201: Escape from Light Ball

Return to Tomorrow.

Having your body taken over by an alien is a risk every Starfleet officer takes. And, as Kirk has said, risk is our business. Being possessed of your own free will, however, isn’t usually how it works. But when the disembodied voice of Jimmy Doohan asks a favor, it’s hard to resist. That’s what happens to Captain Kirk when the crew of the USS Enterprise visit a long-dead planet being used to store giant lightbulbs.

In this episode of The Ready Room, we’re joined by Brandon-Shea Mutala, Zachary Fruhling, and Phillip Gilfus to discuss the classic Star Trek episode “Return to Tomorrow.” Why did Kirk decide to let Sargon take over his body? Why was Doctor Pulaski so eager to be possessed as well? And how did Leonard Nimoy master the art of leaning at a 45-degree angle? Plus, what’s with all the seed spreading? Join us to find out.

In our news segment, we discuss details about the new TV series, straight from Les Moonves himself, and the stamp craze that has now spread to Canada.

News
Les Moonves Reveals Detail of the Next Star Trek Series (00:03:12)
Star Trek Stamps Canada (00:17:40)

Feature: Return to Tomorrow
Synopsis and Initial Thoughts (00:32:17)
A Questionable Decision (00:46:57)
Disembodied Moments (00:55:28)
Ancient Love Triangle (01:00:06)
Where Did She Come From? (01:07:38)
A Mechanical Life (01:10:33)
Planting Your Seed (01:17:49)
Biblical Acknowledgment (01:21:37)
Katras and a Scheming Sargon (01:27:04)
Oblivion … Together (01:33:22)
The Music of “Return to Tomorrow” (01:43:24)
Final Thoughts (01:45:36)

Hosts
C Bryan Jones and Brandon-Shea Mutala

Guests
Zachary Fruhling and Phillip Gilfus

Production
C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Renee Roberts (Associate Producer) Zachary Fruhling (Associate Producer) Sam Piassick (Associate Producer) Kay Elizabeth Janeway (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)