Random Trek

Antony Johnston, author and dapper fellow, joins Scott to discuss “The House of Quark” (DS9 S3E3). Topics include Klingon accounting practices, forced marriages played for laughs, and the versatility of the High Council chambers. <p>Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston.</p>

Steven Schapansky, podcaster producer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Data’s Day” (TNG S4E11). Topics include the power move of having your wedding near the Neutral Zone, Service Merchandise and Consumers Distributing, and who you’d rather get bad news from: Data or Geordi. <p>Scott McNulty with Steven Schapansky.</p>

Liz Barr, co-host of Antimatter Pod, joins Scott to discuss “Dragon’s Teeth” (VOY S6E7). Topics include the strength of Starfleet vessels, which character we’d most like to kiss (consensually), and the sadness that we don’t see the Vaadwaur in any other episodes. Liz blogged about Dragon’s Teeth too, in case you can’t get enough! <p>Scott McNulty with Liz Barr.</p>

Guy English, podcaster and programmer, joins Scott to discuss “Eye of the Beholder” (TNG S7E18). This episode of TNG starts off with a scene depicting suicide. Support is available if you are struggling. Topics include the portrayal of mental health issues, “it was all a dream,” and Riker’s pajamas. <p>Scott McNulty with Guy English.</p>

Joe Rosensteel, podcaster and writer, joins Scott to discuss “Terra Nova” (ENT S1E6). Topics include the Dutch, the wasted potential of Enterprise, and the judicious use of diggers. <p>Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel.</p>

John Moltz, freelance writer, podcaster (The Rebound and Biff!), joins Scott to discuss “These are the Voyages” (ENT S4E22). Topics include how bad this episode is on many levels, shocking cameos, great characters in not so great shows, and inexplicable deaths. <p>Scott McNulty with John Moltz.</p>

Monty Ashley, Incomparable host and all around nice guy, joins Scott to discuss “Live Fast and Prosper” (VOY S6E21). Topics include Scott explaining The Traitors, expressions of love for Taskmaster and Drag Race Espana, and eventually Star Trek. <p>Scott McNulty with Monty Ashley.</p>

James Thomson, the developer behind PCalc and Dice by PCalc (and other things), joins Scott to discuss "Genesis" (TNG S7E19). Topics include the many similarities between James and Neil Diamond, Blockbuster Video, and dubious science in this episode. <p>Scott McNulty with James Thomson.</p>

David J Loehr, writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Things Past” (DS9 S5E8). Topics include the lack of Neelix, Odo’s tortured soul, and the creepy uncanny vibe that allows for effective, and cheap, Star Trek episodes. Next on Random Trek: “Genesis” (TNG S7E19) with James Thomson. <p>Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.</p>

John Siracusa, developer, writer, and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Daedalus” (ENT S4E10). Topics include being a professional podcaster, the emotions of Vulcans, and Captain Archer’s judgment (or lack thereof). Next on Random Trek: “Things Past” (DS9 S5E8) with David J Loehr. <p>Scott McNulty with John Siracusa.</p>

Grant Jun Otsuki, a cultural anthropologist, joins Scott to discuss "The Siege of AR-558" (DS9 S7E8). We attempt to have a lighthearted conversation about a very heavy episode of Deep Space Nine. Topics include which Captain you'd want to work for, how great Avery Brooks' performance is in this episode, and why the heck was Quark allowed to hang around in this situation. Be sure to read Grant's fantastic McSweeney's piece "Due to Falling Enrollments, We Will No Longer Offer Courses In Romulan At Starfleet Academy." Next Episode: "Daedalus" (ENT S4E10) with John Siracusa. <p>Scott McNulty with Grant Jun Otsuki.</p>

Jason Snell, Random Trek’s most frequent guest, joins Scott to discuss “Day of the Dove” (TOS S3E11). Topics include our favorite Klingons, whatever the deal is with these energy aliens, and the “hidden” message of this episode. Watch “Day of the Dove” for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount+ Blu-Rays <p>Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.</p>

