The Best, Worst, Weirdest & Wildest Moments of 2021! (#379)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton bid farewell to 2021 in true Q style by gazing into the rearview mirror and reflecting on their past year of podcasting. In addition to highlighting their favourite moments, episodes and bloopers, the duo discuss this year's Discovery, Lower Decks and Prodigy outputs, and ponder what delights the Trek universe could bring in 2022. 

Happy holidays everyone, and have a fantastic New Year!

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What is Starfleet? (#378)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton question authority while delving into the inner workings of Starfleet, and debating whether the organization even makes sense. From our optimistic first introductions on TOS, to the more militaristic angle of Nicholas Meyer's films and Janeway's dedication to protocol in the Delta Quadrant, the duo name their favourite, and least favourite, on-screen depictions. Plus, the hosts offer their spoilery thoughts on box-office titan Spider-Man: No Way Home.



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Star Trek: Discovery S4 - Episodes 2-4 (#377)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton battle giant jellyfish while beaming back to Discovery to review the latest three episodes, Anomaly, Choose to Live and All is Possible. From Gray's transition, to Book's traumatic journey and Tilly's big career decision, the duo cover all the current big talking points in Trekland.



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The Undiscovered Country at 30: How to End an Era (#376)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton try to prove their innocence in Klingon court while celebrating the 30th anniversary of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and attempt to determine exactly why it's such a note perfect finale to the TOS era. From Kirk's character arc, to the film's real world parallels and its magical ending, the duo cover it all. Plus, they're joined by special guests Patrick Johnston and SpyHards Podcast co-host Scott Hardy, who offer their own insights on what makes TUC so special.

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Catching Up with Star Trek: Prodigy (#375)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton smack away ravenous psychic vines while reviewing the latest three episodes of Prodigy; Starstruck, Dream Catcher and Terror Firma. From Janeway's Federation lessons, to the Diviner's merits as a big bad and our first new animated M-class planet, the duo break it all down. Plus, Tyler offers his brief thoughts on Discovery's newest episode, Anomaly.  

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"Kobayashi Maru" - Star Trek: Discovery (#374)

 
Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton enroll in 32nd century Starfleet Academy to commemorate the return of Star Trek: Discovery for its fourth season. From the introduction of Federation President Rillak, to the opening of the Archer Spacedock and our first gravitational distortion of the season, the duo break down all of Kobayashi Maru's major talking points.



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The Legacy of Star Trek: First Contact at 25 (#373)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton declare "Assimilate this!" while celebrating the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: First Contact, and take a deeper look at the film's long-term impact on the franchise. From the evolution of the Borg, to the memorable new supporting characters and Data's journey, the duo break down why the second TNG movie still casts a spell on fans.

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"Trials and Tribble-ations" - DS9: Trek's Best Fan Service Ever?

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton swoon over Mr. Spock while celebrating the 25th anniversary of Deep Space Nine's ridiculously fun fan service triumph Trials and Tribble-ations. From the episode's enduring legacy, to its smart and insightful nods to nostalgia and the future possibilities for feature-length films in the same mold, the duo delve into exactly why this all-timer Star Trek hour is such a marvel.

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"Lost and Found" - Star Trek: Prodigy (#371)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton stage a daring escape from a mining prison in order to dive into the premiere of Star Trek: Prodigy, Lost and Found. From the colourful new cast of characters, to the grand introduction of the USS Protostar and Janeway's holo-return, the duo break it all down. Plus, they offer up their thoughts on Denis Villeneuve's Dune.

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"E2" - Enterprise: Serious Episodes Can Still Be Fun! (#370)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton hang out with their time-travelling descendants while exploring exactly why the third season Enterprise episode E2 is so special. From two T'Pols, to the complexities of Lorian and Reed's tragic bachelor life, the duo break it all down. Plus, the hosts reveals their hopes and potential concerns regarding Star Trek: Prodigy.

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"First First Contact" - Lower Decks

 

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton celebrate Captain Freeman Day by delving into the second season finale of Lower Decks, First First Contact. From the shocking cliffhanger, to Cetacean Ops and the return of Sonya Gomez, the duo cover all the major talking points. Plus, the hosts discuss Prodigy and Discovery news coming out of New York Comic Con and ponder William Shatner's journey to space.

