If daddy issues run rampant across Gene Roddenberry's fictional universe it's pretty much a given the same rings true for moms too, right? In glorious celebration of Mother's Day 2017, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton spend this week's episode examining the emotionally damaging dysfunctional relationships Starfleet's finest have with their proud maternal influences. From Deanna and Lwaxana's eternal battle of wills, to Quark's maddening frustrations with his rebellious Moogie and the seemingly unenviable life of Spock's ma Amanda, the duo help unload as much of the franchise's considerable baggage as humanly (and inhumanly) possible. Right-click to download. Read more »

Season 3 was something of a breakthrough for DS9; the cast felt firmly gelled, the revelation of the Dominion sparked exciting new intrigue and the show finally seemed to know what it was. But, in spite of the creative rebirth, ratings and buzz weren't quite what they could have been. And what better solution to that problem than Klingons! Thus, this week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Brett Orton, revisit the spectacular season 4 opener that introduced Worf to the series. Given that it was a slight revamp, how does the episode work as an introductory chapter for new viewers? And how successful is the addition of Michael Dorn's iconic TNG character and his bumpy-headed brethren? Plus, for added value, the trio fawn over the iconic Quark/Garak root beer exchange and obsess over Trill massage holosuite programs.  Right-click to download. Read more »

Since we officially settled the endless Best Captain conundrum last summer, it's now time to continue down the Starfleet line! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Carmin Carotenuto, don their honorary second banana hats as they each strive to justify their own ranking orders for the franchise's invaluable first officers. Is there an argument against Spock? And how does Zachary Quinto's take stand up against Nimoy's legendary icon? And what about all-time badasses Major Kira and William T. Riker? There's plenty of food for thought in this jam-packed episode, with just a little dash of chair envy. Right-click to download. Read more »

A few episodes ago we debated whether or not the Tellarites are the franchise's most unfairly ignored alien species. But what about their iconic blue uneasy allies the Andorians? While better represented, has Trek properly served this fascinating race, or is there more left to explore? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton wiggle their antennae in support as they take a deep dive into Andorian lore, from their first appearance in Journey to Babel, all the way through the many appearances of fan favorite Shran on Enterprise. The duo also try to predict the future of these militaristic ice-dwellers on Discovery, and ponder whether Jeffrey Combs' badass Imperial Guard is destined to become a legacy character ala Spock or Sarek. Right-click to download. Read more »

After you've tackled weirdo gems like Spock's Brain and Sub Rosa, is there really much terrain left to explore when it comes to hilariously terrible hours of Trek? Well, according to the response from you listeners, there sure this! Therefore this week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton are inducting your most popular nominations, as well as a few more prize picks of their own, into the Best Worst Episodes hall of fame. From space hippies run amok and bizarre Laxwana and Alexander holodeck hijinks, to some particularly odd pleasure planet excursions, the duo once again dive into the franchise canon in search of the sublimely silly, absurd and flat-out insane. Plus, as an added bonus, the two weigh in on Star Trek Discovery's shocking decision to resurrect Harry Mudd. Right-click to download. Read more »

After a fantastic premiere, Deep Space Nine's third season continued to exhibit new confidence as the show boldly embraced its dense, clever and gripping mythology. Nowhere is that more clear than in the franchise's very first double-length installment without Part I and II subtitles, Improbable Cause and The Die is Cast. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton channel their deep, enduring adoration for sly tailor Elim Garak as they tackle one of the crafty Cardassian's most insightful and morally complex showcase stories. In addition to plenty of Garak, Odo and Dominion talk, the duo also continue to debate the shady tactics of Starfleet admirals, rank the franchise's three shadowy intelligence agencies and stumble onto an intriguing, albeit extremely dubious, link to Batman Begins. Right-click to download. Read more »

Sure, everyone loves the Vulcans and Andorians. But what about the oft-ignored fourth original charter Federation members the Tellarites?! Since appearing in the classic episode Journey to Babel, they've mostly been relegated to forgettable background status. Until now! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton throw on snazzy silver and blue dress uniforms in order to delve into this fascinating and underappreciated alien race, and ponder why they play such a minor role in the larger Trek conversation. From the species' iconic debut, through glorious, albeit brief, resurrection on Enterprise, the duo explore what might have been, and would should be as Discovery slowly edges closer to reality. Right-click to download. Read more »

"Parting is such sweet sorrow," as the Bard put it in Romeo & Juliet. But does that adage hold true to Star Trek, or are words like 'infuriating,' 'underwhelming' or 'frustrating' more appropriate? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton take a gander at a number of crucial episodes where beloved characters bid adieu and rate how successfully each of the respective series pulled off this challenging and unenviable feat. From the early days of Janice Rand, all the way down to Jadzia and Kes, the duo strive to determine which of the franchise's premature exits hit the emotional bullseye, and which ones missed the mark completely.    Right-click to download. Read more »

The pilot episode of TNG did very few things superbly, but its one invaluable contribution was introducing the world to the franchise's supreme super-powered omnipotent trickster. An icon from day one, John de Lancie's top-ranking Trek antagonist stands second to none in the 24th century, with only the Borg as potential competition. In celebration of this mysterious, dangerous and frequently funny foe, this week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Patrick Johnson, delve into the rich history of Q, from Farpoint to Q2, and offer their own unique takes on the character's fascinating changes over time as well as his significance in reflecting the themes of the franchise. From his proudest moments to his most groan-inducing (penalty boxes???), no stone is left unturned on the trio's profound and amusing reality-bending podcasting journey.    Right-click to download. Read more »

We've been to Farpoint, and encountered the Emissary, now it's time to leap through the hallowed arches of the Guardian of Forever back to the bright and exciting days of January 1995, when the good ship Voyager warmed up her warp nacelles! Join hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with boldly courageous returning guest Vicki Siu, this week as they celebrate the first unforgettable Delta Quadrant journey of UPN's flagship series. Over the course of a lively discussion, they seek to resolve whether the respected pilot episode still holds up and just how successful it is at introducing its colorful cast of enduring characters. So join the trio as they meet beloved figures like Janeway, Chakotay and Neelix again for the very first time, and size up whether Caretaker suitably maps out the adventure to come. Right-click to download. Read more »