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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Bunrham is a much more interesting character.

Discovery faces down the Emerald Chain. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the latest Discovery episode, including the show's tendency to docus on emotionalism, the interesting side characters we encounter, blowing things up as therapy, and what is going on with Georgiou.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Some fans call it the worst DS9 episode, but is it really? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory also discuss the concept of a species that values games above all else as well as the practicality and fairness of a game where you have to learn the rules as you play. Allamaraine!

A trip to a peace conference is delayed by an encounter with energy being. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at another Trek story that focuses on an encounter with a being of pure energy who disrupts the ship by taking over crewmembers and appreciate Patrick Stewart's performance.

Tribbles are back and this time they've got a glommer. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about the sequel to the popular TOS episode, including the cameo by writer David Gerrold and why the tribbles and Klingons are pink.

Lord of the Flies, TOS-style. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Kirk's traditional views on child-rearing, the awkwardness of a pre-teen crush, and Dr. McCoy's violation of medical ethics in creating vaccines.

In their re-watch of the 1st season of Discovery, Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory have reached the mid-season finale, where much of the plot threads woven so far come together, and they discuss whether this is where Discovery finally hit its stride.

Enterprise's temporal cold war plot returns for this episode. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at the the cold war arc, the subtle twist on what "enemies" do here, and the inclusion of a religious subplot involving Phlox.

Is there a spy on board Voyager? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the turning of Seska, the return of the Kazon and their crazy hair, and Chakotay's vulnerability and self-doubt due to being fooled by a spy in his crew, not once, but twice. And a poison apple.

The full-of-himself Julian Bashir gets his comeuppance when a criminal hijacks his brain. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the similarities to Jekyll and Hyde and to Les Miserables, plus the very different person that 1st-season Bashir was compared to later seasons.

The first appearance of the enigmatic Traveler starts the prodigy Wesley story arc. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the insufferable Kosinski, prickly Picard, and how everyone ignores poor Wes. Plus the story behind Diane Duane's script.

Semi-affectionately also called "The Search for God", STV gives Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory the chance to discuss religion in Star Trek, but also marvel at the cringeworthy plot and secondary characters and even find some parts to praise.

The Enterprise encounters a megalomaniac scientist ... again. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about how this episode deals with the question of prison reform and justice; the origin of the mind meld; and what it all has to do with MacBeth and tantalizing.

The Voyager crew has the tables turned when an alien species' Prime Directive stops them from getting home faster. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the morality of the Prime Directive, the limits of logic, and the danger of smooth-talking, French-accented aliens.

When Dax is put on trial for a 30-year-old murder, questions of personhood and identity are raised. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha acknowledge that even apart from the scifi premise, there can be an interesting discussion of what it means to be an individual and a person.

TNG's The Offspring is a significant foundation for the Picard series. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha examine the connections and delve into questions of artificial personhood, parents' rights, and what Riker's intentions really were toward Data's daughter.

When the Enterprise men hear the siren call of the Lorelei, Uhura and Christine Chapel have to take command to save them. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this animated story that finally gave Uhura the command opportunity she long deserved.

When the Original Series dealt with the idea of transferring your consciousness to an android body, it came to different conclusions than modern Trek. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss how times and attitudes have changed since then.

When Harry Mudd uses a time loop to steal Discovery, only Stamets is able to figure out what's going on. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the return of Harry Mudd, the similarities to TNG's "Clues", and how this story provides a break from the season's grim feel.

As the Enterprise encounters a primitive world, they learn a lesson about the Prime Directive. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha the themes of respect for cultures and exploitation, environmental pollution, and the other side of alien abduction in this story.

What if the afterlife was just another dimension? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this Voyager story tackles questions about life, death, assisted suicide, and euthanasia with surprising sensitivity and openness.

Q was an entertaining thorn in the side for Picard on TNG, but what happens when he shows up on DS9? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Sisko's different approach to Q and why this Q story, while it has its moments, may not work as well as the TNG ones.

