The TrekMovie.com Star Trek Podcast Network

Tony and Laurie cover the latest news: Colm Meaney’s newest comments on returning to Star Trek, Jackie Cox as Number One and her interview with Anthony Rapp, Hanelle Culpepper’s NAACP Image Award win, Lower Decks on Blu-ray, and all the celebrations around William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy’s birthdays. Then they bring in producer and co-director David Zappone to talk about his new documentary To The Journey: Looking Back at Star Trek: Voyager. He fills them in on who he’ll be interviewing next, secret stretch goals, what’s already been filmed, and what’s on the to-do list. The podcasters wrap up with a look at old-school Star Trek audiobooks (narrated by stars like James Doohan, George Takei, and Jonathan Frakes) and dueling John Billingsley podcasts.

Wish the legendary Bill Shatner a happy birthday with this podcast celebrating the legend! To honor the 90th birthday of our dear Captain Kirk – today, March 22! – Brian, Jared, and Laurie share their favorite  William Shatner moments, whether he’s out there hopping galaxies or pushing Priceline.com.

Tony and Laurie start with the latest news: The Voyager Doc is going HD, Grudge is getting her own book, and Star Trek is coming to WonderCon@Home. There is also a bit more from our recent interview with Nicholas Meyer. The podcasters then turn to the main topic which was the big Star Trek: Strange New Worlds announcement, with the official start of production and introduction to five new members of the regular cast. They discuss each new actor as well as speculate as to what roles they could be playing.

Tony and Laurie start with the latest news: the new Star Trek documentary miniseries coming to the History Channel, Kate Mulgrew talks Star Trek: Prodigy, Colm Meaney on if he would play O’Brien again, Michal Chabon’s deep dive into Romulan culture, the final award season nominations for Star Trek Universe shows, and the latest on the Voyager documentary. Then the devote the rest of the podcast to Tony’s new interview with writer/director/producer Nicholas Meyer, playing excerpts from it and discussing Meyer’s revelation that he pitched a new Trek movie to Paramount, the status of his Khan mini-series, and tales from his work on Star Trek II, IV, and VI.

Tony and Laurie start off with breaking news about Kalinda Vazquez being hired to write a new Star Trek movie—which happened AFTER the podcast was done, so they jumped back on the mics to add it. They also cover the latest on the Voyager documentary, Robert Duncan McNeill’s lobby for a Captain Proton show, the upcoming Lower Decks Blu-ray/DVD set, Jonathan Frakes’ latest hint-not-a-hint about Star Trek: Picard, and the not-so-new-looking launch of Paramount+. Then they dive into today’s main topic: the state of Star Trek movies, looking at the big options that had all been on the table last year, and what might come next. They wrap up with a look at Star Trek stars speaking out about the current rise in violence against Asian-Americans, and a walk through Jonathan Frakes’ early acting career in the 1970s.

Tony and Laurie discuss the latest in Star Trek books, Brent Spiner’s prediction for a recast Star Trek: The Next Generation movie, and what inspires the showrunners of the Section 31 show in development. Then they jump into the main topic: the impending launch of Paramount+ and what it means for the Star Trek Universe.  

In honor of half-price boxes of chocolate after Valentines Day, Kayla, Jared, and Matt join together to discuss Trek romances, couplings, unrequited loves, bromances, and a little bit of fanon ‘shipping.

