The Chase

Picard tries to finish his old archaeology teacher's monumental last mission: solving a puzzle that leads Humans, Romulans, Klingons and Cardassians to the secret of life in this galaxy, revealing the origin of humanoid life.

Random Trek #32 with Scott McNulty

Anže Tomić, podcaster and writer, joins Scott to talk about “The Chase” (TNG S6E10). This episode answers the question: why do all Star Trek aliens look a like? And the answer isn’t that great (turns out). We also discuss our favorite Trek movies, if this episode should have been a two parter, and why the Cardassians rock.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Anže Tomić

Inheritance

Data meets Juliana Tainer, former wife of Dr. Noonian Soong and Data's "mother," but she holds a shocking secret that even she doesn't know she carries.

Random Trek #33 with Scott McNulty

Shannon Sudderth, a host of the Audio Guide to Babylon 5 and frequent Two Minute Time Lord guest, joins Scott to talk about Inheritance (TNG S7E10). Topics include phasering to the candy center of a planet, the future of women in technology, and the realization that even androids can be embarrassed by their mom.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Shannon Sudderth

Evolution

An obsessed scientist arrives on the Enterprise-D to perform a once-in-a-lifetime experiment. Accidentally released nanites, however, threaten both it and the ship. (Season premiere)

Random Trek #34 with Scott McNulty

Chip Sudderth, a host of the Audio Guide to Babylon 5 and host of the Two Minute Time Lord, joins Scott to talk about Evolution (TNG S3E1). Wesley is front and center in this episode and that isn’t as bad as you might think. Hungry, hungry nanobots, sabermetrics, and the proper collars for Star Fleet uniforms are discussed. You’ll also find out what costume Scott would dress up in if he had to cosplay at a Star Trek convention.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Chip Sudderth

Waltz

Following the destruction of the starship Honshu, Sisko is severely injured and trapped alone on a deserted planet with Dukat, who becomes increasingly unstable.

Random Trek #35 with Scott McNulty

January 22, 2015 • 39 minutes • Scott McNulty with Marisa McClellan

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Marisa McClellan

All Good Things...

Picard learns from Q that he is to be the cause of the annihilation of Humanity and begins an incredible journey through time from the present, to the past when he first took command of the Enterprise, to twenty-five years into the future. (Series Finale, feature-length)

Random Trek #36 with Scott McNulty

Matt Gemmell, writer, joins Scott to talk about “All Good Things…” (TNG SE7E25). Random Trek’s first double length episode marks the final episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” ever, and possibility its best.

Three different timelines, multiple shots of Picard in his jammies, and more cats than you can shake a positronic brain at can all be found in TNG’s finale. As well as some very touching character moments and a fine send off to the Enterprise crew.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Matt Gemmell

Shades of Gray

Commander Riker fights for his life in sickbay after he is infected by an alien parasite while on an away-mission. Dr. Pulaski soon discovers that the only way to save Riker's life is to force his mind to relive painful memories. (Season finale)

Random Trek #37 with Scott McNulty

Casey Liss, of the Accidental Tech Podcast and Analog(ue), joins Scott to discuss “Shades of Gray” (TNG S2E22). Widely, and correctly, hailed as the worst episode of TNG ever this podcast covers everything from Starfleet Medical’s lax attitude towards quarantining people to the expensive nature of filming a TV show. Did I mention Shades of Gray is a clip show? In the second season of TNG? It isn’t good, people. Not at all.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Casey Liss

Judgment

Archer is charged by a Klingon tribunal for helping rebels try to escape the Empire.

Random Trek #38 with Scott McNulty

Andy Ihnatko, technology writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Judgement” (ENT S2E19). If you really enjoy Klingon courtrooms and Star Trek VI this episode of Enterprise is for you. Topics discussed include what kind of Star Trek fan Andy is, the problematic nature of Klingons, and lighting in Klingon mines.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Andy Ihnatko

Oasis

The crew finds a derelict spaceship from which they can salvage some supplies... only they find that the ship is not quite as deserted as they were led to believe.

