The Ready Room: A Star Trek Podcast
54: Drinking Balok's Kool-Aid

The Corbomite Maneuver.

Think Kirk and the first thing that comes to mind just might be fisticuffs. While this may have been his first course of action in many cases, Kirk was also a thinking man. This important characteristic of leadership—and the one that came to define him in the long term—was on display from the very start of The Original Series in “The Corbomite Maneuver.” Sure, Kirk could have beamed over and pounded Balok into submission, but instead he outmaneuvered the threat to his ship intellectually. By changing the game from chess to poker, Kirk gained the upper hand—and he didn’t even have to resort to “phaser weapons.” As an added bonus, he got a glass of tranya for his efforts. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt and Drew Stewart to discuss “The Corbomite Maneuver” and the quick start out of the gates by TOS. 

In news we cover the latest Star Trek London developments, Leonard Nimoy discussing The Wrath of Khan at the LA Film Festival, Jonathan Frakes on the evolution of Riker, the updated Communicator iPhone app from CBS, cast changes on Star Trek: Phase II, new uses from Star Trek drinkware from GiftTrek.Net,and some movie news and rumors. Plus Greg pulls out his guitar and performs his new song “Balok’s Ballad.”

Direct download: trr-054.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

53: Don't Eff With the Genes

Soong’s Augments.

The Eugenics Wars are one of those elements from Star Trek history that we’ve learned very little about despite their extreme importance. This great conflict from the 1990s, triggered by genetic engineering, exerted great influence on the development of human society and the Federation. It brought us Khan, World War III, and the controversy behind Dr. Bashir’s enhancement.

During its fourth season, Enterprise revisited the Eugenics Wars and their aftermath in a three-part arc comprised of “Borderland,” “Cold Station 12,” and “The Augments.” Spanning the years from Khan’s rule over Asia and the Middle East to Dr. Arik Soong’s continuation of the genetic engineering experiment, this story fills in much of the unknown story. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Michael Fisher and Dork Trek’s Ben McCormick to discuss the arc’s connection to TOS and The Wrath of Khan, along with Brent Spiner’s guest appearance and the evolution of Enterprise’s approach to storytelling. 

In news we cover Malcolm McDowell’s Star Trek rant, Captain Picard Day celebrations, IDW’s September releases, Brannon Braga’s new Borg comic series “Hive,” Star Trek Online’s No-Win Scenario event, and lots of movie news and rumors. Plus Greg and Chris get new unexpected hybrid-animal nicknames. 

Direct download: trr-053.mp3
Category:Enterprise -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

52: Klingon Love Machine God

Prophecy.

It took Voyager seven seasons to make her way across the Delta Quadrant, and during that time we were teased with Klingons on occasion. There were holographic Klingons, Klingon Borg, a vivid dream about Klingons, and even a photograph of a Klingon. But for the real thing we had to wait until near the end of the seven-year journey. Finally, Janeway and her crew crossed paths with real warriors—three generations removed—and a little old-school pre-Khitomer action was served up. Oh… and Neelix got lucky, too.

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Larry Nemecek, who penned the original story, to talk about “Prophecy” and the long and winding road that finally led to the story of B’Elanna and Tom’s magical baby. 

In news we cover Levar Burton and J.J. Abrams at Apple’s WWDC 2012, Television Critics Association Awards nominations for William Shatner and Star Trek: The Original Series, a Gorn appearance in the upcoming Star Trek console game, Mary Czerwinski and Brandi Clark’s Glue Guns and Phasers, and lots of news and rumors about the next Star Trek film. Plus we grow enormous mustaches, redesign Starfleet uniforms (for the better), and Greg gets really serious.

Direct download: trr-052.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

51: White Makeup and Motherboards, Go!

First Contact.

The first big screen outing for Picard and crew was more a bridge between generations than an outright TNG film. But in 1996 the spotlight shown entirely on the men and women of the 24th century, bringing us a new ship and the return of a legendary villain. The scope of the threat couldn’t have been larger. All of Earth had been assimilated by the Borg—in the past—and it was up to Mr. Jean-Luc to save the future. Under the direction of Jonathan Frakes, First Contact brought The Next Generation to what many consider the top of its game. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Brian Finifter of Down In Front, Drew Stewart of Cinetropolis, and Mike Rittenhouse of Five Year Mission to discuss First Contact, how it changed the Borg, and how the film has stood the test of time.

In news we cover the TNG Remastered theatrical schedule, some changes to TNG Blu-ray pricing, Star Trek attractions at a Paramount park in Spain, Star Trek.com’s poll about Trek’s best doctor, Spock Days 2012 in the City of Vulcan, plus we go all fashion diva with our discussion about hats. 

Direct download: trr-051.mp3
Category:Movies -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

50: Averybrooksisms

Emissary.

Deep Space Nine set itself apart right out of spacedock with a unique take on the Star Trek universe. Building upon a foundation that was perfectly crafted for conflict and deep exploration of humanity, DS9 brought us richly written characters and a willingness to dive into areas previously shied away from by Trek. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Matt Hansen of The Delta Quadrant and Ben McCormick of Dork Trek to discuss the DS9 pilot episode “Emissary,” the story that is perhaps that best setup in all of Star Trek history. 

