#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.

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#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!  

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#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!    

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#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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