Random Trek #39 with Scott McNulty

Helene Wecker, author of the fantastic “The Golem and the Jinni” joins Scott to discuss “Oasis” (ENT S1E20). What do you do when you’re stranded on an inhospitable planet? Create holographic friends and eat a lot of kumquats. And who is that in the back? Why, is that Odo? No, it is not.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Helene Wecker

Blood Oath

Three old Klingon warriors reunite on Deep Space 9, seeking Curzon Dax, with whom they entered into a blood oath to one day exact revenge on an enemy for killing the warriors' firstborn sons. Finding Jadzia as worthy a warrior as they felt Curzon to be, she joins the Klingons in completing their vendetta.

Random Trek #40 with Scott McNulty

Nicole Wakelin, editor at GeekMom, Director of Automotive Content at She Buys Cars, and writer all over the place, joins Scott to discuss “Blood Oath” (DS9 S2E19). Who ordered the trio of Klingons? And what’s this about revenge? Star Trek board games are discussed, as is TOS actors reprising roles, and the right and wrong ways to ask someone if they’ve ever murdered someone.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Nicole Wakelin

Remembering Leonard Nimoy (Random Trek 41)

Leonard Nimoy, Spock, died on Feb. 27th. On this special episode of Random Trek Scott is joined by a number of past guests who share their thoughts about Spock and their favorite Spock moment.

Scott's guests are:

Random Trek #41 with Scott McNulty

Leonard Nimoy, Spock, died on Feb. 27th. On this special episode of Random Trek Scott is joined by a number of past guests who share their thoughts about Spock and their favorite Spock moment.

Scott's guests are:

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Jason Snell
• Glenn Fleishman
• Matt Gemmell
• Steve Lutz
• Nicole Wakelin
• Jean MacDonald
• Dave Caolo
• Gedeon Maheux

Clues

The crew of the Enterprise wakes up after apparently passing through a wormhole, finding mysteries surrounding their blackout. Data begins to act suspiciously, prompting the command staff to wonder if he has been compromised.

Random Trek #42 with Scott McNulty

Carrie Ann Castillo, the woman behind The Little Big Blog joins Scott to discuss “Clues” (TNG S4E14). There’s a mystery afoot. How do we know this? Well, the episode is called “Clues” and Capt. Picard keeps reminding us that there’s a mystery to solve. Data is acting oddly, Troi gets possessed, and the growth rate of moss is a super important plot point. What more can you ask from an episode of Star Trek?

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Carrie Anne Castillo

Identity Crisis

La Forge and a former shipmate are the only officers left from an away mission five years ago. The others have transformed into aliens and disappeared.

Random Trek #43 with Scott McNulty

Victor Agreda Jr., Angry Dad Gamer and the man behind the Bakers Dozen Rules, joins Scott to discuss “Identity Crisis” (TNG S4E18). Topics include Geordi’s love live, how effects from the 90’s hold up to the HD treatment, and the impacts of Google Glass on the Federation.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Victor Agreda, Jr.

The Ensigns of Command

Data must convince a colony of 15,000 people to evacuate before the aliens who own the planet arrive.

Random Trek #44 with Scott McNulty

Annalee Flower Horne, science fiction writer and web developer, joins Scott to talk about The Ensigns of Command (TNG S3E2).

We discuss how impossible the impossible is, how many showers Riker takes during a typical TNG episode, and the very important lesson Data learns about kissing.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Annalee Flower Horne

Loud As A Whisper

The Enterprise brings a deaf negotiator to mediate the end of a planetary civil war.

Random Trek #45 with Scott McNulty

Myke Cole, writer and Capt. America fan, joins Scott to talk about Loud As A Whisper (TNG S2E5).

We discuss how accurate the depiction of the military is on TNG, why it is ok that Wesley is driving the Enterprise, the state of lighting on Solais V, and use the phrase “lust warrior” fairly often. We also talk about how this episode has so many good themes, and yet still comes off a little bit on the wrong foot. Also, Riva’s hair.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Myke Cole

A Time to Stand

With the Dominion on track to winning the war against the Federation, Sisko and his crew take a captured Jem'Hadar ship into enemy territory with a mission to cut off the Jem'Hadar's supply of ketracel-white in the Alpha Quadrant (Season Premiere).

