83: Benny Russell's Backdoor Pilot

Far Beyond the Stars.

In 1998, during Black History Month, Deep Space Nine aired what is one of the most creative stories in the franchise’s history. “Far Beyond the Stars” brought us the tale of a black SF writer struggling to make it in 1950s America. At the same time, the writers wove this period tale together with Sisko’s journey as the Emissary of the Prophets, making a standalone piece serve equally well as a part of the overall story of DS9. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt and Tristan Riddell to discuss “Far Beyond the Stars,” its multiple messages, how it works as straight SF, and we explore the future television careers of the staff of Incredible Tales. 

In news we look at a new Bird-of-Prey replica from Diamond Select Toys, tell you how to get your Starfleet Academy class ring, and debate which piece of Star Trek technology we would most like to have. We also delve into the news that J.J. Abrams will be directing Star Wars Episode VII and what this could mean for Star Trek.