#121 - THE BEST, WORST, WEIRDEST & WILDEST MOMENTS OF 2016!

So how does Subspace Transmissions possibly wrap up a year as momentous and exciting as 2016? A year in which we celebrated the franchise's 50th anniversary, hosted our first live Las Vegas panel and received fantastic feedback from so many of you? By going even bigger on our third annual year-end extravaganza, that's how! In this epic retrospective, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton bid farewell and adieu to the recent past by recalling some of their favorite moments from the past 52 podcast episodes, as well as offering their feelings about Trek's 2016 achievements and future potential. Featuring stellar appearances by occasional co-host Benjamin Yong, and intergalactically great guests Andy Chan, Tony Geluch, Patrick Johnson, Geneva Orton and Vicki Siu, this fun-filled 90 mins sees the duo reminiscing about inappropriate Worf romances, Robert April controversies, Samuel Clemens silliness and so very much more. And make sure to stick around right to the bitter end as they unveil the sequel to the spoof song sensation Vedek Bareil (They Call Me)! What more could you possibly want?!

Right-click to download.

#120 - STAR TREK DS9: THE SEARCH

Admittedly, DS9's first couple seasons were a tad inconsistent, but man oh man did it ever soar once the training wheels came off. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton take on its first legitimately great two-part episode The Search, wherein the Defiant uncloaks, the ominous Dominion reveals itself and our beloved Odo finally goes home. As the duo reexamine this epic tale, they find themselves quickly split over which half works more successfully, and whether the big climactic plot twist still holds up. So decide where you stand and prepare to choose sides during this passionate and nerdy deep dive into one of the most essential feature-length stories in the classic show's proud history. Enjoy!

Right-click to download.

#119 - JANICE RAND: WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN?

Although originally envisioned as a crucial TOS character, Janice Rand's ultimate legacy would be one of unfulfilled potential and real life tragedy. So why, despite minimal screen-time and lousy creative oversight, did Grace Lee Whitney's iconic bee-hived heroine become a Trek legend and how do we approach this often problematic figure in modern context? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton delve into the handful of episodes and movies featuring Rand in an effort to convey their frustrations with what should have been a far more positive and popular crew member. Along the way, they also examine the similarities between the yeoman extraordinaire and Tasha Yar and Kes, as well as debate whether there's a rich future for space-faring clerical workers on Discovery.

Right-click to download.

#118 - WHEN TECHNOLOGY GOES AWRY!

For a technologically wondrous utopia, Gene Roddenberry's universe sure does see a lot of chaotic breakdowns! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Vicki Siu, put on their engineering uniforms and tackle many of the franchise's most memorable instances of you-know-what hitting the fan. From computers gone mad, to warp drive disasters and malfunctioning A.I. crew members, the trio cover it all as they debate whether Trek's astonishing advancements were, you know, worth all the headaches.

Right-click to download.

#117 - TRACING THE TRIBBLE TRILOGY

Starfleet has taken on many powerful adversaries in the past, such as the Xindi, Romulans, Borg and Species 8472, but all major threats paled in comparison to the overwhelming might of some unstoppable spacebound fur-balls. Since being introduced in The Trouble with Tribbles, these adorable nuisances have plagued many a crew to great audience amusement. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton examine their landmark debut, as well the Animated Series episode More Tribbles, More Troubles and DS9's Trials and Tribulations in an effort to nail down exactly what makes these television hours so endearing and fun. Along the way, the duo also discuss the character of Koloth, the grim reality of what likely happens when Klingons deal with a Tribble infestation, and whether Discovery could bring us a fourth fuzzy encounter!

Right-click to download.

#116 - THE EVOLUTION OF THE BORG

Remember way back in November of 1996 when First Contact landed in theatres and the universe was the Borg's oyster? Just after the triumphant end of The Next Generation, and shortly before they were exploited ad nauseum in a gazillion Voyager episodes? Well hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton do, and this week, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Star Trek's much-loved 8th film chapter, they're taking a deep dive into the history of this ultra terrifying technology-driven alien race. From the species' shocking reveal in Q Who, to their explosive defeat in Endgame, the duo leave no episode stone unturned in their determination to pin down exactly where and how the Borg lost their once fearsomely potent mojo.  

Right-click to download.