Random Trek #46 with Scott McNulty

David Sparks, better known as Mac Sparky, joins Scott to discuss “A Time To Stand” (DS9 S6E1). David admits that he is a Star Wars fan (shocking!), we compliment Julian Bashir, have questions about the final resolution of the episode, and talk about how without TNG David might not have gotten through law school (he’s a lawyer, you should hire him!).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• David Sparks

The Catwalk

When a deadly neutronic storm threatens the ship, the crew must take refuge for eight days inside the maintenance shafts of the warp nacelles.

Random Trek #47 with Scott McNulty

Katie Floyd, a Mac Power User, joins Scott to discuss “The Catwalk” (ENT S2E12). Topics include visceral reactions to the very existence of Enterprise (and the reboot movies), how great the Star Trek novels are, Porthos as the strongest character, water polo and iPad usage in the future.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Katie Floyd

Workforce

Most of the Voyager crew is kidnapped and forced to labor in a massive industrial work force.

Random Trek #48 with Scott McNulty

Joe Rosensteel (that’s Joe Steel to you, kid), podcaster, infrequent Incomparable panelist, and Star Trek fan, joins Scott to discuss Random Trek’s first two part episode: Workforce Part I and Workforce II (VOY S7E16 and 17). Topics include if this should have been a two parter, factory automation, planet-wide shields, and Ralph Malph. These Are The Voyages (Volume 1) by Marc Cushman is also discussed briefly (and you should read it!).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Joe Rosensteel

The Squire of Gothos

The Enterprise is captured by Trelane, the childish ruler of Gothos.

Random Trek #49 with Scott McNulty

Steven Schapansky, of Radio Free Skaro and the newly launched Lazy Dr. Who, joins Scott to chat about the TOS classic: “The Squire of Gothos” (TOS S1E17)). They discuss the crazy amount of paperwork Starfleet requires, the power of mirrors, and the differences between early Dr. Who and early Star Trek.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Steven Schapansky

Equilibrium

Jadzia Dax is plagued by disturbing hallucinations that allude to the dark past of the Dax symbiont.

Random Trek #50 with Scott McNulty

Antony Johnston, writer for comics, graphic novels, and videogames in addition to the host of Unjustly Maligned, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Equilibrium (S3E4). Trills, symbiotes, potential underground serial killers, and dodgy doctors are all discussed.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Antony Johnston

The Devil in the Dark

The Enterprise arrives at Janus VI, where an unknown monster is destroying machinery and killing the miners, threatening the entire mining operation.

Random Trek #51 with Scott McNulty

Collin Donnell, developer, twitterer, and brank hacker joins Scott to discuss one of the most iconic TOS episodes: The Devil in the Dark (S1E26). Door opening procedures, appropriate miner garb, Phaser 1 and Phaser 2, and basic mining colony administration tips are all discussed. Plus, the devil isn’t who you think it is (or is it? It isn’t).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Collin Donnell

The Gift

Kes's telepathic and latent psychokinetic powers begin to grow rapidly while Voyager's newest crewmember, the former Borg drone Seven of Nine, deals with her new individuality.

Random Trek #52 with Scott McNulty

Georgia Dow, psychotherapist, senior editor at iMore, and host of Isometric, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s “The Gift” (S4E2). Shed a tear because this is Kes’ last episode (though why didn’t she take Neelix with her?). This also happens to be the first appearance of the deborgified 7 of 9 in her striking uniform (note the corset, people). Topics include: Georgia’s least favorite TNG character, Scott’s reaction to said least favorite character, one sided pancakes, and why the mention of either lucid dreaming or guided mediation is a warning that you might be watching a bad episode of Star Trek.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Georgia Dow

Shakaar

Kira's old Resistance leader refuses a government order to return some farming equipment.

Random Trek #53 with Scott McNulty

Derek Powazek, web developer turned farmer, joins Scott to discuss Deep Space Nine’s “Shakaar” (S3E24). Nothing says a Bajoran DS9 episode like the intersection of religion, internal politics, and agriculture. What do soil reclamators look like? We don’t know and we don’t care. Topics discussed include why we should like the Bajorans more (but we totally like the Cardassians better), dirt farmer, and what does a freedom figher do after they’ve won their freedom.

