Matthew Rushing
Standard Orbit 303: Check Yes If You Like Me
“Charlie X” 60th-anniversary reflections. We discuss its relevance in today’s world, the challenges of growing up, the importance of guidance, why you can’t always get what you want, and more.
Standard Orbit 302: It Just Throws You In
Star Trek and “The Man Trap” 60th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how we fell in love with Star Trek and how the story of Nancy Crater works as a pilot and immediately pulls viewers into the story and the world of Star Trek.
The Orb 177: Depth of Performance
“Whispers” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss the effective simplicity of the story and how it all hinges on nuanced acting and consistent character-building.
The Orb 176: Afternoon Joe
“Armageddon Game” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how it brings Miles and Julian together for their first real buddy adventure, how Keiko saves the day, spiky hair, and more.
The Orb 175: Literally Malleable
“The Alternate” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the story fills in Odo's background, explores parent-child relationship, plants seeds for the Dominion, and more.
The Orb 174: Good Luck and Bad Luck Run Amuck
“Rivals” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how casting impacted the final results, the surprise guest who wasn't, what the story does for the Miles–Julian relationship, and more.
The Orb 173: The Messier Side of Life
“Sanctuary” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss the story's Dominion connections and social commentary on cultural concerns and immigration that remains relevant three decades later.
The Orb 172: The Lady in Red
“Second Sight” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the story humanizes Sisko, casting saves a forgettable story, and more.
The Orb 171: Columbodo
“Necessary Evil” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the story brings the history of the station to life, what it says about the Kira–Odo relationship, and more.
The Orb 170: Secret Latinum Man
“Rules of Acquisition” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss what the story says about identity, how it sets up The Dominion, and how DS9 makes the Ferengi matter.
The Orb 169: Defying Gravity
“Melora” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss what the story says about challenges and limitations, becoming comfortable with yourself, and how the character connects to the original concept for the series.
The Orb 168: A Father’s Choice
“Cardassians” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the story expands the rich world created for the series, the return of Garak, and the difficult questions around culture and identity.