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[Hailing Frequencies Open]

On this episode Treks and Tangents, we break down Operation -- Annihilate!. Also known as the episode where Star Trek decided, “What if the villains were just… really gross?”

These flying brain parasites look like someone weaponized spoiled jellyfish, and somehow they only get worse the closer you look.

Kirk’s racing to save a planet, Spock volunteers for a very questionable science experiment, and meanwhile… Sam Kirk gets the most casual send-off in Starfleet history: left behind in his lab like he’s just part of the set dressing.

Saving the galaxy: easy.
Family funeral services: apparently, not so much.

[End Transmission]

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Co-Host Jaci
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[Hailing Frequencies Open]

Widely regarded as the highest-rated episode of The Original Series, The City on the Edge of Forever shows Star Trek at its absolute peak.

In this episode, we break down why this story stands above the rest; combining time travel, emotional depth, and one of the most devastating choices ever faced by James T. Kirk. Alongside him, Spock navigates a situation where logic can’t fully prepare you for what’s at stake... and McCoy is just trying to get that monkey off his back.

It’s not just a fan favorite: it’s a benchmark for what Star Trek can be when everything comes together... but will our hosts rank it at the very top too?

[End Transmission]

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Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast
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Co-Host Jaci
Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom
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Co-Host Brian
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[Hailing Frequencies Open]

When one of the most confusing episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series collides with a podcast that refuses to let nonsense slide… you get this.

This week on Treks and Tangents, we dive headfirst into The Alternative Factor: an episode infamous among fans for its chaotic plot, baffling science, and a villain who may (or may not?) be fighting… himself? In another universe? Maybe?

We attempt to untangle the dual-Lazarus dilemma, question every editing choice ever made, and ask the ultimate question: is this misunderstood sci-fi… or just straight-up bad TV?

Spoiler: even Kirk looks confused.

[End Transmission]

Support the show

Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast
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Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents
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Co-Host Jaci
Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom
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Co-Host Brian
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[Hailing Frequencies Open]
Kirk and Spock beam down expecting a war zone… and instead get the calmest, creepiest planet in the galaxy.

In this episode of Treks and Tangents, we break down Errand of Mercy—from the Organians’ suspiciously chill attitude to that very unsettling door that just… opens and closes on its own like it knows something we don’t.

Is it hospitality? Is it surveillance? Is it judging you?

Plus: Klingons arrive, tensions rise, and the “simple villagers” might be playing a much bigger game than anyone realizes.
[End Transmission]

Support the show

Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast
Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents
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Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents
BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social

Co-Host Jaci
Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom
WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique

Co-Host Brian
Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown
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[Haling Frequencies Open]
Here’s a short, funny episode preview pulled from your episode’s tone and moments:

A mining colony calls for help after something starts turning workers into crispy space dust… and Kirk immediately declares war on what might just be a very angry lava lasagna.

Meanwhile, Spock is fascinated by some suspiciously bouncy “rocks,” McCoy refuses to become a space veterinarian, and the crew slowly realizes the “monster” might just be a stressed-out single mom protecting her eggs.

It’s phasers, philosophy, and one very awkward first contact—plus a reminder that maybe don’t mess with someone’s nursery.
[End Transmission]

Support the show

Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast
Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents
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Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents
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Co-Host Jaci
Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom
WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique

Co-Host Brian
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[Hailing Frequencies Open]

That's right, today is April Fools' Day! What better way to celebrate than with a bonus episode. Something familiar, but a little different. Something goofy, yet something still enjoyable. Something... well, we don't want to spoil the surprise. 

Join us as we explore a movie from the past that maybe you've seen too many times like co-host Jaci has, maybe something you can barely remember the details to like co-host Brian can't... but hopefully something fun.

One hint? Ok... "Put the tribble in the box."

[End Transmission]

Support the show

Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast
Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents
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Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents
BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social

Co-Host Jaci
Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom
WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique

Co-Host Brian
Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown
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[Hailing Frequencies Open]
And we got really hot,
when we saw Mr. Spock,
fight a triffid that spits poison and thrills.

This week on Treks and Tangents we cover This Side of Paradise: when the Enterprise crew beams down to a planet where stress, rules, and Starfleet discipline mysteriously disappear, things get very un-Starfleet very fast. Smiles all around, productivity at zero, and Spock?? Laughing?!

Is this paradise… or the galaxy’s most suspicious group vacation?

Kirk’s got one job: ruin everyone’s good mood.
[End Transmission]

Support the show

Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast
Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents
X: X.com/Treks_Tangents
Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents
BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social

Co-Host Jaci
Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom
WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique

Co-Host Brian
Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown
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In this episode of Treks and Tangents, we step into the world of A Taste of Armageddon where war is neat, tidy… and somehow even worse. When entire populations politely report for scheduled disintegration, Kirk decides maybe this whole “civilized war” thing needs a serious reboot.

We break down the logic of weaponized spreadsheets, question the efficiency of voluntary vaporization, and ask: is this the most organized apocalypse ever?

It’s Star Trek meets corporate policy… with a body count.

Support the show

Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast
Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents
X: X.com/Treks_Tangents
Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents
BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social

Co-Host Jaci
Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom
WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique

Co-Host Brian
Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown
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This week on Treks and Tangents, the Enterprise accidentally unthaws one of Earth’s greatest historical mistakes: Khan and his Golden Underwear Gang. Khan quickly proves that waking up ancient super-dictators might not have been Starfleet’s best idea.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Marla McGivers discovers she has a surprising weakness for strong jawlines and ambitious warlords.

Join us as we talk superhumans, questionable Starfleet decision-making, Marla's weakness for strong jawlines, and the episode that plants the very dramatic seeds of one of Star Trek’s greatest rivalries. 

Support the show

Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast
Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents
X: X.com/Treks_Tangents
Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents
BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social

Co-Host Jaci
Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom
WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique

Co-Host Brian
Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown
YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown
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Join us as we jump through the plot holes of The Return of the Archons and explore one of Trek’s earliest deep dives into authoritarian “utopias,” creepy hooded enforcers, and a Red Hour Festival so lively, it's a riot!

Support the show

Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast
Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents
X: X.com/Treks_Tangents
Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents
BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social

Co-Host Jaci
Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom
WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique

Co-Host Brian
Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown
YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown
YouTube Second: Youtube.com/@PirateTreasureHunting
Blue Sky: PiratePoundTown.bsky.social
Instagram: Instagram.com/PineappleCannibal