In this podcast: A fascinating window into the producers’ views on how to avoid technobabble and other science-fiction cliches The first episode that depicts Kirk as a cad, and not just because he kisses a sexy android Another average episode about a mad scientist who lacks clear motivation for his dastardly deeds–didn’t this happen in … Continue reading "ST01 011: Dagger of the Mind"

In this episode: Why this TOS episode earns its reputation as one of the most disappointing–it could have been great but unravels in the last act. Poor Nurse Chapel–why she is not well loved, even by the actress who played her. But it can’t be all bad when you have a dead alien race called … Continue reading "ST01 010: What are little girls made of?"

In this episode we discuss: Why this classic is good but by no means perfect Roddenberry’s explanation of why NOT to use technobabble and HOW to avoid it More world building: still no mention of Starfleet or a Federation More on Kirk’s inner conflict and how it explains his deep friendship with Spock Oh, and … Continue reading "ST01 009: Balance of Terror"

In this episode of Masterpiece Science-Fiction Theater we look at the narrative trends over the first 7 episodes of Star Trek. Listen for the analysis, but you can see some of the tabulations below: Narrative Structure Antagonist Type Monster Episode: a non-human, mysterious antagonist puts the ship and/or crew in danger     Where No … Continue reading "ST01 008: 1st Quarter Analysis"

In this podcast episode I discuss my big take aways from the first Discovery trailer. If you have not see it yet, here is the link to Trekmovie’s screen cap breakdown. Also, if you have not read my piece on the implications of Sonequa Martin-Green’s Commander Burnham being the lead character but NOT the captain, … Continue reading "DSC 001: The First Discovery Trailer"

In this episode: A return to the Trekian theme of absolute power corrupting absolutely, this time with a hormonal teen Some interesting world-building tidbits: our first non-Enterprise Earth ship Discussion of the studio conflict with Roddenberry over ship-board versus planet-based stories (Spoiler Alert: Roddenberry won) The first Trek episode written by a woman: D.C. Fontana

In this Episode: An explanation of why Spock became the most iconic Trek character Why this episode is the one of the most consequential episodes of the Trek franchise How Spock invented time travel, and how Star Trek might have become Time Trek Kirk, Spock and Queer Theory–because why not?

In this episode: Boy oh boy, the critics really did not like this first episode of Star Trek to premier on TV Uhura gets a great few scenes–is her fourth episode the highlight of her character’s career? We look at the the conflict between the original writer and Roddenberry’s re-writes, and how it resulted in … Continue reading "ST01 005: The Man Trap"

In this episode: It took only four episodes for a transporter accident to happen–and I thought it was the safest way to travel How “The Enemy Within” is an improvement on its literary forbearer Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde The first show written by an established sci-fi author, Richard Matheson, and it shows: a deep, … Continue reading "ST1 004: The Enemy Within"

In this episode: Mudd’s Women: some fans love it, others wish they could forget it Justin discusses the show’s feminist strengths (yes, there are some) and problems A historical mini-lesson on “wiving settlers” and mail-order brides The world-building that Mudd’s Women contributes to the series cannot be ignored A Star Trek: Discover update–implications for Mudd’s … Continue reading "ST1 003: Mudd’s Women"