Al! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the stunt casting of Dean Stockwell as a guest on this episode; the story's analogy to WW2 internment camps for Japanese-Americans; and challenging our stereotypes of others.

Meet your heroes! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that has Janeway meet her hero, Amelia Earhart, and other alien abductees. They also look at the show's aim to show the lost crew settling in together in the Delta quadrant.

Dax's past shows up. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this story of Trill taboos; the plot's predictability and manufactured controversy; the portrayal of Sisko as a good friend; and how the end mirrors the end of Casablanca.

Season finale! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this fun season ender that brings some great cameos, pays homage to the best Star Trek movie, and leaves us with a character cliffhanger. They als give their season 4 assessment.

What's going on with Mariner? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the self-destructiveness of Beckett and her surprising admission involving a TNG character, plus the return of another obscure TNG character.

Ever notice how many Star Trek episodes involve caves? So did the Lower Decks writers. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this not-a-clip show that pays homages and pokes fun at all those very similar-looking, flat-floored, prone-to-collapse caves in Trek.

Badgey returns! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of these three homocidal megalomaniacal AIs from previous stories and their redemption arcs through love and friendship.

Rom and Leeta! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha dicsuss this story that brings Lower Decks to Ferenginar; brings back our favorite Ferengi-Bajoran couple; and makes Tendi and Rutherford confront their suppressed feelings for each other.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Should the needs of one man outweight 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Court martial! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the trial of Number One and the issues raised about historical injustice, respect for cultures, and persecution, plus favorite callbacks to other series and previous SNW episodes. 

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.

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.

Maquis and Starfleet clash! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Voyager episode that explores the nature of leadership, loyalty, and duty in an idealistic profession for those who never sought it out.

Who lives? Who dies? O'Brien tells your story! Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Jimmy Akin discuss this story inspired by "The Man Who Would Be King" and whose theme is that sometimes we make our own monsters to defeat them and feel secure.

Love and Duty! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the TNG episode "Haven" and its themes of duty, love, compassion, destiny, and cultural differences, while not missing the Trek debut of Lwaxana Troi and the comedic chaos she brings.

Before Picard Season 3, there was First Contact and the Borg Queen. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the film's "never meet your heroes" theme; Picard's ongoing trauma; and what makes this movie one of the most popular Trek films.

Jekyll and Hyde? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Original Series story featuring Lazarus, a man obsessed with his alternate reality self who will go to any length to destroy him, and his doppelgänger who is willing to sacrifice his life for the universe.

Star Trek Picard and the TNG era have come to a close. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the series finale, whether it stuck the landing, the theme of fatherhood and vocation, and where Star Trek goes from here.

The D is back! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate episode of Star Trek Picard, including the implications of Puer Dei and Vox; the return of a familiar ship, and the disappointing departure of a particular character.

What is necessary in healing from grief? Dom Bettinellli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard episode, including grief and healing; how love is at the core of identity; and the everchanging theories for what's really going on. Plus what's next for Star Trek?

Big revelations and cameos! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what more we've learned about the story so far, including morally questionable and objectionable actions, plus another hgh profile cameo in this week's Picard.

The gang is all here. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha note that the whole TNG crew is now assembled in Picard and then geek over the ships and discuss all the Easter eggs and fan service as the show prepares for the final stretch.

The surprise return of a TNG character gives Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha lots to discuss, plus the evolution of Changelings, Vulcan criminals, and how adherence to duty is not a substitute for morality.

Riker is going through a existential crisis. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Riker's despair, the afterlife, and how Picard and Shaw man up, put aside their differences, and get to work. Is this one of the best Star Trek episodes ever?

The longest 17 seconds of your life! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Picard, including themes of fatherhood and family; good cop/bad cop Worf; and the return of an old foe in a new form.

Is it just a reboot of Wrath of Khan? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the second episode of Picard, season 3, including the similarities to a particular Trek movie, scene-chewing villains, and the bigger than life return of another TNG favorite.

Season 3 of Picard is here and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what's good and maybe not as good, including what makes this season different from the first two so far and what they expect from the rest of the season.

Moriarty is another familiar face in Picard, Season 2, so Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha revisit his last episode on TNG and consider the limits of AI and holograms and Sherlock Holmes' greatest foe.

Data's brother, Lore, will play a role in Picard season 3, so Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Lore's first appearance on TNG and the initial setup of his antagonism and personality.

Ferengi who? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Trek veteran-laden story that sees the Ferengi show up long before Farpoint in a Die Hard-style battle of wits with the Enterprise crew.