Claire L. Evans, writer and musician, joins Scott to discuss “Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night” (DS9 S6E17). Topics include how great Dax is, war crimes, and the ease of time travel when you’re a Bajoran. Just a warning -given the content of this episode, we talk about some mature topics. On a lighter note, read Claire’s history of the corporate presentation. Watch Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs <p>Scott McNulty with Claire L. Evans.</p>

Erika Ensign, podcaster and trivia enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss “The Voyager Conspiracy” (S6E9). Topics include conspiracy theories, the many possible loves of Capt. Janeway, and the complete lack of Reginald Barclay in this episode. Watch “The Voyager Conspiracy” for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs <p>Scott McNulty with Erika Ensign.</p>

Jean MacDonald, Micro.blog community manager and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Our Man Bashir” (DS9 S4E10). Topics include Jean’s conversion to a DS9 fan, whether or not Bashir is the Tom Paris of DS9, and just how much fun all the actors seem to be having in this episode. Watch Our Man Bashir for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs <p>Scott McNulty with Jean MacDonald.</p>

Antony Johnston, writer, podcaster, and snappy dresser, joins Scott to discuss “A Matter of Perspective)” (TNG S3/E14). Topics include Law and Order, who volunteers to be a nude model on the Enterprise, and how clever (or not) the mystery in this episode is. Get yourself a copy of Antony’s The Dog Sitter Detective, you won’t regret it! Watch “A Matter of Perspective” for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus Blu-Ray <p>Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston.</p>

Dan Moren, writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss "The Savage Curtain" (TOS S3E22). Topics include Dan's Gene Roddenberry impersonation, Kirk's quick acceptance of space Lincoln, and the perplexing moral of this episode (is there one?!). Want more details about TOS Season 3? Check out Marc Cushman's "These Are the Voyages - TOS: Season Three" and find out more than you ever wanted to know. Watch "The Savage Curtain" for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount+ Blu-ray <p>Scott McNulty with Dan Moren.</p>

Shelly Brisbin, host of Lions, Towers & Shields and Parallel and author of iOS Access for All, joins Scott to discuss “In the Hands of the Prophets” (DS9 S1E20). Topics include TCM movies, faith vs. science, and the wonder that is Louise Fletcher. Watch In the Hands of the Prophets for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs <p>Scott McNulty with Shelly Brisbin.</p>

Joe Rosensteel, VFX artist and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Phantasms” (TNG S7E6). Topics include why Joe watches Star Trek, where the crow is, and stalking people in the bright corridors of the Enterprise D. Watch Phantasms for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus Bluray <p>Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel.</p>

Katie Mack, astrophysicist and author, joins Scott to discuss “A Simple Investigation)” (DS9 S5E17). Topics include the evolving nature of DS9 characters, Odo’s furniture, and the problems with the Idanian spying system. Watch A Simple Investigation for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs <p>Scott McNulty with Katie Mack.</p>

Tony Sindelar, your internet DM and Lego enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss “Revulsion)” (VOY S4E5). Topics include Tony’s Voyager epiphany, the poor treatment of Tuvok, and why anyone would design a tool that never leaves a room to have feelings. Watch Revulsion for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs <p>Scott McNulty with Tony Sindelar.</p>

Cicero Holmes, frequent Incomparable panelist, Discovery Debrief co-host, and What The Fun, joins Scott to discuss “Vanishing Point” (ENT S2E10). Topics include video games, how awesome Hoshi is, and poor old Cyrus Ramsey. Watch Vanishing Point for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus Blurays <p>Scott McNulty with Cicero Holmes.</p>

John Siracusa, podcaster and developer, joins Scott to discuss “The Immunity Syndrome” (TOS S2E19). Topics include the joys of the colonoscopy (seriously, if you’re avoiding getting one…just get it done!), the effectiveness of 50 year old special effects, and space racism. <p>Scott McNulty with John Siracusa.</p>