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"wej Duj" - Lower Decks (#368)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Scott Hardy of SpyHards Podcast, get totally out of control while delving into Lower Decks' penultimate season 2 episode, wej Duj. From the daily realities of low-ranking Klingon and Vulcan crew members, to Ransom's Hawaiian backstory and Pakled intrigue, the trio discuss it all. Plus, they offer their non-spoilery thoughts on recent film releases No Time to Die, The Many Saints of Newark and Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

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"I, Excretus" - Lower Decks (#367)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton revisit the red-hued skies of the O.K. Corral while diving into Lower Decks' latest episode I, Excretus. From the return of Alice Krige's Borg Queen, to a new Pandronian and some serious "Naked Time," the duo cover it all. Plus, special guest Waylon Snedker, game developer of Odd Realm, beams in with his thoughts on the latest animated Trek wackiness.

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"Where Pleasant Fountains Lie" - Lower Decks & The Future of Paramount+

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton consume mass quantities of black licorice while delving into the latest episode of Lower Decks, Where Pleasant Fountains Lie. From Billups' magical heritage, to evil computers and the return of franchise all-star Jeffrey Combs, the duo break it all down. They also debate the future of Paramount+, and the potential for Trek streaming movies.

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"The Spy Humongous" - Lower Decks (#365)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton visit the Ceritos gift shop while analyzing the latest episode of Lower Decks, The Spy Humongous. From Pakled espionage, to Boimler's career-minded new gang and Ransom's finest (half) hour, the duo break it all down. Plus, the hosts reflect on the 2021 summer movie season, and reveal which upcoming fall releases they're most anticipating.

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"An Embarrassment of Dooplers" - Lower Decks & Star Trek Day Recap (#364)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton crash through an aviary while delving into the latest episode of Lower Decks, An Embarrassment of Dooplers. From Richard Kind's nervous new alien, to emotional moments and the return of Shelby, the duo have you covered.  Plus, they break down all the biggest news coming out of Star Trek Day, including Strange New Worlds character reveals and Picard and Prodigy trailers.

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"Mugato, Gumato" - Lower Decks (#363)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton engage in a nail-biting game of Diplomath while diving into this week's Mugato-heavy episode of Lower Decks. From the return of TOS's deadly white apes, to the Boimler/Rutherford dynamic and Last Outpost Ferengi, the duo have you covered. Plus, the hosts discuss the recently released Prodigy opening titles, Picard casting and Star Trek Day anticipation.

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"Kayshon, His Eyes Open" & "We'll Always Have Tom Paris" - Lower Decks (#362)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton compare decorative plate collections while breaking down the latest two episodes of Lower Decks. From the Ceritos's new Tamarian security chief, to the resurrection of Shaxs and the return of VOY's Tom Paris, the duo cover all the latest animated happenings.

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Ranking the Worst of the Worst Star Trek Episodes (#361)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton crawl out of crushed flower beds in order to rank the worst Star Trek episodes as graded by IMDB users. From embarrassingly offensive misfires, to confusing head-scratchers and clueless character portrayals, the duo attempt to separate the daft from the disastrous.

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Check out the full list here.

"Strange Energies" - Lower Decks (#360)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton chow down on delicious pears while welcoming back Lower Decks with its second season premiere, Strange Energies. From Ransom's enormous God-like head, to Mariner's ongoing mommy issues and Boimler's chaotic Titan gig, the duo tackle all of the animated comedy's latest talking points.

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Ranking the Greatest of the Great Star Trek Episodes (#359)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton valiantly brave a no-win scenario this week as they attempt to rank the all time best Star Trek episodes as scored by IMDB. From rich existential character journeys, to astonishing high-concept homeruns and epic two-parters, the duo draft their most definitive list yet!

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Check out the full list here.

"The Galileo Seven": TOS's First Great Spock Story? (#358)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton dodge over-sized spears while delving into the classic TOS episode The Galileo Seven. Just how important is this story to the evolution of Spock? Should Boma have become a series regular? And does snooty Commissioner Ferris contribute any value? Plus, the duo discuss Creation's upcoming 55-Year Mission convention is Las Vegas.

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Are They Really Senior Officer Material? (#357)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton brush up on their people skills while pondering the theoretical future career prospects for Trek's iconic senior officers. From notoriously aloof Enterprise-D engineer Geordi La Forge, to dearly departed Commander Airiam and brash new kid on the block Jack Ransom, the duo decide which characters are worthy candidates for the captain's chair.

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Give These Aliens a Spin-off! (#356)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton take a scenic trip to the Caves of Mak'ala while pitching their ideas for alien-centric franchise spin-offs. From a multi-generational Trill saga, to a Ferengi mockumentary and an Andorian Imperial Guard showcase, the duo delve into what makes each species special and how they could support their own ongoing series. Plus, the duo break down the latest Trek movie and 4K news.

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Why Does Star Trek Remake Itself? (#355)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton cake on old age makeup while delving into Star Trek's rocky history of ripping itself off. From Pulaski's Deadly Years redux, to Into Darkness' recycled Wrath of Khan highlights and Endgame's over-reliance on All Good Things... copycatting, the duo debate why, in a franchise well known for revisiting tropes, these glaring examples stand out. 

