The Incomparable Star Trek franchise feed: Recent Episodes
The Incomparable
Arr, matey! Jason and Scott are here to talk about pirates, references to three different not-good Star Trek feature films, an intriguing guest star, Chapel and T’Pring, mining Spock’s inner conflict, and the ol’ Mutiny Ploy. Shiver me space timbers! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Hugo Award-winner Frank Wu comes back to the podcast to talk about another big story featuring the Borg Queen. We discuss the merits of Seven’s love interest, the advisability of getting assimilated on purpose, and (our favorite subject) why Harry Kim keeps getting dissed. Even the Borg Queen zings him. Host Jean MacDonald with Frank Wu.
We really liked this week’s “Strange New Worlds,” and we talk about it, but we also wonder if this show’s plots are a little overstuffed. Is the show finding its footing or leaning too heavily on old references? Discuss among yourselves—or just listen to us discuss it. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
With Pike and Spock trapped on a planet hiding from ghosts(!), Number One has to deal with a crisis aboard the Enterprise that will lead her to reveal some very personal information about herself. We discuss it all, including other things you might want to hide in a transporter buffer. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week’s “Strange New Worlds” focuses on Uhura, and also there’s a comet that’s not quite what it appears to be, a ship full of comet-worshippers, and a glowing egg that should be sung to—but not touched! We break it all down. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Two Treks, one podcast! We discuss the (disappointing) finale of “Star Trek: Picard” season two, and then (at 24 minutes) shift gears to discuss the eponymous pilot episode of “Strange New Worlds,” which fills us with enthusiasm for the future of Star Trek. Also: Jason mentions Law & Order and has a gruesome pitch for season three of “Picard.” Hit it! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
The penultimate episode of season 2 of “Star Trek: Picard” is here! Jason and Scott are conflicted. Some of it seemed pretty obvious, but was it affecting? Why has there not been more Jurati and Borg Queen up until now? Where is this season going to end up? Join us for a very slow walking tour of the tunnels beneath Chateau Picard. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
The human podcast digressions, Scott and Jason, are back with more roundabout conversation that’s vaguely related to “Star Trek: Picard!” (Can you picture it?) We’re discussing an episode that we enjoyed despite it being in the midst of a very questionably paced season. And we announce our forthcoming Incomparable Member Special! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
We dive into Picard’s mind this week with our review of “Monsters.” Also, Guinan does that thing with her hands, Rios makes a questionable decision, and the Borg confront their greatest foe: safety glass. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week we’ve got a surprise musical number, the perfect murder weapon (a Tesla), and the world’s wisest security guard dispenses advice. All that and more as Scott and Jason discuss the latest “Star Trek: Picard”, then fire off the Conspiracy Phaser to discuss the season 3 teaser and finally move on to the 4K remaster of the ST:TMP Director’s Edition. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Back to one Star Trek show per week, and Jason and Scott are here to deconstruct an episode of “Picard” that’s a little lighter on plot advancement than the previous weeks. But it’s heavy on references, fan service, and conspiracy theories! Also, there’s a cute dog, car chases, a very funny Rios monologue, and a perplexing Q twist. Also: We discuss the trailer for the 4K revival of Star Trek: The Motion Picture! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
So much Star Trek! This week Jason and Scott discuss the “Strange New Worlds” trailer, then turn their attention to the penultimate episode of “Discovery” (at 8:24) and the second episode of “Picard” (at 26:16). We are excited about “Discovery” reaching its seasonal climax and super-super excited about… pretty much everything in “Picard.” Join us! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Two episodes of Star Trek at once? Let’s party like it’s 1999. First up is “Rosetta,” in which Discovery goes to a mysterious planet and the landing party has some strong feelings. Then (at 20:46, for those who want to skip the “Discovery” talk) we cover the season premiere of “Star Trek: Picard,” which gets us really excited about starships, the Borg, and how wine bottles are designed in the early 25th century. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
The Disco crew slowly begins its gradual journey toward the source of the DMA. Every journey begins with a first step. Scott’s traveling companion for this step of the journey is special guest Joe Rosensteel. Host Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel.
This week Discovery takes us to the heart of the DMA for a confrontation between Burnham and Book with the galaxy at stake. Mad scientists are not to be trusted! Also, Saru might have been asked on a date? And we discuss the big news that the Kelvin crew may be returning in a fourth J.J. Abrams-produced Star Trek movie. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Vulcan Hello’s midseason finale features mad scientists, sentient computers, and also some “character clean-up.” This was perhaps the most Star Trekky episode of the season, by our judgment. And it’s all you’ll have of “Star Trek: Discovery” until the far off time of… February! See you in six weeks. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week “Star Trek: Discovery” is about as Star Trek as it gets, with the ship trapped in a mysterious void. Dying robots scream, the ship’s singing A.I. has focus issues (and yet nobody bats an eye?), Book gets yelled at by a relative only he can see, and there are intriguing clues to the source of the DMA that manage to reassure us. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week’s episode of “Star Trek: Discovery” has a classic Star Trek character, the arrogant guest-star mad scientist! Stamets looks in the mirror and thinks maybe the new guy is a little too familiar. Culber gets a pep talk from our favorite mysterious man, Kovich! And Michael Burnham gets to tell off a functionary about his stupid society, in classic Kirk style—but only after making a difficult decision about the fate of a prisoner. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Joe Rosensteel joins us to discuss Burnham and Saru’s diplomatic trip to Ni’Var, Book and Culber’s sand-sculpting therapy, and Tilly’s adventure with a bunch of unruly cadets from Starfleet Academy. Where is this season going? We have no idea. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell with Joe Rosensteel.
