#156 - STAR TREK DS9: IN PURGATORY'S SHADOW & BY INFERNO'S LIGHT

It's thuddingly obvious at this point in Deep Space 9's run the question isn't really whether a two-parter is good or not so much as just how mind-meltingly awesome it is! And how could you ever go wrong with a space jail epic starring everybody's favorite Cardassian man of mystery Garak?! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning guest Patrick Johnson, lock themselves up with the show's fifth season Great Escape homage In Purgatory's Shadow & By Inferno's Light and relive Martok's return, Worf's warrior badassery and the legendary Bashir bombshell. An inarguably ambitious episode in concept, but does it work as both a satisfying standalone adventure as well as another escalating chapter in the broader Dominion war tapestry? Join the trio for their memorable return trip to Internment Camp 371 and find out!

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#155 - STAR TREK'S BIGGEST BREAKTHROUGHS

Over the course of its 50-plus years Star Trek has been crucial in lifting fans' optimism during rough and depressing periods of social strife, war and seemingly stalled advancement. After all, Roddenberry's utopia promises there are rewards waiting for us on the other side. But has the show always fought to honor its pledge to showcase progressive values in primetime? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton reflect on the franchise's most important breakthrough moments of showcasing and celebrating diversity, and debate how successful the various series have been at striving to reflect the realities of our time. From Nichelle Nichols' invaluable contributions as Uhura, to key episodes like Far Beyond the Stars, Rejoined and The Outcast, the duo cover the many highs (and some of the unfortunate lows) in an attempt to determine whether Trek's enlightened, forward-thinking reputation is still deserved and how Discovery can further the evolution.

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#154 - TAKE ME TO YOUR ALIEN LEADER + MOST ICONIC MOMENTS, PART III

Throughout our explorations into Roddenberry's expansive universe we've visited countless alien worlds governed by a plethora of unforgettable rulers. But how many of these prominent figures would you actually want to live your life under? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton discuss the franchise's biggest names, such as Dukat, Gowron, Martok, Maje Culluh and the Borg Queen, and - with the aid of a highly sophisticated computer simulation program - figure out who would be the ultimate choice in a democratic vote. The results will almost certainly surprise you! Plus, as an added bonus, there's a second full-length Las Vegas-recorded instalment in which special guest Stefan Estonilo helps the duo induct a third round of iconic moments into the Subspace canon.

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#153 - LAS VEGAS STAR TREK CON 2017 MEMORIES

Last year may have been the big 50th anniversary hoopla, but Creation Entertainment still had some tricks up their sleeve for this year's hordes of Las Vegas con attendees! After all, with Discovery waiting in the wings, and TNG turning 30 there was plenty of excitement to be had! Recorded immediately after the 5-day event's final panel, this week's episode sees sleep-deprived hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with returning special guests Scott Hardy and James Chesser, recounting their own convention highlights. From CBS's Discovery showcases, to the Enterprise-D crew's anniversary bows and memorable appearances by William Shatner, Ira Steven Behr and Dr. Mae Jemison, the weary foursome fill you in on all the crucial happenings that transpired during Trekdom's legendary annual tradition.

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#152 - ACTING BEYOND STAR TREK

Undoubtedly the men and women responsible for inhabiting Trek's greatest characters achieved iconic status thanks to their time with the franchise. But an actor's life is rarely summed up by a single gig. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton recreate their 2017 Star Trek Las Vegas Con panel with an in-depth look at how certain hidden gem entries in key players' filmographies parallel their time in Roddenberry's universe. Did Brent Spiner's work in the HBO movie Introducing Dorothy Dandridge require the touch of an android with a positronic brain? Could Mirror Universe Uhura have helped inform Nichelle Nichols' fiendish turn in the 1974 Blaxploitation hit Truck Turner? And what are the chances Patrick Stewart's Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy interrogation experience colored his tortured performance in Chain of Command? There's plenty to ponder, and some great film and television recommendations just begging for your attention!

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