The Ready Room: A Star Trek Podcast
95: Wristnipple

Unexpected.

The first rule of Xyrillian boating is you do not talk about Xyrillian boating. The second rule is you don’t stick your hands into a box of pebbles with a stranger. This is something Trip Tucker learned the hard way when a seemingly innocent day on the holographic water left him with a few extra nipples and an alien baby. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Drew Stewart, Mariel Keeran, and Enterprise associate producer Dave Rossi to discuss “Unexpected,” how it gives us a rare glimpse of a truly alien environment, introduces holodeck and replicator technology, the first hostile encounter between human and Klingon ships, and more.

In news we look at a feature-length Blu-ray release for “Redemption,” recovered footage from “The Bonding,” the return of Star Trek fragrances, personalised Star Trek email addresses, a Facebook chat with George Takei and J.J. Abrams, a little known Star Trek Into Darkness TV spot, and the Into Darkness soundtrack. 

Direct download: trr-095.mp3
Category:Enterprise -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

94: A Futuristic Brady Bunch

Real Life.

When the USS Voyager was pulled across the galaxy by the Caretaker Array, each person on the ship left a family member behind. All but one that is. As a hologram the Doctor had no family to lose; yet he still wanted to find out what it would be like if he did. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt, Colin Higgins, and Lorrie Sears to discuss the Doctor’s grand family experiment in “Real Life.” Along the way we also find out how a classic 20th Century song inspired Tom Paris to fly into space eddies, how Janeway deals with windy dangers, and ponder the Delta Quadrant’s bovine deficiency.

In news we look at the TNG Season Four Blu-ray set, new reviews and alternate poster artwork for the TOS films from CromeYellow.com and artist Matt Ferguson, Star Trek-themed checks from Checks In the Mail, the Star Trek Into Darkness world premiere tour, two new teasers from the film, and Paramount’s UK “Where’s Scotty?” promotion. Plus, we reveal what buttons we’d want on our Captain’s chair and find out how the Into Darkness scuba suits were inspired by Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Direct download: trr-094.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

93: Three-Inch Heels and a Six-Inch Hairdo

Trials and Tribble-ations.

When the 30th Anniversary of Star Trek rolled around in 1996, the creative teams of both Deep Space Nine and Voyager were charged with the task of paying homage with a special episode. Inspired by the revolutionary techniques of Forrest Gump, the DS9 writers set out to pen a story that would insert Sisko and his crew into the middle of one of the franchise’s most iconic episodes—“The Trouble with Tribbles.” The result was one of the most memorable moments in Star Trek history. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Matthew Rushing, Charlynn Schmiedt, and Larry Nemecek for a look at the making of “Trials and Tribble-ations.” Larry’s firsthand experience on the set delivers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what truly is a Valentine to Trek.

In news we look at the debut of TNG HD on iTunes and Amazon Instant Video, a reunion of the full principal cast of Enterprise for the upcoming Season Two Blu-ray release, TV Guide’s 60th Anniversary commemorative covers, Dayton Ward’s picks for 10 of the best Star Trek audiobooks, Cumberbatch talking about John Harrison’s motives, and some of the new Star Trek Into Darkness poster art including spotlight’s on Uhura, Spock, and the Enterprise, plus a Tumblr-inspired Cinemosaic poster. We also reveal our own pick for the most influential TV series of the 1980s… and we think you already know what it is. 

Direct download: trr-093.mp3
Category:Deep Space Nine -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

92: Carpe Diem... Basically

The Inner Light.

Every once in a while Star Trek hits on a story that is just great science fiction, a story that works even if all the elements unique to the series are removed. That’s what Morgan Gendel delivered in his touching story about Picard’s life as a man named Kamin on the planet Kataan. “The Inner Light” won TNG one of its two Hugo Awards, and for good reason. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Colin Higgins, Matthew Rushing, and Charlynn Schmiedt to discuss this fan favourite, what it reveals about the inner workings of Picard’s mind, and the many layers of family and society that make up the 25 minutes of unconsciousness that saw a lifetime pass for Jean Luc.

In news we reflect on First Contact Day and the likelihood of real-life first contact by 2063, discuss Scott Bakula’s comments about the possible fifth season of Enterprise on Netflix, William Shatner and the Texas Lottery, a 3-D version of the Russian Star Trek Into Darkness trailer, a sneak peak at the recording of the Into Darkness score with composer Michael Giacchino, get excited about Alice Eve and the audiobook version of the movie novelisation, and we share our thoughts on Countdown to Darkness #4 and how it sets up the movie. Plus, we reveal why Tuvok might be wearing a kimono in the near future. 

Direct download: trr-092.mp3
Category:The Next Generation -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

91: Chronic People Pleasers

This Side of Paradise.

We all strive for happiness, but true contentment is difficult to achieve—and perhaps for good reason. A group of Federation colonists found just that, however, when Berthold radiation-hungry flowers gave them complete joy… with no side effects. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by John Champion of Mission Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast and Kate Walsh to discuss the classic TOS episode “This Side of Paradise,” the roles of happiness and strife in the evolution of society, the parallels between the spores and drug addiction, whether or not this episode was a response to the growing hippie movement of the 1960s, and how mint juleps make you more and more Southern by the sip.

In news we remember set decorator James Mees, find out what role Marina Sirtis will be playing on NCIS, and we relive the epic fight between Kirk and the Gorn—this time with pillows. We also discuss the possibility of Netflix bringing Enterprise back for a fifth season, IDW’s comic sequel After Darkness, and check out Empire’s May 2013 J.J. Abrams issue and fold-out Into Darkness cover. Oh… we also come to terms with the fact that Lefler won’t be making us obey her laws after all and unveil Star Trek: The Next Generation’s long lost Easter episode. 