Space ninjas will get you every time. This week, we take a trip to a moon—wait, that’s no moon. Also, there’s an ironically emotional trip to Ni’Var, Tilly gets way out of her comfort zone, and Gray’s 3-D printed body arrives. This is an inventive episode, but Jason really wanted an extra Star Trek-style plot twist or two. Scott has an idea for the ultimate Star Trek crossover event. Two words: “Characters Welcome.” Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
We’ve emerged from our Thanksgiving food comas to discuss Discovery’s trip to the edge of the dangerous gravitational anomaly that’s threatening the galaxy. There’s a lot of character bits, emotional journeys, good dads, and management tips along with explosive bridge action and an awful lot of flying rocks. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
“Star Trek: Discovery” is back and so are we! In the season premiere we say hello to an annoying back-seat driver of a Federation President, and goodbye to a sparsely populated planet! Also, Saru kills it with his PowerPoint presentation about togetherness, and a gravitational anomaly wreaks havoc—but with any luck, provides the impetus for the season’s themes about the value of thinking beyond yourself and working collectively. Also, we ponder what a Tribble might do in Starfleet. As one does. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Scott and Jason return, joined by a special guest to discuss season two of “Lower Decks” and a little bit about what we anticipate for “Prodigy.” Dooplers! Mugatos! And also lots of things we really liked! We’ll be back in a month or so to resume our weekly reviews of “Discovery.” Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell with Joe Rosensteel.
In space, all warriors are cold warriors! An ecological disaster leads to the breakup of an enemy empire, but in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” it’s the Klingon moon Praxis subbing in for the Soviet power station Chernobyl. Kirk and company struggle with their animosity toward the Klingons, but we are more concerned with what graduate school Gorkon’s daughter went to, the Klingon guard who carries a box, the one Klingon who laughed at McCoy’s joke, the importance of gaseous anomalies to Federation politics, and the lack of respect given to the Enterprise court reporter. Discussing this movie must’ve been our lifelong ambition. Host Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Steven Schapansky, David J. Loehr, Dan Moren and John Moltz.
Let’s fly! Our panel discusses the just-completed third season of “Star Trek: Discovery,” including new characters, future technologies, turbolifts that are bigger on the inside, and how Saru is very much like Poochie. Host Jason Snell with Jean MacDonald, Anže Tomić, Erika Ensign, David J. Loehr and James Thomson.
The third “Star Trek: Discovery” season is over, and we’ve split our thoughts up into two separate panels. Jason’s will be over on The Incomparable, but Scott’s is right here! He’s joined by five special guests to discuss the ups and downs of this season. Host Scott McNulty with Cicero Holmes, Dan Moren, Joe Rosensteel, Aleen Simms and Moisés Chiullan.
“Star Trek: Discovery” season 3 has reached its end. Jason and Scott liked the episode but also have a bunch of complaints. (They start with the complaints, to get them out of the way.) Where does this episode leave us? What’s season 4 going to be like? It’s a momentous episode and we take our time breaking it down. Want more “Discovery” talk? We’ll be back in about a week for a special season wrap-up panel hosted by Scott, and Jason will host an additional wrap-up panel on The Incomparable. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
It’s the penultimate episode of season three of “Discovery” and a lot is happening! “Die Hard” homages! A jerk who we thought was dead returns! Osyraa… has more depth than we previously thought? We liked this episode, though some of the twists don’t seem set up very well. Also we theorize about what happened to the Ferengi in the last 1000 years, and have some ideas about how season four might play out. Onward to 2021 and the finale! Happy New Year! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
On Christmas Eve, Scott and Jason sneak a look at one present under the tree—it’s a new episode of “Star Trek: Discovery!” And does it take a surprising and weird turn. We break down the holo-shenanigans, as well as what transpires back on the ship. Onward to New Year’s Eve! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
In the first of a two-part episode, it’s all about Georgiou and her relationship with Burnham. And it goes to some very interesting places. Perhaps you all saw this coming, but Scott and Jason were surprised, because they’re suckers. Also, we meet this year’s new break-out Star Trek character! He’s got a bowler hat and will give you cryptic answers to all your questions because he just wants to sit in his comfy Adirondack chair and read tomorrow’s newspaper! Let’s hear it for Carl! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week Jason and Scott try to separate what was good about this episode (Saru’s catchphrase shopping, Adira’s journey and Stamets’s support, Culber not taking any crap from Georgiou, Detmer getting her groove back) from what was bad (Book’s planet—all of it). And the Conspiracy Phaser returns so we can speculate about what’s in that nebula! (Probably not coffee.) Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Vulcans and Romulans, oh my! On Thanksgiving, Discovery dips into the private VHS collection of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard to follow up a TNG two-parter from 29 years ago. Burnham discovers the fate of Spock and finds she’s eligible for a passport from planet Ni’var! People in rooms discuss things at length! And Jason drops some old-school Trek fan fiction knowledge along the way. It’s Star Trek, you turkeys. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week, Burnham fails to follow orders and saves Book from indentured servitude by kicking off a clever prison escape plan that’s… not particularly clever? We’ll admit it, this episode was a letdown compared to the high bar set by previous episodes. What’s up with Georgiou? Is Grudge a better actor than Number One? And for the first time this season, we end the episode with a bunch of season-arc speculation when we fire off the Conspiracy Phaser. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week’s episode of “Star Trek: Discovery” is like a candy treat with a serialized character-driven coating and a crunchy Star Trek center. That’s our story and we’re sticking to it. Scott and Jason discuss mystery lullabyes, jerky Admirals who we really want to impress, sad seed-bank dads, and which famous director we’d next like to randomly appear on a sci-fi show. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