Tony and Laurie give the latest updates on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Picard season 2 going into production and talk about the return of Billy Campbell to the Trek franchise as the unnecessarily outrageous Okona. They also play an excerpt from Tony’s new interview with Ron Moore about the challenges of making Star Trek movies. After the news, they dive into the week’s main topic: Star Trek: Picard. They cover what worked and what didn’t about season 1 plus everything known so far about season 2, along with some of their hopes for the show’s future. Links to topics discussed in the pod: Billy Campbell Talks Reprising (And Redeeming) His “Okona” Character On ‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards nomination for Star Trek: Picard Interview: Ron Moore On How ‘For All Mankind’ Is Building The Road To Star Trek Interview: Ron Moore On Why Star Trek Is An Uncomfortable Fit For The Big Screen Production On ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Appears To Be Imminent Production Has Begun On ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Season 2 Other mentions: US Naval Academy Professor Argues For Single Ship Design Seen In ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Battle Of Coppelius Book Review: ‘Star Trek: Picard – The Last Best Hope’ By Una McCormack All Access Star Trek Explores The New Extended Literary Universe With Author James Swallow Trekbits:  Tony: Engage! A brief history of ‘TNG’ memes Laurie: Star Trek Beyond Pitch Meeting

Tony and Laurie look at the latest Star Trek news: more Paramount+ Trek-themed promos, quotes from Discovery showrunners on how they plan to tie into the Short Treks episode “Calypso,” a new book on the way about Michael Burnham’s gap year in season 3, and the death of legendary actor Christopher Plummer, who played General Chang in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. After the news, they talk to Star Trek: Discovery’s Mary Chieffo about reprising L’Rell for Star Trek Online, her time on Discovery, and her thoughts on L’Rell’s future in the franchise as well as her appreciation for the Klingon characters who came before her. 

Jared and John are joined by TrekMovie founder Anthony Pascale to take a deep dive into Section 31, discussing how the inclusion of Starfleet’s enigmatic clandestine organization has worked over the years. The Shuttle Pod team examines the organization’s Star Trek history—from its first appearances in Deep Space Nine to popping up in season four of Enterprise and being the real bad guy in Star Trek: Into Darkness, and its prominent role in season two of Discovery. With Section 31 possibly being central to a potential upcoming Michelle Yeoh-led Star Trek spinoff series, we discuss whether this story device works best as a super-secret covert action organization (as seen on DS9 and Enterprise), or as a more militaristic branch of Starfleet (as seen on Discovery and Into Darkness).

Tony and Laurie give a production update on season two of Star Trek: Picard, discuss why Jeri Ryan prefers playing Seven on the new show, ponder Alex Kurtzman’s latest cryptic hints about Discovery season 4, catch up on how the new shows are doing this award season, and take a look at the growing Paramount+ promotional campaign. After the news of the week, they talk to author James Swallow about the extended universe of Star Trek books and comics, how they tie into current Star Trek shows, and his latest tie-in novel, Star Trek: Picard: The Dark Veil.      

Tony and Laurie discuss the latest news on Star Trek: Discovery season 4, the GLAAD Media Awards, Trek stars getting their Covid vaccines, Michael Dorn’s pitch for his Captain Worf series, and the new promo video for Paramount +. Then they take a deep dive into the upcoming series Strange New Worlds, summarizing everything that’s already known about the show, and sharing their hopes for what it will—and won’t—include.

Tony and Laurie chat with Star Trek science consultant and biology professor Mohamed Noor and Discovery actress Jayne Brook (Admiral Cornwell) about their new web series, BioTrekkie with the Admiral, talking about The Burn, Cornwell’s death scene in season 2, tranceworms, and technobabble, among other topics. Before the interview we do the usual news of the week roundup, including playing part of Tony’s interview with Michael Dorn about Star Trek: Picard and cover the latest on Lower Decks, Star Trek: Discovery season 4, and Paramount+. The pod then wraps things up with a Trekkified Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and a fun story about Tim Russ and Garrett Wang.

How well do you know the Shuttle Pod Crew? For that matter, how well do you know your Trekkie friends? Think you could guess their top three favorite characters in all of the Star Trek franchise? This week, Kayla, Brian, and Jared sit down to discuss their top three, but with a fun twist. They first have to try and guess each others’.

