#185 - STAR TREK'S TURNING POINTS

Next Gen's new uniforms. Sisko's shaved head. The introduction of Seven of Nine. For many, these iconic milestones marked the point when their respective series truly hit warp 10. But if you were to highlight your own personal signpost episodes, indicating a developing show's transformation into a confident must-see, which ones would you pick? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, fresh from smashing a champagne bottle on the Defiant, sit down to debate the most significant transition chapters in each Trek series. From the emergence of the Romulans, to intense Xindi drama, the duo celebrate the TV hours that left an unforgettable impact on their beloved franchise. They also debate whether Discovery has reached its turning point yet...

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#184 - STAR TREK'S LATE ARRIVALS

Roughly a year ago we examined the franchise's most tragically short-lived characters, but what about those who just arrived late to the party? This week half-shaven hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton race frantically to their microphones in order to roll-call the most significant show-altering afterthought additions to Trek-dom. From TOS's mop-topped Russian heartthrob, to no-nonsense TNG players Dr. Katherine Pulaski and Ensign Ro Laren, and attention-grabbing fourth season all-stars Worf and Seven of Nine, the duo Chekov check off all the unforgettable names that helped change up their respective corners of Roddenberry's universe. Plus, as an added bonus, Cam reviews the third issue of IDW's four-part The Light of Kahless comic-book arc.

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#183 - STAR TREK VOY: SCORPION

Back in the 1990 Star Trek: The Next Generation unleashed a massive shockwave with its now iconic season 3 finale Best of Both Worlds Pt. 1. The huge success of that episode, and it's fourth season conclusion, established a high water mark the various series have attempted to replicate ever since. This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton, along with special guest Dale Deruiter of the Outrage Factory podcast, weigh the pros and cons of making a deal with the devil while revisiting Scorpion, Voyager's most obvious attempt to recapture the magic of the legendary Locutus saga. Bringing the Borg back in a big, bad way, as well as ushering in an all-new unstoppable adversary, the two-parter also introduces 7 of 9, sets up the departure of Kes and pits Janeway against Chakotay in a tense debate over the fate of the crew. Listen in as the trio discuss all of these key points, as well as consider the merits of television-grade CG, struggle to determine the show's most disposable character and toss out nerdy 90's references.

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#182 - STARFLEET'S WORST EMPLOYEE AWARD

Trek fans have long joked about the franchise's lengthy catalogue of renegade admirals and off-the-rails captains. But who among the many most egregiously exploited or perverted Starfleet values to pursue their own end? This week hosts Cam Smith and Tyler Orton sip from their "World's Worst Employee" mugs while pitting the organization's most notorious names against each other in a grand tournament of workplace ineptitude. From high-ranking figures like The Pegasus's Admiral Pressman, Discovery's Mirror Universe imposter captain and dastardly Delta Quadrant survivalist Rudy Ransom, to lowly cadet louses Nick Locarno and Riley Shepard, there's definitely no shortage of candidates to choose from! So tune in as the duo strive, through an intense process of elimination, to crown the biggest loser of the woeful bunch.

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#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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