EPISODE 27 - "THE BEST, WORST, WEIRDEST & WILDEST MOMENTS OF 2014!"

Ah, 2014... So many sweet, sweet memories... Heck, even we here at Subspace Transmissions aren't entirely immune to waxing poetic about the treasured tales of experiences had, and laughs shared. Thus, in this extra special year ending episode, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton nostalgically count down the key moments that helped shape what this podcast has become. Throughout an assortment of amusing clips, featuring co-host Benjamin Yong, and stellar guests David Borys, Carmin Carotenuto, James Chesser, Tony Geluch, Scott Hardy & Jarrah Hodge, we flashback to hilarious conversations about classic show-favorite characters and episodes (fear not, Bareil fans, we gotcha covered!), and gaze optimistically into the bright, shining light of 2015. If ever there was a right way to ring in the New Year, this is it folks! Goofy hat and champagne optional.  

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BONUS EPISODE - "SEATTLE STAR TREK CON 2014 MEMORIES"

In this very special away team report, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, with added input from a surprise voice from the past, break down all three days of Creation's 2014 Seattle Star Trek Convention. Which panels were the best? How were the merch bargains? What was Marina Sirtis' most outrageous moment? All these fundamental questions are answered, as well as an explanation for the tremendously awkward Jonathan Frakes photo above, a still unconfirmed brush with natural disaster and a noticeable drop in sophistication and clarity by con's end. Consider yourselves forewarned.

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EPISODE 26 - "COOLEST STARSHIPS"

If there's one thing Star Trek knows, it's how to travel in style! This week, to celebrate the franchise's rich history of sweet rides, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest David Borys, champion their favorite ships that have soared majestically across the quadrants. However, before regaling in the awesomeness of Romulan and Klingon tech and design, the trio answer a crucial burning question: which version of our beloved U.S.S. Enterprise rules supreme, and which ones just don't work. If you're a big fan of the vehicles travelling through Gene Roddenberry's universe this is one podcast trip you don't want to miss booking passage on!

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EPISODE 25 - "THE BEST OF PICARD"

While the eternal Best Captain debate is destined to rage on and on until the coming of the apocalypse, it's safe to say Jean-Luc Picard is a serious front-runner for the title in the hearts and minds of millions. In this sensational tribute episode, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest David Borys, sit down and recount the greatest hits of El Capitan's long, rich and insanely iconic career aboard the trusty ol' U.S.S. Enterprise. Discussion about the Borg? Q? Ressikan flutes? It's all in here, as well as a few fun surprises and an amusing speed round calling out the character's most memorably embarrassing moments. Don't miss out, head on over to one of the links listed below and make it so!   

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BONUS EPISODE 6 - "STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY"

As is so often said, all good things must, inevitably, come to an end. Such is the case this week as hosts Cam Smith, Tyler Orton and returning guest Carmin Carotenuto bid a fond farewell to the classic original crew with this sensational Film Flashback review of STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY. Does the Nicholas Meyer-directed effort still hold up as a thrilling and dignified journey end point for Kirk and the gang? How effective is the picture at getting the space-train back on track after FINAL FRONTIER? And, ultimately, where does it rank among the memorable chapters that preceded it? Download the episode and join us as we take one last cinematic trip on the Enterprise-A to the second star to the right, and straight on 'till morning.

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EPISODE 24 - "TIME FOR A COURT MARTIAL?"

For such a powerful and positive organization, Starfleet sure is lax when it comes to disciplining questionable acts committed by its key enlisted members. In this latest episode hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton call out some of the more egregious decisions made by beloved Trek characters and judge whether a court martial needed to be instituted. Should murdering a chancellor be frowned upon even if good ultimately comes from it? What about helping to corrupt an entire alien society in order to create "a balance of power?" We know where we stand on these particular issues, as well as the several others discussed in this jam-packed hour, so join in the fun and decide whether you agree or disagree!

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EPISODE 23 - "BEST & WORST FAN SERVICE MOMENTS"

Who doesn't love an homage or in-joke?! As Trek fans, is there anything better than being reminded of the treasured episodes and series of years past? Well, this week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton strive to determine what separates fun, rewarding franchise call-back moments from the lazy, pandering ones that many of us still complain about. Why is the return of Montgomery Scott on The Next Generation so much more satisfying than, say, the countless winks in Into Darkness? Listen in and find out!

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EPISODE 22 - "HAS STAR TREK FAILED FEMINISM?"

