Saddle Up!
Saddle Up! 31: Pike and Batel's Nexus Adventure
“New Life and New Civilizations” We discuss the resolution to the Batel and Vezda stories, potential pathways for Pike, and look back at Season 3 as a whole.
Saddle Up! 30: This Is a Test of the Emergency Metron System
“Terrarium” We discuss the connection to the Original Series classic "Arena," character development for Ortegas, Uhura's stint as a scientist, the Metrons, and more.
Saddle Up! 29: A Shot of Silly Serum
“Four-and-a-Half Vulcans.” We discuss the concept, the setup, the humor, and what each character's situation reveals about Vulcans and themselves.
Saddle Up! 28: Mothra's Sacrifice
“What Is Starfleet?” We discuss the documentary concept, Beto's agenda, and pacing in short seasons as well as the big question (and whether the story answers it).
Saddle Up! 27: The Monster Past the Edge of the Map
“The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail.” We discuss Kirk's backstory and evolution, bringing together the original series crew, pack rat Pelia and her '80s solution, and the story's closing twist.
Saddle Up! 26: Indiana Jones and the Prisoners of Azkaban
“Through the Lens of Time.” We discuss the mystery and its film inspirations, AI, flying cameras, and the Q, Vezda, and Gorn.
Saddle Up! 25: Where on the Ship Is La'an Sandiego?
“A Space Adventure Hour.” We discuss the use of the Holodeck, La'an and Spock's tango, and the Last Frontier cold open as we also ask whether this very meta episode is really a love letter to Star Trek.
Saddle Up! 24: Dak'Rah Part Deux
“Shuttle to Kenfori.” We discuss the continuation of M'Benga's story, future paths for Batel, designing TOS-inspired Klingons, insubordination, and a few creative ideas we maybe should keep to ourselves.
Saddle Up! 23: Emotional Whiplash
“Wedding Bell Blues.” We discuss Chapel's character arc, contrast her and Spock's relationship with that of Pike and Batel, question the story's tone, and, of course, delve into the return of the lonely squire of Gothos.
Saddle Up! 22: The Best of Both Gorn
“Hegemony, Part II.” We kick off Season 3 as we discuss the challenge of continuing a story after a two-year break, the character progressions, the potential end of the Gorn threat, and the familiar nature of the resolution.
Saddle Up! 21: Break in Case of Gorn
“Hegemony.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss the challenges of creating drama in a prequel, elements of diplomacy in Star Trek, parallels (and not) with “Arena,” and try to make sense of the Gorn.
Saddle Up! 20: Fundamental Harmonics
“Subspace Rhapsody.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss the concept, how they pulled it off, using the musical format to boost communications, advance storylines and clear the deck for the finale, and more.