Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
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.
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.