Secrets of Star Trek

StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for all listeners and supporters of StarQuest's shows. The post A Special Message from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Kelvin reboot of Star Trek gave fans alternate versions of their favorite characters. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the movie, the decision to make it an alt-history reboot, and what they like and dislike about the changes. The post Star Trek (2009) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Khan! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the introduction Khan Noonian Singh; his magnetic (and improbable?) ability to sway Marla McGivers; and Dr. McCoy's surprisingly cool response to Khan's threat of physical harm. The post Space Seed (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Did the writers take shore leave too? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Enterprise entry which seemed to have all side plots and no main plot without any meaningful character or dramatic development. But Porthos was cute! The post Two Days and Two Nights (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Inception for the Doctor. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this dream-like episode focusing on the Doctor who is stuck in a dream-like state and must decide which reality is real and the Doctor's struggle with identity and consciousness. The post Projections (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

When Quark, Nog, and Rom end up in 1947 Roswell, history takes a beating. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the change in Nog, similarities between 20th-century humans and Ferengi, and how this story pays homage to 1950s B movies. The post Little Green Men (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The plot may not be unique, but Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this story executes well and raises moral and ethical questions about obligations to our enemies and overcoming prejudices. Plus the introduction of the excellent Andreas Katsulas as Tomalak. The post The Enemy (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As the Enterprise crew gets shrunk to Lilliputian proportions, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the surprising metaphysical and theological implications, the practical and scientific discrepancies, and the character dynamics. The post The Terratin Incident (TAS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Spock and the Enterprise crew stick it to the Man, aka Kirk. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this TOS story that reminds us that there is no utopia outside of heaven; the call of duty; and the context of 1960s counterculture. The post This Side of Paradise (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Is one man's freedom fighter another man's terrorist? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of Enterprise getting mixed up in some local conflicts on a desert planet; the ethical implications; and whether Zabral is a good guy or bad guy. The post Desert Crossing (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A homicidal hologram that hates people. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this psychological thriller of an emotionally fragile and homicidal alien hologram with a chilling intensity; as well as Harry Kim's cringeworthy attempted romance with Seven of Nine. The post Revulsion (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Be careful what you wish for! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story's themes of the power and danger of imagination and wish fulfillment; escapism vs. creativity; the significance of family on the show; and our need to critically assess the impact of fantasy. The post If Wishes Were Horses (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A world where women are dominant and men are weak. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 1st season TNG episode infamous for its cringe portrayal of a matriarchy and how it was supposed to be about the evils of apartheid. The post Angel One (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The last of the TNG films is widely marked as the weakest. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss th film's strengths and weaknesses and its themes of identity and the moral and ethical considerations of cloning and artificial sentience and more. The post Star Trek: Nemesis appeared first on StarQuest Media.

T'Pol's hero isn't what she seems. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story's themes of trust, earned, broken, and granted; the clash of human and Vulcan values; and the glimpse of future human-Vulcan friendship. The post Fallen Hero (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A-koo-chee-moya! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Chakotay story featuring guest star Aron Eisenberg, including themes of fatherhood and cultural identity, as well as the missed narrative opportunities while praising the twist ending. The post Initiations (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Up periscope! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of the USS Defiant in a submarine-like battle. They discuss Kyra's faith, Quark's business acumen, and Worf's leadership style as the crew fights to survive the Jem-Hadar and the environment. The post Starship Down (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Poor Geordi. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this TNG story that combines a ticking clock story with Geordi's awkward romantic track record and a strange holodeck encounter, plus discussion of AI in Trek and Picard's leadership. The post Booby Trap (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

To celebrate their 300th episode, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha give their lists of the best episodes in each of the Star Trek series, from The Original Series to Strange New Worlds. The ones they agree on are predictable, but where do they disagree? The post The Best Star Trek Episodes Ever appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Mudd's back. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the animated return of con man Harry Mudd, including the eyebrow-raising content for a kid's cartoon, the ethical problems of love potions and their portrayal in popular media, and why Rainn Wilson's Mudd may have been the best. The post Mudd’s Passion (TAS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Death by computer. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story's moral implications and real-world parallels with themes of war's human cost, technology's role in conflict, and ethical leadership. Plus Kirk killing another megalomaniacal computer. The post A Taste of Armageddon (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Psychic goo alien! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Enterprise's encounter with an unusual lifeform where they have to discern motive and morality and debate the ethics of extreme measures to save their crew. The post Vox Sola (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Nullified! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Chakotay story in all its weird alien word choice, its "don't judge a book by its cover" morale, and the themes of courage, indoctrination, and cross-cultural understanding. The post Nemesis (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Eminent domain! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss DS9's "Progress," including themes of societal good vs. individual rights; the limits of governmental authority, and Kira's transition from rebel to government official and her ethical and moral dilemmas. The post Progress (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It was a dimly-lit, smoke-filled backroom where Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha crack open the case of "The Big Goodbye." In a tale as old as the stars, it's a classic yarn of crew trapped in a haywire holodeck with a twist right out of a 1940s pulp detective novel. The post The Big Goodbye (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Twenty-five years after its release, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the highs and lows of this TNG movie, the ethical quandaries of forced relocation, and the allure of the fountain of youth, plus the humor and usual plot holes. The post Star Trek: Insurrection appeared first on StarQuest Media.

StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give The post A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Are you of the Body? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of a computer-controlled society suppressing free will and individuality for peace and tranquility, including the religious allegory, the comparison to the Borg, and how the allure of a simpler life could lead to a loss of liberty. The post The Return of the Archons (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Al! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the stunt casting of Dean Stockwell as a guest on this episode; the story's analogy to WW2 internment camps for Japanese-Americans; and challenging our stereotypes of others. The post Detained (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Meet your heroes! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that has Janeway meet her hero, Amelia Earhart, and other alien abductees. They also look at the show's aim to show the lost crew settling in together in the Delta quadrant. The post The 37’s (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Dax's past shows up. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this story of Trill taboos; the plot's predictability and manufactured controversy; the portrayal of Sisko as a good friend; and how the end mirrors the end of Casablanca. The post Rejoined (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Season finale! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this fun season ender that brings some great cameos, pays homage to the best Star Trek movie, and leaves us with a character cliffhanger. They also give their season 4 assessment. The post Old Friends, New Planets (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What's going on with Mariner? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the self-destructiveness of Beckett and her surprising admission involving a TNG character, plus the return of another obscure TNG character. The post The Inner Fight (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Ever notice how many Star Trek episodes involve caves? So did the Lower Decks writers. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this not-a-clip show that pays homages and pokes fun at all those very similar-looking, flat-floored, prone-to-collapse caves in Trek. The post Caves (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Badgey returns! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of these three homocidal megalomaniacal AIs from previous stories and their redemption arcs through love and friendship. The post A Few Badgeys More (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Rom and Leeta! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that brings Lower Decks to Ferenginar; brings back our favorite Ferengi-Bajoran couple; and makes Tendi and Rutherford confront their suppressed feelings for each other. The post Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Emotional damage! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this T'Lyn-focused episode, discussing telepathic diseases, justified Betazoid paranoia, and how hard it is to memorize the periodic table of elements. The post Empathological Fallacies (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Time for a wedding! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Orion pirate weddings,the difference between Orion and Ferengi, and the custom of bridal kidnapping and why the Church frowns on it. The post Something Borrowed, Something Green (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It's a civilization run by computer, but not in a bad way this time. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the principles of leadership, koalas in the afterlife, and the pros and cons of hazing, all as related to the latest Lower Decks episode. The post In the Cradle of Vexilon (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

We need your help to continue to produce our great Catholic shows that explore the intersection of faith and modern culture and look at the world from a uniquely Catholic perspective. The post A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Promotion repercussions! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this Lower Decks story where Mariner confronts a cute, but terrifying alien; Rutherford tries to get the promotion he deserves; Boimler looks for the right room, and Ensign Gary needs new pants. The post I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Season 4 of Lower Decks opens with a love letter to Voyager. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story that includes many, many deep cuts from Voyager, introduces a new season arc villain, and totally calls out Janeway as a murderer! The post Twovix (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tragedy, loss, and alien trickery. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this TNG story of loss and grief and what makes us human in dealing with the death of a loved one. The post The Bonding (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Back to the Shore Leave planet. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss another Skynet-like computer gone rogue, sparking a man v. machine crisis, exploring themes of consciousness and Uhura's agency. The post Once Upon A Planet (TAS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Should the needs of one man outweigh the destiny of the future? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first Trek time travel story, which confronts Kirk and crew with the dilemma of saving their future while navigating some funny Sixties military follies. The post Tomorrow Is Yesterday (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Gorn are back! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Strange New Worlds season finale cliffhanger, including parallels to the movie Alien; Pike as heroic leader; and the introduction of a familiar character; as well as an assessment of the whole season. The post Hegemony (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Why are they singing? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the musical episode of Strange New Worlds, which has divided fandom; whether the show should have gone even more into the device; and why the Klingons were the best part. The post Subspace Rhapsody (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story focusing on war, forgiveness, and redemption, and they delve into the Christian view on forgiveness, mercy, and justice. They also discuss trauma in war and PTSD, how this story draws on past Trek episodes (and M*A*S*H!), but also breaks new ground for Trek for its raw portrayal of the effects of war. The post Under the Cloak of War (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Crossover! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Lower Decks-Strange New Worlds crossover, how well it was executed, the surprising differences between the same characters in animation and live action, and the SNW crew getting to play comedy. Riker! The post Those Old Scientists (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Spooky! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story in which Uhura is hearing voices, including what they think of Paul Wesley's Kirk so far, the rising stature of Uhura in the show, and the first meeting of Spock, Kirk, and Uhura. The post Lost in Translation (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.