How do you forgive someone who has something so evil? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that sees Neelix struggle with forgiveness for someone who has done much evil to him and in general and now appears repentant.

Humanizing the monster. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this DS9 episode where Kira is confronted with a humanized view of Gul Dukat, a man who did unspeakable evil to her people and the idea of setting aside old wounds for a common good.

Prime directive! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of the advanced alien species being mistaken for gods. What are the ethics of the Prime Directive? Does Picard go too far in what he says about religious belief?

Prodigy season 1 has ended and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the season finale, where the next season might go, and their thoughts on Prodigy as a whole.

With the penultimate episode of Prodigy's first season, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story's willingness to leave no easy way out for the heroes and appreciate the deep cuts from Tek lore.

Freaky Friday! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this story which features the classic body swap trope and Kate Mulgrew's performance in essentially three roles in this story, plus how the writers have dealt with the twisted plot threads.

What could have been a Star Trek trope becomes a compelling twist. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this holodeck episode that undermines our expectations and presents a conundrum for the crew, another layer of betrayal. Who can they trust?

Revealed! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, which provides new backstories for Rok-Tahk, Zero, Jankom Pog, and the Diviner's race, plus what happened to Capt. Chakotay.

Be yourself. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, including its message of self-care and being happy with you are created to be, plus the surprise reveals about several characters and Okona's outrageous behavior.

Outrageous! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Protostar crew's much-anticipated encounter with Admiral Janeway and her crew that goes horribly wrong and their escape with the help of Thadium Okona, aka the Outrageous Okona.

Beware the Gallow! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, in which a primitive society has structured itself around its garbled knowledge of the James T. Kirk's Enterprise and the Protostar crew has to help them.

Resistance is NOT futile. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, in which the crew encounters a Borg cube and hope it offers a solution to their problem without making a worse, new one.

Prodigy is back! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the the return of Prodigy and the crew of the Protostar, including the emphasis on action and the return of biological Janeway in addition to her holographic counterpart.

California vs. Texas! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the season finale of Lower Decks, season 3; it's slightly more serious tone, the state rivalry mined for comedic effect, and the maturation of some of the characters.

Lower Decks tells us not to trust the media. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha also discuss the story's subtext of a parent having to change how she sees her child, plus the great callback to a TNG episode and a set up for the season finale.

Boimler's holomovie gets derailed by a search for the meaning of life. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha all the Easter eggs and references to nearly every star Trek movie as well as the existential angst over the meaning of life when can seem meaningless.

When a rogue exocomp stumbles on a primitive world, it can find redemption with Starfleet. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at the funny situation that brings up Castaway and Moana, and a multi-layered scheme that's mathematically perfect.

Back to Bajor! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Lower Decks' return to Deep Space 9, including appearances by Kira and Quark. They also discuss why this episode appeals to Trek fans so much and the many Easter eggs found in it.

In a mirror, funny. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the humorous variation on a Trek mirror episode, but this one has bigger series implications. Who is the sinister power behind it all. Plus, Starfleet recruiting booth!

It's an old-fashioned room lottery! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the latest episode of Lower Decks in which our crew faces off with more rivals in a slapstick adventure reminiscent of Galaxy Quest and the captain forces the engineers to take a spa retreat.

When you think you've got a bad reputation, but it's the opposite! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Easter eggs and self-referential nods in Lower Decks, including what the crew thinks is a reputation for being screw-ups.

Boimler is the least dangerous game. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Lower Decks that has Mariner trying to prove she isn't insubordinate all the time and Boimler that he's willing to take risks.

Lower Decks is back for season 3. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this follow-on to the season 2 cliffhanger that includes plenty of Easter eggs and side trips to familiar locales from other Trek series, plus some fun cameos.

Was this the inspiration for Star Trek V? Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Animated Series story that posits a human-friendly Lucifer alien at the center of the galaxy whose race puts the Enterprise crew in the Salem witch trials.

The Gorn! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the Original Series episode that introduced the Gorn, including Kirk's nearly fatal assumptions and whether you really could build a cannon from the materials he found.

Hunting bad! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Enterprise episode, including the morality and ethics of hunting, including semi-sentient creatures, and the science of rogue planets.

Klingon culture! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode that not only gives us more Klingon background, but also explores the mercurial B'Elanna Torres and her budding relationship with Tom Paris, as well as the ways 7 of 9 disrupts the ship's routine.

Bye Opaka. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this DS9 story highlighting the good Kai and her role as a peacemaker; the recurring Trek trope of wars that never end; and the morality of causing people's deaths to end their suffering.

Ultimate power! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this Q story in which the powerful being plays with the Enterprise crew and lets Riker experience what it's like to have ultimate power. The results are somewhat cringey.

