"Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" with David J. Loehr, Tony Sindelar, and Jason Snell (Random Trek 81)

David J. Loehr, Tony Sindelar, and Jason Snell join Scott to discuss “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. That’s right, our first movie and it is a good one! You know the one, with the whales and the time travel and the colorful metaphors. Topics discussed include movies that start with the characters watching the previous movie, the shocking overlap between Vulcan and elven fashions, and why doesn’t Sulu do anything in this movie?

Next on Random Trek: The Omega Glory (TOS S2E25).

Random Trek #81 with Scott McNulty

David J. Loehr, Tony Sindelar, and Jason Snell join Scott to discuss “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. That’s right, our first movie and it is a good one! You know the one, with the whales and the time travel and the colorful metaphors. Topics discussed include movies that start with the characters watching the previous movie, the shocking overlap between Vulcan and elven fashions, and why doesn’t Sulu do anything in this movie?

Next on Random Trek: The Omega Glory (TOS S2E25).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• David J. Loehr
• Tony Sindelar
• Jason Snell

The Omega Glory

The Enterprise discovers the derelict starship Exeter drifting in space, its entire crew killed by an unknown plague and her captain missing. (Season penultimate)

Random Trek #82 with Scott McNulty

Mikah Sargent, tech enthusiast and co-host of Integrate and the Incomparable’s own Cartoon Cast, joins Scott to discuss The Original Series’ “The Omega Glory” (S2E25). We learn why Star Trek is suitable entertainment for the very religious, despite the skimpy costumes and the devilish Spock, casual racism is explored, and we ponder why Kirk would know the Pledge of Allegiance.

Next on Random Trek VOY’s Elogium (S2E4).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Mikah Sargent

Elogium

Voyager encounters a swarm of spaceborne aliens, while Kes and Neelix must decide whether to have a child.

Random Trek #83 with Scott McNulty

Rachel Donner, podcaster and hockey enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s Elogium (S2E4). Procreation. That’s the theme of this episode and it revolves around Neelix and Kes. Yuck. That’s right, some space aliens make Kes enter her species’ mating phase and it is now or never if she wants to have a baby. Neelix is awful.

Next on Random Trek DS9’s The Wire (S2E4).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Rachel Donner

The Wire

Bashir tries to help when Garak suffers painful headaches from an implant in his brain.

Random Trek #84 with Scott McNulty

Sabriel Mastin, freelance writer and games critic joins Scott to discuss DS9’s The Wire (S2E22). This is a Garak focused episode, so how could it be anything other than good? Topics include: do we learn anything about Garak in this episode? Do you need to watch every episode after this episode to truly appreciate it? Why does Bashir annoy Scott so much? And more!

Next on Random Trek VOY’s One (S4E25).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Sabriel Mastin

One

After the rest of the crew is placed in suspended animation to protect them from dangerous radiation, Seven, with only The Doctor for company, is placed in control of the ship. (Season penultimate)

Random Trek #85 with Scott McNulty

Jim Metzendorf, author of “The Professional’s Guide to Audio Podcast Production” and editor of Random Trek, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s One (S4E25). How weird it is to talk to Scott, watching Star Trek: TNG a week early thanks to a sweet satellite dish, and the logistics of stasis tubes, and Riker’s beard are all discussed on this week’s episode.

Next on Random Trek TNG’s Time’s Arrow (Parts 1 & 2) (S5E26 and S6E1).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Jim Metzendorf

Time's Arrow

An engineering team finds evidence of an alien presence on Earth in 19th century San Francisco: Data's severed head, buried five hundred years ago. (Season Finale)

Random Trek #86 with Scott McNulty

David Gian-Cursio, 3D artist, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Time’s Arrow Parts 1 and 2 (S5E26, S6E1). Topics include the 2016 Star Trek Ships of the Line calendar (in which David is the artist of February’s ship!), the fan art community, our favorite Star Trek movies, favorite characters, and also Time’s Arrow.

Next on Random Trek TNG’s The Emissary (S2E20).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• David Gian-Cursio

The Emissary

The Enterprise crew has to deal with a Klingon sleeper ship whose occupants don't know the Federation and Klingons are at peace. On-board to help them is an emissary, who (coincidentally) is one of Worf's former love interests.

Random Trek #87 with Scott McNulty

Maia Weinstock, editor, writer, and LEGO enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s The Emissary (S2E20). Topics include admirals’ uniforms, Klingon mating rituals, Khelyr’s wardrobe, and ridiculous birdmen.