The novel Derek mentions is A Stitch in Time

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Derek Powazek

Inside Man

The Pathfinder Project makes contact with Voyager again... and this time they transmit a hologram of Reginald Barclay to interact with the crew. However a certain group of aliens have seen a way to make a tidy profit.

Random Trek #54 with Scott McNulty

Clint Ecker, programmer and snazzy dresser, joins Scott to talk about “Inside Man” (VOY S7E06). This episode features Reg Barclay, a Random Trek favorite, and Troi. Who doesn’t like Troi? It also has a bonus Reg, creepy stalker behavior, and a great deal of space swimwear.

(Next week on Random Trek: Voyager’s Death Wish.)

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Clint Ecker

Death Wish

A member of the Q Continuum comes aboard Voyager, seeking asylum so he can commit suicide. Q arrives onboard to stop him, leaving Captain Janeway to mediate a moral dilemma.

Random Trek #55 with Scott McNulty

Merlin Mann, writer, podcaster, Internet nuisance, joins Scott to discuss Death Wish ( VOY S2E18). This episode proves that the only thing better than one Q is double the Q. Scott and Merlin also discuss timescales when you’re immortal, and if this episode is a good choice for watching with your young daughter.

Next on Random Trek: TNG’s Lessons.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Merlin Mann

Lessons

Picard falls in love with one of his subordinates, but he can't deal with having to order her into dangerous situations.

Random Trek #56 with Scott McNulty

Kara Scott, poker player and reporter, joins Scott to discuss “Lessons” (TNG S6E19). Awkward kissing, poor Picard wardrobe choices, and a roll out keyboard - This episode has it all. Kara and Scott discuss all manner of things including what it is like to date a Capt. Kirk, mature relationships, and how Capt. Picard makes us a little gooey inside.

Next on Random Trek: The Enemy Within (TOS).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Kara Scott

The Enemy Within

A transporter malfunction splits Captain Kirk into two people – one good and one evil, and neither capable of functioning well separately.

Random Trek #57 with Scott McNulty

Frank Wu, Hugo award winning artist, joins Scott to discuss "The Enemy Within" (TOS S1E4). Transporter malfunctions, freezing Sulus, dogs in costumes, and the monster that is inside all of us are all in this episode. Scott and Frank talk about the lyrics to the TOS theme song, what makes us us, the lack of empathy towards Yeoman Rand, and no one thought to take a parka down to an ice planet.

Next on Random Trek: The Visitor (DS9).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Frank Wu

The Visitor

After a freak accident in the engine room of the Defiant apparently claims the life of Benjamin Sisko, Jake lives out his life in an endless quest to locate his father.

Random Trek #58 with Scott McNulty

L.M. Myles, writer, podcaster, and Dr. Who fan, joins Scott to discuss “The Visitor” (DS9 S4E3), which, despite the name, doesn’t offer much screentime for Nana Visitor. Old Jake, Young Jake, and an unstuck in time Ben Sisko make for an interesting trio in this episode. Things discussed include popping in on your favorite reclusive writer (they love it!), how Jake causes the death of Dax, and whether or not you’d want to serve on a ship captained by Nog.

Next on Random Trek: DS9’s The Search Part 1 & 2.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Liz Myles

The Search, Part I

Sisko takes an untested Starfleet warship into the Gamma Quadrant in an attempt to find the Founders of the Dominion. (Season Premiere)

Random Trek #59 with Scott McNulty

Shareef Jackson, STEM enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss “The Search, Part 1 and Part 2” (DS9 S3E1&2). This episode has everything: the revealing of the Founders, the introduction of the Defiant, and Odo turns into a rock. What more can you ask for? Topics include Star Trek captain’s surprising lack of family, how awesome the Defiant is, and the multilayered character that is Odo.

Next on Random Trek: TNG’s Symbiosis.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Shareef Jackson

Symbiosis

After the Enterprise-D rescues a freighter crew and the ship's important cargo, Captain Picard faces a difficult dilemma: uphold the Prime Directive, or save an entire civilization from exploitation?