Tony and Laurie talk about Patrick Stewart and Sonequa Martin-Green at the Critics Choice Awards and cover the latest news on the upcoming seasons of both Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Discovery. They review Discovery season 3 as a whole—what they liked, what they didn’t, and what they hope to see next season—and wrap up the podcast with a Data deepfake and some very nerdy donuts. Links to topics discussed in the pod Patrick Stewart Wins Best Actor At Critics Choice Super Awards For ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Watch the Critics Choice Super Awards on the CW  Book Review: ‘Star Trek: Picard – The Dark Veil’ Delivers An Action-Mystery With Riker And Troi ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Producers And Stars On What’s Next For Captain Burnham And Season Four Listen: Saru And Michael’s Final ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Season 3 Logs Hint At What’s To Come In Season 4 Other mentions: Captain Janeway talks about the “different time” of Captain Sulu, Captain Kirk, and Dr. McCoy An Ursula K. Le Guin Short Story Inspired The Big Mystery For ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Season 3 BioTrekkie and The Admiral with Mohamed Noor & Jayne Brook: Episode 1 – Analyzing Alien Life: Biology in Star Trek Discovery Season 3 Episode 1 Trekbits:  Tony: Data Gets A Deepfake Upgrade In ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Laurie: Dave Rothstein’s Sci-Fi Minis (from Neil Shurley’s Star Trekking newsletter) Buy your own talking Captain Picard action figure

Tony and Laurie talk about Dr. Mohamed Noor and Jayne Brook’s new web series, upcoming Voyager and Nichelle Nichols documentaries, and Whoopi Goldberg’s excitement about being on Star Trek: Picard. They review the Star Trek: Discovery season 3 finale “That Hope is You, Part 2,” then wrap up with a New Year’s Eve cameo by a Star Trek phone case and a piece of Star Trek casting history that surprised them both. Links to topics discussed in the pod Whoopi Goldberg Talks About Joining ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Season 2 Patrick Stewart Invites Whoopi Goldberg To Join ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Mohamed Noor And Jayne Brook To Explore ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Science With YouTube Miniseries ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ Documentary To Start Crowdfunding Pre-Orders In March The Shuttle Pod Crew Talks Making Star Trek Documentaries With David Zappone And Joe Kornbrodt ‘Woman In Motion’ Doc About Nichelle Nichols And NASA Coming To Theaters For One-Night February Event The Ready Room Other mentions: The Trill “rejoined” the Federation Deanna Troi takes the Bridge Officer’s Test in “Thine Own Self” The gormagander Trekbits:  Tony: Kelly Osbourne with Laurie’s Juan Ortiz phone case Laurie: Rex Holman as Morgan Earp (TOS) and J’onn (Star Trek V)   For more visit TrekMovie.com

Tony and Laurie talk about the latest production updates for Star Trek: Picard season two and Star Trek: Discovery season 4 and how COVID is impacting both the development and shooting of TV shows, including Tig Notaro limiting her time on Discovery. They also discuss Michael Chabon revealing more backstory for Riker and Troi, including their son’s middle name being Worf. Then they crawl through the Jeffries tubes to review Star Trek’s latest homage to Die Hard, Discovery‘s “There Is A Tide…”

Kayla, Jared, and returning host John Duchak discuss one of their favorite episodes of Star Trek — The Next Generation’s season 4 episode “The Drumhead” — in the context of how Star Trek has done social commentary. And, importantly, Kayla invites you to join her in never again being able to unsee the fact that the interrogation chair is actually a mediocre 1990’s office chair, complete with caster wheels, arm rests, and those little levers to adjust the height. So, go ahead and sit down in an office chair while we probe into the ancestral origins of your great-great-great-granduncle to decide whether or not you are allowed to hang out with us.

Tony and Laurie hypothesize about John de Lancie’s “You are going to be seeing more of me” comment, discuss Mary Wiseman and the ridiculousness of body-shaming, and Tony asks Doug Jones directly about shipping Saru and T’Rina. Then they dig into their review of Star Trek: Discovery‘s “Su’Kal,” which they both liked a great deal.

