Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
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.
The Orb 138: Boxes of Memorabilia
Top 10 DS9 episodes. We tackle this question to which answers are very subjective. Chris and Matthew independently created their top 10 lists and did not share before the discussion. How many choices will overlap? Will their top pick be the same?
The Orb 137: A Disturbance in the Link
“The Search, Part II.” We discuss the introduction of the Great Link, the quiet threat of the Dominion, the slowly unfolding absurdity of the Founders’ simulation, and the importance of this episode to Odo’s character development over the course of the series.
Literary Treks 344: The Klingon Messiah
The Left Hand of Destiny: Book Two. We discuss why Ezri is here, family, Klingon sickness, the enemy, a second coming our ratings and final thoughts.
The Orb 136: Shift in Tone
“The Search, Part I.” We discuss how the arrival of a cloaked starship named Defiant, a new path for Odo, and a growing feeling of family to kick off Season 3 signaled a change which would send ripples through DS9’s storytelling.
The Orb 135: Listening for Personal Gain
Martus Mazer and El-Aurians. We revisit the only appearance of El-Aurians on DS9 and discuss how the original idea would have made Martus Guinan’s wayward son. We also explore the concept of El-Aurians in general and how the three we've spent time with use their skills as listeners.
Literary Treks 342: Klingon Wasteland
The Left Hand of Destiny: Book One. We discuss our first time, too much war, the problems with politics, an unexpected enemy, a symbol, things we didn't like, our ratings and final thoughts.
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.
Literary Treks 339: This is Not the Way
Brinkmanship. We discuss the Cold War, trust, the Tzenkethi, recovering identity, leading ladies, last things, our ratings and final thoughts.
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.