Direct download: trr-091.mp3
Category:The Original Series -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

90: Automated Customer Service from Hell

Dead Stop.

When the NX-01 was damaged by a Romulan mine, the consequences were more serious than initially thought. Faced with the prospect of a decade-long journey back to Jupiter Station, Archer was left with little choice but to seek help from the nearest good samaritans—but got caught in a snare. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Matthew Rushing, Michael Fisher, and Mariel Keeran to discuss the Enterprise episode “Dead Stop” as well as pan-fried catfish and a customer service nightmare courtesy of one Roxann Dawson.

In news we warn you of a planned Borg invasion of Canada, point you to a great review and behind-the-scenes piece to accompany the release of Enterprise Season One on Blu-ray, take a look at Art Asylum’s limited edition I.S.S. Enterprise and Mirror Kirk Minimates, and dig into the new international trailer and poster for Star Trek Into Darkness. Plus, we wish a very happy birthday to William Shatner.

Direct download: trr-090.mp3
Category:Enterprise -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

89: You Can't Create a Stepford Boyfriend

Fair Haven and Spirit Folk.

Being stranded 70,000 light years from the Federation, with just a small ship to call home, meant that the crew of Voyager really loved their holodecks. Tom enjoyed creating new locales for his shipmates, and sooner or later he was bound to go Irish. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Matthew Rushing and To The Journey’s Charlynn Schmiedt and Tristan Riddell to discuss Voyager’s Irish duology “Fair Haven” and “Spirit Folk.” They’re episodes fans love to hate, but there are some important questions asked amidst the cows and barfights—particularly about Janeway.

In news we remember actor Malachi Throne, who passed away on March 13, and we gather the latest on other Star Trek actors including Chris Pine being named Male Star of the Year, Patrick Stewart calling for an end to violence against women, plus new projects for Scott Bakula, Karl Urban, John Billingsley, and John Cho. We also examine the beautiful packaging and menu screens for the Enterprise Season One Blu-ray set, and speculate on the likelihood of the third J.J. film dropping in 2016. Oh… and there could be an unexpected pairing in Star Trek Into Darkness. 

Direct download: trr-089.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

88: Adjusting Their Babel Fish

Little Green Men.

The alleged crash of a flying saucer near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947 has stirred controversy and fascination like few events in human history. Despite the revelation in recent years that the debris recovered was actually part of the U.S. military’s Project MOGUL, there are still those who believe it was an encounter with extraterrestrials. It’s a fun theory to kick around, but until DS9 aired Star Trek’s explanation in 1995 no one imagined that it was actually Ferengi who crashed that day.

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Michael Fisher to discuss the fan-favourite “Little Green Men,” whether it really lives up to its reputation, and what it has to say about the road from present day to Star Trek future.

In news we look at the newly revealed extended cut of “The Wounded,” an additional show time for the “Best of Both Worlds,” a chance to see yourself on the big screen as a Borg, Ensign Lefler’s run for US Senate, Bye Bye Robot’s new Khan poster, shifts in the release date for Star Trek Into Darkness, and lots of spoilers about the new movie including Peter Weller’s role, lots of jumping off of things, Pike’s problem with Kirk, and the Star Wars flavour of the latest teaser. And did we mention lots of jumping off of things? 

Direct download: trr-088.mp3
Category:Deep Space Nine -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

87: Can We Please Reactivate the Defendant?

The Measure of a Man.

Does Data have rights? This is the central question asked in Melinda Snodgrass’s classic courtroom drama “The Measure of a Man.” But beyond the fate of Data himself, the real question is how artificial life will be treated in the future. Though it may sound like science fiction, it’s a decision we will someday have to make in the real world. The difficulty of the issue was presented brilliantly more than two decades ago by TNG, and the uncertainty of its message still rings true today.

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by renowned Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek to discuss “The Measure of a Man,” the ethical questions it raises, and how the extended cut on Blu-ray—which adds 13 minutes—makes this episode even better.

In news we look at the upcoming re-release of The Next Generation on DVD, two awards given to La-La Land Records, the unofficial Star Trek Into Darkness poster designed by Matt Ferguson (plus a few more bits of news and rumours about the film), and we debate which Starfleet doctor is the most skilled.

Direct download: trr-087.mp3
Category:The Next Generation -- posted at: 8:00pm MDT

86: Logic Bombing the Shakespeare Robot

The Conscience of the King.

Shakespeare can be found throughout Star Trek, from simple quotes to lifted plotlines. Today we take the influence of the Bard on the franchise for granted; but it all started in first season of The Original Series with a story that digs deeply into the issues of justice, vengeance, and justifications. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Drew Stewart and Charlynn Schmiedt to discuss “The Conscience of the King” and how a story that may seem like a simplistic, bad mystery is actually a multilayered gem that showcases the very best of Star Trek and the cast.

In news we have the latest information on the Best of Both Worlds theatrical event, try on some tunic tanks, and take a look at Andorians in DK’s upcoming Star Trek Visual Dictionary, IDW’s May 2013 comic lineup, and the making of Star Trek: The Video Game. Plus, we share our impressions of Ongoing #18’s trip into Uhura’s past and the second part of Countdown to Darkness. A Star Trek IV homage may also be on deck.

Direct download: trr-086.mp3
Category:The Original Series -- posted at: 8:00pm MDT