Random Trek #60 with Scott McNulty

Courtney Wilburn, web developer and Levar Burton fan, joins Scott to discuss Symbiosis (TNG S1E22). This is a very special episode of TNG where we learn about the perils of addiction and the questionable tactic of having your entire planet’s economy depend on one crop. Interesting fashion, the allure of TNG, and questions about Dr. Crusher’s medical acumen are all discussed as is the Prime Directive and how Capt. Picard seems to apply it capriciously in this episode.

Next on Random Trek: TNG’s Man of the People.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Courtney Wilburn

Man of the People

As an ambassador mediates peace talks to end a fierce civil war, Deanna Troi begins to act erratically after spending some time with him.

Random Trek #61 with Scott McNulty

Marcos Huerta, astronomer, latino, and huge Trek/Sci-fi fan, joins Scott to discuss Man of the People (TNG S6E3). This episode is all Troi all the time (well, it is a lot of Troi, a lot of the time). Topics include how Troi’s character is largely defined by her relationships with other characters, the problematic nature of telepathy, 24th century medaitaror’s shocking lack of prepration for their jobs, and the astounding fact that Star Trek III isn’t as bad as you remember it.

Next on Random Trek: DS9’s The Sword of Kahless.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Marcos Huerta

The Sword of Kahless

Klingon Dahar Master Kor, Jadzia Dax, and Worf search for the fabled Sword of Kahless on a remote planet in the Gamma Quadrant.

Random Trek #62 with Scott McNulty

James Callan, content strategist and trivia master, joins Scott to discuss The Sword of Kahless (DS9 S4E9). Topics discussed include the details of Klingon archeology, how finding the sword isn’t the point of this episode, and many observations about Klingon society (or the lack thereof).

Next on Random Trek: Enterprise’s A Night in Sickbay.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• James Callan

A Night in Sickbay

Archer spends a night in sickbay with Dr. Phlox after Porthos picks up a deadly virus on an alien planet.

Random Trek #63 with Scott McNulty

Aleen Simms, host of Less Than or Equal, joins Scott to discuss A Night in Sickbay (ENT S2E5). Porthos is sick, and it is all Archer’s fault. Plus thoughts on the theme song (yes, again), how Archer isn’t all that great at his job, and some problematic usage of T’Pol.

Next on Random Trek: Enterprise’s Singularity.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Aleen Simms

Singularity

Upon approaching a black hole, the crew starts exhibiting strange behavior and uncharacteristically obsesses over trivial matters.

Random Trek #64 with Scott McNulty

Manu Saadia, author of the forthcoming book Trekonomics, joins Scott to discuss Singularity (ENT S2E9). The economics of the Star Trek universe are discussed, as is why so many Enterprise episodes feature scenes in the bathroom, the merits of T’Pal, and whether or not Capt. Archer is a good captain (spoiler: he isn’t).

Apologies for some of the audio in this episode, it would seem Skype isn’t a fan of Enterprise.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Manu Saadia

Mirror, Mirror

A transporter malfunction sends Kirk, McCoy, Scotty, and Uhura into a parallel universe where the Federation is replaced by an evil Empire, Kirk is a despot, and Spock is a cunning pirate.

Random Trek #65 with Scott McNulty

David Chartier, freelance content strategist and thinker, joins Scott to discuss Mirror, Mirror (TOS S2E4). Agonizers, golden belts, and Uhura’s alternate uniform are all discussed.

Next on Random Trek: VOY’s The Haunting on Deck Twelve.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• David Chartier

The Haunting of Deck Twelve

While the USS Voyager is without power for several hours, Neelix tells the children a ghost story of the events that lead up to it... or is it more than just a story? (Season penultimate)

Random Trek #66 with Scott McNulty

Joan McNulty, retiree, reader, and Scott’s mom, joins Scott to discuss The Haunting of Deck Twelve (VOY S6E25). The Original Series, how Scott got into Star Trek, whether Neelix is annoying, and the merits of Capt. Janeway are discussed. The merits of being able to fly and which Star Trek tech you wish was real (transporters vs. replicators) are also mentioned.