David J. Loehr, your favorite artist in residence and one of the people behind Where or When, joins Scott to discuss “Macrocosm” (VOY S3E13). Topics include why there was no sense of peril in this episode, the lack of complete silence, and action hero Janeway. Watch “Macrocosm” for yourself: Amazon Paramount Plus DVDs On the next Random Trek - The Immunity Syndrome (TOS). <p>Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.</p>

Marisa McClellan, canning expert, joins Scott to discuss "Damage" (ENT S3E19). Topics include why Scott took such a long “break” from Random Trek, exactly how many seasons Enterprise had, doctor/patient confidentiality, and the ethics of just taking whatever you want. Watch “Damage” for yourself: Amazon Paramount Plus DVDs <p>Scott McNulty with Marisa McClellan.</p>

Seth Heasley, podcaster and patient podcast guest, joins Scott to discuss "…Nor the Battle to the Strong)" (DS9 S4E4). Topics include what to do when you run out of topics for your podcast, the forgotten Klingon/Federation war, and the all-consuming terror of parenthood. Watch “…Nor the Battle to the Strong” for yourself: Amazon Paramount Plus DVDs The next episode discusses: "Damage" (ENT S3E19). <p>Scott McNulty with Seth Heasley.</p>

Anne Zander, performer, writer, and producer, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Hero Worship (S5E11). Topics include oddities of the pandemic, android haircare, how being a real boy isn’t all it is cracked up to be, and the promising career of this young director “Patrick Stewart.” <p>Scott McNulty with Anne Zander.</p>

Dave Bradley, journalist, editor, and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Fight or Flight” (S1E3). Topics include why this episode is the second episode in a new Star Trek series, slugs, and how this first contact doesn’t go as well as it might have. <p>Scott McNulty with Dave Bradley.</p>

Helene Wecker, author, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Too Short a Season” (S1E16). Topics include book hoarding, indie bookstore websites, The Hidden Palace (it is good, you should buy it and then read it), and bad old age makeup. <p>Scott McNulty with Helene Wecker.</p>

Gerry Canavan, Professor of 20th- and 21st-Century Literature at Marquette University, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Masks” (S7E17). Topics include Brent Spiner’s relishing of his various roles, Capt. Picard’s leap of faith, and the fact that Star Trek writers really don’t know how computers work. Plus, this episode includes the return of everyone’s favorite segment: Pope Talk! <p>Scott McNulty with Gerry Canavan.</p>

Guy English, the best Biff! co-host, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Battle Lines” (S1E13). Topics include introduction of our brand new segment, “Pope Talk,” exiling fight-y people, and how we will never speak of Kai Opaka again. <p>Scott McNulty with Guy English.</p>

Moisés Chiullán, a man of many talents with an Electric Shadow, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Defector” (S3E10). Topics include: our favorite Trek movies, Romulans in vineyards, and surprise Klingons. You can also listen to Scott and Moisés discuss Star Trek VI, if you dare! <p>Scott McNulty with Moisés Chiullán.</p>

Jason Snell, the man behind Six Colors, The Incomparable, and co-host of Vulcan Hello, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “The Alternative Factor” (S1E20). Topics include: how bad this episode is, how the premise is actually good, wacky film filters, and surprise time travel. <p>Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.</p>

It is Undiscovered Country week on the Incomparable network! Following up on the Incomparable episode covering Star Trek VI Scott has assembled a crackerjack crew to discuss the final TOS movie. This is a movie all the panelists love, despite what our conversation may lead you to believe. But nothing is without flaws, and we talk about those for awhile. <p>Scott McNulty with Moisés Chiullán, Joe Rosensteel and Shelly Brisbin.</p>

Joe Rosensteel, podcaster, and Incomparable panelist, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “A Matter of Time” (S5E9). Topics include: time travel, original castings for this episode, and the puzzling reasons why Capt. Picard just trusts this random dude. <p>Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel.</p>

James Thomson, developer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Chrysalis” (S7E7). Topics include: the complex and problematic nature of this episode, Wait Wait… Don’t tell me!, and Dr. Bashir’s love life. <p>Scott McNulty with James Thomson.</p>

