#181 - STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: BEST FIRST SEASON EVER?

While it's tough to argue Discovery's inaugural season was perfect smooth sailing, it did ultimately prove highly effective at kick-starting fan excitement anew. But how does its first run of episodes stack up against the classic series that paved the way for it? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with torchbearing guest David Borys of the Cool Canadian History podcast, break down the flashy season that was, from favorite moments and characters to nagging story and filmmaking criticisms. Did the Klingon redesigns serve their purpose and justify the extensive effort? How does the Klingon war match up against the Dominion and Xindi arcs? And what type of course should the NCC-1031 set for 2019? There's a lot to unpack here, as the trio valiantly strive to sum up their definitive thoughts and feelings on Trek's frequently surprising, thrilling and unpredictable return to weekly must-see TV status.

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#180 - BEST & WORST STAR TREK CLIFFHANGERS

With everyone buzzing about the surprise appearance of the NCC-1701 at the close of Discovery's season finale, now seems like a fantastic time to reflect on Trek's rich history of cliffhanger endings. Certainly Best of Both Worlds is the high water mark for most, but does it still stand supreme? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton champion the merits of mystery and anticipation while naming off both their favorite and least favorite "To be Continued..." moments. From the exhilarating, fist-pumping triumphs of Locutus's viewscreen debut and Sisko's baseball message to Dukat, to the eye-rolling anti-hype of Chakotay evading security guards and Worf being trapped in a Klingon vacation prison, the duo reveal their very unique preferences when it comes to abruptly delayed gratification.

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#179 - WILL YOU TAKE MY HAND?: STAR TREK: DISCOVERY

Well guys, here we are: at the eventful end of the inaugural season of Trek's first new series in over a decade. Discovery's lift off was reasonably strong, but how fared the landing? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton paint themselves Orion green in order to delve into the very busy and course-altering wrap-up to the Klingon War story arc. From L'Rell's often head-scratching journey, to Emperor Georgiou and Ash Tyler resolutions and Burnham's painfully long-coming catharsis, the duo break down all of the major moments. They also offer insight into where future roads could take the characters, as well as geek out big-time over the show's nostalgia-fanning cliffhanger close. It's been one wild journey, so settle in for some engaging post-show chatter!

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#178 - THE WAR WITHOUT, THE WAR WITHIN: STAR TREK: DISCOVERY

If Discovery was aiming for a bit of calm before the big finale storm, this episode sure was low on the tranquility scale! But was that for the better or worse? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Dale Deruiter of the Outrage Factory podcast, dive into the character-heavy penultimate chapter in the show's inaugural season, the ominously titled The War Without, The War Within. Practically bursting with major dramatic moments involving Burnham, Tyler, Stamets, Sarek, Mirror Georgiou, Admiral Cornwell and L'Rell, the episode offers plenty of fodder for the trio to obsessively mull over. Will there be a place for our tortured former security chief in season 2? What is fallen Emperor Georgiou's dubious game plan? And does anyone really care that Lorca is gone?! All these lingering questions, and many others, fuel this mighty energetic hour of Star Trek discussion. Plus, as an added bonus, Cam reviews the second issue of IDW's "The Light of Kahless" comic-book arc, and Tyler & Dale offer their thoughts on the new sci-fi Netflix series Altered Carbon.

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#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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