Next on Random Trek ENT’s The Andorian Incident (S1E7).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Maia Weinstock

The Andorian Incident

Enterprise visits a Vulcan monastery, only to find that it is in the midsts of being taken over by the Andorians.

Random Trek #88 with Scott McNulty

Carrie Miller, chemistry professor and knitter, joins Scott to discuss ENT’s The Andorian Incident (S1E7). Topics include shifty Vulcans, how cool the Andorians look, Archer’s lack of patience, how cute Porthos is, and Star Trek cat trees.

Next on Random Trek VOY’s Author, Author (S7E20).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Carrie Miller

Author, Author

The Doctor completes work on a holonovel that depicts the crew of Voyager in rather unflattering roles as they abuse and scorn the Emergency Medical Hologram. When the holonovel is published without his permission, the issue of The Doctor's legal rights is brought into question. Seven reconnects with her aunt.

Random Trek #89 with Scott McNulty

Anna Tarkov, podcaster and writer, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s Author, Author (S7E20). Topics include the fact that a holonovel is really a video game, how Tom Paris is kind of a jerk, and the parallels that this episode draws with slavery make some of us a little uncomfortable.

Next on Random Trek VOY’s Tuvix (S2E24).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Anna Tarkov

Joan McNulty (Random Trek 90)

My mom, Joan McNulty, died on Sunday, March 6th, 2016. I thought it a fitting tribute to re-post her Random Trek appearance, so I hope you enjoy it (again or for the first time!).

You can read a bit more about my mom on my blog.

Random Trek #90 with Scott McNulty

My mom, Joan McNulty, died on Sunday, March 6th, 2016. I thought it a fitting tribute to re-post her Random Trek appearance, so I hope you enjoy it (again or for the first time!).

You can read a bit more about my mom on my blog.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Joan McNulty

Tuvix

After a transporter malfunction, Tuvok and Neelix are merged into a single being. In the search for a way to restore them to their original forms, a moral dilemma is faced as the new being does not want to be terminated.

Random Trek #91 with Scott McNulty

Ken Gagne, gamer, youtuber, and polygamer, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s Tuvix (S2E24). Tuvok and Neelix: two great tastes that taste great together? Well.. at least Tuvix isn’t as annoying as Neelix. Topics discussed include the Apple II, inviting your parents onto your podcast (while you can), where you’d like to live in the Star Trek universe, and some Voyager episode.

Next on Random Trek… something!

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Ken Gagne

Angel One

While Riker leads an away team to a female-dominated planet, a mysterious virus spreads among the Enterprise crew.

Random Trek #92 with Scott McNulty

Alan R. C. Raventree, clockmaker and Trek fan, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Angel One (S1E14). Topics include misplaced freighters, what makes a grandfather clock tick, Riker’s chest hair, and lots and lots of ship talk.

Next on Random Trek DS9’s Rules of Acquisition (S2E7).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Alan R. C. Raventree

Rules of Acquisition

Grand Nagus Zek assigns Quark to initiate negotiations with a planet in the Gamma Quadrant, but Quark's new associate is not what he seems.

Random Trek #93 with Scott McNulty

Jordan Miller, Star Trek fan and husband of another Random Trek guest, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Rules of Acquisition (S2E7). Topics include Tiny Ron, the lovely german language, the problematic nature of the Ferengi, and Morn.

Next on Random Trek… a surprise!

Hosts

• Scott McNulty

The Next Phase

Geordi La Forge and Ensign Ro are believed dead after a transporter malfunction. However, they soon discover that their state may not actually be "death".

Random Trek #94 with Scott McNulty

Justin Michael, Star Trek fan, editor of Less than or Equal, and problem solver, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s The Next Phase (S5E24). Romulans, being out of phase, not thinking too hard about science, close talkers, and Ensign Ro are just a few of the topics covered in this episode.

Next on Random Trek… another surprise!

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Justin Michael

Suspicions

Dr. Crusher violates Starfleet regulations and medical ethics when she investigates the death of a Ferengi scientist.

Random Trek #95 with Scott McNulty

Adam Rakunas, novelist (buy his first book and pre-order his second!) joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Suspicions (S6E22). Everyone thinks Dr. Crusher is crazy… again. There’s a nice Ferengi scientist, lots of casual racism directed toward said scientist, and an alien with a soft, touchable face.

Next on Random Trek: What’s life without a little mystery?

