Secrets of Star Trek

The Gorn! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the Original Series episode that introduced the Gorn, including Kirk's nearly fatal assumptions and whether you really could build a cannon from the materials he found. The post Arena (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Hunting bad! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Enterprise episode, including the morality and ethics of hunting, including semi-sentient creatures, and the science of rogue planets. The post Rogue Planet (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Klingon culture! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode that not only gives us more Klingon background, but also explores the mercurial B'Elanna Torres and her budding relationship with Tom Paris, as well as the ways 7 of 9 disrupts the ship's routine. The post Day of Honor (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Bye Opaka. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this DS9 story highlighting the good Kai and her role as a peacemaker; the recurring Trek trope of wars that never end; and the morality of causing people's deaths to end their suffering. The post Battle Lines (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Ultimate power! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this Q story in which the powerful being plays with the Enterprise crew and lets Riker experience what it's like to have ultimate power. The results are somewhat cringey. The post Hide and Q (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Crossover! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Strange New Worlds season finale that essentially remakes one of the best Original Series episodes and features some of our favorite characters, plus they discuss their take on the season as a whole. The post A Quality of Mercy (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Star Trek does Alien and Predator! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that looks very familiar to scifi fans, and includes characters confronting their internal conflicts and a major sacrifice among the crew. The post All Those Who Wander (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

the cowardly captain! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode that focuses on Dr. M'Benga and his daughter; about rewriting your ending; and how to let go of a loved one for their own good. The post The Elysian Kingdom (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Spock confronts his identity and Pike confronts a pirate. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the show's attempt a cultural issue discussion in the midst of a pirate attack and also mention the re-introduction of controversial character from the movies. The post The Serene Squall (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What if a civilization would thrive for as long as one person had to suffer on their behalf. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that includes moral absolutes and a challenge to Pike's conscience. The post Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Freaky Friday, Star Trek-style! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Spock's body swap with his fiancée in which hijinks ensue; plus Enterprise bingo and other fun comedy bits. The post Spock Amok (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Dive, dive, dive! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this submarine battle episode that explore more of La'an's background, brings back the Gorn, and shows all the ways that broken Starfleet tech can contribute to a plot. The post Memento Mori (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A loose virus is followed by a lockdown on Enterprise. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the clever plot device of a virus that spreads by light, the character revelations, especially about Una, and what we learn about M'Benga. The post Ghosts of Illyria (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Introducing Uhura. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the re-introduction of our favorite communications officer; the use of faith in the story; Pike's foreknowledge of his fate; and Sam Kirk's mustache. The post Children of the Comet (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Pike's Enterprise is here! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the series premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds; its discussion of suffering and how we live our lives with and despite it; and whether this may be the best first episode of a Trek series. The post Strange New Worlds (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Season 2 of Picard wraps up and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the episode and season, including a resolution in the Picard-Q relationship; the value of self-forgiveness; and where Picard--the character and the series--will go from here. The post Farewell (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What do the Borg really want? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate episode of Picard season 2, which contains a lot of action, but also dives into the motivations of the Borg Queen who searches for connection and deals with mental illness and Picard's childhood trauma. The post Hide and Seek (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

X-Files meets Star Trek. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Picard's encounter with an FBI agent obsessed with aliens; Q's revelation that even he is not immune to death and what that means for him; and the Borg Queen plan to ruin the future. The post Mercy (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Dive into Picard's mind. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the ongoing exploration of Picard and his psychological basis; talk about the redemptive suffering we see; and applaud the excellent casting of James Callis. The post Monsters (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Is it a filler episode? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this unusually short episode which offers just a few plot advances; then discuss anxiety disorders, Agnes and the Borg Queen, and the possible fates of several main characters. The post Two of One (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

To the moon, Renee! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard, including an ancestor that must fly, another editing genes, more threads that will need future episodes to be tied, indications of a Queen, and a special voicemail from the Continuum. The post Fly Me To The Moon (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

To celebrate their 200th episode on April Fools Day, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha give their list of the worst Star Trek episodes in all the classic series. With over 800 total Trek episodes there are bound to be stinkers and we've found them. The post The Worst Trek Episodes Ever appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Who is the Watcher? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard episode, including their very favorite scene on a bus; the "new" Guinan; and how the Watcher may be a callback to a TOS episode. The post The Watcher (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Resistance is futile. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Picard where the crew ends up in 2024, having to navigate the backward and violent society they encounter, while also contending with a revitalized Borg Queen intent on assimilating them all. The post Assimilation (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Timelines! Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Star Trek: Picard, in which Q has called Picard to do penance for some sin and then shows him an alternate timeline of a fascist imperial Earth. Is this just a re-tread of all the past Mirror Universe Trek or is there something new here? The post Penance (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 2nd season of Picard is here! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha dive into the new story involving Picard, time travel, and the powerful being Q; discuss revelations about Picard's past; and consider the Borg and assimilation and forgiveness. The post The Star Gazer (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The torch is passed. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the movie that moved from the TOS generation to TNG and saw the final appearance of James T. Kirk. Does the film live up to its significance? And how well did TNG initially translate to the big screen? The post Star Trek: Generations appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Was the Squire of Gothos the prototype for Q? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the quixotic creature Trelane and how the episode plays with expectations by making the near-omnipotent being an alien child in the end. The post The Squire of Gothos (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The first season of Discovery is complete and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what worked and didn't work in the show's premiere season; the difficult moral choice presented in the conclusion; and seeing your enemy not as monsters, but as people. The post Will You Take My Hand? (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