What better for a stressful week than an emotional episode of Star Trek? Scott and Jason journey to Trill, where there are men in robes carrying pointy laser spears and goo-filled cave pools with repressed memories. Meanwhile, the Discovery orbits above, letting its newly sentient computer drive while the crew takes the night off for dinner, a movie, and an awkward Thanksgiving dinner. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week, Discovery goes home to Earth to discover an unpleasant truth: Isolationism is bad and Star Trek has always been political. While there’s no sign of UESPA, the United Earth Defense Force will cause enough trouble, while a young genius bugs Tilly and Stamets, an obvious fake alien is unmasked, and Burnham and Book have to team up to see if they can out-Star-Trek Star Trek. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
We get the flip side of last week’s episode, as the Disco crew adapts to the future. Plus, there’s a fistfight at a space saloon! Because it’s Star Trek. We discuss Saru’s inherent decency, Tilly’s cleverness, Georgiou’s gruff kick-punchiness, Reno’s surly pep talks, and a whole lot more as this season of “Star Trek: Discovery” gets underway. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
“Star Trek: Discovery” is back and so are Scott and Jason! But we’ve all been flung far into the future, a strange world full of Trance Worms,Maine Coon Cats, and Orions and Andorians living together! What strange new world has Michael Burnham discovered? Who is Book and why does his forehead glow sometimes? Why is this the perfect show to deal with the ideals of Starfleet and the Federation? We’re happy to be back! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Scott and Jason are getting ready for next week’s “Star Trek: Discovery” season three premiere, but before they get there, they take a little time to sum up their feelings about the just-completed first season of “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Launch the Photon Torpedoes! In this episode we’re drafting mostly obscure characters from all of Star Trek lore, and creating our own TV series pitches with the results. If you think our drafts have gone off the rails before, you haven’t seen anything yet! Host Jason Snell with Jim Metzendorf, David J. Loehr, Moisés Chiullan, Cicero Holmes, Jean MacDonald, Brianna Wu and Scott McNulty.
Scott and Jason finally get a chance to check in about the first three episodes of the newest Trek animated series, “Lower Decks.” They discuss the challenges of finding a balance between comedy and canon, between character drama and reference humor. How did they react to the first out-and-out Trek comedy? Humor may be subjective, but let’s analyze some jokes anyway, people! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Antony Johnston, writer, podcaster, and short film maker, joins Scott to discuss “The Child)” (TNGS2E1). Topics include how many firsts happen in this episode, being impregnated by an orb, and what’s the deal with Dr. Pulaski hatin’ on Data? Watch Antony’s short film Crossover Point. Host Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston.
Myke doesn’t understand that we needed to save the whales in the ’80s. Host Myke Hurley with Jason Snell.
Engage! Season one of “Star Trek: Picard” is in the books, and so now it’s time to break it all down. Is Data’s death the overriding theme of the season? Does Picard’s final destination live up to the set-up? How did Hugh and Seven fare? Were the other visits from past cast members cheesy or good? How cool are Romulan warrior nuns? Who’s your favorite synth? And can storytelling ever be described as “lumpy?” Host Jason Snell with James Thomson, Jean MacDonald, Cicero Holmes, Anže Tomić and Erika Ensign.
The “Star Trek: Picard” season is over, and we’ve split our thought up into two separate panels. Jason’s will be over on The Incomparable, but Scott’s is right here! Scott is joined by five special guests to discuss the ups and downs of this season. Host Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel, Moisés Chiullan, Glenn Fleishman, Aleen Simms and David J. Loehr.
The first season of “Star Trek: Picard” is in the books! Did the show stick the landing? Did the plot resolve properly, and how about the thematic and emotional character arcs? How about that six-minute long tearjerker of a scene in that quantum simulation? And what’s Narek up to now? Scott and Jason break it all down. Join us back here next week for a panel discussion wrapping up the season as a whole. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
The two-part finale is here! Jason and Scott find it hard to judge part one of a two-part episode, but they’ll run down what they can. Scott can’t decide what his favorite scene is! Jason has studied his paintings and his latin and can’t figure out what will happen next! Seven and Elnor are… present? And the great Guest Actor Prophesy is fulfilled! Join us as we get ready for next week’s big conclusion. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week we’re once again joined by a special guest, as Jean MacDonald brings her Voyager know-how along to discuss Seven of Nine’s artifact takeover. While this episode was exciting, the more we thought about it, the more questions we had. At least some of us can remember Narissa’s name and understand more about her motivations! The secret of the Admonishment is revealed! Rios reveals the remarkable coincidence in his dark back story! And who is Beautiful Flower? We have theories. You knew we would. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell with Jean MacDonald.
A lot of emotion, both expected and unexpected, comes out of this first true “Next Generation” reunion episode of “Star Trek: Picard.” David J. Loehr joins us as we talk about our feelings, make pizza, eat tomatoes, skin bunnicorns, eat cake with chocolate milk, and don’t even throw up once. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell with David J. Loehr.
