Now that the evolution of both the Andorians and Tellarites has been exhaustively charted, it's time to wrap up the ongoing examination of classic recurring TOS aliens! Thus, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton are channeling their inner-Kermit this week in order to determine if it truly isn't easy being an Orion or Gorn, and whether the franchise loves these iconic species as much as fans. Do they have the depth to support further development in Star Trek Discovery and beyond? And what could the future hold for them? Plus, as an added bonus, the duo toss in a third very cool (non-green) alien just for kicks. Right-click to download. Read more »

Has anyone mentioned lately how insanely relevant Deep Space Nine still is? For a show that went off the air almost 20 years ago it's often staggering how prescient the creators were in forecasting the future political landscape. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Patrick Johnson, delve into the season 4 two-parter Homefront and Paradise Lost, which delves into compelling themes of martial law, governmental manipulation and the harmful effects of terrorism-induced fear and paranoia. However, as fascinating as the episode is idea-wise, is it as effective in its construction? And how does it stand up following on the mighty heels of The Way of the Warrior? Tune in and find out if the trio have stronger opinions to offer than, say, loser United Federation President Jaresh-Inyo. Right-click to download. Read more »

Now that the fanfare surrounding the big 50th anniversary year has faded, does the franchise still appear to be in promising shape? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton once again hold their annual forum to take Trek's temperature and gauge how healthy the not-so-distant future looks to be. Among the crucial bullet-points discussed are the polarizing new Star Trek Discovery teaser trailer, Seth MacFarlane's impending TNG spoof The Orville, and the seemingly uncertain fourth Kelvin-verse film entry. While there's no shortage of life left in our beloved sci-fi series, listen in and find out whether the duo choose to embrace pessimism or Roddenberry-ish optimism.    Right-click to download. Read more »

Is it possible to name every single iconic Star Trek moment in a lone podcast hour? The answer, it appears, is a very loud 'NO!!!' Therefore this week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton are back to induct more all-time legendary franchise highlights into their own personal hall-of-fame canon. From lengthy shuttle trips around the Enterprise, to unforgettable final (?) farewells and Nazi Aliens from Space, the duo attempt to right past wrongs by recognizing some of their previous list's most egregious and unforgivable exclusions. Right-click to download. Read more »

It's no secret that Data was and continues to be the most consistently championed fan favorite character on TNG. But our beloved android extraordinaire is but one shining example of what the man who brought him to life on screen is capable of! Thus, this week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Gena Orton, look beyond Data at the many other unforgettable Trek acting accomplishments of Mr. Brent Spiner. From his sinister, imbalanced work as the tormented Lore to memorable turns as prominent members of the Soong bloodline, we take a fun, enthusiastic tour through the great actor's CV in a concentrated effort to honor his iconic contributions to the franchise.  Right-click to download. Read more »

Although analyzing the rich subtext and messages of the franchise can be genuinely rewarding, sometimes its just way more fun to nitpick the superficial details. Like, say, the costumes. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Penny Daflos, channel their inner fashion critics and examine the most prominent uniforms of the last fifty years. From the highs of TOS, season 3 TNG and the Wrath of Khan, to the lows of the Motion Picture and the Starfleet skant, the trio separate the Star Trek fashion dos from the appaling don'ts. Right-click to download. Read more »

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 »