#177 - WHAT'S PAST IS PROLOGUE: STAR TREK: DISCOVERY

Judging from passionate online discussions, Vaulting Ambition's bombshell Lorca twist proved a polarizing creative decision. But was it, at the very least, all for the greater good of the Mirror Universe arc? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Penny Daflos, don leatherjackets and wield sharp swords while debating the ramifications of this week's explosive, series-altering episode, What's Past is Prologue. Over the course of a fun hour-long conversation the trio determine whether they'd rather be ruled by Lorca or Emperor Georgiou, ponder how satisfying these two key characters' journeys have been, and cast their gaze towards a future where Saru proudly sits in the big chair. Plus, unlikely connections to He-Man and the Fast & the Furious franchise are made.

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#176 - VAULTING AMBITION: STAR TREK: DISCOVERY

So, how about that Ty'Voq/Voqler twist! Can't imagine the Discovery writers having any bigger revelations in their back pocket than that in season one, right? Oh wait...! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton shake off the lingering shock of The Wolf Inside in order to tackle the hugely impactful events of the show's latest foray into the ever-mysterious Mirror Universe. Given Vaulting Ambition's big time (and likely controversial) Lorca bombshell, as well as its touching Stamets/Culber reunion and tense Burnham/Emperor Georgiou mommy issues, there's no shortage of food (!) for thought. So join in the fun as the duo break down all of the foundation-rocking happenings in suitably agonizing detail, and question how successfully the show's story swerves hold up to close scrutiny.

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#175 - THE WOLF INSIDE: STAR TREK: DISCOVERY

After the crowd-pleasing highs of Despite Yourself last week (Captain Killy ftw!), we're about due for some downtime in the Mirror Universe, right? Not so fast! This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Janine Smith, pledge allegiance to the glorious Emperor and grapple with the latest epic shakeup in the Discovery universe! For not only does the show's latest thrilling hour offer up new takes on the Andorians and the Tellarites, it also at last pays off the mystery surrounding frequently conflicted security officer Ash Tyler. In addition to discussing the ramifications of these major happenings, the trio also ponder the future of poor Stamets, the vagaries of L'Rell's plan and the comic possibilities of DSC's cumbersome new Klingon accent.

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#174 - DESPITE YOURSELF: STAR TREK: DISCOVERY

The hiatus is over and it's time to once again journey into the fray, dear Trek fans! When last we saw the resourceful crew of the U.S.S. Discovery they were stranded in an ominous field of wreckage. Have things improved? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Taylor Ramone, don flashy Terran Empire uniforms in order to tackle SDC's first voyage into the always entertaining Mirror Universe. Over the course of their freewheeling breakdown of this much-buzzed about Jonathan Frakes-helmed midseason premiere the trio critique the revamped aesthetics of the beloved alternate dimension, ponder Ash Tyler's ongoing torment and collectively gasp at the show's most shocking grim turn of events yet! Enjoy!

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#173 - BEST STAR TREK SPOOFS

Happy 2018 all! Given how last year gave Star Trek a major bump in terms of mainstream pop-culture cache, now is a perfect time to celebrate some of the great spoofs, tributes and homages it has inspired. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton use Black Mirror's recent USS Callister episode as a springboard to discuss some of the most interesting and incisive satirical takes on Gene Roddenberry's galaxy. From fan favorites like The Orville, Galaxy Quest and The Muppet Show, to ultra-nerdy shout-outs on The Wonder Years and Saturday Night Live, the duo hit many of your comedic faves along with perhaps a few unfamiliar gems. Plus, Cam offers his perspective on the 1998 Shatner-tastic indie film Free Enterprise.

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