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Ranking the Enterprise Seasons (#354)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton are going where their hearts will take them this week as they revisit and rank Enterprise's four seasons! From the promising launch of the NX-01, to the Xindi War and mini-arc filled final year, the show seemed to be in a constant state of evolution. So tune in, grab a bag of movie night popcorn, and discover precisely when Archer, T'Pol and crew reached their pinnacle.

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Second Contact with Lower Decks S1... on Blu-ray! (#353)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Waylon Snedker, game developer of Odd Realm, don giant chess piece costumes and explore what worked and what didn't in the inaugural season of Trek's first animated comedy. In addition to tackling characters, in-jokes and S2 teases, they also review the special features on the new Blu-ray release.

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"Darmok": The Perfect TNG Episode? (#352)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Patrick Johnston, sail down the river Temarc in order to engage with one of TNG's most popular and acclaimed episodes, Darmok. What makes this hour of television so special? Does it still hold up? And how do we feel about the Picardigan? Plus, the trio discuss Prodigy news and the latest Star Trek: Picard teaser!

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The Current State of Trek 2021 (#351)

 

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton demand jazz music on the bridge while gauging the current health level of the Star Trek franchise. From second seasons of Lower Decks and Picard, to new upcoming shows and the rebirth of the fan convention scene, the duo gaze into their crystal balls and ponder what the future may hold.

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Is Jonathan Frakes Star Trek's New Ambassador? (#350)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton stage an impromptu trombone recital in honour of Mr. Jonathan Frakes as they debate whether he's become Trek's top representative! From his iconic work as William T. Riker, to film and series directing gigs and memorable convention appearances, the duo analyze all the wonderful contributions Frakes has made to the franchise and determine why he's a worthy candidate for the job.

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Ranking the Voyager Seasons (#349)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton set their sights on home while attempting the impossible task of compiling the definitive ranked list of Voyager seasons. From the early days of Kes and the medical bay-confined Doctor, to the arrival of the Borg and controversial journey's end, there's no shortage of milestones to consider. So set your holodecks to Chez Sandrine, relax and enjoy!

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Check out the full list here.

Biggest Debates in Star Trek (#348)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton push their positronic brains to the max while tackling some of the franchise's most enduring philosophical conundrums. From the constitution of Golem Picard, to Lore's android rights and the moral complexities of holodeck fantasies, the duo attempt to resolve the many questions that have kept them up at night.  



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Star Trek's Unsung Heroes (#347)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton yearn for the spotlight as they reveal their favourite under-used Trek players. From TNG season 2 pop-in doctor Katherine Pulaski, to Saurian scientist Linus and botanist, teacher and wife Keiko O'Brien, the duo both highlight why these characters deserved more screen-time and brainstorm the perfect showcase episodes for them.

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Star Trek's Ultimate Baddies Draft (#346)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton plot the untimely destruction of Starfleet while compiling their definitive ranked list of Star Trek antagonists. From legendary adversaries like Khan, Dukat and the Borg Queen, to underrated trouble-makers such as Silik, Seska and Inspector Kashyk, the duo strive to pick only the best bad apples from the bunch.  

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Check out the full ranked Baddies list here.

Hidden Gems of Star Trek Part II (#345)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton consider alien monster hunting careers while celebrating some of Trek's best underrated episodes. From telepathic pitcher plants, to deadly Deep Space Nine lockdowns and cantankerous de-evolving Vulcans, the duo shine a light on what makes these stories special, as well as debate how successfully the concepts could be reused on different series.

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Check out the full Hidden Gems list here.

Ranking the DS9 Seasons (#344)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton kick up their feet at Quark's bar while examining the course of Deep Space Nine, and ordering the seasons from worst to first. From the series' ambitious, if uneven, beginnings, to its much-hyped Klingon arc and Dominion War saga, there's a lot to dig into and much debate to be had in tackling such a serialized show. So grab some Aldebaran whiskey and join the party!

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Check out the full list here.

The Strange State of the Star Trek Film Franchise (#343)

                                 

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton pine for Pine and crew while analyzing Paramount's bizarre mishandling of the film franchise since Star Trek Beyond. From Tarantino's much-hyped pitch, to the stalled return of Chris Hemsworth to the Kelvinverse and a mysterious script by Discovery writer Kalinda Vazquez, the duo examine each of the studio's recent attempts and debate their creative potential and odds of ever beaming onto the silver screen.  