Since its inception Star Trek has been a vital progressive force for promoting racial diversity in film and television. But how has it truly fared at creating genuinely strong roles for women? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton are joined by special guest Jarrah Hodge, the pop-culture blogger behind Trekkie Feminist, for an in-depth and comprehensive look at the evolution of female characters across the franchise's near-fifty year run. What have the writers and show-runners gotten right, and what have they gotten wrong? Which series has the best track record for positive representation? And how do we best make sense of episodes like "Angel One," "Bound" or "Turnabout Intruder?" This is one mission you don't want to miss, so listen in as we take an irreverent and hard question-filled look at Trek's rich and complex history.
 
For further information on women's roles behind-the-scenes, check out Jarrah's excellent posts highlighting the female writers, directors and other key creative players who have contributed to Trek's impressive legacy.

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EPISODE 21 - "SCARIEST STAR TREK ALIENS"

Sure, Star Trek is all about diversity and acceptance, but you gotta admit there's more than a few aliens you'd probably prefer to avoid. In this very special Halloween discussion hosts Cam Smith, Tyler Orton and special guest Carmin Carotenuto get scared stupid recalling some of the most sinister, spooky and downright unsettling species to ever grace the small screen. Get squeamish hearing about space parasites or de-evolved security officers? Best keep the lights on, because this is one show that dares to summon up the most ghastly, gruesome figures the franchise has ever churned out (and a few of the lamest, just for fun). Prepare thyself!!! 

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BONUS EPISODE 5 - "STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER"

Cue the projector and dim the lights, because it's movie time once again! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Mark Carter, journey through the Great Barrier in search of meaning and entertainment with 1989's oft-maligned STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER! Will they discover the method behind the madness of Shatner's lone directorial endeavor? Is there an interesting study of faith and spirituality hiding behind all of the Uhura fan dancing, Kirk mountain climbing glory shots and H2O-allergic triple-breasted cat women? And where does Laurence Luckinbill's enigmatic Sybok rank amongst the franchise's mighty pantheon of formidable big screen adversaries? Our findings may just come as a surprise to some of you. So fasten your seatbelts and join us on a whirlwind excursion to Paradise City and beyond!

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EPISODE 20 - "INCOMING TRANSMISSIONS MAILBAG #2"

We sent out a hailing frequency and you guys responded! Thus, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton are here again to answer your fun, memory-testing Star Trek conundrums. Among this week's submitted topics: the best one-on-one fight, whether Shatner should appear in the next movie and - most importantly - the eternal question of which recurring character has the most active love life. Why, it's a veritable potpourri of amusement, debate and franchise lore! Enjoy y'all!

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EPISODE 19 - "STAR TREK GUILTY PLEASURES"

As Trek fans, we all know how much fun it is to chat endlessly with like-minded friends about those sensational television hours that see the franchise firing on all cylinders. But what about those purposely unmentioned faves...? The episodes you're just too embarrassed to publically admit you kinda enjoy? This week on the show, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Carmin Carotenuto, beat all potential blackmailers to the punch by revealing to the world all of their mortifying dilithium-powered guilty pleasures. Among the many dark secrets waiting to be uncovered, you'll shudder at finding out who revels in watching Shatner channel his inner unhinged femme fatale! Question your sanity when one of the trio waxes poetic about Wesley Crusher! And gasp in horror as you learn which participant is willing to confess to loving that weird episode of Deep Space 9 where the crew gets trapped in a board game! So prepare yourselves for an epic hour of hilarity, overly-apologetic enthusiasm and a total loss of dignity for all involved.      

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BONUS EPISODE 4 - "STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME"

Pop some popcorn and shush everyone in the room because hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, accompanied by special guest Tony Geluch, are on hand with another fabulous Film Flashback. Taking a (Vulcan robed) dive into 1986's STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME, the trio humorously struggle to determine how much nostalgia has colored this beloved time travel adventure. Is there serious substance to be mined from Leonard Nimoy's second directorial effort, or is this decidedly comedic venture merely an agreeable 80s fish out of water trifle? Or both? There's plenty of fun back-and-forth to be had, with a healthy side order of era-appropriate Perfect Strangers references and Splash trivia to boot! Why, one could say it's a veritable whale of a good time! But, then, that would just be shameless...