There are a lot of mystery boxes in this episode, full of people, androids, secrets, murder, and surprise figurines! The crew arrives at the Artifact at last. Picard is overwhelmed by his status as the OG XB. Is Narek as straightforward as he seems, or is there room for some interesting betrayal? Why is Narek’s sister so boring? Why do the Borg have a Stargate? Also, Agnes is deeply upset and seeks solace in the arms of a spaceship captain, as so often happens. And Raffi shows just how high functioning an alcoholic (and snake plant addict) she really is. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Now the curtain is going up, the entertainer is taking a bow! It’s time for some space ragtime on the popup-ad-infested planet of Freecloud. In the aftermath of this truly remarkable episode of “Star Trek: Picard,” Scott and Jason are here to discuss shocking plot twists, equally shocking moments of gruesome violence, how Rios stuck a feather in his cap (but probably didn’t call it ‘macaroni’), cartoonish French accents, and various bones. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Funny holograms, angry Romulans, a ninja elf swordsman, a Bird of Prey on the loose, and a surprise ending made less surprising by the marketing of the show. It’s all in this week’s “Star Trek: Picard.” Jason and Scott are here to break it all down. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
From the halls of Starfleet Command to the creepy gray zone of the Borg Artifact, it’s time to reconvene to discuss the latest episode of “Star Trek: Picard” with Scott, Jason, and special guest Brianna Wu. We accumulate more lore about secretive Romulans! We learn a bit more back story about Dahj and Soji! Picard expresses a dislike of Science Fiction and then rides in a taxi! This podcast has gone 5843 days without an assimilation, but the night is still young! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell with Brianna Wu.
Jean-Luc Picard is back! Your Vulcan Hello crew will be here every week to talk through all ten episodes of “Star Trek: Picard” right away. This week, we ponder the twists and turns of Data’s story, admire Picard’s need to always be surrounded by people he can give orders to, question the use of the canine Number One as a way to decide if drifters are welcome at Chateau Picard, and a whole lot more. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
The Short Treks pivot from “Star Trek: Discovery” to “Star Trek: Picard” as we get our clearest view yet of the future of Star Trek: Libraries, schools, dour Vulcan headmasters, David Bowie covers, and scary terrorism. “Picard” begins in two weeks and we’re excited! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Two animated “Short Trek” installments arrive, and we liked one more than the other. In “Ephraim and Dot”, a mama tardigrade loses her eggs and fights a cute robot. In “The Girl Who Made the Stars”, young Michael Burnham is afraid of the dark and her dad tells her a story. Onward to 2020, The Year of Star Trek! We’ll have one more “Short Trek” and then it’s time for “Star Trek: Picard.” Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Same old Scott and Jason, new numbering system. Are we living in a Star Trek golden age, and how long can it last? Vulcan Hello returns to ponder the big questions of TV’s platinum age and also to discuss November’s Short Trek, “Ask Not”, in which a young cadet is gaslit by a Starfleet captain. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Vulcan Hello returns to discuss Tribbles, uniforms, retcons, hiding bad offices in Starfleet, and Death By Tribble. It’s all about “The Trouble With Edward” and why we’re happy the new Star Trek office is taking risks and doing things like silly comedy shorts. Apologies for some drop-outs in Jason’s audio in this episode. Also, we’ll soon be leaving TeeVee to be our own podcast covering all the new Trek due in 2020. Subscribers to the TeeVee Star Trek Discovery feed will be taken care of. If you’re just subscribed to the main TeeVee feed, you’ll need to resubscribe to follow us. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or via RSS. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Scott and Jason return to discuss the latest Short Trek, “Q&A”, which features Spock, Number One, and a malfunctioning elevator that may be bigger on the inside. Also we analyze the “Star Trek: Discovery” season three teaser and the third “Star Trek: Picard” trailer. It’s an exciting time to be a Star Trek fan! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Our audience: the final frontier. Federation Feud returns, as two teams comprised of two Star Trek fans and one non-Star Trek fan each battle for control of the galaxy by guessing your stupid answers to our stupid Star Trek questions! Host Jason Snell with Antony Johnston, Anže Tomić, David J. Loehr, Kathy Campbell, Lizbeth Myles and Moisés Chiullan.
You should be thankful that I stayed awake for this whole thing. Host Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm.
We’ve gathered two teams from the corners of the Alpha and Beta quadrants to compete in this game, where we try to guess the stupid answers Star Trek fans gave to our stupid Star Trek questions. Which team will reign supreme? The answer will surprise you. Host Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Dan Moren, David J. Loehr, Jean MacDonald, Moisés Chiullan and Joe Rosensteel.
Time to boldly go back to the earliest days of the Star Trek canon with our review of the second season of “Star Trek: Discovery”, which mixed in some Doctor Who and Star Wars sensibilities with varying results. We praise the characters, shrug at some of the mystifying plot points, and are left pondering where the series and the franchise go next. Plus there’s an enormous amount of love for Anson Mount’s Christopher Pike. Never forget: #theybuilttheset. Host Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Lizbeth Myles, Anže Tomić, Joe Rosensteel and Aleen Simms.
