Is Starfleet Academy smart Trek—or just stylish noise? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss what it gets right as well as its political hinting, teen drama vs. diplomacy, and whether this new series earns its place in the Trek universe.

Can Star Trek challenge belief—or strengthen it? Author Mark Hansard joins Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler to explain how Trek shaped his faith, why Spock’s sacrifice echoes resurrection, and whether free will survives destiny.

A stolen “Soul” that prevents a galaxy-wide jihad—what could go wrong? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler weigh TAS “The Jihad”: bold premise, shaky logic, and the eerie ethics of memory wipes and “healing” villains.

What if eternal life costs your humanity? This week, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler wrestle with love, consent, and immortality in Metamorphosis. Is Zefram Cochrane right to reject paradise—and who really pays the price?

When a bullied mining colony needs help, Archer steps in—but can a paint-by-numbers caper stand up to The Seven Samurai legacy? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler dissect “Marauders” andits clumsy caper.

Are violent thoughts as dangerous as actions? A telepathic society says yes—and wants to erase B’Elanna’s memories. Jimmy Akin, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Dom Bettinelli dissect moral justice, mental privacy, and Voyager’s problematic First Contact policies.

A school lesson turns explosive—literally—as Bajoran religious politics collide with Federation ideals. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler debate freedom, faith, and hypocrisy in DS9’s powerful season one finale.

Is it arrogance or ignorance that leads to war with a microscopic lifeform? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack TNG’s “Home Soil,” its murky themes, awkward writing, and what truly makes something alive.

Super-intelligent elephant slugs who are telepathic zookeepers and vague off-screen resolutions—are humans just amusing pets? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack The Eye of the Beholder from The Animated Series.

A haunted castle, mysterious aliens, and Star Trek’s first Halloween-themed story! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack the spooky fun of Catspaw, from Lovecraftian undertones to classic Trek tropes. What makes this strange episode stand out? How does it connect to deeper sci-fi ideas beneath the surface frights?

Is A Night in Sickbay the worst Star Trek episode ever? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler rip into its bizarre writing, inappropriate sexual tension, and baffling Hugo nomination.

Can a spatial anomaly make a ship boring? In Twisted, the Voyager crew wanders endless corridors while Neelix’s jealousy hits new lows. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler critique its broken logic and wasted story potential.

What happens when fear hijacks Starfleet’s ideals? In “Paradise Lost,” Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler examine Admiral Leighton’s coup, changeling mind games, and the cracks in the Federation’s golden image.

What happens when fear overrides freedom? As changeling paranoia grips Earth, martial law looms and trust fractures. With Sisko and Odo at the center, Jimmy Akin, Father Jason Tyler, and Dom Bettinelli unpack the unsettling DS9 episode “Homefront.”

A tense moral chess match. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin ask: Was Picard right to cross the Neutral Zone? Cold War stakes, Henry V echoes, stellar acting.

A shape-shifting “soft weapon,” Kzinti honor, and billion-year tech—are some powers too dangerous to exist? Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin connect TAS’s “The Slaver Weapon” to Larry Niven’s Known Space.

A sinister “free” fix hides a brutal price. Is brain-harvesting the real currency? Too cheap can be deadly. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler debate ethics, AI parallels, and horror tropes in “Dead Stop.”

Parasites, pain, and ethics: Was McCoy’s cure a betrayal? Should Kirk have tried talking to a hive mind bent on torture? Dom Bettinelli, Father Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin tackle TOS’s “Operation—Annihilate!”

Cosmic destiny or narrative shortcut? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin test the SNW S3 finale’s bold claims—Batel’s fate, Vezda stakes, and a Kirk–Spock mind meld that sparks big questions. Are godlike foes killing drama?

Can empathy with a Gorn change Trek’s future? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack “Terrarium”—Metrons, La’an’s shot, and Ortegas’ trauma—plus fiery feedback on Trek comedy.

Identity, ethics, and comedy collide as SNW turns the crew Vulcan. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin ask: Is logic a skill or a serum? Was Uhura’s mind-meld fair play?

Is Starfleet an empire in disguise—or humanity’s best defense? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack Strange New Worlds’ What is Starfleet? as a documentary questions militarism, morality, and the Federation’s true nature.

Demonic possession, eyes destroyed, and a prison of ancient evil—how far can Trek lean into horror? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack the terror and theology of “Through the Lens of Time.”

A Death Star-like ship, lost humans turned monsters, and Kirk’s trial by fire—Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler debate leadership, morality, and hidden Easter eggs in Strange New Worlds: The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail.

