Secrets of Star Trek

Overrun with duplicates! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss another very funny episode of Lower Decks that avoided prurient content while exploring another Star Trek trope involving various kinds of duplicates and doubles. Plus discussion of the latest news on upcoming Star Trek series premieres and new seasons. The post An Embarrassment of Dooplers (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Mugato on the loose! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss a Lower Decks episode that features one of the better Original Series monsters, the Mugato, and an ongoing joke based on TOS actors unable to pronounce its name. The post Mugato, Gumato (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tom Paris on the Cerritos! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss Boimler's fanboying on VOY; Mariner and Tendi learning to be friends; Rutherford finding out how Shax isn't dead; and why cats love boxes. Plus Tom Paris commemorative plates. The post We’ll Always Have Tom Paris (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A Trek episode, laughingly discussed. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the latest episode of Lower Decks that is chock full of both Easter eggs and literary allusions (but not really metaphors, Jimmy argues). The post Kayshon, His Eyes Open (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Lower Decks is back for Season 2! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the new episode of what may be the best new Trek series; including connections to the second pilot of TOS; Cardassian torture Easter eggs; and what Boimler is up to these days. The post Strange Energies (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The ultimate bottle episode. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this lifeboat story of Enterprise that fleshes out the Malcom Reed character, but has more plot holes than a shuttlepod riddled by micro-black stars. The post Shuttlepod One (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Kes's departure from Voyager was forced by the arrival of 7 of 9. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how she was written out of the show, compare her transformation to religious ecstasy, and the ethics of Janeway forcing 7 of 9 to leave the Borg Collective. The post The Gift (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

When Odo's strict code of justice conflicts with a growing sense of compassion and mercy, his character has a moment of growth. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this episode provides a major leap forward for the changeling character. The post Vortex (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Ferengi are back! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that establishes Capt. Picard's backstory involving the Stargazer; claims headaches don't exist in the future; and sets up the Picard Manuever as the indefensible stratagem. The post The Battle (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In the second part of their discussion of this movie, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli continue to talk about the Cold War themes, the responsibility of a starship captain, and putting aside personal grudges and loyalties for the sake of duty and doing what's right. The post Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (Part II) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Is Star Trek VI the best Star Trek movie? In Part I of their discussion, Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss whether the last of the films featuring the whole Original Series cast is the best one of all; its end of the Cold War glasnost vibe; and how it almost didn't get made. The post Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (Part I) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Menagerie was the only two-parter in TOS. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the frame narrative of Spock's betrayal of Kirk out of loyalty to Pike that surrounds the original pilot The Cage (which they discussed wat back in episode 20). The post The Menagerie, Parts 1 and 2 (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The drama of Discovery's first season reaches its penultimate moment. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the attempt to show the Federation's goodness in contrast to the Empire's evil as well as the first hints that Emperor Georgiou is more than just an evil warlord. The post What’s Past is Prologue (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It's Vulcans vs. Andorians and humans are caught in the middle again. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this Cold War-style hostage crisis, the problematic sexualization of T'Pol, and Archer's questionable lies to solve his problem. The post Shadows of P’Jem (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Chakotay's spirit floats around Voyager, trying to warn the crew! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the plot holes, but also the spiritual ramifications of disembodied floating spirits, of prayer as medicine, and Native American spirituality in the show. The post Cathexis (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A father sees his son give his whole life up to save his. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this DS9 story that explores the love of father and son and son for father and the limits of what Jake will do to save Ben Sisko, including killing himself. The post The Visitor (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Data in command. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode where Data has to take command all by himself to deal with life and death situation and learn what leadership is. The post The Ensigns of Command (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A missing philanthropist is found by the Enterprise, but how are the Romulans involved? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this story that at the time could only have been realized in animation, plus the amazing voice work of guest star Ted Knight. The post The Survivor (TAS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Kirk on trial! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this episode, which has Kirk being tried for causing the death of a member of his crew, an old classmate who resented him. They discuss the depiction of justice in the future, but also the mistrust of technology in the Sixties. The post Court Martial (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In this first season episode, we get our first glimpse of Emperor Georgiou. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how this character changed the show, the shocking evil of the Terran Empire, and the big reveal about Lorca. The post Vaulting Ambition (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Enterprise comes across a ship of Klingons in distress and come to their aid. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the rendering of aid to ungrateful recipients and Archer's education in Klingon diplomacy. Plus, a bonus discussion of the latest Star Trek TV & movie news. The post Sleeping Dogs (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The premiere of Voyager's season 4 saw the introduction of Seven of Nine to the cast. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss why the change happened, whether it was good for the show, and how she changed its trajectory. The post Scorpion, Part II (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The introduction of the Nagus changed Ferengi and Quark on DS9 from that point. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Wallace Shawn's great portrayal, how the story expanded and rehabbed the Ferengi, and the Godfather homage scene. The post The Nagus (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Is a justice system where death is the punishment for every crime really just? Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss this TNG story that is supposed to evoke Eden with a vengeful god/alien and (not-so-)innocents. The post Justice (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Some say the best Star Trek movie made was Galaxy Quest. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this thinly-veiled comedic homage to Trek and how it presaged the rise of fandom and the triumph of the geeks in pop culture. The post Galaxy Quest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Spock in command. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about Spock's near-disastrous first command, the unreasonable insubordination of his crew, and the very cool practical effects used to create the tension in the story. The post The Galileo Seven (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Ash Tyler's true nature is revealed! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this first season mirror universe story in which Burnham confronts the truth about Tyler; Tilly overreaches; and the Emperor appears. Plus what knowing what's coming changes how they see this one. The post The Wolf Inside (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Dr. Phlox gets his own episode. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the focus on Phlox, the emphasis on his alienness, the morality and timeliness of the pandemic/vaccine story, and the giant mistake in how the story's ending was written. The post Dear Doctor (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The season 3 finale introduced Species 8472. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the paradigm shift in Voyager at the end of the 3rd season; Janeway's introduction to holo da Vinci; and the Borg becoming a much bigger part of the show. The post Scorpion (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