Tony and Laurie talk about Lower Decks’ international release, Chris Pine’s interest in another Star Trek movie, Alexander Siddig’s musings on Bashir’s future, Strange New Worlds starting preproduction, and David Cronenberg in Star Trek: Discovery’s season 4. After that, they review Discovery’s “Terra Firma, Part 2,” which they don’t quite agree on.

Tony and Laurie talk through the latest news on Star Trek: Lower Decks, Paramount+, and Creation conventions, then play an excerpt of Tony’s upcoming interview with Alexander Siddig where the Deep Space Nine actor weighs in on the concept behind Section 31. Next, they review “Terra Firma, Part 1,” the latest episode of Star Trek: Discovery, talking about the crazy turn of events in the first half of this two-parter as well as what—or more specifically, who—isn’t there at all.

Tony and Laurie are joined this week by Neil, who previews the new book The Art of Star Trek: Discovery. They also talk about the status of Star Trek movies (with an update about Noah Hawley’s version) and the new Voyager documentary currently in production. Then the trio reviews “The Sanctuary,” the latest Discovery episode: Thumbs down for Osyraa, but thumbs up for the pairings of Detmer & Rhys and Culber & Georgiou.

Tony and Laurie talk about Star Trek’s nominations in the new Critics Choice Super Awards, production plans for Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, ViacomCBS’s sale of Simon & Schuster, and the late great Herb Solow. In their review of Star Trek: Discovery‘s “Unification III,” they appreciate the nods to Star Trek’s legacy and speculate about what it means to be an “acting” first officer. Tony also recommends a video that proves Burnham isn’t the only Starfleet officer who has a problem with the chain of command.

Brian and Kayla sat down with filmmakers David Zappone and Joe Kornbrodt who, through their production company 455 Films have brought eight Star Trek documentaries into the world. Zappone, who runs the company, started working with William Shatner and produced William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet in 2009. The pair worked so well together that the rest, as they say, is history. The company’s latest product is a special 4- or 5-disc set (depending on which set you buy), The Captains Collection, which Brian reviewed before our chat. We spoke with David and Joe on the new box set and much, much more including What We Left Behind, the Deep Space Nine documentary that debuted in 2018, plans for another DS9 doc that is planned, and their work on the currently in production documentary on Star Trek: Voyager. The Captain’s Collection Box Set Definitely check out Brian’s thorough review of the set, which includes: The Captains The Captains Close-up Chaos On The Bridge Get A Life! Extended interviews and William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet (5-disc Special Edition set only) You can grab the 4-disc set for $42.51 on Amazon and the 5-disc Special Edition, which retails exclusively through Shout Factory, for $74.98.

Tony and Laurie talk about Anson Mount joining METI, Simon Pegg patching things up with Quentin Tarantino, and Kovich theories. Then they get into the nitty gritty of Star Trek: Discovery’s “Scavengers,” which strikes them both as a mixed bag, and head down a few nerdy rabbit holes along the way.

Seasons 1 and 2 of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ are often lumped together. The crew discusses how season 2 is quite a different show than the first. Season 2 took risks with the introduction of Kate Pulaski, and because they were still finding their footing the writers gave us a variety of styles of stories. Season 2 also introduced many mainstays for the series, including: Guinan, the weekly poker game, The Borg, Riker’s beard, plus Worf and Geordi get their key positions in the senior staff.

Tony and Laurie give updates on The Orville going back into production, Brent Spiner’s strange and hilarious short film, ViacomCBS’ faith in Star Trek, and Star Trek: Discovery‘s plans for Adira and Gray. Then they review “Die Trying,” the fifth episode of Discovery season 3, and both podcasters are very surprised to find the latest Georgiou twist intriguing, thanks to David Cronenberg.

Tony and Laurie talk about the latest Star Trek: Discovery production updates and then dive into the Trill pools and other topics) in Discovery episode #304, “Forget Me Not.” Tony spots Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Kate Mulgrew talking “Tuvix” on Twitter and Laurie recommends the best William Shatner/Leonard Nimoy interview ever.