#115 - STAR TREK DS9: THE MAQUIS

One of the most popular go-to sources of drama in the Berman Trek era was the plight of the Maquis, the rebellious Federation-born colonists who often violently opposed Cardassian occupation. While they were created for Voyager, it was Deep Space Nine that introduced them to the world. But was it a strong introduction? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton put on their finest vests and revisit DS9's second season two-parter The Maquis to answer that very question, and explore how the presence of this disenfranchised group impacts key characters such as Sisko, Kira, Odo and Gul Dukat. In addition, the duo critique how well the Maquis were ultimately handled by Voyager, and whether it was a wise creative decision to leave the fate of Commander Calvin Hudson a big 'ol question mark.

Right-click to download.

#114 - STAR TREK'S BIGGEST LOSERS

While the lion's share of Trek's pantheon of characters lean heavily towards the hyper-capable, brave, resourceful and whip smart, not quite all are created equal. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton officiate over their own personal Hall of Shame and induct several key figures who - either professionally, personally or both! - woefully fall short of even baseline competency. From the shockingly inept captain of the Enterprise-B, to underachieving alternate reality Picard and a certain notorious Klingon offspring, the duo call out the most hopeless offenders and try to understand the creative thinking that ultimately stranded them in such dire straights.

Right-click to download.

#113 - CAN STAR TREK BE SPOOKY?

Successful horror storytelling usually depends on keeping the audience in the dark and preying on their fear of the unknown. So how exactly does that translate to science fiction where everything requires logical explanation? This week, for their third annual Halloween podcast extravaganza, ghastly and ghoulish hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton gather around their imaginary campfire to recoil at the franchise's most creepy supernatural-themed episode entries and answer that very question. From the legendary Catspaw to the famed Haunting of Deck 12, the duo attempt to determine just how successful Trek has historically been at hitting the right chill-inducing primal chords. Plus, as an added bonus, special guests Stefan Estonilo, Kim MacInnis, Jesse Oquendo and Shelly Ross drop by to offer their recommendations for which terrifying episodes make for the best Halloween season viewing.

Right-click to download.

#112 - JUSTIFYING THE WILD WEST ON STAR TREK

Sure it was famously pitched as Wagon Train to the stars, and blended established western motifs with smart science-fiction concepts to brilliant results. But what about when Trek drops the allusions and just goes full cowboy? This week crack shot hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton dust off their six shooters and draw on the franchise's three noteworthy attempts to evoke the classic horse operas of yore. From Kirk and crew's bizarro trip to a very hallucinogenic Tombstone, to colorful dust-ups involving Sheriff Worf & deputy Alexander, and Archer's questionable attempt to don an Eastwood-ian hat, the duo tackle the beloved genre's classic themes and debate just how well Star Trek has done right by them.

Right-click to download.

#111 - CHARACTERS WE WANT TO SEE ON STAR TREK DISCOVERY

While it was a tad disappointing to learn of Star Trek Discovery's delay, that doesn't mean we can't still have plenty of fun speculating about the rapidly approaching not-so-distant future! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton offer up their wish lists of existing franchise characters they'd love to see brought back into the television fold come 2017. From disgraced high-ranking Starfleet personnel, to prominent Klingon heavies and even TOS's most problematic comic relief figure, the duo leave no stone unturned in their bold quest to resurrect some of Trek's most loved and loathed iconic faces. 

Right-click to download.

#110 - STAR TREK DS9: EMISSARY

When it first aired in January of 1993, Deep Space Nine's feature length pilot was a massive deal! After all, this was the first spin-off of arguably the franchise's most widely popular series! But does it feel like such a noteworthy event over 20 years later? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with devil-may-care special guest Mike Hager, debate the merits of the now-celebrated show's initial outing, from classic character introductions to whether the wormhole alien stuff goes on just a little too long. As well, the trio seek to ascertain just how successful Emissary is at grabbing the attention of non-converts.

Right-click to download.

#109 - BEYOND STAR TREK BEYOND

As much fun as Star Trek Beyond was, there's no denying its box office take was pretty underwhelming. So what does that mean for the future of the Kelvin-verse and the proposed Chris Hemsworth-ified next chapter? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with stellar returning guest Patrick Johnston, debate the impact Justin Lin's film will have going forward, and what steps Paramount and Bad Robot may take in order to re-remind audiences why the series is worth voyaging to the multiplex for. In addition, the trio review the movie's elaborate Barco Escape presentation, and dashing British show regular Scott Hardy swings by in order to pitch his own ideas as to where the fourth installment should go.  

