Random Trek

38 years ago today the Human Adventure began with Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and it continues. Topics include those uniforms and if you can hide a phaser in them, the wonderful score, and if this movie has a plot. Also, this podcast features several long sequences of the participants staring off into the distance. <p>Scott McNulty with Moisés Chiullán, David J. Loehr and Jean MacDonald.</p>

David J. Loehr, writer and compulsive Incomparable podcaster, joins Scott to discuss a rare ENT two-parter: “Affliction” (S4E15) and “Divergence” (S4E16). Topics include why did this need to be two episodes, the ever changing look of Klingons, and the debate over which Enterprise character is least memorable (is it that one guy with the accent? Or the other dude who is a pilot or something?). <p>Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.</p>

Gavia Baker-Whitelaw, staff writer at the Daily Dot and co-host of Overinvested Podcast, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Prototype” (S2E13). Topics include the perils of picking up random robots in space, Star Trek: Discovery, and B’Elanna. <p>Scott McNulty with Gavia Baker Whitelaw.</p>

Marisa McClellan, canning expert and one half of Local Mouthful joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Future Tense” (S2E16). Topics include odd firing stances, the Temporal Cold War, and the many ways this episode could have been improved. <p>Scott McNulty with Marisa McClellan.</p>

Husani Oakley, CTO, speaker, and thinker, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Rascals” (S6E07). Topics include child actors, Riker being the best dad, and how non-threatening Ferengi are even when they are threatening to murder children. <p>Scott McNulty with Husani Oakley.</p>

Aleen Simms, podcaster and App Launcher, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “ Defiant” (S3E09). Topics include how pretty William T. Riker is, why Kira needs to solve everyone’s problems, and Scott’s continual failure to pronounce names correctly. Be sure to check out the Star Trek: Discovery Flashcast. <p>Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms.</p>

Glenn Fleishman, the original Unsolicited Pundit, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “The Collaborator” (S2E24). Topics include how awesome DS9 is, why all Bajorans seem to vote for the Kai, and Vedek Winn’s hat. <p>Scott McNulty with Glenn Fleishman.</p>

Helene Wecker, author of “The Golem and the Jinni”, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy” (S6E4). Topics include the reasons not to project someone’s fantasies in the holodeck, Harry Kim being the worst, and dramatically appearing pips. <p>Scott McNulty with Helene Wecker.</p>

John Moltz, freelance writer and podcaster (tech here, parenting here), joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” (S1E9). Topics include strange rock formations, why you should never trust anyone who claims to own an android, and Capt. Kirk’s magic kisses. <p>Scott McNulty with John Moltz.</p>

Kathy Campbell, Unicorn, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Most Toys” (S3E22). Topics include Scott’s amazing ability to remember the names of Star Trek series, the lack of any Data nudity in this episode, and shooting at poisoned water. <p>Scott McNulty with Kathy Campbell.</p>

Don Melton, Incomparable panelist and guy enjoying retirement, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “A Matter of Honor” (S2E8). Klingons do the wackiest things! And have poorly constructed ships. Also, Riker just likes doing things first. <p>Scott McNulty with Lisa Melton.</p>

Jason Kottke, purveyor of Fine Hypertext Products, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Q Who” (S2E16). Another Q episode! Topics include Sonya Gomez, Guinan’s super powers, and if the Borg are truly happy. <p>Scott McNulty with Jason Kottke.</p>

Angelica Bastién, essayist and writer, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Q-Less” (S1E7). Topics include how the Klingons have had enough time in the limelight, Ezri Dax (not appearing this in episode), and how terrible Wesley Crusher is (who also doesn’t appear in this episode). Fair warning, this episode of Random Trek features some red alerts. You’ve been warned. <p>Scott McNulty with Angelica Jade Bastién.</p>

Clint Ecker, programmer and snazzy dresser, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “The Lights of Zetar” (S3E18). Topics include sexism IN SPACE, Scotty’s loneliness, and Shari Lewis. <p>Scott McNulty with Clint Ecker.</p>

Katie Mack, astrophysicist, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Where No One Has Gone Before” (S1E6). Topics include Wesley’s sweaters, the secrets of the universe (and why you shouldn’t email your theories to Katie), and jerky engineers with no ranks or communicators. <p>Scott McNulty with Katie Mack.</p>

Jean MacDonald, community manager at Micro.blog and founder of AppCamp4Girls, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Trials Tribble-ations” (S5E6). Topics include how great this episode is, Scott’s favorite parts, and if this is a good episode to introduce Deep Space Nine to your non-Star Trek interested friends. <p>Scott McNulty with Jean MacDonald.</p>

Melissa Bright, Star Trek fan and cat enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “Assignment: Earth” (S2E26). Topics include comic books, cats, the liberal usage of rocket footage, and blasé time travel. <p>Scott McNulty with Melissa Bright.</p>