Shuttle Pod’s Kayla joins Tony and Laurie to talk about the new Captain Janeway statue in Bloomington, Kate Mulgrew’s new role in Star Trek: Prodigy, and the recently announced Star Trek: Picard prequel novel about Riker and Troi. They share an excerpt from Laurie’s interview with author Una McCormack, and review “People of Earth,” the third episode of Star Trek: Discovery‘s season 3, taking special note of its new characters and the sizzling hot chemistry between Michael Burnham and Book.

The full compliment of the Shuttle Pod crew hunker down by the campfire and discuss the cooky, the spooky, the disturbing, and the downright scary episodes of Star Trek. Listen along as Brian, Jared, Kayla, and Matt pick episodes from all over the franchise, creating a non-exhaustive list (of course there’s too many to talk about in just one episode!) of fun frights for your All Hallows’ Eve viewing pleasure.

Anthony and Laurie discuss the latest Star Trek news: the official announcement of Discovery season 4, new visual effects tech, what’s coming in season 2 of Lower Decks, STLV’s transformation into the 55-Year Mission Tour, and the shake-up at Viacom/CBS. Then they review “Far From Home,” the second episode of season 3 of Star Trek: Discovery.  

Using Noah Hawley’s recent comments about making a smaller budget Star Trek movie as a springboard, Brian, Jared, and Matt discuss the business of making movies. Where Trek fits into the current business models, and the pressures to make Star Trek films a worldwide success.

Anthony and Laurie are happily surprised by “That Hope Is You,” the Star Trek: Discovery season 3 premiere (and Laurie is extra happy about David Ajala and his sexy wink). They cover the latest news about Lower Decks, Alex Kurtzman’s plans for Star Trek’s future (including movies), and share their “Trekbits” of the week, which include some butt talk courtesy of The Delta Flyers.

On an epic, jam-packed episode, the Shuttle Pod’s Matt joins Tony and Laurie to talk about the Trek news from New York Comic Con (Janeway! Janeway!), check out interview clips from Kate Mulgrew and Brannon Braga, and review the season finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks. For more details and show notes visit TrekMovie Podcast Network at TrekMovie.com.

This week, Tony and Laurie celebrate #Frakesweek by talking about some of the highlights of Tony’s interview with Jonathan Frakes, and share an excerpt. They also discuss the new COVID guidelines and how they might affect upcoming Star Trek series. They then dig deep into the psychology (and the jokes and Star Trek references!) in the 9th episode of Lower Decks, “Crisis Point.” The podcasters wrap things up with their weekly Trek finds and mention the new Trek The Vote initiative. For more details and show notes visit TrekMovie Podcast Network at TrekMovie.com.

Tony and Laurie chat about Star Trek’s presence at the Emmys and Picard’s win, theorize on how a familiar Star Trek legacy character could turn up in Discovery season 3, and address some pervasive rumors with a mass debunking. They then review “Veritas,” the eighth episode of Lower Decks, and agree that everything is better with Kurtwood Smith in it. For more details and show notes visit TrekMovie Podcast Network at TrekMovie.com.

Watch along as the crew discuss this rather, erm, unique episode.

This week, Anthony and Laurie talk about Tony’s recent interview with Wil Wheaton (and share an audio clip), preview the panels at NY Comic Con, and chat about the new official Star Trek podcast, the latest update on the not-happening-yet Star Trek movie, and CBS AA’s upcoming rebrand as Paramount+. Then they review the newest Star Trek: Lower Decks episode “Much Ado About Boimler.” Links to topics discussed in the pod News: New York Comic Con – Star Trek panels and schedule The official Star Trek podcast: episode 1 with Ben Stiller Wil Wheaton interview Star Trek movie update: Noah Hawley CBS AA rebranding as Paramount+ ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ S3 Theory: An Episode Of ‘Voyager’ Is The Origin Of “The Burn” Other mentions: The Zabrak Star Trek: Enterprise‘s “Vox Sola” Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s “The Most Toys” Melllvar from Futurama  Maurice LaMarche Metaverse Lower Decks panel with Mike McMahan, Barry J. Kelly, M. Willis, and Marisa Livingston Paula M. Block on Twitter Trekbits: Laurie: She-Ra: Progressive of Power podcast interview with Lower Decks writer M. Willis Tony: Photo of Star Trek: TOS and TNG casts with Gene Roddenberry  