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EPISODE 18 - "INCOMING TRANSMISSIONS MAILBAG #1"

What happens when the audience assumes the glorious captain's chair?  Find out as hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton sift through their podcast email account and answer the insightful burning questions all you guys submitted! No major conundrums this week, just plenty of fun discussion as we examine topics relating to potential future TV incarnations, beloved Trek aliens, merchandise and the franchises' rich history of tackling social issues. We had a lot of fun with this one, and hope you all do to! 

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EPISODE 17 - "BAD FIRST IMPRESSIONS IN TREK"

You only get to make a first impression once. So what happens when a Trek character starts off on a really, really bad foot? Is full recovery even possible? In this week's show hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton reveal which beloved figures in Roddenberry's universe aggravated them right off the bat, and how the actors and creative team managed to redeem them. You may be surprised by a few of the names included on our list. So kick back, relax and listen in as we honor introductory sour notes that ultimately transformed into sweet, sweet music.

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EPISODE 16 - "ALL-TIME TREK ANTAGONISTS"

In all classic adventure stories, a hero must face a worthy foil to truly achieve greatness! As we all know, the franchise that Roddenberry wrought is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to compelling adversaries, so this week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton read out their honor rolls of who among the many belong in the upper echelon. As an added bonus, the duo also engage in a very funny lightning round shaming the suckiest foes faced by Starfleet, as well as assume the intimidating responsibility of acting as the deciding voice in Trek/Friends fan-casting. We kid you not.

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BONUS EPISODE 3 - "STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK"

It's time for another trip to the movies! This month's Film Flashback bonus episode sees hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton taking a good hard critical look at 1984's STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK. Do they think the first Nimoy-helmed installment has held up, or not? Is it a worthy follow up to WRATH OF KHAN? And what do the duo make of the picture's aim to reset things back to the status quo following the earthshaking changes that transpired in the spectacular previous entry? All of these questions, and many, many more, are answered in this entertaining hour of discussion that dares to ponder whether the titular Vulcan search was, indeed, worth all that effort.

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THE FANTABULOUS MERCH ITEMS OF EPISODE 15

Now that you've heard us obsess over them, here's a collection of photos (and one key video) of the collectibles raved about in our MOST DESIRED TREK MERCH items episode. Just in case you'd like to beat us to the punch, eBay and Amazon links have been included.

Diamond Select "All Good Things" U.S.S. Enterprise:

 

Playmates Star Trek: The Next Generation Tricorder:

Borg Cube Custom Computer Tower Mod (not for sale):

Playmates Star Trek: The Next Generation Innerspace Borg Ship Mini Playset:

Playmates Star Trek: The Next Generation Innerspace U.S.S. Enterprise Mini Playset:

Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Star Trek figures:

Simon & Schuster Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual CD-Rom:

 

 

Playmates Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Space Station:

 

Diamond Select Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Ezri Dax Action Figure:

 

 

 

Simon & Schuster Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Fallen Computer Game:

 

 

 

Pocket Books Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion:

HCG 1:6 Gorn Captain Statue:

 

Star Trek Champions Pewter Mini-Statues:

Captain Kirk:    

  

  

Spock:

Khan:  

 U.S.S. Enterprise:

 

Klingon Bird of Prey:

Playmates Vedek Bareil Action Figure:

 

 

 

Playmates Star Trek: The Next Generation Borg Ship:

 



EPISODE 15 - "MOST DESIRED TREK MERCH"

Every Trekker has their personal Maltese Falcon or Ark of the Covenant; that one mind-bogglingly cool item of tie-in merchandise that they dream of one day possessing. Well, hosts Cam Smith, Benjamin Yong and Tyler Orton are no different and this week they reveal what collectibles they feverishly yearn to track down (at a reasonable price, of course). Amidst the swirl of talk about Borg cubes, pewter mini-statues and ultra-rare DS9 figures, the trio also offer up amusing tales of haggling with barely lucid vendors and a Las Vegas convention panel gone weirdly awry. No two ways about it, this one's definitely for those most geeky at heart! Hope you enjoy.

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EPISODE 14 - "TREK'S MOST BADASS MOMENTS"

It's a popular cliché among non-fans that Star Trek is boring, while Star Wars is ten tons of exciting. We've all heard it ad nauseum and, having actually watched the show, know flippin' better. So this week hosts Cam Smith, Benjamin Yong and Tyler Orton revel in the ultimate fist-pumping, chill-inducing, high five-provoking moments the franchise has generated over the course of its nearly five decades. Looking for Worf shout-outs? You'll find them here, along with plenty of praise for unforgettable scenes featuring Sisko, Picard, Kirk, Janeway and many more at their most go-for-broke hardcore cool. As an added comedic bonus, we've also included a couple stories about one host being anything but badass while collecting autographs from Trek celebs. Come for the epic awesomeness, stay for the permanently scarring social awkwardness. It's the way we roll, folks!  

