The Ready Room: A Star Trek Podcast
167: The Tale of Three Vipers

Destiny.

When Sisko first arrives at Bajor in “Emissary,” he learns that he is viewed by the Bajorans as a religious icon. It’s an identity he struggles with through much of the series, but eventually comes to terms with. By “Rapture” at the midpoint of Season Five, Sisko has fully embrace prophecy and matters of Bajoran faith are guiding many of his actions. The road to “Rapture” was a long one, however. The easily overlooked linchpin is the third-season episode “Destiny,” a quiet story about scientific cooperation between Cardassia, Bajor, and the Federation.

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by John Mills and Norman Lao to discuss this short-lived thawing of relations between warring factions, the religious and political forces tugging at the process, how Trakor’s Third Prophecy is a turning point for both Kira and Sisko, how our own views and agendas color our interpretation of Deep Space Nine, and how “Destiny” plays into Sisko’s overall character arc.

In our news segment we discuss Paramount’s decision to airlock Orci, whether or not Frakes could actually take the helm, and what the various rumored directors could mean for the film and Star Trek. We also debate the results of StarTrek.com’s poll about which series made the best use of the holodeck.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and John W. Mills

 

Guest

Norman C. Lao

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

Production Manager

Richard Marquez

 

Content Coordinator

Will Nguyen

 

News

Paramount dumps Orci. Could Frakes take command? (00:02:57)

Poll:  The Star Trek series that made the best use of the holodeck was... (00:13:24)

 

Feature: Destiny

Intro and Synopsis (00:19:36)

All In on Faith (00:22:47)

Scientific Cooperation (00:25:46)

Diversity and Interpretation (00:38:06)

Testing Sisko’s Faith (00:47:51)

Agendas and Viewpoints (00:58:44)

Final Thoughts (01:05:04)

Closing (01:10:15)

 

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Direct download: trr-167.mp3
Category:Deep Space Nine -- posted at: 3:07am MDT

166: Let’s Go Crazy Honey Child

The Naked Now.

When The Next Generation launched, Gene Roddenberry and the writers wanted to make sure it had its own identity and wasn’t perceived as a rehash of The Original Series. So for the second episode, they pulled out a script written in 1967 as a planned sequel to "The Naked Time" and reworked it a bit to feature the crew of this new Galaxy Class starship. More fancy water molecules meant more life-threatening strange behavior, and a story that felt wildly familiar to the fans TNG was trying to win over.

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Daniel Proulx, Suzanne Abbott, and Andi VanderKolk to discuss this second take on polywater intoxication, the different ways in which the Enterprise-D crew behave, Riker’s obsession with the showering habits of the 23rd century, weepy drunks, angry drunks, Acting Captain Wesley Crusher, and much more.

In our news segment we look back at 18 years of Star Trek First Contact, find out about the final push for Marc Cushman's These Are the Voyages Volume 3, and debate which crew faced the most adversity.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Daniel Proulx

 

Guests

Suzanne Abbott, and Andi VanderKolk

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

Marking 18 years since First Contact (00:02:59)

Poll: The crew that faced the most adversity was... (00:22:19)

Support Marc Cushman's These Are the Voyages, Volume 3 (00:32:27)

 

Feature: The Naked Time

Intro and Synopsis (00:43:34)

A Second Dose of Polywater (00:50:45)

Android Love and Fashion: Writing Yar (00:59:59)

Horny Doctor (01:05:45)

Confused Counselor (01:08:52)

Riker’s Leggy Playground (01:13:21)

Weepy Drunk, Angry Drunk (01:18:34)

If You Prick Him, Does He Not Leak? (01:27:47)

Acting Captain Wesley Crusher (01:33:39)

Nekkid Remastering (01:37:01)

Closing (01:45:06)

 

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Direct download: trr-166.mp3
Category:The Next Generation -- posted at: 7:00am MDT

165: Like Nothing We’ve Ever Seen Before

The Naked Time.

 

The Next Generation went out of its way to avoid connections with The Original Series, but one thing they have in common is crew members getting drunk on water. TNG fans know it as the Psi-2000 virus, but in Kirk’s day it was just good ole polywater. Thanks to highly questionable environmental suit design and procedures that would make the CDC cringe, the crew of the Enterprise fell victim to some fancy water molecules that almost killed them. Potential cause of death? Strange behavior.

 

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by John Mills, Drew Stewart, and Norm Lao to discuss newly introduced characters acting out of character, crying Vulcans, and why there’s always room for time travel. We also explain how to deal with shrinkage and space madness, and we do it all whilst singing a rousing rendition of “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen.”