From Klingon honor to Ortegas’ mutiny, we debate Strange New Worlds’ take on moral duty, PTSD, and withheld truths. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin & Fr. Jason Tyler dissect zombie tropes, Spock’s mind-meld, and Number One’s sidelining.

Is A Space Adventure Hour bold homage or tired holodeck retread? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin debate TOS nostalgia, meta-humor, and a mystery that may miss the mark.

Should Starfleet risk war to save Earth colonists outside its borders? Pike faces impossible orders, Scotty doubts himself, and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler debate morality, canon, and faith in a tense Gorn standoff.

Is this character truly a Q? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack revelations about continuity, canon, and character growth—while also debating marriage law, PTSD symbolism, and why Spock’s heartbreak hits harder than ever.

What if your obsession could rewrite reality—but never restore what you love most? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss how Voyager faces a year of hell in a broken timeline, and Janeway matches wits with a temporal zealot.

A Cardassian seeks trial for crimes he didn’t commit—to force his people to face their past. Kira must question her hatred and what justice really means. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler break down this complex DS9 episode.

Can technology make a society forget how to survive? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack “When the Bough Breaks,” asking: What happens when a utopia kidnaps for continuity?

What makes a good Star Trek movie—and does Beyond deliver? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler break down its hits, misses, and mysteries. Does Krall’s rage make sense? Why blow up the Enterprise—again?

Is peace always the right path? In this powerful analysis of one of the most popular Trek episodes, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler weigh Kirk’s impossible choice, Harlan Ellison’s bitter script battle, and the moral limits of pacifism.

What makes a hero? A cloaked mine traps Malcolm Reed outside the Enterprise, and Archer risks it all to save him. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler critique the ethics, logic holes, and missed opportunities.

What if Harry Kim had never boarded Voyager? A twisty reality, a washed-up Tom Paris, and a life he may want to keep. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin ask: would you give up paradise for duty?

Bashir’s spy fantasy turns lethal when crewmates are trapped in his holosuite program. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack the Bond tropes, tech absurdities, Garak’s cold realism, and what makes a real hero.

Ancient vendettas, broken diplomacy, and a tragic assassin—Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack TNG’s The Vengeance Factor and its moral echoes. 

An aquatic world forces Kirk and Spock to become water breathers in The Ambergris Element. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin unpack the science, tech quirks, and cultural clashes of this animated adventure.

What if Vulcans beat Zefram Cochrane to first contact? T’Pol’s tale of a 1957 Pennsylvania landing sparks debate. Dom Bettinelli, Father Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin unpack the truths and twists of Enterprise’s “Carbon Creek.”

Moral boundaries are tested as Voyager’s crew is unknowingly experimented on by hidden aliens. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler debate the ethics, character arcs, and sci-fi echoes from TNG.

From mutiny tension to eerie character shifts, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler break down DS9’s Dramatis Personae, digging into first-season character dynamics, eerie performances, and what this telepathic twist reveals about the crew.

Aging, guilt, and redemption clash in "Too Short a Season" as a "Badmiral" takes a deadly path to correct his past. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler dissect the episode’s message—and its flaws.

Is Star Trek Into Darkness a worthy reimagining or a misfire in disguise? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin scrutinize its themes of sacrifice, militarism, and identity—while calling out the plot holes and Star Wars-style spectacle. A must-listen for Trek fans who value meaning as much as action.

Kirk faces the Klingons for the first time, but the real power lies with the mysterious Organians! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler break down Errand of Mercy, the Cold War allegory, Kirk’s “soldier vs. diplomat” stance, and its lasting Trek legacy!

Kes faces a life-changing decision as Voyager encounters bizarre space creatures! Is Elogium a compelling character study or a misstep? Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin break down the episode’s awkward biology, Neelix’s worst behavior, and the generational ship dilemma.

Worf, Kor, and Dax set out to recover the legendary Sword of Kahless, but ambition threatens to tear them apart! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack this DS9 tale of power, honor, and betrayal. Is the Empire ready for the sword?

The Federation bids on a wormhole, but is it worth the price? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler examine TNG’s “The Price,” unpacking shady negotiations, Troi’s rushed romance, and Ferengi missteps that echo into Voyager. Plus, is Ral a genius or just creepy?

Kirk and the Enterprise vanish into a mysterious space graveyard, trapped by a no-violence law and a Klingon scheme. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unravel the twists, logic gaps, and deeper themes behind this animated Star Trek adventure!

