When Spock was big. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this original animated story, which as 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 implausbility of the final stratagem.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A missing philantropist 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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.