Secrets of Star Trek

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.

More Vulcan hijinks! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss another SNW story that Spock, T'Pring, and a weird biological swap, including problematic Vulcan speciesism, bureaucratic non-corporeal entities, and mutual self-sacrifice between Spock and Chapel. The post Charades (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Amnesia strikes the Enterprise crew. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss memory loss and the pain of remembered grief; the rise of Erica Ortegas; and whether a ship captain is allowed a personal life. The post Among the Lotus Eaters (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Another Kirk. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this time travel story that sees a younger Kirk from an alternate timeline team up with La'an and struggle with the question of which timeline should remain. The post Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Court martial! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discus the trial of Number One and the issues raised about historical injustice, respect for cultures, and persecution, plus favorite call backs to other series and previous SNW episodes. The post Ad Astra Per Aspera (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The second season of Strange New Worlds comes roaring out of the gate! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first episode, including the evolution of Spock, the M'Benga revelations, and the new chief engineer, Pellia. Plus a tribute to Nichelle Nichols. The post The Broken Circle (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Ghosts or something else? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this Enterprise story that finds Trip flirting with aliens again; learn that Vulcans don't get the creeps; and talk about the superiority of reality to comforting illusion. The post Oasis (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Maquis and Starfleet clash! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Voyager episode that explores the nature of leadership, loyalty, and duty in an idealistic profession for those who never sought it out. The post Learning Curve (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Who lives? Who dies? O'Brien tells your story! Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Jimmy Akin discuss this story inspired by "The Man Who Would Be King" and whose theme is that sometimes we create our own monsters to defeat them to find security. The post The Storyteller (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Love and Duty! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the TNG episode "Haven" and its themes of duty, love, compassion, destiny, and cultural differences, while not missing the Trek debut of Lwaxana Troi and the comedic chaos she brings. The post Haven (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Before Picard Season 3, there was First Contact and the Borg Queen. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the film's "never meet your heroes" theme; Picard's ongoing trauma; and what makes this movie one of the most popular Trek films. The post Star Trek: First Contact appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Jekyll and Hyde? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Original Series story featuring Lazarus, a man obsessed with his alternate reality self who will go to any length to destroy him, and his doppelgänger who is willing to sacrifice his life for the universe. The post The Alternative Factor (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

They didn't discuss Discovery, season 4, as it aired, but due to popular demand, Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha give a round-up of the latest season, the good and the bad, and explain why they treat this series differently. The post Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Star Trek Picard and the TNG era have come to a close. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the series finale, whether it stuck the landing, the theme of fatherhood and vocation, and where Star Trek goes from here. The post The Last Generation (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The D is back! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate episode of Star Trek Picard, including the implications of Puer Dei and Vox; the return of a familiar ship, and the disappointing departure of a particular character. The post Vox (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What is necessary in healing from grief? Dom Bettinellli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard episode, including grief and healing; how love is at the core of identity; and the everchanging theories for what's really going on. Plus what's next for Star Trek? The post Surrender (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Big revelations and cameos! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what more we've learned about the story so far, including morally questionable and objectionable actions, plus another high-profile cameo in this week's Picard. The post Dominion (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The gang is all here. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha note that the whole TNG crew is now assembled in Picard and then geek over the ships and discuss all the Easter eggs and fan service as the show prepares for the final stretch. The post The Bounty (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The surprise return of a TNG character gives Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha lots to discuss, plus the evolution of Changelings, Vulcan criminals, and how adherence to duty is not a substitute for morality. The post Imposters (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Riker is going through an existential crisis. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Riker's despair, the afterlife, and how Picard and Shaw man up, put aside their differences, and get to work. Is this one of the best Star Trek episodes ever? The post No Win Scenario (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The longest 17 seconds of your life! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Picard, including themes of fatherhood and family; good cop/bad cop Worf; and the return of an old foe in a new form. The post Seventeen Seconds (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Is it just a reboot of Wrath of Khan? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the second episode of Picard, season 3, including the similarities to a certain movie, scene-chewing villains, and the bigger than life return of another TNG favorite. The post Disengage (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Season 3 of Picard is here and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what's good and maybe not as good, including what makes this season different from the first two so far and what they expect from the rest of the season. The post The Next Generation (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Moriarty is another familiar face in Picard, Season 2, so Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha revisit his last episode on TNG and consider the limits of AI and holograms and Sherlock Holmes' greatest foe. The post Ship In A Bottle (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Data's brother, Lore, will play a role in Picard season 3, so Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Lore's first appearance on TNG and the initial setup of his antagonism and personality. The post Datalore (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Ferengi who? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Trek veteran-laden story that sees the Ferengi show up long before Farpoint in a Die Hard-style battle of wits with the Enterprise crew. The post Acquisition (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

How do you forgive someone who has something so evil? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that sees Neelix struggle with forgiveness for someone who has done much evil to him and in general and now appears repentant. The post Jetrel (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Humanizing the monster. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this DS9 episode where Kira is confronted with a humanized view of Gul Dukat, a man who did unspeakable evil to her people and the idea of setting aside old wounds for a common good. The post Indiscretion (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Prime directive! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of the advanced alien species being mistaken for gods. What are the ethics of the Prime Directive? Does Picard go too far in what he says about religious belief? The post Who Watches the Watchers (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Prodigy season 1 has ended and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the season finale, where the next season might go, and their thoughts on Prodigy as a whole. The post Supernova, Part 2 (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

With the penultimate episode of Prodigy's first season, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story's willingness to leave no easy way out for the heroes and appreciate the deep cuts from Trek lore. The post Supernova, Part 1 (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Freaky Friday! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this story which features the classic body swap trope and Kate Mulgrew's performance in essentially three roles in this story, plus how the writers have dealt with the twisted plot threads. The post Mindwalk (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What could have been a Star Trek trope becomes a compelling twist. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this holodeck episode that undermines our expectations and presents a conundrum for the crew, another layer of betrayal. Who can they trust? The post Ghost in the Machine (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Revealed! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, which provides new backstories for Rok-Tahk, Zero, Jankom Pog, and the Diviner's race, plus what happened to Capt. Chakotay. The post Preludes (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Dom Bettinelli, CEO of StarQuest, has a special Advent and Christmas greetings for all listeners and an important message about the mission of StarQuest. The post Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Be yourself. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, including its message of self-care and being happy with you are created to be, plus the surprise reveals about several characters and Okona's outrageous behavior. The post Masquerade (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.