So it’s come to this. It’s the big finale of season 2 of “Star Trek: Discovery”, as the producers’ grand plan is revealed and continuity is changed forever. (Or not changed, as the case may be.) We break down the action-packed episode and ponder just what show this episode expects us to want to see next. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Goodnight, Discovery crew! Parting is… well, you know. On the penultimate episode of season 2 of “Star Trek: Discovery” there are a lot of goodbyes. They’re beautiful and heartfelt and mostly earned, but what about the impending battle? Don’t you have time suits to built and time crystals to charge? Scott and Jason sing the praises of Anson Mount and the Disco-style Enterprise bridge as they prepare for next week’s fateful finale. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Special guest Dan Moren joins Scott and Jason to discuss an action-packed episode, where Reno dispenses relationship advice, Section 31 counts its ships, Spock is a little slow with the magnetizing, and Pike gets a scary vision of his future from a Klingon time monk. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell with Dan Moren.
We’re gearing up as we head toward the season finale: The Red Angel is revealed, and it’s literally been Michael Burnham’s guardian angel across many timelines! An enemy takes the form of a different enemy! Pike’s fate foretold! Foreboding holograms! And Jason has conspiracy theories! There’s much to talk about… so we do. As usual. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week the Red Angel’s identity is revealed. Jason and Scott feel mixed about this episode, which featured some good character scenes and a very exciting climax, but also some questionable plot points. And while it turns out that “time crystals” are a real and canonical thing, Jason still doesn’t like them. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Last week’s episode was a hard one to follow, but this week we’ve got a killer half-robutt, Spock ruining Burnham’s 3-D chess set, and a bunch of suspicious space mines. Also, Scott chides Jason for being speciesist, and Jason has more wacky plot theories. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
Previously, on Star Trek… “Discovery” goes where “Star Trek” hasn’t been in more than 50 years, as Burnham returns Spock to Talos IV to cure his insanity and get a sense of what is going on with the Red Angel. We discuss singing plants, creepy telepaths, Vina’s reunion with Pike, the super-awkward second life of Dr. Culber, and the dangers of mind melding with time travelers! Host Jason Snell.
Vulcan Hello returns, but one of our favorite recurring segments ends when we finally find who we’ve been looking for! Plus, get ready for some frickin’ time rifts, Sarek’s sweet shuttlecraft pad, Michelle Yeoh’s kicks, and a shocking final revelation. Aleen Simms joins us to break down this week’s episode while we sit in the corner and mumble passages from “Alice in Wonderland”. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell with Aleen Simms.
The hovering murder cylinder is on the other foot now, Ba’ul! In this episode we explore Saru’s new perspective on the Prime Directive, Pike’s measured responses to creepy voice-only hails, and the transformation of the Red Murderball into something that’s posthumously useful! Also, we get a closer look at the Red Angel (Jason’s feeling confident), and we have to debate whether the trailer for next week’s episode fits our Spotting Spock criteria. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week Section 31 collides with the Discovery, and the Discovery collides with the mycelial network. A lost soul is found! Jason does a victory lap at the mention of tachyons! And still no Spock. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week the Discovery is waylaid by a red murderball, Saru learns what his threat ganglia are really for, all of engineering gets high on mushrooms, and Number One orders a hamburger. Scott and Jason break down this (overly?) busy episode. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
A very different kind of episode this week, as “Star Trek: Discovery” beams in three different plots. Do we really need more Klingons? What’s happening in the search for Spock? And is Tilly’s friend a friendly ghost or a dangerous alien spore blob? It’s also time to bring back the conspiracy corner segment, because Jason has some theories about the Red Angel. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
This week the Discovery takes a spore jump to a mysterious human colony deep in the Beta Quadrant, Pike and Burnham joust about science and religion, Tilly drinks too much espresso and tries to replace Stamets with a space rock, and Saru gets a chance to practice his “Glare ‘n’ Care” management philosophy. And on our podcast, Scott introduces a new segment that somehow we didn’t call “The Search for Spock,” even though we probably should have. Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
“Star Trek: Discovery” is back and so are Scott and Jason. We discuss Captain Pike and his uniform, Tilly’s chatter, Burnham’s family issues, the decor of Spock’s quarters, and much more! Host Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.
There are only two weeks until season 2 of “Star Trek: Discovery” commences, but in the meantime we’ve got our favorite of the four “Short Trek” films to discuss. Rainn Wilson returns as Harry Mudd(s)! We learn why rich people wear caps, that the path to a Tellarite’s heart is through its tusks, and that you should always remember where you parked. Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.
Scott and Jason return to discuss the third “Short Trek” preceding the return of “Star Trek: Discovery,” in which we learn Saru’s origin and why Kelpiens are not commonly seen in Starfleet. Along the way we discuss hovering murder cylinders, food courts and gazebos, and the recently released final trailer for season two. Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.
In this holiday season, what could be more emblematic of the spirit of Peace on Earth (of the past) and Goodwill toward men (who aren’t whalers or aquarium directors) than 1986’s “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home”? We celebrate “the one with the whales”, an enjoyable romp through 1980s San Francisco that also features a soundtrack that sounds like a Christmas carol, nuclear wessels with terrible security practices, and Admiral Kirk’s to-go pizza box. Host Jason Snell with Tony Sindelar, Jean MacDonald, Joe Rosensteel, Moisés Chiullan, Chip Sudderth and Scott McNulty.
Is it Taco Tuesday yet? Scott and Jason return to discuss CBS’s plan for endless “Star Trek” and the latest “Short Trek”, a delightful retelling of a part of “The Odyssey”—or is it “Wall-E”?—with an injured spaceman and a lonely artificial intelligence who really loves old movies. Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.