This week on the podcast, Tony and Laurie recap all the Star Trek Day news, offering up their theories on Discovery‘s “cataclysmic event” and the possibilities for a Strange New Worlds/Lower Decks crossover. They also look at clues that Jason Isaacs might be returning to the franchise, and review “Terminal Provocations,” the latest episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks. As they wrap things up with their Trekbits suggestions, Tony talks about interviewing Bob Justman back in the earliest days of TrekMovie. Links to topics discussed in the pod News: Star Trek Day legacy panels roundup Star Trek: Discovery season 3 trailer  Star Trek Day Discovery panel with Alex Kurtzman, Michelle Paradise, and David Ajala Star Trek Day Strange New Worlds panel with Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Davy Perez, Akela Cooper, Henry Alonso Myers, and Akiva Goldsman Jason Isaacs “Takes The Fifth” On Lorca’s Possible Return Star Trek Day Lower Decks panel with Mike McMahan, Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells, and Eugene Cordero, plus mid-season trailer Other mentions: Clippy Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s “The Nth Degree” Star Trek: Voyager‘s “Day of Honor” Star Trek: The Animated Series‘ “The Practical Joker” Perd Hapley Trekbits: Tony: All The Asians on Star Trek podcast Laurie: Inside Star Trek: The Real Story by Herbert F. Solow and Robert H. Justman Tony’s interview 2007with Bob Justman: Part 1 and Part 2  

Kayla, Jared, and Laurie celebrate Star Trek: Voyager’s 25th anniversary by choosing two standout episodes, one from each category: pre- and post-arrival of Seven of Nine. They also discuss some of the early plans for the series that never happened, and look at its overall legacy.

This week, Anthony and Laurie talk about the newest additions to the Star Trek: Discovery cast, discuss the possibilities of a Short Treks/Captain Proton team-up, and preview the online festivities happening on Star Trek Day (September 8th). They also dig into “Cupid’s Errant Arrow,” the latest episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks, to figure out why it’s so much better on its second viewing. Before they wrap up, they reveal a fun connection that almost happened between Star Trek and Parks and Recreation. Links to topics discussed in the pod News: Non-binary and transgender characters added to Star Trek: Discovery From NYCC; Star Trek: Discovery will be visiting Trill in season 3 DS9’s “Invasive Procedures” DS9’s “Playing God” Captain Proton and Short Treks Star Trek Day festivities Other mentions: The airport scene from Airplane! Planet of the Apes scene (but don’t watch it if you’ve never seen the movie before) The Planet of the Apes musical from The Simpsons, which we don’t talk about on the podcast at all (but it amuses us, so here it is) Trekbits: Laurie: Literally! With Rob Lowe podcast episode with Nick Offerman

This week, Anthony and Laurie delve into the latest Alex Kurtzman interview for info on the Section 31 show and new creative hires in the Star Trek Universe, and discuss the news that Star Trek: Discovery is hitting CBS proper—the broadcast network, not the streaming service. Then they review “Moist Vessel,” episode 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks (repeating the title as often as they can). Links to topics discussed in the pod News: Alex Kurtzman talks Section 31 show and composer Nami Melumad Nami Melumad on Twitter CBS Network broadcasting Star Trek: Discovery Other mentions: Sloan This Is the End Trekbits: Anthony: William Shatner on the “Storybook Squares” version of Hollywood Squares (and William Shatner and Henry Winkler’s Better Late Than Never GalaxyCon panel on Aug. 29.) Laurie: Episode of The Delta Flyers podcast where they talk about Neelix’s crush

Kayla, Jared, and Matt sit down and chat about episodes of the Star Trek franchise that they’ll watch again and again, episodes that they’ll watch if they’re having a bad day. Their “comfort food” of Trek if you will. Each podcaster selected two episodes to discuss. Listen along to hear their picks and why they like them.