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BONUS EPISODE - "LAS VEGAS STAR TREK CON 2014 MEMORIES"

Following an exhausting, exhilarating and thoroughly enjoyable away mission at Creation's 2014 Las Vegas Star Trek Convention hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guests Scott Hardy and James Chesser, regroup in their hotel room and celebrate the most memorable moments of their four-day adventure. Over the course of this giddy hour and change of observations, criticisms and geek bliss, tales of lost con love and unexpected celebrity encounters are recounted, and a tribute is held to the event's most unexpectedly awesome guest. So enjoy and start your countdown clocks to summer 2015!

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EPISODE 13 - "THE FUTURE OF STAR TREK ON TV"

In this energetically nerdy hour of speculative discussion hosts Cam Smith, Benjamin Yong and Tyler Orton gaze into their crystal ball and attempt to predict what the future holds for the franchise we all hold so dear. Will Trek convert to a 13-episode per season format? What's the likelihood of the show picking up where the Berman era ended? These tantalizing questions, among many others, are obsessively picked apart in order to determine the best possible course for artistic and commercial success. In addition, the crew offer up their own ideas as to what they'd like to see on the next itineration, as well as explain why the prospect of a Captain Worf spin-off isn't necessarily a good thing... So join us as we take a  brave step into the strange, alien world of the Hollywood TV industry and strive to make sense of it all for the betterment of Trek-kind.

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BONUS EPISODE 2 - "STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN"

Returning with another Film Flashback bonus episode hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton finally take on a giant of the franchise; 1982's awesomely entertaining STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN. Does the picture still hold up all after all these years? Does it have any nagging flaws? Over the course of a lengthy informal chat these topics are tackled, as well as the themes, action sequences and character beats that make the film so insanely popular. So buckle yourself in for a fun, free-wheeling supplemental show that delves boldly into this series-reenergizing tale of vengeance in the heavens. 

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THE SPACE-TACULAR MUSIC OF EPISODE 12

As promised by Tyler in the opening of our BEST & WORST MUSICAL MOMENTS episode, here is the (almost*) complete collection of clips played during the show:

"Someone to Watch Over Me" - Robert Picardo, "Someone to Watch Over Me," VOYAGER

 

"Tuvok Pon Farr Opera" - Robert Picardo, "Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy," VOYAGER

 

 

"Instrument Smash" - LeVar Burton & Michael Dorn, "Qpid," THE NEXT GENERATION

 

 

 

"Enterprise Theme V.2" - Russell Watson, STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE

 



"Gene Roddenberry Birthday Greeting" - Patrick Stewart

"Picard and Daren Duet #2" - Patrick Stewart & Wendy Hughes, "Lessons," THE NEXT GENERATION

"Theme from STAR TREK: Disco Version" - Nichelle Nichols

 

 

"Star Trek Theme (Live)" - Nichelle Nichols

 

 

 

"HMS Pinafore" - Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner & Michael Dorn, STAR TREK: INSURRECTION

 

 

 

"The Way You Look Tonight" - James Darren, "All That You Leave Behind," DEEP SPACE NINE

 

 

 

"Fever" - Nana Visitor, "His Way," DEEP SPACE NINE

 

 

 

"Uhura's Song" - Nichelle Nichols, "Charlie X," STAR TREK

 

 

 

"Hey Out There" - Charles Napier & Mary Linda Rapelye, "The Way to Eden," STAR TREK

 

 

 

*Uhura's humming interlude from THE ANIMATED SERIES' "Once Upon a Planet," and Riker's first trombone performance in NEXT GENERATION's "11001001," could not be found online.

EPISODE 12 - "BEST & WORST MUSICAL MOMENTS"

Riker trombone jokes were only the beginning! In this latest ambitious blast of sci-fi geek silliness hosts Cam Smith, Benjamin Yong and Tyler Orton sing the praises of Trek's most wonderful moments of impromptu musicianship, as well as play a solemn dirge for some truly wretched off-key caterwauling. When not reveling in the powerful dulcet tones of some of the franchise's biggest stars, they find time to discuss how one terrible light-hearted moment nearly sinks Insurrection, as well as engage in a passionate, fiery debate over a certain notoriously polarizing series theme song. We have faith... that everyone will really enjoy this one!

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