The Vulcan Hello podcast returns with a dissection of the first of four “short films”—didn’t we used to call these Webisodes?—running up to second season of “Star Trek: Discovery.” In “Runaway,” Tilly—we love Tilly!—discovers a mysterious and dangerous stowaway alien monster that might actually just be a grumpy teenager. Also we share our reactions to the new season 2 “Discovery” trailer, featuring hunky Spock! Deal with it, people. Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.
Jason Snell joins Scott to discuss the wave of “Star Trek” related news to hit this month, including news of new actors playing Pike and Spock in “Star Trek: Discovery”, the return of Jean-Luc Picard in an entirely new TV project, and more. Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.
Hop into your spore chamber and prepare for Black Alert — “Star Trek” has returned to television, and we’ve got our overview of the first season of “Star Trek: Discovery.” Did it meet our expectations? Was it more comfort food or modern TV drama? “Star Trek” shows live or die by their characters, so did Burnham, Saru, Tilly, Stamets, and company find their way into our hearts? Why were there so many plot twists? And what are we hoping for in season two? We break the whole thing down. Host Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Mikah Sargent, Aleen Simms, Joe Rosensteel and Scott McNulty.
So we reach the end! We say a Vulcan Goodbye to this first season of “Star Trek: Discovery” with a look at a shocking final scene, a rushed ending, a surprising conversion by Admiral Cornwell, some abrupt goodbyes, and Tilly’s “just say no” moment. Host Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel and Jason Snell.
The penultimate episode has arrived, and with it, we discover the fall-out — tactically and emotionally — of the Discovery’s return to the Klingon-Federation War. Ash Tyler grapples with his security wristband and identity crisis! Tilly shows her human decency! Sarek and the Emperor are the universe’s weirdest mom and dad! And Admiral Cornwell returns to assert her authority with a few choices that we have serious questions about. Host Scott McNulty with Erika Ensign and Jason Snell.
This week wave goodbye to the mirror universe and… certain… characters… as we ride a mycelial shockwave back to somewhere near our point of origin. Joining Scott and Jason on the ride this time are two representatives of Scotland. We discuss why Burnham is great, what the motivations of Georgiou are, and parallels between “Game of Thrones” and “Discovery.” Two more episodes to go! Host Scott McNulty with Lizbeth Myles, James Thomson and Jason Snell.
The conspiracy closet has blown wide open! Our wildest speculations come to pass in this episode, which sees a mycelial mind-meld, the most dangerous Golden Snitch ever, some Klingon laser-finger surgery, disturbing Terran Empire cuisine, fast thinking by Burnham, and the revelation of just what the heck is going on inside the mind of Captain Lorca. Host Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms and Jason Snell.
The U.S.S. Discovery is still in the Mirror Universe and we meet more counterparts to people we know. Burnham agonizes over major ethical questions while Lorca is agonized. A lot. Plus what happens when a not so secret Klingon meets himself? Nothing good! Host Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.
The crew of the U.S.S. Discovery has returned to our screens, but they find themselves in a different universe. In this episode we revisit the Vulcan Hello, open the porous door that once separated us from the Conspiracy Closet, express excitement about numerous references to previous Star Trek series, and bid farewell (or do we? it’s “Star Trek”) to a recurring character in a moment with a lot of dramatic impact but some unfortunate resonances to some modern TV tropes. Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.
Grab your phaser — it’s time for the fall finale of “Star Trek: Discovery!” Jason and Scott break down the Klingon action, the drama back on the Discovery, and venture behind the Gorn skeleton once again as we enter Conspiracy Corner. Into the forest we go! Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.
Brush up on your Latin, put on your running shoes, and scream for the guard outside the door! It’s time for our report on the latest episode of “Star Trek: Discovery”, in which a landing party comes into an unexpected contact with spore aliens, the Klingon plot gets some real forward momentum, and Stamets reveals that all is not well at the heart of the Spore Drive. Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.
This week Scott is joined by David Loehr, perhaps not for the first time, to discuss twists in time and in the plot of this week’s episode of “Star Trek: Discovery.” (Yes, we know, there are issues with Scott’s audio. He was caught in a time loop during the recording of this episode and we can’t go back and change it now.) Host Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.
This week Sarek returns and gets a Vulcan goodbye from a logic extremist, Burnham learns a surprising secret about her past and how she ended up in Starfleet, Lorca proves himself an adept manager and an unstable sleeping companion, and Tilly has a run-in with a snide food replicator. Scott mispronounces names and we try to correct him. Also, we inaugurate a new segment of the show, the Conspiracy Phaser! (If you don’t want to hear our wild spoilery speculation about where the show is going plot-wise, we will give you full warning so you can bail out.) Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell and Joe Rosensteel.
Harry Mudd appears and hard choices must be made! Breaking down this week’s new episode of “Star Trek: Discovery” is only logical. Host Scott McNulty with Jean MacDonald.
Dan Moren joins Scott to discuss an episode featuring a surprise death at the hand of a not-so-monstrous monster, a whole lot more Klingon dialogue, a Special Guest Hologram, and the series’ first successful spore-enabled jump. Host Scott McNulty with Dan Moren.
This week Scott is joined by two Scots to discuss Michael Burnham’s arrival on the USS Discovery. Vulcan martial arts! Gorn skeletons! The horrors of creepy alien monsters and perky roommates! This episode has it all… even a zipper and a Tribble. Host Scott McNulty with Lizbeth Myles and James Thomson.