This week on the podcast, Tony and Laurie look at Alex Kurtzman’s latest comments on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and CBS All Access’ plans for world streaming domination. Then they dig into the third episode of Lower Decks, asking if the premise relies too heavily on one bad, very un-Starfleet decision by Captain Freeman, and picking out their favorite jokes and references. Links  to topics discussed in the pod News:  Alex Kurtzman interview about Strange New Worlds Dr. M’Benga slapping Spock CBS’ Rebranding plans Metaverse interview with Lower Decks creatives Wesley Crusher in Star Trek Nemesis (and the deleted scene that explains a little more) Other mentions: “Conundrum,” the TNG episode where Riker and Ro cavort Groundskeeper Willie baring his chest Battle for the Planet of the Apes clip Chief O’Brien at Work TrekMovie’s interview with Mike McMahon about how Lower Decks characters should all belong in Starfleet Trekbits Anthony: Typeset in the Future Laurie: Follow Olivia on Twitter

This week, Anthony and Laurie cover the Star Trek Universe news: Alex Kurtzman’s latest updates on Discovery, Strange New Worlds, Short Treks, and Section 31;  the movies and how they do (or don’t) relate to TV; and upcoming virtual Trek events. After that, we review “Envoys,” the second episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks. We talk drunken Klingons, Starfleet enthusiasm, and favorite jokes, but disagree on the show’s pacing. News: Alex Kurtzman’s Star Trek Universe updates Star Trek: Prodigy new producer director Virtual NYCC/Metaverse Star Trek movie news Random mentions during the review of “Envoys”: Laurie and Neil’s roundup of unsung Star Trek friendships TNG’s “The Child” TNG’s “Half a Life” (regarding Kaelons) TAS’ “The Survivor” Trekbits: Tony: Trek-inspired COVID suit (Google Translate will come in handy if you don’t speak Spanish.) Laurie: Ralph Senensky’s website (More on Ralph here. )

TrekMovie founder Anthony Pascale sits down for a phone interview with Star Trek: Lower Decks creator Mike McMahan. The two discuss legacy character and actor cameos, the Star Trek inspiration for the Lower Decks characters, Mike’s philosophy on Trek easter eggs, how to find humor in Starfleet, and more. Take a listen! The interview was recorded on August 5th and is available, in part, as a transcription at TrekMovie.com.

Anthony and Laurie have high praise for the first episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks, and get some insights directly from show producer Mike McMahan (via Anthony’s recent interview) about deep cuts and Easter eggs. They also dig into the latest Trek news, talking about the future of ViacomCBS’s streaming service and production plans for the live-action shows like Picard, Discovery, and Strange New Worlds.

Brian, Kayla, and Matt catch up about the latest goings on with the CBS Star Trek Universe — including ‘Discovery’ season 3, ‘Picard’ season 2, and what 2021 will probably look like for Trek content. Then the crew review “Second Contact” the first episode of the highly anticipated animated comedy ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks.’ And they give their (spoiler free) impressions of the next three episodes.

In our first episode, Anthony and Laurie recap the Star Trek Universe panel at Comic-Con@Home, talk through the latest updates on Star Trek: Discovery and Lower Decks, and discuss the Emmy nominations (as they pertain to Star Trek, of course).

This year’s San Diego Comic-Con was quite a bit different, with pre-recorded virtual panels. Join Brian, Jared Kayla, and Matt as they break down everything from the CBS Star Trek Universe event.