With the mid-season finale of Star Trek: Prodigy's first season, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the answers received to the show's questions, what questions remain, and the surprising depth for a show aimed at children. The post A Moral Star, Part 2 (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As Prodigy approaches its first season midpoint, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how the Prodigy crew has matured during its time together; appreciate the caper plot that is set up for resolution next time; and look at the mystery of The Diviner and his quest. The post A Moral Star, Part 1 (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Time bubbles! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this latest episode of Prodigy, including the common Trek plot of time looping; the lesson about working together as a crew; and a major development for one character. Plus the chicken, fox, and grain logic problem. The post Time Amok (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Protostar crew meets a Ferengi. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the crew's introduction to transporters, Ferengi, and first contact situations; the morality of the Prime Directive; and the most important lesson being the true friends they made along the way. The post First Con-tact (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Prodigy is back and so are some of our Star Trek favorites. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the midseason premiere that sees Dal confront the no-win scenario and meet up with some giants of Star Trek history, noting the show's attempt to introduce it's young audience to its lore. The post Kobayashi (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Unusual Vulcans! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how this episode plays with our expectations and sympathies; reveals more about Vulcan culture and society; and develops the character of T'Pol in how she relates to her own people and to humans. The post Fusion (ENT) – The Secrets of Star Trek appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Evil twins and body horror. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this Voyager story in which B'Elanna gets split in human and Klingon individuals; an alien steals a crewman's face; and they wonder why Starfleet has such dumb flashlights. The post Faces (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Bashir and O'Brien run into the Jem'Hadar. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how Bashir's oath as a doctor to help those in need comes in conflict with his oath as a Starfleet officer not to help the enemy, as well as the strain in friendship this causes. The post Hippocratic Oath (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

An elderly couple survives an apocalyptic disaster, and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this unexpectedly philosophical story that raises questions of pacifism, guilt, forgiveness, and redemption, along with the limits of power. The post The Survivors (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

When Spock was big. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this original animated story, which has echoes of story elements that would show up in later series and stories. Plus Lower Decks called back to this with an Easter egg in the latest season. The post The Infinite Vulcan (TAS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It's another telepathic planet that shows you what you desire, even if it's dangerous. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this story shows a chivalrous McCoy, a regretful Kirk, and a stereotypical combative Irish named Finnegan. The post Shore Leave (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

For the mid-season finale of Prodigy, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the scifi trope of the sentient planet, ignoring transporters for plot purposes, and the lack of good male role models compared to female role models. The post Terror Firma (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Look out for each other. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, the moral of the story of working together, whether Holo-Janeway is really fooled by the Protostar crew, and if they really are stranded. The post Dreamcatcher (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Holo-Janeway and the kids start the long road of building trust. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how they (and the audience) continue to get to know the crew, the ship, and the Star Trek universe as Prodigy continues its work as an intro for a new generation of Trekkies. The post Starstruck (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It's the start of another new Star Trek series and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory are ready to discuss it. Prodigy is another animated series that is the most Star Wars-like Trek show ever, but it's not a bad thing. It's also not just a show for kids, but for all Trekkers. The post Lost and Found (PRO) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

For the penultimate episode of DIS season 1, Dom and Fr. Cory discuss the return from the Mirror Universe; the war without (the Klingon War), and the war within between Tyler and Voq, plus the implausibility of the final stratagem. The post The War Without, The War Within (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The second season finale of Lower Decks promises to shake up the show. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the twist and misdirection, plus all the usual Trek lore Easter eggs, including the return of one clumsy TNG ensign. The post First First Contact (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What do the Lower Decks look like outside Starfleet? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss wej Duj ("Three Ships"), which shows us the junior crew on Klingon, Vulcan, Pakled, and Borg ships; gives us more insight on the Pakled war; and keeps the laughs coming. The post wej Duj (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Lower Deckers get put through the ringer in simulations of classic missions. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss all the classic stories that get referenced and then talk about the jokes that are built on more prurient matters. The post I, Excretus (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Evil AI and Ren faire planets! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the Lwaxana Troi analog, Jeffrey Combs as AGIMUS, the fun concept of a Ren faire-based culture, and the curious continued inclusion of less-than-family friendly bits. The post Where Pleasant Fountains Lie (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Pakleds! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the latest Lower Decks encounter with the Pakleds, including a not-too-bright spy; the dangers of anomaly consolidation duty; and Boimler's attempt to join the cool-kids' table who turn out to be the school bullies. The post A Spy Humongous (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.