On the 30th anniversary of the debut of “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, we watched the show’s first and last episodes and used them to appreciate what worked right out of the gate (casting) and what took a bit longer to jell together into one of the great science fiction TV series of all time. Host Jason Snell with Helene Wecker, Jean MacDonald, Lisa Schmeiser and David J. Loehr.
We’re back to discuss the second episode of “Star Trek: Discovery!” Burnham has to deal with her mutinous actions. We get too many Klingons, including a flashback. Ensign Head Wound meets a confused end. Sarek sends a long-distance mental pep talk. And Captain Georgiou meets the fate of all Special Guest Stars. Onward to the dark Starfleet chamber of justice! Host Scott McNulty with Brianna Wu and Jason Snell.
Hello, humans! A new Star Trek series has appeared and in this episode we review the one hour premiere of “Star Trek: Discovery.” We discuss the comportment of bridge officers, the “Star Trek: Shenzhou” prequel series we never saw, the appearance of the Star Trek Sound Effects pack, why Vulcans are kind of jerks, and the validity of using small caps in your caption font. And much, much more! (Note: This episode only contains spoilers for the very first hour of “Star Trek: Discovery.” In fact, we made a point of recording it immediately after viewing. In our next episode we’ll discuss the second hour.) Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell and Aleen Simms.
The first footage from the new Star Trek series, “Star Trek: Discovery” has arrived, and our crew of Trek fans has assembled to break down the details from the trailer and gauge their expectations. New Klingons! Mysterious alien objects! The potentially doomed crew of the USS Shenzhou! A holographic Sarek (and a lousy childhood on Vulcan)! A creepy alien who senses that death is near! In true Incomparable style, we talk for an hour about 143 seconds of trailer. Host Jason Snell with Moisés Chiullan, Brianna Wu, Scott McNulty, Tony Sindelar and David J. Loehr.
We draft our favorite episodes across every “Star Trek” series, to induct 35 episodes into the Trek hall of fame. Human Play Dom-Jot? Host Jason Snell with David J. Loehr, Justin Michael, Aleen Simms, Scott McNulty, Joe Rosensteel and Dan Moren.
From hell’s heart, five players take a stab at answering “Star Trek” trivia questions from game master and Star Trek expert Scott McNulty. He tasks us, and we shall have him! Or not. Host Scott McNulty with Lizbeth Myles, Tony Sindelar, Jason Snell, Justin Michael and David J. Loehr.
On the occasion of Star Trek’s 50th anniversary, we’re talking about one of our very favorite Star Trek movies: 1996’s “Star Trek: First Contact.” (What? We already did a two-parter about TOS!) Featuring zombie-like Borg, a time travel plot, and some great guest stars, it’s the definitive Next Generation movie. Host Jason Snell with Brianna Wu, Jamelle Bouie, Joe Rosensteel, Scott McNulty, Dan Moren and David J. Loehr.
Got a nail in your warp nacelles? ‘Star Trek Beyond’ (2016) Host Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm.
We review “Star Trek Beyond,” the latest installment in the J.J. Abrams-produced “Star Trek” movie universe. What are the best cast pairings? Why was Idris Elba’s character in need of simplification? When does the spin-off about Jaylah in Starfleet Academy start filming? And what is this franchise’s best destiny? Host Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty and David J. Loehr.
Ohana means #family. Dan and Joe are less than enthusiastic about Star Trek Into Darkness. Host Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm.
Please state the nature of the medical emergency. Can a hologram be a robot? Host John Siracusa and Jason Snell.
In case you thought we were bluffing, Turns Out is back with the unbelievable stories of where some of your favorite science fiction series really came from. Aleen Simms and Glenn Fleishman join host David J. Loehr in trying to pull the Andorian velour over Scott McNulty’s eyes. Also, we play the most obscure lightning round yet, we find out who’s the Shatner in the room, and we try not to get annoyed when our flight gets delayed. You wouldn’t like us when our flight gets delayed. Host David J. Loehr with Glenn Fleishman, Aleen Simms and Scott McNulty.
The worst of the Next Generation “Star Trek” movies, “Insurrection” and “Nemesis”, are in our sights. Why don’t they work? What were the producers thinking? How tenuous was Star Trek’s life as a franchise that two bad movies in a row could kill it? You’ve got to laugh to keep from crying. Host Jason Snell with Brianna Wu, Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty, Dan Moren and Joe Rosensteel.
We’re joined by special guest Todd Vaziri to discuss Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). Todd is a compositing lead and supervisor at ILM and has worked on the Star Wars and Star Trek film franchises. Todd Vaziri Making of The Genesis Effect Narrated by Alvy Ray Smith | YouTube Really Weird Shot Reverse-Shot From the Pan and Scan Version | YouTube Netflix Lacks Vulcan Subtitles | Twitter Defocused #38: How Do You Feel? Random Trek #78: “Dear Doctor” (ENT) with Dan Sturm The Incomparable #107: A Little Obsessed With Kirk Host Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm with Todd Vaziri.
What does God need with a starship? We take a look at the two most (justly) maligned films starring the original “Star Trek” cast, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.” What do these two films have in common? Do they have any redeeming qualities? We watched them so you didn’t have to, because we need our pain! Host Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, David J. Loehr, Glenn Fleishman, Chip Sudderth, Andy Ihnatko and Monty Ashley.