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Adam Rakunas

Skin of Evil

A rescue operation to save the lives of a shuttle crew becomes complicated thanks to a malevolent entity, and one Enterprise-D crew member pays the ultimate price in their rescue.

Random Trek #96 with Scott McNulty

Pete the Retailer, co-host of AlphaBeatical and Star Wars Minute, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Skin of Evil (S1E23). Shed a tear for Tasha Yar, watch out for mobile oil slicks, and don’t worry about the shuttle pilot (no one on the episode does!).

Next on Random Trek… more surprises!

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Pete the Retailer

Twisted

Voyager encounters an inversion field which twists and distorts the ship's hull.

Random Trek #97 with Scott McNulty

Michael Fisher, mobile tech enthusiast, joins Scott to talk about Voyager’s “Twisted” (S2E6). Things discussed include virtual reality, the Amazon Echo, the Star Trek movies, and many things other than Twisted (which isn’t good).

Want to appear on Random Trek’s 100th episode? Upload a recording of yourself asking Scott a question, or just making a comment and maybe you’ll be featured. You can also tweet your questions/comments using the hashtag #RandomQ.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Michael Fisher

Proving Ground

An Andorian ship commanded by Shran unexpectedly appears in the Expanse to help the Enterprise locate the Xindi primary weapon.

Random Trek #98 with Scott McNulty

Stuart Wellington, Star Wars fan and one of the Flophouse peaches, joins Scott to discuss Enterprise’s “Proving Ground” (S3E13). Topics discussed include the Star Trek movies, the Xindi, Capt. Archer, and the majesty of Jeffrey Combs.

Want to appear on Random Trek’s 100th episode? Upload a recording of yourself asking Scott a question, or just making a comment and maybe you’ll be featured. You can also tweet your questions/comments using the hashtag #RandomQ.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Stuart Wellington

The High Ground

Doctor Crusher is captured by terrorists who want to involve the Federation in their struggle for freedom.

Random Trek #99 with Scott McNulty

Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly writer and co-host of the Vidiots Video Store Show, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s The High Ground (S3E12). A lot of time is spent talking about the Trek movies, books, video games, and not so much time talking about The High Ground.

Also, you can now support Random Trek, and the entire the Incomparable podcast empire, by becoming a member. Check the Membership page for details.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Darren Franich

100 Episode Celebration (Random Trek 100)

Scott is joined by a number of listeners to celebration the 100th episode of Random Trek. This super sized episode features Scott answering questions, people commenting on the show, and a glimpse into Scott’s childhood (plus the answer to why the Animated Series isn’t included in the random lineup).

Next on Random Trek: Requiem for Methuselah.

Random Trek #100 with Scott McNulty

Scott is joined by a number of listeners to celebration the 100th episode of Random Trek. This super sized episode features Scott answering questions, people commenting on the show, and a glimpse into Scott’s childhood (plus the answer to why the Animated Series isn’t included in the random lineup).

Next on Random Trek: Requiem for Methuselah.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty

Requiem for Methuselah

While the Enterprise searches for the rare cure to a deadly disease, the landing party is confronted by a reclusive man who is willing to kill to preserve his privacy.

Random Trek #101 with Scott McNulty

Jason Snell, Incomparable head honcho, master of the Six Colors, and Chief UpGradian joins Scott to discuss TOS’s Requiem for Methuselah (S3E21). Composers’ handwriting, squeeze bottles full of Science Juice, and the shocking ending of this episode are all covered.

Don’t forget, you can now support Random Trek, and the entire the Incomparable podcast empire, by becoming a member. Check the Membership page for details.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Jason Snell

Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night

Kira uses the Orb of Time to travel into the past after Dukat claims that her mother was once his lover during the Occupation.

Random Trek #102 with Scott McNulty

Chris Ullrich, co-host of the Flickcast joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night (S6E17). Comfort women, the Orb of Time, and Kira’s amazing definition of “just observing” are all discussed on this episode. Plus, Gul Dukat.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Chris Ullrich

Accession

A three-hundred-year-old Bajoran ship comes through the wormhole, and its passenger claims that he is the Emissary of the Prophets.

Random Trek #103 with Scott McNulty

Dan Moren, novelist and host of many podcasts (The Rebound, Clockwise, and Inconceivable!) joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Accession” (S4E17), which Scott fails to pronounce properly. Topics discussed include Bashir (better when taken with another character, like O’Brien or Garak), the Prophets disregard for linear time, and the Bajoran’s eagerness to please some fishy new Emissary.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Dan Moren

Elementary, Dear Data

The Enterprise is threatened when a character in Data and La Forge's holodeck simulation becomes sentient.