 

In our news segment we discuss Paramount's plans for a resort in London, Kate Mulgrew's upcoming memoir Born with Teeth, and look back at 20 years of Star Trek Generations.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and John W. Mills

 

Guests

Drew Stewart and Norman C. Lao

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

Looking back at 20 years of Star Trek Generations (00:02:44)

Paramount plans to open London resort with Star Trek (00:22:33)

Kate Mulgrew to release memoir in 2015 (00:32:08)

 

Feature: The Naked Time

Intro and Synopsis (00:36:10)

Initial Thoughts (00:41:41)

Vulcan’s Don’t Cry (00:46:02)

Space Madness! (00:58:15)

Dealing with Shrinkage (01:04:40)

There’s Always Room for Time Travel (01:10:08)

Final Thoughts (01:25:10)

Closing (01:30:05)

 

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Direct download: trr-165.mp3
Category:The Original Series -- posted at: 3:28am MDT

164: I’m Anxious to See Your Tactical Array

Cogenitor.

When we see injustices, it's natural for us to want to change them. But when those injustices involve an alien culture, is it really fair for us to impose our human views on others? This was one of the biggest challenges for early explorers and comes into play when Trip encounters a situation that seems very wrong to him, but is perfectly normal, accepted, and in fact critical to the Vissians. Despite good intentions, his actions to right a perceived wrong have devastating consequences.

In this episode of The Ready Room, we’re joined by Daniel Proulx and Matthew Rushing to discuss “Cogenitor,” the idea of a species that requires three genders to reproduce, the reasons why the Vissians may oppress the cogenitors, the repercussions of Trip’s actions, and, of course, the sensual cheese eating habits of Malcolm Reed.

In our news segment we find out how Wesley Crusher's amazing technicolor sweater can keep you warm this winter, which senior officer post fans most want to fill, and how you can design an actual Enterprise that will orbit the Earth.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Daniel Proulx

 

Guest

Matthew Rushing

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

Wesley Crusher technicolor sweater now available! (2:35)

Poll: The senior officer position most fans want to hold is… (13:46)

Help Enterprise In Space design the NSS Enterprise orbiter (21:58)

 

Feature: Cogenitor

Intro and Synopsis (27:04)

The Birds and the Bees… and the Ants? Tri-Gendered Reproduction (32:18)

Oppression for the Greater Good? (42:43)

Cultural Differences and Self Control (1:01:43)

The Sensual Cheese Eating Habits of One Malcolm Reed (1:13:48)

Don’t Think About the Language (1:16:17)

Repercussions and Lessons Learned (1:20:14)

Final Thoughts (1:24:35)

Closing (1:28:57)

 

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Direct download: trr-164.mp3
Category:Enterprise -- posted at: 4:18am MDT

163: Strip Down and Get Physical

Macrocosm.

Have you ever felt that Star Trek episodes are a bit too talky? A bit too “high and mighty”? Ever wish you could have a dash of Rambo with your Star Trek? Well, Brannon Braga thought so and thus sent Janeway—ripped biceps, tank top, and all—to save the crew from a giant bug infestation in the third-season episode “Macrocosm.”

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Phillip Gilfus, Charlynn Schmiedt, and Suzanne Abbott to discuss the germ-filled episode, how well it succeeds in achieving Braga’s goals, its role as CGI testbed for later Voyager, the space podcasting of Neelix, and the origins of the Tak Tak language. If you listen long enough, you may even find out about the Tak Tak version of William Shatner.

In our news segment, we find out what Ensign Williams needs in order to record her second set of Red Shirt Diaries, debate which Enterprise would be the best to captain, and take a moment to reflect on the recent tragedy involving Virgin Galactic.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Phillip Gilfus

 

Guests

Charlynn Schmiedt and Suzanne Abbott

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo crashes during test flight (3:39)

Help make The Red Shirt Diaries Season Two a reality (9:49)

Poll: Which Enterprise would you choose to captain? (17:41)

 

Feature: Macrocosm

Intro and Synopsis (26:38)

The Language of the Tak Tak (30:26)

Neelix: Space Podcaster (38:02)

Getting Gooed On (40:15)

Looking for Some Action (43:51)

Too Much Rambo? (52:48)

CGI Test Run (58:29)

Footloose and Fancy Free (1:04:29)

Ambassador Neelix (1:10:22)

Vibrating Chakotay (1:13:23)

The Doctor Needs Directions? (1:15:42)

Final Thoughts (1:20:24)

Closing (1:27:55)

 

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Direct download: trr-163.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 11:57pm MDT

162: The Man Who Killed Vreenak Valance

In the Pale Moonlight.

Star Trek fans often question Sisko’s methods. As Starfleet captains go—at least those we saw as leads—Sisko is perhaps the least likely to do things “by the book.” One act that is cited most often is Sisko’s decision to bring the Romulans into the Dominion War, the deceptions he concocted together with Garak, and the fact that, in the end, he was okay with it. “In the Pale Moonlight” is frequently praised as one of the best episodes of not only DS9 but of Star Trek, yet there are also those who see it as a betrayal of Gene Roddenberry’s vision of the future.

