#50 - HIDDEN GEMS OF STAR TREK

"Best of Both Worlds." "The Inner Light." "The Visitor." "City on the Edge of Forever." It can't be argued Star Trek is short on episodes that represent the very best science-fiction possible. But what about those mid-tier television hours that are just really, really solid? The ones you may not recommend to friends, but are genuinely gratifying and smart entertainment? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Jarrah Hodge of Trekkie Feminist and Women at Warp, name their favorite less-loved minor hits that nonetheless had a genuine impact on them. From Neelix and Tuvok's tragic amalgamation, to zenite-mining revolutionaries and the only on-screen adventure of Commodore Robert April, we cover all the series bases and find new appreciation for mid-level victories!

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#49 - THE SUBBIES STAR TREK FILM AWARDS

Well, now that we've ranked all of the films, it must be about time to move on, right?! Wrong! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton roll out the red carpet and throw the first (and only) Subbies Awards Show, honoring (and dishonoring) the best and worst in cinematic Trek. Villains, Lead Performances, Special Effects Sequences, Make-up, Direction, Musical Scores, Dialogue, Comedy, Enterprise Moments... We hit all the hot categories in this big, splashy wrap-up to our longtime exploration of the franchise's big screen adventures. This is one episode you don't want to miss, and definitely one we'd love to hear your feedback on. So enjoy and rest easy; this is one awards program that won't take up three or four hours of your life to wade through! You have our solemn vow.

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#48 - RANKING THE STAR TREK FILMS

It's been a long road, getting from there to here. It's been a long time, but our time is finally here! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton wrap up their year-long Film Flashback series with the first installment in a two-part celebration of the Trek cinematic universe. Their assignment in this episode? To each provide their own personal rankings for the film canon, and justify their occasionally controversial decisions. There's a lot of debate fodder here, so have fun listening and don't be afraid to respond with your own opinions and numbered lists!

If you'd like to spoil yourself, you can read both Cam and Tyler's lists on Letterboxd.

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EPISODE 47 - "HOW TO SURVIVE A STAR TREK CON!"

Psyched up for the rapidly approaching Vegas Creation celebration, or another Trek fan event, this season? That's what we wanna hear! But are you totally prepared? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, accompanied by veteran con-going guest Tom Ball, hammer out all the logistics you need to keep in mind before dashing through those metaphorical gates into sci-fi nirvana. From merch room skills to party tips, photo-op advice to proper Q&A panel conduct, we hit all the bases in an effort to help make your con the ultimate experience possible. As an added bonus, we also name our "Must-see" Trek celebrities and answer some great fan mail! It's another embarrassment of riches, people. Hope you enjoy!

 *Terry Farrell photo courtesy of Shelly Ross.

Read Roger Sanderson's Star Trek into Darkness review.
 
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BONUS EPISODE 12 - STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

When last we left the new crew at the end of J.J. Abram's 2009 reboot the pieces were firmly in place for a thrilling, adventurous and innovative sequel. But did the director and his team deliver? In our final Film Flashback installment, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest David Borys, dive into darkness with a critical re-examination of 2013's Khan-tastic follow-up. Is the picture, as fans at that summer's Vegas Con ruled, truly the worst Trek film of all time? Or are there enough redeeming qualities to push it into the 'good' column? And what do we make of its heavy use of homages, explosive action set-pieces and grim, timely themes? Find out as we hitch another ride on the Enterprise's cinematic warp trail and take on this highly controversial franchise entry!

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