Random Trek #104 with Scott McNulty

Marshall Honorof, tech writer, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Elementary, Dear Data” (S2E3). Topics include why Capt. Picard doesn’t just shutdown the holodeck, if Geordi sees everything upside down, and The Nanny.

Read about Marshall’s binging every Star Trek episode and movie and then learn how to do it yourself.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Marshall Honorof

The Swarm

The Doctor suffers from a computer malfunction; Voyager is attacked by a swarm of alien warships.

Random Trek #105 with Scott McNulty

Marisa McClellan, canner and cookbook author (three times over), joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s “The Swarm” (S3E4). Lots of tiny spaceships, a disapproving Vulcan, and very little Harry Kim.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Marisa McClellan

Blaze of Glory

To prevent a Maquis missile attack from reaching Cardassia, Sisko must force Starfleet traitor Eddington to lead him to the launch site.

Random Trek #106 with Scott McNulty

Caroline Siede, eclectic nerd and writer, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Blaze of Glory” (S5E23). Topics include whether Bashir is annoying or cute (could be be both?), the joys of Nog and Jake, and what’s the deal with that one guy’s wife?

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Caroline Siede

Prodigal Daughter

Ezri returns to her home to ask her family's help in finding O'Brien, who disappeared while searching for the widow of a dead friend.

Random Trek #107 with Scott McNulty

Mikah Sargent, senior editor at Mobile Nations and podcaster (Integrate, Cartoon Cast, and Disruption joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Prodigal Daughter (S7E11). During the final season of a complicated arc driven show it makes sense to pause and examine the home life of Ezri Dax, right? Scott speculates that the entire Star Trek universe economy revolves around mining, and the brief moments of seeing the rest of the cast are discussed, as is the disturbing lack of Australians in this episode.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Mikah Sargent

Hippocratic Oath

Bashir tries to help members of a Jem'Hadar unit free themselves of their addiction to the drug the Founders use to control them. Meanwhile, Worf tries to adjust to life aboard DS9.

Random Trek #108 with Scott McNulty

Shannon Sudderth, a host of the Audio Guide to Babylon 5 and frequent Incomparable panelist, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Hippocratic Oath (S4E4). Another DS9 episode! This episode includes discussions about whether or not it is cool to be a geek in highschool these days, pondering whether Bashir is a hottie or annoying (why not both?), the well portrayed friendship between Bashir and O’Brien, and more.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Shannon Sudderth

Homefront

Sisko is recalled to San Francisco after a terrorist bombing reveals that Changelings have reached Earth. (Part 1 of 2)

Random Trek #109 with Scott McNulty

Tony Sindelar, Batman enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s two parter composed of Homefront and Paradise Lost (S4E11/12). Most of these episodes take place on Earth, which leads to a discussion about just what the heck people living on Earth do with their time. And why do any of them work in a restaurant? Though it seems access to transporters have really made traveling much nicer.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Tony Sindelar

Prophet Motive

Quark receives oo-mox from Emi

Random Trek #110 with Scott McNulty

Joe Rosensteel, Defocused and Unhelpful, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Prophet Motive (S3E16). Rub your ears and count your latinum because this is a Ferengi episode. Topics covered include energy whips, strange medical award ceremonies, and Scott’s Wallace Shawn impression (briefly).

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Joe Rosensteel

The Q and the Grey

Q has a novel idea for ending civil war in the Q Continuum: have a child with Captain Janeway.

Random Trek #111 with Scott McNulty

Max Temkin, box maker, game designer, and Star Trek enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s The Q and the Grey (S3E11). Topics include Max’s thoughts on why Voyager has some of the best episodes in all of Trek, how this episode is a great argument against that view point, how the 90’s were a very different time, and how much this episode upsets Civil War buffs.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Max Temkin

Half a Life

Lwaxana Troi causes trouble when she finds out that a scientist she has fallen in love with is due to commit ritual suicide.

Random Trek #112 with Scott McNulty

John Gruber, the most daring of fireballs, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Half a Life (S4E220). Topics cover what to order at a steakhouse, what to order at a specific steakhouse (Barclay Prime), Picard’s odd behaviour, and our thoughts about Lwaxana and why no one ever says to her, “You sound an awful lot like the computer.”

