Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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).

Podcast: Download

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.

Podcast: Download

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.