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Matthew Rushing, Jeremy Reed, and Jaime Sanchez to discuss “In the Pale Moonlight,” why it remains one of Star Trek’s most controversial yet satisfying moments, and why real life sometimes pushes people to compromise their own values for the greater good.

In our news segment, we discuss the future implications of CBS All Access for Star Trek, find out what’s waiting for you in Larry Nemecek’s Trekland Trunk, explain how you can help get Star Trek creatives on the panels for Destination Star Trek London 2016, and help you create a night of spooky Treks for Halloween.

Hosts
Christopher Jones and Matthew Rushing

Guests
Jeremy Reed and Jaime Sanchez

Editor and Producer
Christopher Jones

Associate Producer
Renee Roberts

News
CBS brings Star Trek to its new streaming service (4:22)
Help bring Star Trek creatives to Destination Star Trek London 2016 (18:43)
The Trekland Trunk overflowing with treasures once again (22:40)
Spook Treks: Star Trek episodes for Halloween (26:23)
Sponsor: Audible (33:55)

Feature: In the Pale Moonlight
Intro and Synopsis (35:58)
Initial Thoughts (38:55)
A Unique Framework (44:15)
Earlier Drafts (54:01)
Questionable Actions (58:35)
The Importance of Romulans (1:10:38)
A Sisko-Garak Joint (1:17:29)
Erasing the Log (1:29:25)
Final Thoughts (1:36:24)
Closing (1:43:59)

Send us your feedback!
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Direct download: trr-162.mp3
Category:Deep Space Nine -- posted at: 8:03am MDT

161: An Homage with a Capital H

Sarek.

First introduced in “Journey to Babel,” Sarek of Vulcan is one of the best known characters from The Original Series, perhaps due primarily to his role in The Search for Spock and subsequent TOS films. Following McCoy’s cameo in “Encounter at Farpoint,” it took a while for familiar faces from Star Trek's past to return to the screen. Finally, in the TNG's third season, the wall between past and present began to come down as Spock's father came aboard Picard's Enterprise. Seeing Sarek shed tears at a musical performance and lose control of his emotions was a major advancement in making Vulcans more than just "logical," but making this happen wasn't as straightforward as one would think.

In this episode of The Ready Room, we're joined by Matthew Rushing, Larry Nemecek, and John Champion to discuss the episode "Sarek," how the evolution of the story showed continuing reservations on the part of Gene Roddenberry about connecting TOS and TNG even near the end of TNG's third season, as well as Sarek's place within the Star Trek universe and the battle to speak Spock's name on screen.

In our news segment, we debate which series deserved an additional season, io9's list of the Top 100 episodes, and play with Larami's classic Star Trek: The Motion Picture tie-in toys from 1979.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Matthew Rushing

 

Guests

Larry Nemecek and John Champion

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

Looking back at Larami Star Trek: The Motion Picture Tie-ins (3:02)

Poll: Which Star Trek series deserved another season? (11:51)

io9's list of the Top 100 Star Trek episodes (28:56)

Sponsor: Audible (37:46)

 

Feature: Sarek

Intro and Synopsis (41:24)

Sarek's Place in Star Trek (44:20)

Bring Sarek to The Next Generation (52:39)

Evolving Vulcans, Shedding Light on Emotion (1:16:30)

Slapping John Champion Crusher (1:29:12)

Spock Is Voldemort (1:33:42)

Final Thoughts (1:42:34)

Closing (1:50:11)

 

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Direct download: trr-161.mp3
Category:The Next Generation -- posted at: 6:51pm MDT

160: Bones Looking at Bones

Catspaw.

Many TV series have Halloween specials, but Star Trek is NOT one of them. Of course, it isn’t like they didn’t try. The Original Series did its part; the later series just didn’t follow suit. On October 27, 1967, Kirk, Spock, and Bones got quite a fright with the airing of “Catspaw.” It was the first episode produced for Season Two, yet was held until the week of Halloween.

In this episode of The Ready Room we're joined by Charlynn Schmiedt, Drew Stewart, and Jennie Zell to discuss the concept of a Star Trek Halloween episode, haunted house aliens Korob and Sylvia, sympathetic magic, dungeons, cats, and, of course, Chekov's hair.