To celebrate 100 episodes, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha take up a detour from Star Trek shows to a book, "Picard: Last Best Hope," which is a prequel for the events of the Picard series. They discuss how it adds to the show and creates depth for some of the new and old characters.

STIV was a classic "fish out of water" story (see what we did there?) and is much loved. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the quotable lines, the philosophical questions, and the whale conservation story that may have actually saved some whales.

Balance of Terror is famously a WWII sub hunting story translated to outer space, but as Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss, it's also more than that, including a poignant faith subplot, a bit of Cold War maneuvering, and some great acting by guest star Mark Lenard.

When Sarek is injured on a diplomatic mission, his mental link to estranged adopted daughter Michael is his lifeline. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the selective memory and the unseen sacrifices that parents sometimes make for their children.

The Enterprise crew is excited to find a comet, but the Vulcans are looking over their shoulders. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how the crew literally break the ice of the comet and break the icy relationship with their Vulcan crewmate.

The season finale raises all kinds of questions about life, death, and the afterlife, so naturally Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha dive right in. Plus they give their overall assessment of this first season of Picard and where they think the show goes from here.

It's the penultimate episode and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about how evil and death enter into paradise and the way that the ongoing story arc of Picard bears much resemblance to Battlestar Galactica and other scifi series.

The broken pieces are coming together as Picard races to its season conclusion. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the "dinner table of madness"; the revelations of plot threads; and the ultimate question of what it means to be a person. 

It's a TNG reunion! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Picard, which includes the return of Riker and Troi, now retired and living on an idyllic world. The episode explores identity, especially as a child becomes an adult, as the bonds of trust and seeking healing in tragedy.

Is the Impossible Box of the title, the Romulan puzzle box? Is it Soji? Is it the Borg cube Artifact? Maybe all three? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode including the great acting by Patrick Stewart to show Picard's tortured psyche when encountering the Borg again. 

It's a heist job! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the latest episode of Picard, the revelations about 7 of 9's post-Voyager history, the unmasking of betrayal, and the morality of lies and revenge. Plus the Easter eggs connecting back to other Trek series and a prequel novel.

In Absolute Candor, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about Picard's revisiting his past failings and having to reckon with them, reconnecting with a boy that he'd become a father figure for and abandoned, and seeking help from an order of Romulan warrior-nuns who only speak the truth without any filter.

Picard returns to space, fights Romulan ninjas, and deals with the aftermath of his own decisions that led to the collapse of a friends' life. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha also discuss whether the creation of a religion ex nihilo for ex-Borg is really a good idea.

Should we treat robots humanely? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss a central question of the Picard series that asks how much an android is akin to humans, how we should treat them, and what our behavior toward them says about us. Plus the interesting new exploration of Romulans and Borg.

The new Star Trek: Picard series is here and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory are excited to talk about it. Is this real Star Trek? Is it worth your time? Is Patrick Stewart Captain Picard again? But the show raises even deeper questions, such as the nature of life and being.

The 2nd season of Short Treks gave us the broadest range of stories yet, including two animated shorts, the origin story for Tribbles, and a revealing sneak peek at Picard. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at the good, the bad, and what they say Trekkies have to look forward to.

When Tom Paris is convicted of murdering a jealous husband, Tuvok is on the case. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the film noir inspiration for the story, where it works and where it doesn't, and how the episode puts the answer in front of the viewer from the beginning.

Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this first O'Brien-centric DS9 episode, which also was an early inspiration for the Jem'Hadar. They also talk about what the episode is saying about big-game hunting and the nature of free will.

Darmok is one of the most beloved episode of TNG. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha explore why this is so loved as well as the concept of a culture that communicates only in idiom and metaphor. Plus the unusual circumstance of Starfleet being more aggressive during first contact.

This brief animated episode both pays homage to some Original Series stories, but also prefigures The Motion Picture as well. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss planet-eating stellar clouds with digestive and nervous systems, mind melds, and saving the children.