Next on Random Trek: DS9’s The Tears of the Prophets.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Joan McNulty

Tears of the Prophets

Sisko leads an invasion of Cardassian territory, ignoring a warning from the Prophets, with fatal consequences for a member of the DS9 crew. (Season finale)

Random Trek #67 with Scott McNulty

Lisa Schmeiser, reporter, podcaster, and newsletter producer (subscribe to So What, Who Cares?), joins Scott to discuss Tears of the Prophets (DS9 S6E26). The discussion includes whether DS9 feels dated, if the Bajorns are a cargo cult, the finer details of Dukat’s charm, and the fate of Jadzia Dax.

Next on Random Trek: DS9’s Whispers.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Lisa Schmeiser

Whispers

Upon returning from a mission to the Parada system, O'Brien begins to notice the crew acting strange around him and suspects there may be some unknown influence at work.

Random Trek #68 with Scott McNulty

Sarah Grey, editor and writer, joins Scott to discuss Whispers (DS9 S2E14). Bad things happen to Miles O’Brien, but this episode has a twist (which, of course, makes it even worse for Miles). Topics discussed include the ethics of sleeping with a clone of your spouse, what 70’s show most closely maps to DS9, and Chakotay even gets some love.

Next on Random Trek: VOY’s Shattered.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Sarah Grey

Shattered

The macroviruses, Dr. Chaotica, and Seska hinder Chakotay and Janeway's attempt to restore Voyager to its normal state after a temporal distortion shifts sections of the ship into different timeframes.

Random Trek #69 with Scott McNulty

Philip Mozolak, podcaster and TeeVee enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss Shattered (VOY S7E10). Chakotay visits Voyager’s past and future to find a way to unshatter the ship he loves. Or something. A stop in the holodeck, with ensuing hilarity, and the amazing skills of the Doctor round out this episode.

Next on Random Trek: VOY’s Vis à Vis

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Philip Mozolak

Vis à Vis

A genome thief switches physical forms with Tom Paris.

Random Trek #70 with Scott McNulty

Brian Hamilton, podcaster and writer, joins Scott to discuss Vis a Vis (VOY S4E20). Tom Paris meets a crazy alien who steals ships and people’s DNA! Hilarity ensues. And what’s the deal with everyone in the future being obsessed with pop culture from about our current time period? Hmm? Also discussed the pleasures of working on holographic automobiles.

Next on Random Trek: VOY’s Prime Factors (S1E10).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Brian Hamilton

Prime Factors

The crew of Voyager discovers a planet that has the technology to send them more than halfway along their journey home. However, the planet's inhabitants are more than reluctant to share this technology with Voyager's crew, as doing so would violate one of the society's own prime directives.

Random Trek #71 with Scott McNulty

Alyssa Favreau, writer, designer, proofreader, fact checker, and copy editor, joins Scott to discuss Prime Factors (VOY S1E10). Though, to be honest, they don’t spend that much time talking about the episode. Topics include space bros, ranking Vulcans, and the many outfits of Star Trek. Plus Harry Kim and erotic breezes.

Next on Random Trek: The TOS classic The Corbomite Maneuver.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Alyssa Favreau

The Corbomite Maneuver

Exploring a distant region of space, the Enterprise is threatened by Balok, commander of a starship from the First Federation.

Random Trek #72 with Scott McNulty

Clayton Morris, news guy, podcaster, and speaker, joins Scott to discuss the classic Original Series episode The Corbomite Maneuver (TOS S1E2). Topics discussed include the evolution of space exercise equipment, the ton of interesting shots used in this episode, space salads, and the horrible fate of Dave Bailey. Plus salient points on how odd looking, but well cast, Clint Howard is (we say it with love, Clint).

Next on Random Trek: VOY S1E4 Time and Again.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Clayton Morris

Time and Again

While investigating a massive explosion that destroyed all life on a planet, Janeway and Paris are swept back a day in time, where they must prevent the explosion.