With the 4th season of DS9, the writers decided to shake things up with the addition of Worf and a return to the Klingons as villains. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the changes and how this began the series' best run of episodes. The post The Way of the Warrior (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A Wesley science experiment goes wrong and not only threatens a vital scientific endeavor and everyone on the Enterprise, but creates new life. Oh, Wesley. Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss how Wesley gets away with it with no repercussions, plus the return of Bev Crusher. The post Evolution (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Shakespeare on the Enterprise. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this Original Series episode that has Kirk confronting a Shakespearean actor who may or may not be a mass murderer from Kirk's past and discuss the ethics of both men's actions. The post The Conscience of the King (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The second half of the 1st season of Discovery took us to a new universe. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this as the moment when the show really started to get its legs under it and why that is. Plus the mystery of Ash Tyler and the reveal of Captain Killy. The post Despite Yourself (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What happens when you meet a truly alien species? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Enterprise episode focused on Malcom Reed that also explores how humans are truly pioneering into dangerous, unknown territory. Should they be more defensive in first contacts? The post Silent Enemy (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Beowulf in space! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Voyager story that takes the Doctor onto the holodeck to become a Viking hero of the sagas and how this episode was the first to expand the character from a blank slate to a person with possibilities. The post Heroes & Demons (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Discovery's 3rd season comes to an end and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory dig into the wrap up of the plot, that the season's quality went up as it ended, and look at where the show is going in seasons 4 and beyond. The post That Hope Is You, Part 2 (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Discovery's 3rd season reaches a dramatic climax in what Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory agree is the best episode of the season. With lots of action tempered by character development moments and a tense negotiation and turn by the antagonist, the stage is set for the finale. The post There Is A Tide… (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Discovery gets close to the origin of The Burn. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how much this season and this episode depend on discussion of emotion and how the whole season arc may boil down to someone's fear causing tragedy. The post Su’Kal (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Mirror, mirror! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 2nd part of the two-parter, which asks whether it's possible to be a kinder, gentler tyrant and if it's more important to change oneself or to change the world. Plus the big reveal of a Trek favorite. The post Terra Firma, Part II (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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Who is the mysterious doorkeeper? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the strange entity who appears, the way the Mirror Universe changes the way the show plays out, and how Mirror Burnham is a much more interesting character. The post Terra Firma, Part I (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Discovery faces down the Emerald Chain. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the latest Discovery episode, including the show's tendency to focus on emotionalism, the interesting side characters we encounter, blowing things up as therapy, and what is going on with Georgiou. The post The Sanctuary (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Burnham must live up to the legacy of her brother Spock. Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss the episode's resolution of Burnham's sense she doesn't belong any more, their pleasure at seeing Vulcans again,and the show's burgeoning Mary Sue problem. The post Unification III (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Burnham and Georgiou go rogue to save book. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the latest episode of Discovery as the crew and ship adapt to the 32nd century and begin to unravel the mystery of the Burn while keeping the trust of future Starfleet. The post Scavengers (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Discovery crew needs to prove themselves to future Starfleet. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the attempt to provide perspective to a galaxy that's moved on; the subtle machinations involving Georgiou, and the hidden tribute to Trek actor Aron Eisenberg. The post Die Trying (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Everybody is stressed in the latest episode of Discovery! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the stressed out state of the Discovery crew; the rogue AI that no one seems concerned about; Adira, the impossible girl; and a return to Trill. The post Forget Me Not (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Discovery returns to find a very different Earth than it left. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the distinct changes in Burnham's character, the tropes that crop up in this story, and the introduction of a new member to the crew. The post People of Earth (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In the second episode of the new season, Discovery shows up. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about macguffins and contrived constraints, as well as a clear homage to the spaghetti Westerns of old and a much more assertive Saru. The post Far From Home (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Discovery season 3 starts with a bang and 1,000 years later. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how Burnham has become more likable, and how the fall of the Federation as a plot point creates interesting storytelling opportunities for Star Trek. The post That Hope Is You, Part 1 (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The first season of the animated Trek series "Lower Decks" is complete; Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory have discussed each episode; and they've compiled that discussion into one Secrets of Star Trek. Find out why they think this may be the best first season of any Trek series and why they're looking forward to season 2. The post Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 1 appeared first on StarQuest Media.