Altered Trek

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This episode examines a variety of alien species from the Star Trek franchise, ranging from the familiar to the obscure, while discussing the philosophical, political, and societal themes they represent. The hosts analyze the role of the Borg as a metaphor for hive-mind technology, the Ferengi as a caricature of unchecked corporate greed, and the Kazon as a species that struggled to find a narrative foothold. The discussion also touches upon the Q Continuum as a vehicle for existential questions and the Bajoran-Cardassian conflict as a reflection of historical and religious tensions in the real world. Additionally, the episode features an overview of the Herc species and a hands-on review of a high-end replica prop based on the original series.

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An exploration of the interactive stage production at the Ontario Science Centre designed to introduce children to Star Trek and space science. The show features an immersive, canonical narrative involving temporal agents and Starfleet cadets. The episode includes an interview with lead actors Teresa Noon and Rick Sim, who discuss the challenges of maintaining consistency within the series lore and the importance of connecting science education with pop culture. A final assessment evaluates the show as an engaging, family-friendly experience that successfully bridges entertainment and scientific curiosity.

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This episode explores the history and activities of Starfleet, the International Star Trek Fan Association. Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the organization spans 75 countries with over 4,000 members. The discussion highlights how the group functions as a fan club that emphasizes camaraderie, philanthropy, and educational opportunities while mirroring the structure of the fictional Starfleet organization.

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Denise and Michael Okuda discuss the technical challenges and extensive archival work involved in the high-definition restoration of Star Trek: The Next Generation. They cover the process of sourcing original 35mm film negatives, the collaboration with CBS Digital, and the effort to include comprehensive special features, such as a new documentary directed by Roger Lay Jr. and Robert Meyer Burnett. The conversation also touches on the discovery of hidden details in the show's practical models and visual effects, as well as the ambition to restore extended episode cuts for future Blu-ray releases.

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We revisit the legacy and impact of Star Trek: The Next Generation while discussing the high-definition remastering process for the Season 1 Blu-ray set. We explore how the restoration team utilized original film negatives to improve special effects and ship sequences. The conversation includes personal reflections on our earliest memories of the series, the influence of 1990s franchise merchandise, and how the show's storytelling shaped our interest in science fiction and dramatic writing. We also touch upon the production history and the various changes the crew experienced during the show's seven-season run.

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A discussion on current scientific advancements that mirror technology seen in Star Trek. The hosts explore the potential of quantum computing, modern medical breakthroughs like regenerative skin treatments, and the development of cloaking technology. They also reflect on how the show's vision of personal mobile devices, tablets, and voice-recognition software influenced modern consumer electronics. Additionally, the episode touches on the ethical implications of future tech like nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and the possibility of human cloning.

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A roundtable discussion on the current absence of a Star Trek television series. The panel debates whether the franchise should return to the small screen, how to balance it with the J.J. Abrams film reboot, and why modern studio politics often favor reality programming or big-budget films over episodic sci-fi. They also explore potential story concepts, such as a Section 31 series, a medical-focused drama, or a show set during a galactic civil war.

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This episode explores the evolution of conflict and combat technology within the Star Trek franchise. The discussion covers the impact of major historical events like the Eugenics War, as well as the roles of the Borg, the Dominion, and the Maquis. Additionally, the episode features an LCARS segment detailing the history and technical capabilities of photon, quantum, and transphasic torpedoes.

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The crew discusses the progression of technology and ship design across the Star Trek franchise, moving from the utilitarian, vending-machine-style replicators of the Original Series to the more advanced vessels in later shows. They share their favorite starship classes, including the Defiant and the Galaxy-class dreadnought from "All Good Things," while debating the merits of different ship architectures from the Federation, Klingon, Romulan, and Dominion fleets. The conversation also touches on the aesthetic choices of alien technology, the implications of alternate timelines like those seen in Enterprise and the reboot films, and the impact of production budgets on the visual consistency of starship models over the decades.

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The crew discusses the leadership styles, notable accomplishments, and diplomatic records of various Starfleet captains, including Janeway, Sisko, Archer, Kirk, and Picard. The episode features an overview of Captain Christopher Pike's history and tenure on the Enterprise, as well as a review of the Star Trek retro propaganda poster set from ThinkGeek.