Mikah Sargent, podcaster extraordinaire, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Counterpoint” (S5E10). Topics include the many talents of Capt. Janeway, how you can’t trust charming men, and what the heck happened to Tuvok anyway? <p>Scott McNulty with Mikah Sargent.</p>

Dan Moren, promising young novelist, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Fair Haven” (S6E11) Topics include Dan’s first novel (“The Caledonian Gambit,” which you should buy), how Irish caricatures are offensive (Top o’ the morning to ya!), and the questionable choice of the Doctor to perform religious ceremonies. <p>Scott McNulty with Dan Moren.</p>

Jason Snell, head honcho of the Incomparable network, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Critical Care” (S7E5). Topics include the fact that neither Jason nor Scott had seen this episode before, healthcare, if the Doctor is a robot (or not), and Tuvok’s poor job performance. <p>Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.</p>

David J. Loehr, playwright about The Incomparable network joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Royale” (S2E12) Topics include the many ways this episode could have been better, the large number of, “hey, it is that guy” actors in this show, and the NASA logo. <p>Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.</p>

Monty Ashley, man about The Incomparable network joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Treachery, Faith and the Great River” (S7E6) Topics include Odo’s face and fingers, Nog’s work ethic, and the dreamy Colin Firth. <p>Scott McNulty with Monty Ashley.</p>

Ron Bronson, strategic designer, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Eye of the Needle” (S1E7). Topics include Finnish baseball, DS9, and the narrow wormhole problems we encounter in everyday life. <p>Scott McNulty with Ron Bronson.</p>

Guy English, frequent guest on the show, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Take Me Out to the Holosuite” (S7E4). Topics include baseball (so much baseball!), Vulcan racists, and the United Federation of Planets anthem. <p>Scott McNulty with Guy English.</p>

Aaron Reynolds, the man behind Swear Trek and Bat Labels, joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Hatchery” (S3E17). Topics include Star Trek movies, the Xindi, and the best Enterprise characters. <p>Scott McNulty with Aaron Reynolds.</p>

Kelly Guimont, writer, AppCamp4Girls cheerleader, and Incomparable panelist joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Marauders” (S2E6). Topics include what to wear while on an away team, bumbling Klingons, and Vulcan ninjas. <p>Scott McNulty with Kelly Guimont.</p>

Andi from Women at Warp joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “If Wishes Were Horses” (S1E16). Topics include sex kitten Dax, why bad Trek is still fun trek, and the future of baseball. <p>Scott McNulty with Andi.</p>

Mikayla Micomonaco, co-host of The Web of Queer, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s “The Omega Directive” (S4E21). Topics include Starfleet’s continuing, and shocking, lack of security, Janeway’s management style, and poor old Harry Kim. <p>Scott McNulty with Mikayla Micomonaco.</p>

Lisa Granshaw, freelance writer, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s “Maneuvers” (S2E11). Topics include favorite captains (sorry, Archer), least favorite characters (I’m looking at you, Harry Kim), and Seska: awesome or not? <p>Scott McNulty with Lisa Granshaw.</p>

L.M. Myles writer, podcaster, and Dr. Who fan, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s “Imperfection” (S7E2). Topics include Romulans (who don’t appear in the episode), Klingons (who also do not appear in the episode), and strong woman characters (which do appear in this episode). Here’s a link to Liz’s very impressive win of our Star Trek trivia game. <p>Scott McNulty with Lizbeth Myles.</p>

Jess Fink, illustrator and comic maker, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Civil Defense (S3E7). Topics covered include the distinct lack of making out on Star Trek, Gul Dukat’s appeal (of course), Bashir and Garak’s lunches. Just a note that this episode features some adult language and topics. Plus making out. <p>Scott McNulty with Jess Fink.</p>

Anne Zander, actor, writer, and improviser, joins Scott to talk about TNG’s Power Play (S5E15). On this episode we talk about how creepy it is for familiar characters to act very differently, we question Riker’s leg placement, a doorbell rings, and glittery convicts gather in a cylinder. <p>Scott McNulty with Anne Zander.</p>

Len Weeb, creator and producer of the Black Tribbles, joins Scott to talk about TNG’s Transfigurations (S3E25). Geordi talks a woman, O’Brien kayaks, and another energy blob leaves the ship. Special thanks to Radio Theater’s David J. Loehr for the use of his silky smooth radio guy voice. <p>Scott McNulty with Len Webb.</p>

Kennedy Allen, producer of the Black Tribbles, joins Scott to talk about DS9’s A Man Alone (S1E4). We talk Voyager, going to Mars, and clone killing. <p>Scott McNulty with Kennedy Allen.</p>

Duncan Barrett, author and actor, joins Scott to talk about VOY’s Faces (S1E14). An early episode of Voyager means the bad guys are the Vidiians. Body horror, coming to grips with what makes you you, and that poor red shirt are all discussed <p>Scott McNulty with Duncan Barrett.</p>