In our news segment we break down the results of StarTrek.com's Captains vs. Zombies poll, check out some spiffy new LCARS wallpaper for iPhone, and tour the country to find out which state has the most Star Trek fans.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Charlynn Schmiedt

 

Guests

Drew Stewart and Jennie Zell

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

Star Trek Captains vs. Zombies (3:53)

New LCARS wallpaper for your iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (10:59)

The States with the most Star Trek fans (18:13)

Sponsor: Audible (26:33)

 

Feature: Catspaw

Intro and Synopsis (29:20)

Halloween in Space (40:30)

Have You Met Chekov's Hair? (48:10)

Meet the Koroborator (54:41)

Sylvia [Actual Chapter Title Redacted] (1:07:15)

Sympathetic Magic and Other Oddities (1:16:12)

Final Thoughts (1:22:30)

Closing (1:31:49)

 

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Direct download: trr-160.mp3
Category:The Original Series -- posted at: 8:06am MDT

159: They Even Crash Land On Dagobah

Precious Cargo.

As one of the Starfleet's earliest explorers, James T. Kirk gained a reputation for finding an alien love interest on every world he visited. A century earlier, in Kirk-like fashion, Trip Tucker found himself in a situation that could have easily taken place on The Original Series as he rescued a princess. It's Sleeping Beauty with a twist—and a dash of Han and Leia—packaged with a strip of jerkey and a swamp swim. "Precious Cargo" is an episode that the creators considered so bad that Brannon Braga reportedly begged Rick Berman not to air it. Is it really that terrible?

In this episode of The Ready Room we're joined by Matthew Rushing, Charlynn Schmiedt, and John Mills to discuss this story that takes inspiration and connections from not only TOS but from TNG as well. With a princess telling Trip "you're my only hope" (seriously), Archer and T'Pol playing Good Cop/Bad Cop, and the ship from Pigs In Space, there's so much fun to explore that we're left scratching our heads in light of the creators' scorn.

In our news segment we find out about the Smithsonian's Enterprise move, Orci shunning the Power Rangers to focus on Star Trek, and a look at what's coming up at Destination Star Trek London.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Matthew Rushing

 

Guests

Charlynn Schmiedt and John Mills

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

The Smithsonian starts its Enterprise move (3:54)

Orci shuns the Power Rangers to focus on Star Trek (8:28)

Destination Star Trek London (14:00)

Support Trek.fm on Patreon (20:25)

Sponsor: Audible (21:57)

 

Feature: Precious Cargo

Intro and Synopsis (24:50)

Please Don't Air This Crap! Signed, the Creators (28:22)

Why Matthew Loves Precious Cargo: A Theory (34:14)

A TOS Feel (35:59)

The Evolution of Human Naivity (41:02)

I'm King of the Swamp! (48:43)

Acting Princess (54:28)

Trip's Influence on Kaitaama (1:03:23)

Good Cop, Bad Cop (1:12:53)

A Missed Opportunity to Revisit? (1:20:59)

Final Thoughts (1:24:56)

Closing (1:33:02)

 

Support the Network!

Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

 

Send us your feedback!

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Direct download: trr-159.mp3
Category:Enterprise -- posted at: 5:36am MDT

158: Holo-addicts Anonymous

Pathfinder.

Reginald Barclay is a fan favorite from The Next Generation despite appearing in only five episodes. But did you realize he appeared in more episodes of Voyagerthan TNG? It took the writers a long while to bring Reg back after his appearance in the second-season episode “Projections,” but once they did he played a key role in getting Voyager home starting with “Pathfinder” in Season Six.

In this episode of The Ready Room we're joined by Charlynn Schmiedt, Suzanne Abbott, and Jaime Sanchez to discuss Barclay's counseling session with Deanna Troi, his status as top dog of coolness amongst the holographic Voyager crew, what the episode says about those with addictions, and whether or not there should have been more stories throughout the series about Starfleet's search for the missing ship.

In our news segment we look at Rittenhouse Archives' new alien trading cards series, imagine which card series would reel us in, find out what Starship Farraguthas in store for fans, and get an inside scoop on the prospects for DS9 Blu-rays viaThe Digital Bits

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Charlynn Schmiedt

 

Guests

Suzanne Abbott and Jaime Sanchez

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

Rittenhouse Archives unveils new alien trading cards (2:40)

The Digital Bits fields DS9 Blu-ray question (9:45)

Starship Farragut launches Kickstarter for "The Crossing" (15:58)

Join our discussion in The Babel Conference (20:25)

Support Trek.fm through Patreon (25:02)

Sponsor: Audible (27:15)

 

Feature: Pathfinder

Intro and Synopsis (30:09)

Initial Thoughts (37:02)

Reg and Deanna, Welcome Back (45:56)

Crossing the Boundaries of TOS and  TNG (53:33)

Starfleet Remembers Voyager! (56:48)

Commentary on Holo-addiction (1:04:58)

Over the Top or Just Right? (1:17:23)

Final Thoughts (1:20:20)

Closing and Feedback (1:27:52)

 

Support the Network!

Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

 

Send us your feedback!

Twitter: @trekfm

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Direct download: trr-158-B.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT