Although originally envisioned as a crucial TOS character, Janice Rand's ultimate legacy would be one of unfulfilled potential and real life tragedy. So why, despite minimal screen-time and lousy creative oversight, did Grace Lee Whitney's iconic bee-hived heroine become a Trek legend and how do we approach this often problematic figure in modern context? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton delve into the handful of episodes and movies featuring Rand in an effort to convey their frustrations with what should have been a far more positive and popular crew member. Along the way, they also examine the similarities between the yeoman extraordinaire and Tasha Yar and Kes, as well as debate whether there's a rich future for space-faring clerical workers on Discovery. Right-click to download. Read more »

For a technologically wondrous utopia, Gene Roddenberry's universe sure does see a lot of chaotic breakdowns! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Vicki Siu, put on their engineering uniforms and tackle many of the franchise's most memorable instances of you-know-what hitting the fan. From computers gone mad, to warp drive disasters and malfunctioning A.I. crew members, the trio cover it all as they debate whether Trek's astonishing advancements were, you know, worth all the headaches. Right-click to download. Read more »

Starfleet has taken on many powerful adversaries in the past, such as the Xindi, Romulans, Borg and Species 8472, but all major threats paled in comparison to the overwhelming might of some unstoppable spacebound fur-balls. Since being introduced in The Trouble with Tribbles, these adorable nuisances have plagued many a crew to great audience amusement. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton examine their landmark debut, as well the Animated Series episode More Tribbles, More Troubles and DS9's Trials and Tribulations in an effort to nail down exactly what makes these television hours so endearing and fun. Along the way, the duo also discuss the character of Koloth, the grim reality of what likely happens when Klingons deal with a Tribble infestation, and whether Discovery could bring us a fourth fuzzy encounter! Right-click to download. Read more »

Remember way back in November of 1996 when First Contact landed in theatres and the universe was the Borg's oyster? Just after the triumphant end of The Next Generation, and shortly before they were exploited ad nauseum in a gazillion Voyager episodes? Well hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton do, and this week, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Star Trek's much-loved 8th film chapter, they're taking a deep dive into the history of this ultra terrifying technology-driven alien race. From the species' shocking reveal in Q Who, to their explosive defeat in Endgame, the duo leave no episode stone unturned in their determination to pin down exactly where and how the Borg lost their once fearsomely potent mojo.   Right-click to download. Read more »

One of the most popular go-to sources of drama in the Berman Trek era was the plight of the Maquis, the rebellious Federation-born colonists who often violently opposed Cardassian occupation. While they were created for Voyager, it was Deep Space Nine that introduced them to the world. But was it a strong introduction? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton put on their finest vests and revisit DS9's second season two-parter The Maquis to answer that very question, and explore how the presence of this disenfranchised group impacts key characters such as Sisko, Kira, Odo and Gul Dukat. In addition, the duo critique how well the Maquis were ultimately handled by Voyager, and whether it was a wise creative decision to leave the fate of Commander Calvin Hudson a big 'ol question mark. Right-click to download. Read more »

Successful horror storytelling usually depends on keeping the audience in the dark and preying on their fear of the unknown. So how exactly does that translate to science fiction where everything requires logical explanation? This week, for their third annual Halloween podcast extravaganza, ghastly and ghoulish hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton gather around their imaginary campfire to recoil at the franchise's most creepy supernatural-themed episode entries and answer that very question. From the legendary Catspaw to the famed Haunting of Deck 12, the duo attempt to determine just how successful Trek has historically been at hitting the right chill-inducing primal chords. Plus, as an added bonus, special guests Stefan Estonilo, Kim MacInnis, Jesse Oquendo and Shelly Ross drop by to offer their recommendations for which terrifying episodes make for the best Halloween season viewing. Right-click to download. Read more »

While the lion's share of Trek's pantheon of characters lean heavily towards the hyper-capable, brave, resourceful and whip smart, not quite all are created equal. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton officiate over their own personal Hall of Shame and induct several key figures who - either professionally, personally or both! - woefully fall short of even baseline competency. From the shockingly inept captain of the Enterprise-B, to underachieving alternate reality Picard and a certain notorious Klingon offspring, the duo call out the most hopeless offenders and try to understand the creative thinking that ultimately stranded them in such dire straights. Right-click to download. Read more »

Sure it was famously pitched as Wagon Train to the stars, and blended established western motifs with smart science-fiction concepts to brilliant results. But what about when Trek drops the allusions and just goes full cowboy? This week crack shot hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton dust off their six shooters and draw on the franchise's three noteworthy attempts to evoke the classic horse operas of yore. From Kirk and crew's bizarro trip to a very hallucinogenic Tombstone, to colorful dust-ups involving Sheriff Worf & deputy Alexander, and Archer's questionable attempt to don an Eastwood-ian hat, the duo tackle the beloved genre's classic themes and debate just how well Star Trek has done right by them. Right-click to download. Read more »

While it was a tad disappointing to learn of Star Trek Discovery's delay, that doesn't mean we can't still have plenty of fun speculating about the rapidly approaching not-so-distant future! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton offer up their wish lists of existing franchise characters they'd love to see brought back into the television fold come 2017. From disgraced high-ranking Starfleet personnel, to prominent Klingon heavies and even TOS's most problematic comic relief figure, the duo leave no stone unturned in their bold quest to resurrect some of Trek's most loved and loathed iconic faces.  Right-click to download. Read more »

When it first aired in January of 1993, Deep Space Nine's feature length pilot was a massive deal! After all, this was the first spin-off of arguably the franchise's most widely popular series! But does it feel like such a noteworthy event over 20 years later? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with devil-may-care special guest Mike Hager, debate the merits of the now-celebrated show's initial outing, from classic character introductions to whether the wormhole alien stuff goes on just a little too long. As well, the trio seek to ascertain just how successful Emissary is at grabbing the attention of non-converts. Right-click to download. Read more »