What if a petulant, immature teenager had god-like powers? That's the premise of Charlie X, which Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss in this episode, as well as the emergence of Kirk as a 1960's-style father-figure.

This pivotal first season episode of Discovery introduced both Ash Tyler and Harry Mudd. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Rainn Wilson's Mudd, talk about Tyler in light of what we later learn, and highlight Tilly's prayer for the alien creature.

One of the best episodes of the first season of Enterprise reintroduced the Andorians. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha recall who the Andorians were, marvel at actor Jeffrey Coombs versatility, and talk about Vulcan religion.

When a wormhole presents itself to the crew of the Voyager they get their hopes up, but it's only the first season. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the dilemma of trying to convince an enemy to trust you about something completely improbable and desperately important. 

Looking at the parallels to the Tower of Babel in Genesis, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the DS9 episode Babel, including the real world disease called global aphasia and the moment when the character of Quark becomes fully realized in the series.

Continuing the difficult first season of TNG, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode that some Trek stars have called racist and which has been widely criticized. Is it really that bad? Does it have any redeeming qualities?

Twenty years after Deep Space 9 ended, a quirky, new documentary looks back on the series through interviews with its creators. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how the documentary was made; how these insiders perceive their own creation; and the personalities behind the show.

Kirk and the crew go loopy when they're exposed to a strange substance. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Leonard Nimoy's great performance, the awful stereotype of Reilly, Sulu's sword work, and how much better it is than TNG's version.

Burnham is now part of Discovery's crew and tasked with turning a creature into a weapon, while Stamets must do the same with his spore drive. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the moral quandaries faced by the crew and Klingons. Plus Season 3 and Picard news.

The Enterprise makes contact with an Earth colony that disappeared mysteriously decades ago. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this story that is one part Lost Colony of Roanoke and one part Lord of the Flies and may be one of the weakest episodes of the series.

Voyager encounters another cloud space anomaly while Neelix pitches a fit and Janeway just wants a cup of coffee. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory also discuss the show's handling of native American spirituality and then pay tribute to the late Aron Eisenberg, Nog of DS9.

When Odo is the prime suspect in a murder, who investigates the investigator. Jimmy and Dom talk about the smaller than normal main plot which makes room for more introductions of the DS9 cast in this first season story.

With Hugh the re-humanized Borg rumored to be coming back in Star Trek Picard, Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory take a look at this TNG episode that introduced the character and perhaps get a glimpse at what he will be doing in the new show.

Star Trek III is funny, poignant, and action-packed, which Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory conclude makes for a great Trek movie with Leonard Nimoy as the director, the original Enterprise in her swan song, and Christopher Lloyd as a great Klingon.

The first Trek transporter accident splits Kirk into good and bad versions of himself. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this Jekyll and Hyde story and its examination of whether our positive and negative traits are simple divisions of good and evil.

Continuing their review of Season 1 of Star Trek Discovery, Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the introduction of the Discovery, her crew, and her enigmatic mission and Burnham's first steps to becoming part of them.

When Trip has to help a new alien species with their engines, he gets an unexpected surprise. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory examine how the show deals with unexpected pregnancy and the choices the characters have to make and come away pretty happy with it.

When a character is left debilitated and permanently disabled on Star Trek: Voyager, the other characters convince them they have plenty to live for. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how differently this would be handled today.

Not a bash of Babylon 5 or defense of DS9 by Trekkies, but an homage by two fans of both series, Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha, who look at what made these two series great, how they were similar, and what set them apart.

The Enterprise is caught in a time loop and only Dr. Crusher notices the clues. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this episode handles the time issues better than similar Trek stories, and of course, the guest appearance of Kelsey Grammer.

In an update to an Old West tale, lovable rogue Harry Mudd is bringing wives to lonely miners through quasi-legal means. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the very Sixties view of relations between men and women and the perhaps surprising way the episode resolves.

This animated Spock story told us more about his backstory *and* about Vulcan than any Original Series episode. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about how the revelations here continue to echo in Discovery and the way this story confront younger viewers with the death of a pet.