Right-click to download.

#108 - FOR THE LOVE OF SPOCK & THE 50th ANNIVERSARY

Now that September 8th is in our reverse viewscreen, we're left with the lingering question: did CBS and Paramount make it the celebration the franchise (and its fans) deserve? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton continue the festivities by taking a critical look at the efforts expended for the 50th, as well as review director Adam Nimoy's loving and in-depth new documentary about his universally adored father, For the Love of Spock. In addition to these two hot topics, the duo also reveal how they honored Trek's momentous milestone, and their takeaways from a recent theatrical viewing of the always controversial Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

Right-click to download.

#107 - RANKING THE TNG 2-PARTERS

It's safe to say, after reviewing each individual two-part episode, that The Next Generation was pretty hit or miss when it came to expanded television adventures. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton wrap up their time aboard the trusty Enterprise-D by offering up their own ranking lists of the series' 10 feature-length efforts. Obviously Best of Both Worlds is iconic, but did it land in the top slot? And what about, say, the Twain-tastic Time's Arrow? In addition to the assignment at hand, the duo also name the best and worst action sequences, guest stars and more!

Right-click to download.

#106 - HOW STAR TREK CHANGED THE WORLD

On September 8th, 1966, a strange and decidedly 'out there' hour of television called "The Man Trap" debuted wherein a crew of heroes in bright, colorful uniforms battled a salt-sucking space vampire. Things, as they say, would never be the same again. To commemorate Star Trek's glorious 50th anniversary, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton highlight the franchise's significant impact on our society and culture, as well as the evolution of the fandom that binds so many of us together. Along the way, they also discuss how Roddenberry's brainchild has affected their own lives and where they'd like to see it develop over the next 50 wonderful years.

Right-click to download.

#105 - THE 2016 KLINGON BLOODWINE GAMES

And now for something completely different! This week (Trill?) host with the most Cam Smith presides over the spectacular first annual Subspace Transmissions Klingon Bloodwine Games, pitting three Trek fans in a brutal battle of smarts, endurance and ingenuity. Recorded live in Las Vegas, the contest sees mighty competitors Tyler Orton, Stefan Estonilo and Scott Hardy battling it out in three grueling trivia and creativity-based challenges engineered to test even the most formidable of super-fans. Who will emerge victorious? Only crafty ringleader Cam and mastermind scorekeeper James Chesser know, and they ain't talkin' so you best listen in on what will hopefully become a really fun new podcast tradition. Enjoy!

*Ultra special thanks to invaluable recurring guest David Borys for inspiring this event, and our audience members who brought so much good humor, enthusiasm and energy.

Right-click to download.

#104 - HOW FILM INFLUENCED STAR TREK

Star Trek has famously drawn boundless inspiration from esteemed literary figures such as Melville, Dickens and Shakespeare. But what about the cinematic world? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton recreate their Las Vegas Con panel at home with an in-depth discussion on the franchise's rich history of paying homage to film giants like John Ford, Richard Fleischer, Steven Spielberg and John Frankenheimer. From westerns, war films, noir and sci-fi to slam-bang 80s blockbusters and beyond, the duo showcase iconic episodes and the clever and memorable silver screen efforts that fuelled the show's creative energies.

Right-click to download.

#103 - STAR TREK LAS VEGAS CON 2016 MEMORIES

If you were going to celebrate Trek's 50th anniversary in style, Creation Entertainment's massive five-day Las Vegas con was the place to be! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning special guests Scott Hardy and James Chesser, stave off crippling exhaustion by recounting the mega-event's most exciting guests and highlights, as well as their own personal lows and triumphant vendor room purchases. In addition, the foursome delve into the backstage drama and pyrotechnics behind Subspace Transmissions' live stage debut discussing the influence of cinema on the franchise.

Right-click to download.

#102 - STAR TREK'S GREATEST SHOWRUNNERS

It's often tempting to just focus on the actors and thrilling characters, worlds and aliens of the Star Trek universe. But what about those responsible for building and maintaining that rich universe? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton take a trip through the franchise's long history in order to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the gifted men and women charged with ensuring the human adventure continues! From Great Bird of the Galaxy Gene Roddenberry and TNG savior Michael Piller, to more controversial figures like Brannon Braga and Rick Berman, we cover all the possible angles. So take a break from the new movie and classic episode chatter to honor those who worked countless hours to keep the ol' ship running for 50 wonderful years.

Right-click to download.

#101 - STAR TREK BEYOND

After countless months of obsessive speculation, and an equal mix of excitement and concern, Star Trek Beyond is now playing in a theatre near you. But does it deliver? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton take a spoilery deep dive into the third Kelvin-verse entry and offer up their own thoughts on how it stacks up against the two past J.J. Abrams installments, and - as always - break down what works and what unfortunately doesn't. As well, the duo add the film to their own personal franchise movie rankings and ponder how the recently announced fourth chapter will shape up post-Justin Lin. So listen in and enjoy as Subspace digs into the Krall of it all.

Right-click to download.

#100 - STAR TREK TNG: ALL GOOD THINGS...

The old saying states it's all about the journey. But is that still true when the destination is explosively awesome? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Tony Geluch, ponder that eternal question, and so many others, as they complete their TNG two-parter revisit with the hugely popular time-hopping finale All Good Things.... Does this episode still pack as much punch as it did back in the spring of 1994? Is it the best closure a fan could pray for from such a legendary series? And is old man Picard just a little annoying? Plug in and enjoy as we celebrate our podcast milestone with a tribute and celebration of one of the franchise's very finest achievements.

*Due to recording issues there is some noticeable static during parts of the episode. Apologies and thank you for your patience while we further amp up efforts to annihilate this issue forever.

Right-click to download.

#99 - RANKING STAR TREK'S CAPTAINS

Ever since TNG premiered in the late 1980s fans have debated until they're blue in the face which captain reigns supreme. Throw in four more contenders over the next couple decades and the argument gets downright chaotic. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Vicki Siu, wade into the fray to reveal how each of the six stack up against their distinguished competition. Will they favor the wise and experienced Picard, or Shatner's brash and bold Kirk? And what about relative newcomers Archer and Chris Pine's Kirk? Listen in for what will certainly prove to be a controversial hour of podcasting nerdvana!

Right-click to download.

#98 - STAR TREK TNG: GAMBIT

After the relatively heavy Descent, it made definite sense for TNG's next two-parter to aim for comparatively lighter Time's Arrow-ish territory. But did the creative team uncover the right fun story to stretch to two broadcast hours? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Andy Chan, re-examine season 7's cliffhanger event Gambit, the swashbuckling yarn involving archaeology, deadly relics and one particularly volatile space-pirate vessel. Are Picard and Riker's double and triple-crossing antics entertaining enough to hold the audience's attention throughout the extended length? And does the show match the energy and inventiveness of the Indiana Jones movies and adventure serials that inspired it? Strap yourself in for a lively discussion on an episode that, judging from the trio's diverse reactions, definitely doesn't please everyone.  

*Due to recording issues there is some noticeable static in the audio. We're working hard to correct the problem to ensure it doesn't happen again. Thanks for your patience!

Right-click to download.

STAR TREK BEYOND TRAILER 2 COMMENTARY

As an added bonus, to go along with this week's podcast episode, here's the latest Star Trek Beyond trailer (Rihanna Remix) with invaluable and oh-so insightful commentary from hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton:  

#97 - ANTON YELCHIN, BEYOND TRAILER 2 & TREK 2017

Due to several recent bombshell Trek-related happenings your originally scheduled programming has been delayed in favor of a Subspace news update! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton react to the tragic passing of Anton Yelchin, and discuss his filmography and boundless talent, as well as review Beyond's Rihanna-tastic second trailer and argue the film's box-office prospects in this legendarily tough summer movie season. Lastly, the duo break down all of the recent developments regarding Bryan Fuller's upcoming 2017 CBS series.

Right-click to download.

#96 - STAR TREK'S DADDY ISSUES

While Trek may be all about space exploration and the enduring power of humanity, it's also totally obsessed with conflicts between parents and their children. For this special Fathers Day week episode hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton examine the countless examples of paternal resentment and lingering emotional wounds suffered by Starfleet's brightest and boldest. From the unhealthily competitive Riker Senior and more sympathetic Admiral Paris, to stand-in doctor dads Noonien Soong and Mora Pol, as well as Marc Lenard's iconic Sarek, the duo cover all the bases in a strangely therapeutic hour of podcasting destined to bring all families just a little bit closer together.

Right-click to download.

#95 - THE BEST WORST STAR TREK EPISODES

Not all Trek episodes are created equal. And, with over 700 television hours in the can, it's safe to say there's a few wacky disasters in the bunch. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton celebrate the most hilariously entertaining dumpster fires in franchise history. From Harry Kim's pervy alien caress-fest, to steamy Scottish candle love and the legendary search for Spock's grey matter, the duo valiantly strive to redeem some of Roddenberry's brainchild's most humiliating endeavors.

Right-click to download.

#94 - TREKKIES & STAR TREK FAN CULTURE

Way, way back in the late nineties a little documentary emerged that raised a bit of a kerfuffle among Trek lovers. That movie, Trekkies, offered a candid Denise Crosby-hosted look at fandom some found a mite condescending. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton reexamine the unlikely hit, as well as its less celebrated 2004 sequel Trekkies 2, and debate how accurately the slice of life portraits presented in either effort represent the modern day convention and enthusiast community. In addition, the duo also discuss their own Star Trek subculture experiences, as well as chronicle one host's tour of professional duty in Canadian nerd hot spot Vulcan, Alberta.

Right-click to download.

#93 - STAR TREK TNG: DESCENT

A notable theme of The Next Generation's final season is its focus on wrapping up character arcs, often with pretty clunky results. Journey's End, anyone? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Patrick Johnston, take a closer look at the season 6 finale/season 7 premiere Descent, which features the last series appearances of the Borg, Hugh and of course Lore. Do these farewells leave a lasting impression? And how does this intense Data-centric two-part tale measure up to other, perhaps more hyped and highly regarded, double episodes such as Chain of Command or Best of Both Worlds? Download now and join the podcasting trio for an engaging hour of Borg-throttling, Crusher-captaining, Geordi-torturing fun and debate!   

Right-click to download.

#92 - STAR TREK BEYOND & 2017 CBS TRAILER REACTIONS

It may be an old cliché to say first impressions are everything, but Star Trek Beyond lost a lot of points with its polarizing Beastie Boys-rific teaser trailer. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with a handful of special guests, discuss the recently dropped face-saving (?) full length trailer, as well as the new CBS teaser for Bryan Fuller's 2017 alleged anthology series. Do these two new clips boost confidence in their respective projects, or are they just disheartening? In addition, the hosts debate the box-office prospects for the Justin Lin-directed summer blockbuster and ponder the new TV incarnation's Mirror Universe possibilities.

Right-click to download.

#91 - EARLY TNG: WHAT WENT WRONG?

Ask most Trek fans what their favorite series is and they'll likely namecheck The Next Generation. But, as brilliant and popular as that show was, how many will cop to loving its first two rocky seasons? Using William Shatner's recent Chaos on the Bridge documentary as a launch pad, this week sees hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton taking a critical look at the series' early days in an attempt to underline what exactly went wrong, and whether glimmers of actual greatness emerged from the behind the scenes insanity. From notorious episodes such as Code of Honor and Justice, to the triumph of Measure of a Man, the duo take a fearless trip down an often maddening rabbit hole in search of meaning, answers and maybe, just maybe, a hint of redemption.

Right-click to download.

#90 - THE CURRENT STATE OF TREK 2016

So much of the excitement for Trek's 50th anniversary is centered on celebrating all that has brought us to this point. But how are things looking going forward? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Andy Chan, hold their annual forum to candidly discuss the franchise's current status quo. How does the Fuller-produced 2017 series appear to be shaping up? Will Star Trek Beyond be able to overcome its bizarre total lack of buzz and be the hit film we hope it will be? And, with lawsuits toppling major efforts like Axanar, what is the future for fan film makers? Just like last year there's no shortage of food for thought, so join us in digging right in!  

Right-click to download.

#89 - PITCH YOUR OWN STAR TREK ANTHOLOGY!

With emerging rumors stating Bryan Fuller's impending Trek venture will be an anthology series, with season one set between Undiscovered Country and TNG, fans have started to wonder what other previously underexplored tales may one day be fleshed out. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Andy Chan, put on their fanboy hats and pitch their own potential stand-alone story arcs. From Q Continuum origins to further Klingon and Delta Quadrant alien drama, the trio's selections run the gamut from thrillingly possible to nerd-tastic day-dreaming. Enjoy!    

Right-click to download.

#88 - STAR TREK TNG: BIRTHRIGHT

Coming off the sensational Chain of Command TNG's next two-parter had some serious shoes to fill. By focusing on fan-favorite characters Worf and Data, and throwing in some nerd-tastic cross-promotion, the creative team's ensuing sixth season effort definitely aimed directly for the hearts of viewers. But did it ultimately hit the mark? That's the quandary facing hosts Cam Smith, Tyler Orton and special guest Gena Orton this week as they revisit Birthright. With its android dreams, Klingon yoga, DS9 cameos and potentially age-inappropriate romance, is there enough substance to live up to the more epic extended stories, such as Chain, Redemption and Best of Both Worlds, that preceded it? Or is it just plain old forgettable? Listen in and find out which side of the line the podcasting trio come down on!

Right-click to download.

#87 - SHOULD TREK RETURN TO THE MIRROR UNIVERSE?

Despite modest beginnings as a one-shot novelty bottle episode, Trek's Mirror Universe has grown into a rich and beloved element of the franchise, greatly expanded in spin-off novels, comics and fan films. But is there still more left to explore in the future? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton don fake beards and debate how much gas is left in this parallel universe's story tank after being prominently featured in over a half dozen hours of television of wildly varying quality. Critically analyzing past efforts, from TOS to Enterprise, the duo assess the likelihood of future serialized shows and nu-Trek films venturing into this broadly campy dystopian cesspool of brutality, scheming, double-crosses and hyper-sexuality. Enjoy!

Right-click to download.

#86 - DESERT ISLAND STAR TREK EPISODES

Imagine you were going to be washed up on a desert island and could only take one episode from each Trek series to keep you company for the foreseeable future. With over 700 television hours to choose from, how could you possibly narrow it down to a mere five? Such is the dilemma faced by hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton this week as they grapple with this torturous hypothetical scenario, and valiantly strive to justify their own unique picks. Also, as an added bonus, the duo recollect their experience attending the currently touring Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage concert experience!

Right-click to download.

#85 - THE BAD BOYS OF STAR TREK

What exactly is a 'bad boy?' With a long list of bold, brash heroes like Kirk, Riker, Sisko, Chakotay and so forth one could argue Trek is rife with them. But are they in any way an accurate reflection of the popularized stereotype? This week, for their two year podcast anniversary, rebellious no good hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton cast a critical eye on each series in order to judge which popular male characters truly live up to the oh-so hyped label. Over the course of this freewheeling hour long dissection of key lead and supporting figures, the two ultimately strive to answer the age old question: can one even be a 'bad boy' in a structure as regimented and duty-oriented as Starfleet?

Right-click to download.

#84 - STAR TREK TNG: CHAIN OF COMMAND

Despite its proud dedication to Gene Roddenberry's utopic vision, Star Trek occasionally goes pretty dark and - more often than not - does it really, really well. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Jamie Davies, tackle arguably the most tense, uncomfortable and grim story in The Next Generation's entire run, as Picard's seemingly unwavering resolve is pushed to its very breaking point by merciless Cardassian sadist Gul Madred. Over the course of this hour long discussion the trio delve deeply into the combative relationships between both the Enterprise's brave leader and his captor, as well as Riker and stubborn senior officer Captain Edward Jellico, and determine whether this celebrated two-parter may actually be better than the beloved Best of Both Worlds.   

Right-click to download.

#83 - WHY DO STARFLEET ADMIRALS SUCK?

Since almost its very inception, Star Trek has had a negative attitude towards those who out-rank the almighty captain. Typically portrayed as blandly forgettable exposition machines (when they're not acting as duplicitous villains), Starfleet admirals rarely ever receive the quality of creative attention and care that goes into writing the show's countless compelling heroes, bad guys, civilians and aliens. But why? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton shine a spotlight on the franchise's least compelling figures in order to understand their storytelling limitations, and determine whether their shoddy treatment exposes a serious crack in Roddenberry's futuristic utopia. Along the way, the duo also tackle rare stand-outs like the formidable Alynna Nechayev, Into Darkness turncoat Alexander Marcus and The Pegasus's scheming Erik Pressman, as well as decide which series captains most make sense climbing up to the next rung on the career ladder.

Right-click to download.

#82 - FOR THE LOVE OF WESLEY!

Out of all the countless characters populating the dense Star Trek universe, none have proven more polarizing and oft-ridiculed as one Wesley Robert Crusher. Frequently seen saving the day during TNG's rocky early seasons, Wil Wheaton's adolescent protagonist fast became a fan whipping boy and is often cited as one of the most damning issues with the show's not-so-confident launch. But is he really that bad??? For this week's episode hosts Cam Smith, Tyler Orton and Benjamin Yong offer their own feelings on the boy genius, and determine why he was such a problematic and controversial show addition. From the legendary Traveler trilogy, to the smashed flower boxes of Justice and his crucial relationships with Picard, Beverly and Geordi, the trio examine the many layers of the figure many still consider Trek's unholy answer to Jar Jar Binks.
 
Right-click to download.

#81 - WHAT WE DON'T WANT TO SEE IN STAR TREK 2017

With Star Trek officially in the capable hands of showrunner Bryan Fuller, now it's time to begin pondering what this new show both could and shouldn't be! Dusting off their speculative hats once again, this week sees hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton running down their own personal checklists of clichés and tropes that need to be retired as we move into the next thrilling franchise iteration. Do we genuinely yearn for more holodeck episodes? Or another series fraught with story reset buttons? How about more aliens with minor forehead prosthetics? So listen in as the duo do their darndest to dream of a future free of Trek's less endearing go-to staples.

Right-click to download.

#80 - STAR TREK TNG: TIME'S ARROW

Time travel stories have been historically very good to Trek. In classic adventures, we've watched a tragic Depression-era Kirk romance unfold, laughed along as the Enterprise saved the whales and scratched our heads while Gary Seven accomplished, uh, something or other with a magical cat lady. Okay, maybe they weren't all gems... At any rate, this week sees hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Tony Geluch, journeying back to 19th century San Francisco in order to review the cosplay-tastic 1992 TNG two-parter "Time's Arrow." Over the course of a lively discussion, the trio debate the necessity of spreading this breezy tale over two full hours, how successful the episode is at balancing fish out of water comedy with sinister snake-cane-fuelled intrigue, and whether Jerry Hardin's popular Samuel Clemens performance still works. At all. So toss on your white linen suit and feathered bowler hat and enjoy!    

Right-click to download.

#79 - STAR TREK REVIVALS: MAKE IT SO?

We live in a pop-culture era rife with legacyquels and revivals, where actors and creators are reunited decades after their last triumph in order to fish for audience nostalgia dollars. So it's only inevitable then that Trek will eventually want in on the action too, right? To mark the close of Fox's successful X-Files reboot, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton put on their hypothetical exec hats and debate which classic franchise TV incarnations have the best chance at being resurrected in the future. From the Original Series to Enterprise, we weigh in on each show's theoretical cast participation conflicts, further story potential and industry enthusiasm in a bold effort to predict the next great resurrection effort to take primetime by storm.

Right-click to download.

#78 - BRYAN FULLER'S RETURN TO STAR TREK

Last November brought the announcement of Trek's return to television. And now this thrilling venture has a captain! In celebration of this thrilling news, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Carmin Carotenuto, spend this week's episode pontificating on what the hiring of veteran TV show-runner Bryan Fuller means for the future of the franchise. What kind of show will the Hannibal/Pushing Daisies mastermind gift to the world? And what skills, flourishes and quirks does he bring to the table? As well, over the course of this hour long conversation, discussion also swirls around Fuller's past comments about his vision for the property, along with a wish list of which aliens warrant more and less prominent roles going forward.

Right-click to download.

#77 - STAR TREK'S WEIRDEST ROMANCES

Have you ever watched a seemingly dysfunctional real life couple and wondered how in the name of the Founders they managed to make it work? Well, that same rule applies to more than a few passionate Trek unions. In celebration of Valentine's Day, hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton bask in the luminous glow of the franchise's countless tales of love achieved through the most bizarre and, in some cases, seriously unhealthy circumstances. From haunted heirloom candles and gaseous energy clouds, to whirlwind holodeck affairs and the bickering O'Briens, we recognize that even in Roddenberry's utopian future romance can still be plain old bonkers.

Right-click to download.