Random Trek #73 with Scott McNulty

Dan Koeppel, freelance writer, banana expert, and Star Trek: TNG screenwriter (!), joins Scott to discuss “Time and Again” (VOY S1E4). Topics include the perils of having your episode share a name with a fantastic book, how the Voyager crew is like Hitler, 90’s child actors, guns that looks like guns, and tales of writing a Star Trek episode (specifically Inheritance which was covered in Random Trek episode 33).

Next on Random Trek: VOY S3E23 Distant Origin.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Dan Koeppel

Distant Origin

An alien scientist finds evidence linking his species' ancestry to Earth, but government officials refuse to accept his evidence because it conflicts with existing doctrine.

Random Trek #74 with Scott McNulty

Josh de Lioncourt, blogger, novelist, and podcaster (Maccessibility and Masters Cast) joins Scott to discuss Distant Origin (VOY S3E23). This episode introduces the truly awesome alien race the “Voth.” This episode is also the only appearance of the Voth in Voyager frowny face. Also discussed on the episode: Josh’s shocking thoughts on TNG, the odd structure of this episode, and did we mention how cool the Voth are? Because they’re cool.

Next on Random Trek: DS9’s The Forsaken (S1E17).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Josh de Lioncourt

The Forsaken

An alien computer program wreaks havoc with the station's systems during a visit from Lwaxana Troi and other ambassadors.

Random Trek #75 with Scott McNulty

Eric Smith, novelist, blogger, and all around geek, joins Scott to talk about “The Forsaken” (DS9 S1E17). Topics include what exactly was forsaken in this episode, Lwaxana Troi, the writers’ questionable grasp on how computers actually work, and pup.

Don’t forget to buy Eric’s book “Inked.”

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Eric Smith

Muse

Torres is stranded on a pre-industrial planet where she becomes the inspiration for a local poet.

Random Trek #76 with Scott McNulty

Becky Sweger, federal data enthusiast and bendystraw lover blogger joins Scott to talk about “Muse” (VOY S6E22). Topics include Star Trek captain’s hair, the distinct lack of space in this episode, and how Scott actually likes Harry Kim in episode. Plus there are some cool looking masks.

Next on Random Trek: VOY’s “Parallax” (S1E3).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Becky Sweger

Parallax

Investigating an apparent distress call, Voyager becomes trapped inside the event horizon of a quantum singularity.

Random Trek #77 with Scott McNulty

Shawn Blanc, writer, Sweet Setuper, and focused individual, joins Scott to discuss “Parallax” (VOY S1E3). Blending a crew, black holes, poorly aging special effects, and the troubling relationship between Neelix and Kes are all discussed.

Next on Random Trek: ENT’s “Dear Doctor” (S1E13).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Shawn Blanc

Dear Doctor

In the name of non interference, Enterprise withholds a cure from a culture that has been stricken by a planet-wide plague.

Random Trek #78 with Scott McNulty

Dan Sturm, podcaster and director, joins Scott to discuss Enterprise’s “Dear Doctor” (S1E13). Mistranslation hijinks, casual racism, and the Prime Directive before there was a Prime Directive are just some of the topics discussed.

Next on Random Trek: VOY’s “Message in a Bottle” (S4E14).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Dan Sturm

Message in a Bottle

Seven of Nine finds an abandoned subspace relay network that has the ability to send a message, or in this case The Doctor, to a Starfleet ship detected in the Alpha Quadrant.

Random Trek #79 with Scott McNulty

Joel Mathis, associate editor at Philly Mag, and all around fun guy joins Scott to discuss Voyagers’s “Message in a Bottle” (S4E14). Andy Dick, holographic genitalia, and cool ships of Star Trek are all discussed.

Next on Random Trek: DS9’s “Playing God” (S2E17).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Joel Mathis

Playing God

While hosting her first Trill initiate Dax discovers a tiny, expanding protouniverse that threatens to destroy the Bajoran system.

Random Trek #80 with Scott McNulty

Warren Frey, writer, editor, and podcaster (Radio Free Skaro) joins Scott to discuss “Playing God” (DS9 S217). Topics include ranking the Star Trek movies, Dr. Who, and voles. Oh, the voles.

Next on Random Trek: a hiatus until 2016. Enjoy the rest of 2015!

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Warren Frey