Jean MacDonald, podcaster and community manager, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Once More Unto the Breach” (S7E7). Topics include: bookstores, getting older, and the wonders of Klingon society. <p>Scott McNulty with Jean MacDonald.</p>

John Siracusa , programmer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Rapture” (S53E10). Topics include: John’s lack of experience with DS9, his surprising choice for the most annoying DS9 character, and the magic of reflective surfaces. <p>Scott McNulty with John Siracusa.</p>

Steven Schapansky, podcaster and producer, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Survivors” (S3E3). Topics include: Star Trek: The CCG (specifically the Kevin Uxbridge and Husnock Ship), how TNG is a warm blanket, and what the heck is happening to Troi. <p>Scott McNulty with Steven Schapansky.</p>

John Moltz, writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “The Ultimate Computer” (S2E24). Topics include: Capt. Kirk’s job security, the mysteries of the M5’s interface, the episode’s surprisingly high death rate. <p>Scott McNulty with John Moltz.</p>

Dan Moren, novelist and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Sons and Daughters” (DS9 S6E03). Topics include Klingon culture, Worf’s parenting skills (or lack thereof), and being surprised by the ending of an episode we’ve both seen both. <p>Scott McNulty with Dan Moren.</p>

David J. Loehr, a man of many talents joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Infinite Regress” (S5E07). We spend a lot of time talking about what we don’t like about this episode only to reveal, shockingly, that we liked it overall. Worth the price of admission to see all the characters Jeri Ryan does! Plus Harry Kim is almost not in the episode. <p>Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.</p>

Lynne M Thomas, librarian, geek, and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Profit and Loss (DS9S2E18). We talk about a Kickstarter that has been completed (Support Uncanny Magazine!), Dr Who, Cardassians, and Cybermen. <p>Scott McNulty with Lynne M. Thomas.</p>

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. <p>Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston.</p>

Annette Wierstra, creative dabbler and the Director of Agents of SMOOCH, joins Scott to discuss “Parturition” (S2E7). Topics include Scott struggling to properly pronounce the title of the episode, how Kes is critical to the plot of this episode and yet she doesn’t get to do much, and how cute baby puppets are. Watch Parturition for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Netflix DVDs <p>Scott McNulty with Annette Wierstra.</p>

Jason Snell, captain of the USS Incomparable, joins Scott to discuss the iconic TOS episode “Amok Time” (S2E1). Topics include how great the music is in this episode, how sexy Spock is, and Vulcan interior design. Be sure to check out Vulcan Hello if you’d like to hear Jason and Scott to talk about new Star Trek. Watch Amok Time for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Netflix Blu-rays <p>Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.</p>

Marisa McClellan, canner, podcaster, and spouse to Scott, joins Scott to discuss “Tattoo”. Topics include how tired Scott and Marisa were, the fact that they watched the episode over a week ago and only found time to record the podcast much later, and the major success of recording the whole episode without waking a single sleeping twin. Also Chakotay’s father issues. <p>Scott McNulty with Marisa McClellan.</p>

Shelly Brisbin, writer and Incomparable host, joins Scott to discuss "Sacred Ground" (VOY S3E7). Topics include why Kess is just randomly walking into temples, how this should have been a Neelix episode (but we're glad it wasn't), and the fact that Tom Paris directed this episode. Check out Lions, Towers & Shields episode 4 for some old movie recommendations. <p>Scott McNulty with Shelly Brisbin.</p>

Dan Moren, three time novelist and guy who talks on the Internet a lot, joins Scott to discuss "Encounter at Farpoint" (TNG S1E1). Topics include Dan's new book (buy it!), how our beloved TNG friends changed over the course of 7 seasons, and if this episode was as bad as we remember it being, and the fact that Farpoint Station isn't a space station. <p>Scott McNulty with Dan Moren.</p>

Playwright and Incomparable panelist David J. Loehr joins Scott to discuss Enterprise’s The Expanse (S2E26). After David attempts a Random Trek coup, topics include contrasting using the third dimension in space battles, some unconvincing performances, and Faceless Exposition Guy. The word of the day is “Drab” for this Enterprise season finale. <p>Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.</p>