In news we cover the journey of James Doohan’s ashes into space, a Klingon invasion of Star Trek London, a chance to purchase the original Galileo 7 shuttlecraft, TNG Season One Blu-ray pricing, Michael Dorn’s Worf movie idea, Cupcake in the next J.J. film, Quinto losing his hair, and some news about the largest gathering of captains on one stage ever conceived. 

Direct download: trr-050.mp3
Category:Deep Space Nine -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

49: Geordi's V-Chip

Cause and Effect.

We’ve all been there. Something happens and we are overcome with nIb’poH, the feeling that we’ve done the same thing before; and we don’t mean last Tuesday. It’s what we humans calls déjà vu. Only with déjà vu it only seems that events have happened before. This was not the case when the Enterprise-D became trapped in a temporal causality loop while exploring the Typhon Expanse. For Picard and his crew, they really were experiencing the same events over and over. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Tristan Riddell and Michael Fisher as we discuss the thin script that became one of TNG’s most classic tales: “Cause and Effect.”

In news we cover big changes at the Nashville and Philly cons, TNG theatrical screenings and Blu-ray bonus material details, the ultimate release of the Star Trek: The Motion Picture soundtrack, an illustrated history of the Federation, new Trek jewelry from Vulcan Tourism, Star Trek 2013 shooting in Iceland, and action figures flying through space.

Direct download: trr-049.mp3
Category:The Next Generation -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

48: Don't Call Me Cupcake

Vulcan’s Vengeance.

One of the most unexpected turn of events in the J.J. Abrams reboot of Star Trek was the destruction of Vulcan, one of the founding worlds of the Federation. The two-hour movie didn’t offer enough time to explore the repercussions of this event, but IDW has been expanding the Abramsverse in comic form through the Star Trek Ongoing series. Launched in autumn 2011, Star Trek Ongoing has mainly put an Abramsverse twist on classic TOS stories. That changed with issues #7 and #8. Titled “Vulcan’s Vengeance,” this two-part story plants the seeds for what could be a significant change in Vulcan philosophy in this alternate timeline. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Sean Tourangeau as we discuss this comic and the ideas that it explores. In addition to the comic itself we talk about the future of the Romulan-Federation relationship, the changing face of Vulcan, and the possibilities of a jump from paper to television.

In news we cover the DVD release of Trek Nation, a special Trek Nation event scheduled for San Diego Comic Con, the new Shuttle Service art poster and sticker set from Bye Bye Robot, teleportation breakthroughs in China, and a project to actually build the U.S.S. Enterprise. Plus we have lots of movies news and rumors, including all the Froyo you can eat. 

Direct download: trr-048.mp3
Category:Comics -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

47: Forty-Two Adjusted for Inflation

The State of Star Trek.

Over the course of 45 years Star Trek has had its ups and downs—from cancellation three years into the original five year mission to revival on the big screen, the birth of The Next Generation to the golden age of the 1990s, the fizzle of Enterprise to the J.J. Abrams reboot. Through it all Star Trek has remained a part of our lives in a way few things have. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek, and Trek veterans Doug Mirabello and Jose Munoz of Zero Room to discuss the current state of the franchise, where things are headed on the big screen, and what we might expect from Star Trek in the decades to come on television and beyond.

In news we cover the reunion of the full principal TNG cast at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo, Geek Nation Tours: Exploring Trek Sites: Hollywood to Vegas with Larry Nemecek, and lots of news and rumors about the next movie including MTV News allegedly stumping Benedict Cumberbatch with a Star Trek quiz, Khan as the villain, and possible appearances by the Klingons and Leonard Nimoy. And we always remember two members of the Star Trek family who we lost over the past week, Joel Goldsmith and George Murdock. 

Direct download: trr-047.mp3
Category:Special Features -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

46: All Roads Lead to Stonn

Amok Time.

Spock is normally cool and collected. But when the seven-year itch sets in all bets are off. The urge is strong in this one, and no amount of plomeek soup can stop the uncontrollable urge to return to Vulcan and mate. It all sounds a bit humorous, but in reality “Amok Time” is anything but funny. The second-season premiere of The Original Series serves up everything that’s great about TOS: the triumverate of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, serious social discussion, and our first real exploration of Vulcan culture. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Sean Tourangeau and Michael Fisher to discuss this fan favorite and its role in the foundation of Star Trek.

In news we cover the Walter Koenig Star Celebration, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Enterprise, autograph and photo pricing for Destination Star Trek London, the international premiere of Trek Nation, and some new rumors and speculation about the next J.J. Abrams movie. We even pay a visit to the local Home Depot. 

Direct download: trr-046.mp3
Category:The Original Series -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

45: Protecting That Viewscreen Moment

Minefield.

As a prequel series Enterprise had to walk a fine line. Balancing the desire to create backstories with maintaining established canon was no easy task. So when the second season rolled around and the NX-01 encountered Romulans it was important that our crew did not actually see these unknown aliens. To do so would have ruined the big reveal in “Balance of Terror.” In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Down In Front’s Brian Finifter to talk about the Enterprise episode “Minefield,” how the Romulans were handled, and what the episode is really about.

In news we cover Destination Star Trek London and the planned meeting of the five captains, Five Year Mission’s birthday tribute to George Takei, Shatner dining with his millionth Twitter follower, Bryan Fuller’s view of Star Trek on TV post 2013, and some news that’s erupting about the next J.J. movie. 

Direct download: trr-045.mp3
Category:Enterprise -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT