#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!

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#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!

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#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!

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#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?

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