This week came the announcement we’ve been waiting for: A new “Star Trek” series is in the works. But with the announcement came a bunch of interesting details (it’s going to be exclusive to CBS’ streaming service, it’s going to be produced by one of the co-writers of the J.J. Abrams “Star Trek” movies) and a lack of specifics (they’re still interviewing writers and didn’t announce even the most basic of premises). Our panel of Star Trek fans analyzes the interesting decisions CBS has made so far, tries to imagine how a “Star Trek” series from 2017 might differ from its predecessors, and discusses the importance of creating a series that can keep the franchise alive by appealing to a new generation of fans. Host Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Brianna Wu, Dan Moren and David J. Loehr.
V’ger and the Ilia probe, both from “Star Trek: The Motion Picture”. Also, John complains about fake skin on androids. Host John Siracusa and Jason Snell.
Game designer Brianna Wu joins Antony to convince him “Star Trek: Voyager” is unjustly maligned, explain why the world just wasn’t ready for feminist Trek, and why Seven of Nine is actually the best character in the whole franchise. Host Antony Johnston with Brianna Wu.
Lay in a course and engage the warp drive! Our “Star Trek” Debate Club returns with spirited discussion of the best and worst captains in the galaxy, along with the best and worst aliens. Plus we get controversial with our choices for the most overrated and underrated things in “Star Trek,” and engage in a bit of lightning philosophy. Live long and prosper! Host Jason Snell with Brianna Wu, Tony Sindelar, Moisés Chiullan, David J. Loehr and Scott McNulty.
It’s time again for Counterclockwise, the panel show where four people discuss four geeky aspects of a single topic, and it’ll all get done in less than 42 minutes. This week, Jason and Dan are joined by Scott McNulty and David Loehr to discuss “Star Trek.” Our topics include: “Star Trek” ships, jumping off points for untold stories, future “Trek” TV series, and favorite characters. Plus we all reveal our Starfleet departments and shirt colors! Host Dan Moren and Jason Snell with Scott McNulty and David J. Loehr.
Pugs, Pizza Toppings, and our tribute to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986).Host Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm.
We celebrate Leonard Nimoy, pondering what made us love Mr. Spock, discussing some of Spock’s finest moments, and even bringing up some lesser known corners of the Nimoy canon. Host Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Andy Ihnatko and David J. Loehr.
Set your phasers to stun and get ready for another round of our panel’s choices for the best and worst of “Star Trek.” This time, we’re debating the best and worst Trek series and movies. Jason and Brianna’s mirror-universe duplicates are revealed. And Tony spends a lot of time talking about sea life. Host Jason Snell with Moisés Chiullan, Brianna Wu, David J. Loehr, Scott McNulty and Tony Sindelar.
Set your phasers to stun and join us for a celebration of everything we love… and hate… about Star Trek. Our panel of Star Trek fans picks their favorite episodes and characters! But we balance out the niceness by also picking the worst episodes and characters “Star Trek” has brought us over the years across five different TV series. Want more Star Trek? And don’t forget to listen to our very own Random Trek podcast, hosted by Scott McNulty. Host Jason Snell with Brianna Wu, Tony Sindelar, Scott McNulty and David J. Loehr.
Press down on the warp lever and hide away your out-of-date continuity reference materials. It’s time for us to discuss J.J. Abrams’ reimagined Star Trek, with an emphasis on the new film “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Among our topics: The great casting in both movies, the merits of a Spock-to-Spock Skype call, McCoy’s Tribble-based scientific method, and the themes of self-sacrifice in the new movie. Plus we reference every single classic Star Trek movie along the way! And yes, there are spoilers. Lots and lots of spoilers. Host Jason Snell with Dan Moren, John Siracusa, Scott McNulty and David J. Loehr.
Disconnect the intelligent computer that runs your entire planetary society, because it’s time for the second half of our discussion of the original “Star Trek.” What do today’s kids think of this nearly 50-year-old show? We ponder the gender politics of splitting Captain Kirk (and a little dog in a weird costume) into good and evil halves. And what about the low standards of the Enterprise’s Engineering department? Please listen: It will only take 71 of your Earth minutes! (Part 2 of 2.) Host Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Steve Lutz and Tony Sindelar.
Lay in a course and set your phaser to stun! We discuss our favorite (and least favorite) episodes of the original “Star Trek” series. Was Dr. McCoy promoting vegetarianism? Why did Spock have such a lovely collection of hats? What does Bob Barker have to do with the Guardian of Forever? Join us as we boldly go where so many have gone before. (Part 1 of 2.) Host Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Steve Lutz and Tony Sindelar.
We take on one of our favorite movies, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” while also acknowledging the flaws that make it all the more lovable. Topics include: How Genesis is the galaxy’s worst Kickstarter project; Why it’s always important to count the planets, especially at Ceti Alpha; The size of the Botany Bay library and why it makes Khan so mad at Kirk; Why Scott’s email is more secure than the Reliant; The real name of Khan’s right-hand man; and how Spock’s death solves Kirk’s mid-life crisis. Also, we scientifically prove that “Wrath of Khan” is better than Star Wars. Host Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Steve Lutz and Michael Gartenberg.
Make it so, Number One! Star Trek: The Next Generation is on our agenda. We talk favorite episodes, least-favorite episodes, killer snowflakes, why Jean-Luc Picard is catnip to the ladies, why everyone loves Geordi, and why in the future no one needs Wet Wipes. Host Jason Snell with Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, Lisa Schmeiser and Scott McNulty.