The Enterprise crew faces a deadly subterranean menace—but is it truly a monster? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack The Devil in the Dark, revealing its surprising themes, Kirk’s transformation, and Spock’s emotional depth.

A colony destroyed, Enterprise blamed, and Archer trapped in a ruined future! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli break down Shockwave, the explosive Enterprise first season finale, unpacking its gripping twists, time travel intrigue, and eerie real-world parallels.

A spy thriller in Star Trek? Michelle Yeoh shines in Section 31, exposing the seamy world underneath the Federation's ideals. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin dissect the action, drama, and lore while weighing its merits as a movie versus a full series.

Seven’s Borg past resurfaces as she uncovers the tragic truth of her assimilation in Voyager’s “The Raven.” Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin analyze her struggle with humanity, compelling character moments, and deeper themes of identity and transformation.

Celebrate Star Trek’s legacy with Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler as they uncover the secrets of 765874 Unification. This visually stunning series of videos unites timelines, gives a fitting sendoff to Kirk and Spock, and honors Trek’s themes of friendship and renewal.

Dive through the layers of DS9's "The Forsaken" with Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin as they discuss where Odo’s vulnerability meets Lwaxana Troi’s compassion. From chaotic ambassadors to a rogue alien program, they break down the drama, humor, and emotional depth in this episode!

Tackle the Lower Decks series finale with Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler. From reality-warping rifts to Klingon drama, they assess the bold ending, its legacy, and what’s next for Star Trek fans. Don’t miss this animated conclusion!

Dive into the penultimate episode of Lower Decks with Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler as they explore the multiverse mayhem, fan-favorite character returns, and Trek's funniest twists. What secrets will be revealed next?

Explore Upper Decks with Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler, as the bridge crew faces personal and professional crises, focusing attention on the higher-ranking background characters as a meta-commentary on Star Trek tropes.

All the time dilation, stranded, Prime Directive tropes. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this comedic take on a stranded away team cut off in time, including lots of callbacks and Easter eggs from nearly every Trek series and a special guest appearance.

It's another Romeo and Juliet story. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this story of conflict over small differences, another Boimler hare-brained scheme, and an ensign grappling with her demigod origins and lame superpower.

The infamous Starbase 80 finally appears. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the latest episode of Lower Decks, including the Easter eggs, Ransom's gel fixation, Freeman's career obsession, and callbacks to obscure episodes.

How do you keep a Klingon down on the farm? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this story of a disgraced Klingon catain who gets honor back with the help of Mariner and a Boimler going through his Klingon phase.

Mariner relationship woes and Boimler undercover. Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the latest Lower Decks, including Boimler's development, passive-aggressive breakups, and a possible interdimensional rift season arc.

Lower Decks is back for its final season! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the first two episodes, including the expanson of Tendi's storyline; the heartwarming family message; and a possible alternate universe character swap.

It's the end! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the season (and likely, series) finale of Prodigy, assessing how the show met or exceeded expectations; provided a continuing story for Voyager, and showed us adolescent characters grow into their potential.

The climactic moment! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the big showdown with Ascensia featuring an obvious trap and a dangerous Loom as well as heroic sacrifice, cunning deception, and the possibilities of redemption.

We save everyone. Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this Prodigy episode, includng Wesley's self-sacrifice, how Gwyn and Dal are both maturing; and how Asencia and Ilthurian's future characters are shaped by their environment and choices.

Face the Incursor! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the two-part showdown between our heroes and Asencia's time technology, including Dal and Gwyn's growing maturity; Gwyn's evolving sense of home; and individual heroism and self-sacrifice.

Through the lookingglass. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the latest Prodigy episode which takes the crew through alternate realities, including the Mirror Universe, where they get to see if Mirror Janeway retains any good in her from Prime Janeway.

Tribbles are a favorite plot element in modern Star Trek. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss their latest appearance; their changes in this story; and what makes the Klingon disdain for them so interesting.

Castaway Chakotay! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the return of the former Voyager first officer; new depths to his backstory; heroic leadership; hints of faith; and the maturation of Dal.

This two-parter kicks the plot into gear and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss how the story is a straight-up homage to Doctor Who with some elements of the Langoliers and Avengers: Endgame thrown in.

A non-corporeal being gets embodied. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the philosophical implications and how the writers may have untintentionally said something important about bodily integrity.

Pog-racing! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this episode of Prodigy, the crew's sidetrack into a race; Zero's self-sacrifice; and speculation as to what could stop time on Voyager.

Beware the imPOGster! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this episode of Prodigy where the crew creates faulty holo-doubles in order to start their rescue mission and hijinks ensue.