Next on Random Trek TNG’s Parallels.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• John Gruber

The Man Trap

A mysterious creature stalks the Enterprise, murdering crew members. (Series Premiere/Franchise Debut)

Random Trek #113 with Scott McNulty

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the very first broadcast of the very first episode of the very first Star Trek series. To celebrate Scott has thrown aside the random nature of this podcast and invited Marisa McClellan, canning expert, to discuss TOS’s The Man Trap (S1E5). Topics include how this isn’t technically the first episode of Star Trek, the delicious nature of salt, and just what the heck a yeoman does anyway.

Next on Random Trek, and this time Scott means it, TNG’s Parallels.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Marisa McClellan

Parallels

After Worf returns from a bat'leth tournament, he is the only person who notices subtle changes on the Enterprise.

Random Trek #114 with Scott McNulty

John Roderick, singer of The Long Winters, man on the line, and Road Worker, joins Scott to talk about TNG’s Parallels (S7E11). Topics include the optimal cake slice size, spoilers, Riker/Troi and Worf/Troi, and the overall misuse of Troi.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• John Roderick

Melora

Doctor Bashir ends up falling in love with a new officer when he develops a way for her to function in a high gravity environment. Meanwhile, Quark receives a death threat from one of his former associates.

Random Trek #115 with Scott McNulty

Erika Ensign, Dr. Who podcaster, Incomprable panelist, and Babylon 5 podcaster (and more!) joins Scott to talk about DS9’s Melora (S2E06). Topics include Dr. Who companions, disability, and the average gravity on Federation planets. Also, check out Outside In Boldly Goes to read Erika’s essay.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Erika Ensign

Similitude

During an engine performance test, Trip Tucker is critically injured and left comatose in sickbay. Phlox suggests that Tucker's only hope for survival is the creation of a "mimetic simbiot" – in other words, a clone. The crew and Trip's clone have to face the unforeseen emotional ramifications of his creation.

Random Trek #116 with Scott McNulty

Michael Lopp, that’s Rands to you, blogger, author, and speaker, joins Scott to talk about ENT’s Similitude (S3E10). Topics include the captain you’d want to manage your startup, Enterprise’s awful theme song (yes, it is still awful), and the wondrous scientific discoveries in this episode that no one seems to care about.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Michael Lopp

The Forgotten

Two members of the Xindi Council offer to stop the launch of the weapon if Archer can prove that the Xindi have been manipulated; the crew holds a memorial for their dead shipmates.

Random Trek #117 with Scott McNulty

Ben Harrison, film maker and The Greatest Generation podcaster, joins Scott to talk about ENT’s The Forgotten (S3E20). Topics include the ins and outs of hosting a Star Trek podcast, Trip taking a long time to write a crappy letter, and the massive amount of things that happen in this very boring episode of Enterprise.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Benjamin Harrison

Soldiers of the Empire

After Worf becomes first officer of a Klingon Bird-of-Prey commanded by General Martok, he is caught between loyalty to his commander and loyalty to the crew.

Random Trek #118 with Scott McNulty

Susana Polo, writer at Polygon and founder of The Mary Sue, joins Scott to talk about DS9’s Soldiers of the Empire (S5E21). Topics include starting your Star Trek viewing experience with Voyager, the Federation assimilating cultures, and how Worf isn’t really good at his Klingon job.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Susana Polo

Bliss

Voyager finds a wormhole that leads directly back to Earth, but Seven of Nine suspects that it may not be what it appears.

Random Trek #119 with Scott McNulty

Jean MacDonald, founder of App Camp for Girls, joins Scott to talk about Voyager’s Bliss (S5E14). Topics include the perils of watching a show in random order, how Gene Roddenberry might have been a jerk, and how this episode is a kind of throwback to TOS.

Jean’s favorite podcasts include:

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Jean MacDonald

The Vengeance Factor

The Enterprise tries to negotiate an end to raids launched by a group called the "Gatherers," but a murder threatens to prevent peace.

Random Trek #120 with Scott McNulty

Glenn Fleishman, tech journalist and Incomparable panelist, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s The Vengeance Factor (S3E9). A big mystery! Which is solved very quickly. Riker puts it on pretty heavily (though respectfully). And Scott and Glenn talk a lot (too much?) about how the replicators work.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Glenn Fleishman

Covenant

Kira is abducted by a cult that worships the Pah-wraiths and is led by their "Master" - Dukat.