Sue Kaye, co-host of Women at Warp and Anomaly Supplemental, joins Scott to talk about TNG’s Emergence (S7E23). One of the final episodes of TNG and it is a holodeck episode! Really? Really! Topics include trainers, Picard’s personal life, and Dr. Crusher. <p>Scott McNulty with Sue Kaye.</p>

Andrew Cunningham, Senior Products Editor/reviewer at ArsTechnica and co-host of Appointment Television! and Overdue, joins Scott to talk about DS9’s The Muse (S4E21). An inspiration vampire visits the station to make Jake write a novel and suck the novel juice out of his head. And the perfect side dish to this tale? Lwaxana Troi shows up preggers and asks Odo to help her get out of her marriage. <p>Scott McNulty with Andrew Cunningham.</p>

Monty Ashley, man about The Incomparable network and TV lover, joins Scott to talk about ENT’s Breaking the Ice (S1E8). Lots of MAS*H talk, Monty tells us how Enterprise should have ended, and are Vulcans secret vampires? <p>Scott McNulty with Monty Ashley.</p>

Guy English, fan of the show and man of the world, joins Scott to talk about DS9’s Progress (S1E15). A season one episode of Deep Space Nine that is worth watching! Kira solves problems, a grumpy man makes a kiln, self sealing stembolts are purchased, and the rest of the cast is present. <p>Scott McNulty with Guy English.</p>

Aleen Simms, incomparablist, host of Less Than of Equal, and more, joins Scott to talk about VOY’s Barge of the Dead (S6E3). The boat to Klingon hell is just what you think it might be: dark, full of fire, and contains grumpy Klingons. We talk about spirituality, if this is all in B’ELanna’s head plus Tuvok. <p>Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms.</p>

Steven Schapansky, Dr. Who fan and podcast producer, joins Scott to talk about TNG’s Ship in a Bottle (S6E12). This episode begs the question: why are holodecks allowed on starships? At least Reg is there to help realign some stuff. <p>Scott McNulty with Steven Schapansky.</p>

Gerry Canavan, prof at Marquette University, joins Scott to talk about TNG’s The Inner Light (S5E25). Another episode considered one of the best ever, but does it hold up? Yes, it does. Does the probe make any sense? Not so much. Does that matter? Listen and find out! <p>Scott McNulty with Gerry Canavan.</p>

Chip Sudderth, Incomparable panelist and Babylon 5 enthusiast joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Game” (S5E6). What’s up with Risa? Why does the Game not look like much fun at all? And whatever happened to that Ashley Judd? <p>Scott McNulty with Chip Sudderth.</p>

Dan Wearsch, host of Random Sterling, co-host of Microphone Talking, Spousal Privilege and more, joins Scott to discuss “The Return of the Archons” (TOS, S1E22). Are we of the body? Also, is twirling like a maniac in the street really that much fun? And why does Kirk hate computers so much? <p>Scott McNulty with Dan Wearsch.</p>

Tiffany Arment, Incomparable panelist and ranker of things joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “The City on the Edge of Forever” (S1E28). Widely hailed as the best episode of Star Trek ever, does it hold up? Yes, yes it does. We also list our top four Star Trek characters, the horrible user interface of the Guardian, and why the past is in black and white. <p>Scott McNulty with Tiff Arment.</p>

Adam Teterus, Comic Book Junto co-host, Indy Hall booster, and writer, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Future Imperfect” (S4E8). Birthday cake, manthings, and the shockingly long time it takes Starfleet officers to advance in the ranks are all discussed. <p>Scott McNulty with Adam Teterus.</p>

David J. Loehr, man of stage and podcast joins Scott to talk about DS9’s Covenant_ (S7E9). Topics include the most iconic Star Trek villain vs. the best, whether Bajorans are space Jews or space Catholics, and the crazy number of episodes the last two seasons of DS9 include in multi-part stories. <p>Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.</p>

Glenn Fleishman, tech journalist and Incomparable panelist, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s The Vengeance Factor (S3E9). A big mystery! Which is solved very quickly. Riker puts it on pretty heavily (though respectfully). And Scott and Glenn talk a lot (too much?) about how the replicators work. <p>Scott McNulty with Glenn Fleishman.</p>

Jean MacDonald, founder of App Camp for Girls, joins Scott to talk about Voyager’s Bliss (S5E14). Topics include the perils of watching a show in random order, how Gene Roddenberry might have been a jerk, and how this episode is a kind of throwback to TOS. Jean’s favorite podcasts include: Release Notes Audio Dharma <p>Scott McNulty with Jean MacDonald.</p>

Susana Polo, writer at Polygon and founder of The Mary Sue, joins Scott to talk about DS9’s Soldiers of the Empire (S5E21). Topics include starting your Star Trek viewing experience with Voyager, the Federation assimilating cultures, and how Worf isn’t really good at his Klingon job. <p>Scott McNulty with Susana Polo.</p>