Who is Murf really? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this next episode Prodigy and the mystery surrounding the alien Murf and t he unknown entity trying to communicate through him.

The basics of time travel. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the next episode of Prodigy; the ways the show keeps subverting the expected story path; and the themes of loyalty and friendship the show conveys.

Time paradox. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the 2nd episode of Prodigy season 2 and the future changes that affect the present, plus the clash of fear vs. hope.

Prodigy season 2 begins! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the return of the Protostar crew, now a part of the new Voyager crew under Admiral Janeway, including the nuances of plot and character that elevate this above a simple children's cartoon.

Upgrade gone wrong! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the unusual Bynar race, Riker's cringeworthy "relationship" with Minuet; and the theme of overreliance on technology. Plus a farewell to a friend.

The Kelvin reboot of Star Trek gave fans alternate versions of their favorite characters. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the movie, the decision to make it an alt-history reboot, and what they like and dislike about the changes.

Khan! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the introduction Khan Noonian Singh; his magnetic (and improbable?) ability to sway Marla McGivers; and Dr. McCoy's surprisingly cool response to Khan's threat of physical harm.

Did the writers take shore leave too? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Enterprise entry which seemed to have all side plots and no main plot without any meaningful character or dramatic development. But Porthos was cute!

Inception for the Doctor. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this dream-like episode focusing on the Doctor who is stuck in a dream-like state and must decide which reality is real and the Doctor's struggle with identity and conciousness.

When Quark, Nog, and Rom end up in 1947 Roswell, history takes a beating. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the change in Nog, similarities between 20th-century humans and Ferengi, and how this story pays homage to 1950s B movies.

The plot may not be unique, but Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this story executes well and raises moral and ethical questions about obligations to our enemies and overcoming prejudices. Plus the introduction of the excellent Andreas Katsulas as Tomalak.

As the Enterprise crew gets shrunk to Lilliputian proportions, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the surprising metaphysical and theological implications, the practical and scientific discrepancies, and the character dynamics.

Spock and the Enterprise crew stick it to the Man, aka Kirk. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this TOS story that reminds us that there is no utopia outside of heaven; the call of duty; and the contaxt of 1960s counterculture.

Is one man's freedom fighter another man's terrorist? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of Enterrpise getting mixed up in some local conflicts on a desert planet; the ethical implications; and whether Zabral is a good guy or bad guy.

A homicidal hologram that hates people. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this psychological thriller of an emotionally fragile and homicidal alien hologram with a chilling intensity; as well as Harry Kim's cringeworthy attempted romance with Seven of Nine.

Be careful what you wish for! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story's themes of the power and danger of imagination and wish fulfilment; escapsm vs. creativity; the signficance of family on the show; and our need to critically assess the impact of fantasy.

A world where women are dominant and men are weak. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 1st season TNG episode infamous for its cringe portrayal of a matriarchy and how it was supposed to be about the evils of apartheid.

The last of the TNG films is widely marked as the weakest. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss th film's strengths and weaknesses and its themes of identity and the moral and ethical considerations of cloning and artificial sentience and more.

T'Pol's hero isn't what she seems. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story's themes of trust, earned, broken, and granted; the clash of human and Vulcan values; and the glimpse of future human-Vulcan friendship.

A-koo-chee-moya! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Dom Bettinelli discuss this Chakotay story featuring guest star Aron Eisenberg, including themes of fatherhood and cultural identity, as well as the missed narrative opportunities while praising the twist ending.

Up periscope! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of the USS Defiant in a submarine-like battle. They discuss Kyra's faith, Quark's business acumen, and Worf's leadership style as the crew fights to survive the Jem-Hadar and the environment.

Poor Geordi. Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this TNG story that combines a ticking clock story with Geordi's awkward romantic track record and a strange holodeck encounter, plus discussion of AI in Trek and Picard's leadership.

To celebrate their 300th episode, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha give their lists of the best episodes in each of the Star Trek series, from The Original Series to Strange New Worlds. The ones they agree on are predictable, but where do they disagree?

Mudd's back. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the animated return of con man Harry Mudd, inclluding the eyebrow-raising content for a kid's cartoon, the ethical problems of love potions and their portrayal in popular media, and why Rainn Wilson's Mudd may have been the best.

Death by computer. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story's moral implications and real-world parallels with themes of war's human cost, technology's role in conflict, and ethical leadership. Plus Kirk killing another megalomaniacal computer.

Psychic goo alien! Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Enterprise's encounter with an unusual lifeform where they have to discern motive and morality and debate the ethics of extreme measures to save their crew.