Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Literary Treks 387: Classic Trekkian Pew-Pew
James Swallow: Toward the Night. We discuss the genesis of the book, the focus, introductions, dynamics, La’An, the Klingons, the planet, in the future, coming soon and our final thoughts.
Literary Treks 382: Una By Una
Una McCormack: Asylum. We discuss starting the book, timelines, the Academy storyline, lectures, and interesting friendship, the mystery, themes, writing the SNW crew, references, using talents, heartbreak, a fun note, where to find Una and our final thoughts.
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.
Saddle Up! 19: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
“Under the Cloak of War.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss the impact of war, atonement, responsibility for one’s actions, the DS9 feel of the episode, and more.
Saddle Up! 18: This Historical Saddle
“Those Old Scientists.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss blending live action and animation, bringing animated characters to life, poignant moments in the midst of silliness, and how the casts of Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks work together.
Saddle Up! 17: Schrödinger’s Mixed Bag of Story Elements
“Lost in Translation.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss humor in Star Trek, writing in a modern vernacular, overshadowing important commentary, character arcs, and more.
Saddle Up! 16: Mental Gymnastics
“Charades.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss humor in Star Trek, writing in a modern vernacular, overshadowing important commentary, character arcs, and more.
Saddle Up! 15: Definitely Not the Oatmeal
“Among the Lotus Eaters.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss the story’s perhaps overlooked social commentary, connections to Homer's Odyssey and past Star Trek, the TOS feel of the presentation, Spock’s choices, and a puzzling Prime Directive moment.
Saddle Up! 14: Seams in the Bunny Suit
“Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss how the story evolves, La’an’s struggles with identity, Paul Wesley's Kirk, playing with history, Khan’s pivotal role, shifting the timeline, and more.
Saddle Up! 13: An Illyrian Enigma
“Ad Astra per Aspera.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss a story that questions the Federation’s commitment to IDIC, examine real-word struggles to avoid discrimination, and debate how the case against Illyrians fits into the existing story of genetic modification within Star Trek.
Saddle Up! 12: Kung Fu Juice!
“The Broken Circle.” We kick off Season 2 with a look at the unexpected start, character moments, the writers’ flirtation with canon, some confusion at the very top over where the series falls on the Star Trek timeline, and why it doesn't really matter when you have stories that are so much fun.