Random Trek #121 with Scott McNulty

David J. Loehr, man of stage and podcast joins Scott to talk about DS9’s Covenant_ (S7E9). Topics include the most iconic Star Trek villain vs. the best, whether Bajorans are space Jews or space Catholics, and the crazy number of episodes the last two seasons of DS9 include in multi-part stories.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• David J. Loehr

Future Imperfect

After an away mission to Alpha Onias III interrupts Commander Riker's birthday party, the first officer suddenly awakens in sick-bay sixteen years in the future where he is the captain of the Enterprise and about to negotiate a peace treaty with the Romulan Star Empire.

Random Trek #122 with Scott McNulty

Adam Teterus, Comic Book Junto co-host, Indy Hall booster, and writer, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Future Imperfect” (S4E8). Birthday cake, manthings, and the shockingly long time it takes Starfleet officers to advance in the ranks are all discussed.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Adam Teterus

The City on the Edge of Forever

After taking an accidental overdose of cordrazine, Doctor Leonard McCoy goes back in time and changes history. (Season penultimate)

Random Trek #123 with Scott McNulty

Tiffany Arment, Incomparable panelist and ranker of things joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “The City on the Edge of Forever” (S1E28). Widely hailed as the best episode of Star Trek ever, does it hold up? Yes, yes it does. We also list our top four Star Trek characters, the horrible user interface of the Guardian, and why the past is in black and white.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Tiffany Arment

The Return of the Archons

The Enterprise discovers a planet where the population act like zombies and obey the will of their unseen ruler, Landru.

Random Trek #124 with Scott McNulty

Dan Wearsch, host of Random Sterling, co-host of Microphone Talking, Spousal Privilege and more, joins Scott to discuss “The Return of the Archons” (TOS, S1E22). Are we of the body? Also, is twirling like a maniac in the street really that much fun? And why does Kirk hate computers so much?

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Dan Wearsch

The Game

Wesley Crusher visits the Enterprise only to see everyone behaving strangely on account of an addictive, mind-controlling game.

Random Trek #125 with Scott McNulty

Chip Sudderth, Incomparable panelist and Babylon 5 enthusiast joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Game” (S5E6). What’s up with Risa? Why does the Game not look like much fun at all? And whatever happened to that Ashley Judd?

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Chip Sudderth

The Inner Light

An alien probe controls and disables Captain Picard, who wakes up as "Kamin," a resident of the planet Kataan. While the crew of the Enterprise tries to jar the probe's influence, "Kamin" lives through the final, dying decades of his homeworld in the span of approximately twenty minutes in the form of an interactive "ancestor simulation". (Season penultimate)

Random Trek #126 with Scott McNulty

Gerry Canavan, prof at Marquette University, joins Scott to talk about TNG’s The Inner Light (S5E25). Another episode considered one of the best ever, but does it hold up? Yes, it does. Does the probe make any sense? Not so much. Does that matter? Listen and find out!

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Gerry Canavan

Ship in a Bottle

Professor Moriarty returns, only this time he gains control of the Enterprise in his quest to leave the holodeck.

Random Trek #127 with Scott McNulty

Steven Schapansky, Dr. Who fan and podcast producer, joins Scott to talk about TNG’s Ship in a Bottle (S6E12). This episode begs the question: why are holodecks allowed on starships? At least Reg is there to help realign some stuff.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Steven Schapansky

Barge of the Dead

B'Elanna Torres dies in a shuttle accident, and finds herself headed for Gre'thor, the afterlife for dishonored Klingons.

Random Trek #128 with incomparablist

Aleen Simms, incomparablist, host of Less Than of Equal, and more, joins Scott to talk about VOY’s Barge of the Dead (S6E3). The boat to Klingon hell is just what you think it might be: dark, full of fire, and contains grumpy Klingons. We talk about spirituality, if this is all in B’ELanna’s head plus Tuvok.

Hosts

• incomparablist
• Scott McNulty
• Aleen Simms
• incomparablist

Progress

Kira leads the evacuation of a moon which is being converted into a massive powerplant that will render the entire surface uninhabitable, but an old farmer refuses to leave. Back on the station, Jake and Nog set out to turn an inordinate amount of seemingly worthless condiments into profit.

Random Trek #129 with Scott McNulty

Guy English, fan of the show and man of the world, joins Scott to talk about DS9’s Progress (S1E15). A season one episode of Deep Space Nine that is worth watching! Kira solves problems, a grumpy man makes a kiln, self sealing stembolts are purchased, and the rest of the cast is present.

Hosts

• Scott McNulty
• Guy English