delve into the pros and cons using “Statistical Probabilities” as a starting point.
The Orb 41: Leeta’s Assets, I Presume
Doctor Bashir, I Presume Commentary. Deep Space Nine picked up the concept of the EMH and extended it to the logical next step—the LMH or Long-term Medical Hologram. We bring you a commentary for the episode and discuss the major course change for Bashir’s characters.
The Orb 40: Commanders Have All the Fun
Captain vs. Commander. We examine the decision to start Sisko off as a commander, how that decision impacted the reception and direction of the series, and how the character himself changed along with the number of pips on his collar.
Literary Treks 42: Beset by Serpents
A Ceremony of Losses: David Mack. We’re joined by David to talk about his entry in The Fall series, A Ceremony of Losses, which falls right in the middle of the saga and centers around the Andorian reproductive crisis.
The Orb 39: The Puppet Masters
Dominion Invasion Tactics. We discuss how the Founders use others to do their bidding, the parallels to the Roman Empire, and what they sought to achieve through their abduction of Sisko and the Defiant crew in the “The Search.”
The Orb 38: A Nanook of the North Thing
His Way Commentary. We discuss how Odo went from square to cool cat, how easy holograms make practice perfect, and how Vic Fontaine’s premiere on the show was not only the perfect fit for DS9 but also helped the Constable break our of his shell.
Literary Treks 39: Never Misplace Your TARDIS
Horn and Ivory. We discuss the Deep Space Nine entry in the final Gateways book, What Lay Beyond, which tells the story of what happened to Kira after Taran’atar returned to the station.
The Orb 37: Excellently Vague
Bajoran Prophecies. We discuss six specific Bajoran prophecies that led us from the arrival of the Federation in “Emissary” to the final showdown in the Fire Caves in “What You Leave Behind.”
Literary Treks 38: Beyond the Apocalypse
The Crimson Shadow: Una McCormack. We continue our series of interviews with the authors of The Fall as Una joins us to talk about her entry in the series, the political undertones, and what she wanted to accomplish in writing Picard and Garak.
The Orb 36: The Two-Aspirin Show
Time Travel and Alternate Realities. We discuss time travel in general and compare and contrast two specific episodes—“Visionary” and “Children of Time”—as we look at how the DS9 writers utilize one of science fiction’s most popular plot devices.
Literary Treks 37: Commander Is the Sweet Spot
Demons of Air and Darkness. We continue our look at the DS9 relaunch with the fourth book, which was also part of the Gateways crossover series.
The Orb 35: The Most Awkward Make Out Scene Ever
Lwaxana Troi on DS9. We discuss Mrs. Troi's appearances on DS9, what she added to the show, how she helped Odo become a more well-rounded character, and why—as it turned out—she is a character that is right at home on the station.