The Orb
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.
The Orb 167: World-Building through Worm-Building
“Invasive Procedures” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the intimate story sheds light on Trill society and the relationship between symbiont and host.
The Orb 166: Off the Hook
“The Siege” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss Li Nalas's fate, what the story has to say about family and community, and how Trek's first TV trilogy ends.
The Orb 165: A Warm Wind Blowing in from Minicoy
“The Circle” 30th-anniversary reflections. We discuss how the Kira/Jaro story mirrors the start of Season 1, the timeless commentary, our fondness for middle stories, and Vedek Bareil's disturbing gaze.
The Orb 164: We Don’t Need No Galacticization
“The Homecoming” 30th-anniversary reflections. We jump into Season 2 as we discuss how this story of Bajoran isolationism transforms storytelling in Star Trek and rings true three decades after it aired.