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When Star Trek Follows Up on Greatness (#342)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton hit the wedding afterparty with Mirror Bareil this week as they explore Trek's inconsistent track record for properly following up its greatest episodes. From the high drama of Measure of a Man leading into the monster-packed Wesley romance The Dauphin, to Kirk and crew heading out on Shore Leave after the events of Balance of Terror, the duo determine which tonal shifts work and which ones just cause whiplash. Plus, the hosts break down all the exciting news and sneak previews coming out of First Contact Day. 

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DS9's "In the Pale Moonlight": Trek's Most Challenging Episode? (#341)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton wearily delete their personal logs while breaking down Deep Space Nine's classic sixth season episode In the Pale Moonlight. From Sisko's moral compromises, to Garak's necessary evils and the grim fate of catchphrase-spawning Senator Vreenak, the duo examine the enduring legacy of this richly complex story.

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The Evolution of the Maquis (#340)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton champion a lost cause while breaking down the arc of Trek's ill-fated freedom fighters, the Maquis. From Ro Laren's defection, to Sisko's pursuit of Eddington and Chakotay and B'Elanna's former life, the duo ponder the strengths and weaknesses of Starfleet's perpetually unlucky vest-wearing adversaries.



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Ranking the TNG Seasons (#339)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton pull on their dusty spandex uniforms while revisiting the journey of Next Gen, and crafting the definitive worst-to-best season rankings list. From the show's frequently bizarre early days (Skin of Evil, anyone?), to its much-heralded hot streak beginning in season 3, there's plenty of room for movement and perhaps even some controversial decisions. So tune in and find out precisely when the duo think the show hit peak performance.



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Check out the full list here.

Star Trek's Top 47 Recurring Characters (#338)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton practice their scenery chewing while compiling the ultimate ranked list of all-star Trek recurring characters. From fan faves like Q, Guinan and Garak to newcomers such as Georgiou, Jet Reno and Picard's vineyard staff, the duo dare to determine which pop-in players most deserve their place in the pantheon.  

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Check out the full list here.

What's in a Name? (#337)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton frantically flip through their font guides while determining Trek's most impactful and memorable episode and film titles. From classic sci-fi pulp homages (Corbomite Maneuver), to flashy exercises in Latin (Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum) and pop-culture references (In the Pale Moonlight), the duo break down exactly what separates a homerun title from an awkward and forgettable one.

 

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Crafting the Worst Season of Star Trek Ever! (#336)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Scott Hardy of the SpyHards Podcast, embrace the very worst of Star Trek as they draft the most punishingly terrible season imaginable. From a spirited game of Allamaraine, to weeping super-powered children and Picard pushing a French accent past the warp 10 barrier, the trio make countless tough calls on the path to potentially decimating the franchise forever.

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Check out the full list here.

No, We Are Not Starfleet! (#335)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton deeply disappoint Captain Picard while discussing the major Trek players who refused the call of Starfleet. From Wesley's change of heart in TNG's final season, to Seven's stint with the Fenris Rangers and Jake Sisko's preference for journalism, the duo explore the character-driven reasons for why a Starfleet career may not be for everybody.



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Ranking Star Trek's Early Seasons (#334)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton construct rudimentary cannons while revisiting both the original Star Trek and The Animated Series and then ranking the five seasons in worst-to-best order. With countless classic episodes, including Arena, The Enterprise Incident and Yesteryear, popping up throughout both shows' runs, crowning a winner will be no easy task. Then, as an added bonus, Tyler sits down with his girlfriend Rose to hear about her recent experience watching TOS for the first time.

     
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Why the Stakes in Star Trek Matter (#333)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton roll around in the mud while underlining why apocalyptic events aren't required to establish compelling stakes in Trek. From Picard's fraught reunion with his brother, to Jake and Nog's baseball card hunt and Carbon Creek's Vulcan visitors, the duo reveal the smaller character-driven stories and moments that earned their emotional investment.   
 


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Is Star Trek: Picard Meant to Be Binge-watched? (#332)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton admire their new golem bodies while determining whether Picard is a show that improves with rapid viewing, or depends on weekly consumption for full effect. Over the course of a spirited hour, the duo reveal their updated thoughts on the new series, break down each individual episode and rank this inaugural run against Discovery's first three seasons. Enjoy!

Also, make sure to watch Ché Fox's response to Subspace's character rankings!

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Crafting the Perfect Season of Star Trek (#331)

Hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Scott Hardy of the SpyHards Podcast, embark on a daring mission to draft the ideal season of Trek. With 700+ hours of content to choose from, and only 27 episode slots, it is certainly no easy task! So tune in as the trio battle to make the right calls while facing down a barrage of extraordinarily grueling choices.  



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Check out the full list here.