Archer and crew camp out on their first Earth-like planet, but something's in the air that's make the crew behave strangely. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss Archer's recklessness and T'Pol's sensible cautiousness, plus the distrust between species that bubbles to the surface.

What would you do if you knew the world was ending in 24 hours and you couldn't warn anyone? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory tackle this Star Trek Voyager episode that is an early attempt to establish Janeway's character and ethos and how she approaches moral problems.

In the 2nd episode of Deep Space 9, we're introduced to Cardassian spy Garak and all the espionage intrigue he brings. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss Bashir's innocence, Garak's trickiness, and Kira's divided loyalties in a story that sets the stage for so much to come. 

The Naked Now is one of the least liked of all Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes and so Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha delve into all the uncomfortable campiness in a hilariously cringe-worthy discussion.

The first Star Trek after the pilot episodes gives us an early look at the Kirk, Spock, McCoy dynamic. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha lift a glass of tranya as they discuss Kirk's leadership, McCoy's insubordination, and Spock's razor-sharp mind and wit as well as Clint Howard's guest spot.

Wrath of Khan is perhaps the most popular Star Trek movie of all time. In the second of a two-part discussion, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at the vice of hubris, the coming of humility, and the themes of sacrifice and resurrection evident throughout the film.

Wrath of Khan is perhaps the most popular Star Trek movie of all time. In the first of a two-part discussion, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha explore what makes this film stand out above all others, including a great villain, a tight story, and of course, the ultimate self-sacrifice.

The second episode of Enterprise focused heavily on the difference between humans and Vulcans as well as the newness of deep space exploration. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss Hoshi's fish-out-of-water fears, Archer's anger, and T'Pol's disdain as we get to know this crew.

It's the second episode of Star Trek: Voyager and it's off to a rocky start. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the good--how the crew addresses their predicament of being a lost ship--and the bad--the terribly inaccurate and hole-filled main plot line. It's "some kind of" mediocre script.

In the second part of their discussion of this three-part story, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the multi-faceted politics, the twists and surprises, and the character development that takes DS9 to the next nevel of storytelling.

The beginning of Deep Space 9's 2nd season took a gamble by unrolling a three-episode story of political intrigue and a coup d'etat. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this in two-parts, including how it was a rehearsal for the series' long story arc that became its signature.

With the 2nd season of Discovery concluded, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the characters, the story arc, and their predictions for season 3. they cover the good and bad, the breakout characters, and what Secrets of Star Trek iwill be covering next.

In the 2nd season finale of Star TRrek: Discovery, an epic battle sets up a surprising 3rd season possibility and brings resolution to some characters. But there were also plotholes the size of wormholes. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha review the good and not-so-good of this episode.

It's the penultimate episode of Discovery's 2nd season and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the long (long!) goodbyes, the hints at future plotlines, and the problem of an all-powerful AI that is going to get more powerful.

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The Discovery crew confronts the Red Angel and what her identity means for them  even as the evil AI ramps up its efforts to evolve. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the changes to Star Trek time travel and whether the holes in the plot are really misdirections.

Our theory about the identity of the Red Angel is busted... or is it? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Star Trek: Discovery and all the revelations it contained, plus the new mysteries it opened.

Mines, cyborgs, and a pesky AI advance the season story arc. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this latest episode and the theme of burdens carried and sacrifices made.

The latest Star Trek Discovery episode brings us back to Talos IV of the Original Series first pilot "The Cage". Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli agree that this is the best episode so far of Discovery's second season and love the explicit connection to the Prime timeline canon.

In the latest Star Trek Discovery, we learn that Spock has a learning disability, that Pike carries baggage from missing the war, and that Section 31 can't be trusted (no surprise there). Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Light and Shadows.

An oppressed species will rise up against its oppressor and ... make peace? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss "The Sounds of Thunder," the latest episode of Star Trek Discovery and ask whether the crew has just ignited peace or a global war on Saru's world. Plus, does Star Trek have 3 timelines now?