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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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