Crossover! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Strange New Worlds season finale that essentially remakes one of the best Original Series episodes and features some of our favorite characters, plus they discuss their take on the season as a whole.

Star Trek does Alien and Predator! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that looks very familiar to scifi fans, and includes characters confronting their internal conflicts and a major sacrifice among the crew.

It's two stories in one! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode that focuses on Dr. M'Benga and his daughter; about rewriting your ending; and how to let go of a loved one for their own good.

Spock confronts his identity and Pike confronts a pirate. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the show's attempt a cultural issue discussion in the midst of a pirate attack and also mention the re-introduction of controversial character from the movies.

What if a civilization would thrive for as long as one person had to suffer on their behalf. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that includes moral absolutes and a challenge to Pike's conscience.

Freaky Friday, Star Trek-style! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Spock's body swap with his fiancée in which hijinks ensue; plus Enterprise bingo and other fun comedy bits.

Dive, dive, dive! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this submarine battle episode that explore more of La'an's background, brings back the Gorn, and shows all the ways that broken Starfleet tech can contribute to a plot.

A loose virus is followed by a lockdown on Enterprise. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the clever plot device of a virus that spreads by light, the character revelations, especially about Una, and what we learn about M'Benga.

Introducing Uhura. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the re-introduction of our favorite communications officer; the use of faith in the story; Pike's foreknowledge of his fate; and Sam Kirk's mustache.

Pike's Enterprise is here! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the series premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds; its discussion of suffering and how we llive our lives with and despite it; and whether this may be the best first episode of a Trek series.

Season 2 of Picard wraps up and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the episode and season, including a resolution in the Picard-Q relationship; the value of self-forgiveness; and where Picard--the character and the series--will go from here.

What do the Borg really want? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate episode of Picard season 2, which contains a lot of action, but also dives into the motivations of the Borg Queen who searches for connection and deals with mental illness and Picard's childhood trauma.

X-Files meets Star Trek. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Picard's encounter with an FBI agent obsessed with aliens; Q's revelation that even he is not immune to death and what that means for him; and the Borg Queen plan to ruin the future.

Dive into Picard's mind. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the ongoing exploration of Picard and his psychological basis; talk about the redemptive suffering we see; and applaud the excellent casting of James Callis.

Is it a filler episode? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this unusually short episode which offers just a few plot advances; then discuss anxiety disorders, Agnes and the Borg Queen, and the possible fates of several main characters.

To the moon, Renee! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard, including an ancestor that must fly, another editing genes, more threads that will need future episodes to be tied, indications of a Queen, and a special voicemail from the Continuum.

To celebrate their 200th episode on April Fools Day, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha give their list of the worst Star Trek episodes in all the classic series. With over 800 total Trek episodes there are bound to be stinkers and we've found them.

Who is the Watcher? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard episode, including their very favorite scene on a bus; the "new" Guinan; and how the Watcher may be a callback to a TOS episode.

Resistance is futile. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Picard where the crew ends up in 2024, having to navigate the backward and violent society they encounter, while also contending with a revitalized Borg Queen intent on assimilating them all.

Timelines! Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Star Trek: Picard, in which Q has called Picard to do penance for some sin and then shows him an alternate timeline of a fascist imperial Earth. Is this just a re-tread of all the past Mirror Universe Trek or is there something new here?

The 2nd season of Picard is here! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha dive into the new story involving Picard, time travel, and the powerful being Q; discuss revelations about Picard's past; and consider the Borg and assimilation and forgiveness.

The torch is passed. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the movie that moved from the TOS generation to TNG and saw the final appearance of James T. Kirk. Does the film live up to its significance? And how well did TNG intially translate to the big screen?

Was the Squire of Gothos the prototype for Q? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the quixotic creature Trelane and how the episode plays with expectations by making the near-omnipotent being an alien child in the end.

The first season of Discovery is complete and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what worked and didn't work in the show's premiere season; the difficult moral choice presented in the conclusion; and seeing your enemy not as monsters, but as people.

With the mid-season finale of Star Trek: Prodigy's first season, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the answers received to the show's questions, what questions remain, and the surprising depth for a show aimed at children.

As Prodigy approaches its first season midpoint, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how the Prodigy crew has matured during its time together; appreciate the caper plot that is set up for resolution next time; and look at the mystery of The Diviner and his quest.

Time bubbles! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this latest episode of Prodigy, incuding the common Trek plot of time looping; the lesson about working together as a crew; and a major development for one character. Plus the chicken, fox, and grain logic problem.