The Ready Room: A Star Trek Podcast
87: Can We Please Reactivate the Defendant?

The Measure of a Man.

Does Data have rights? This is the central question asked in Melinda Snodgrass’s classic courtroom drama “The Measure of a Man.” But beyond the fate of Data himself, the real question is how artificial life will be treated in the future. Though it may sound like science fiction, it’s a decision we will someday have to make in the real world. The difficulty of the issue was presented brilliantly more than two decades ago by TNG, and the uncertainty of its message still rings true today.

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by renowned Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek to discuss “The Measure of a Man,” the ethical questions it raises, and how the extended cut on Blu-ray—which adds 13 minutes—makes this episode even better.

In news we look at the upcoming re-release of The Next Generation on DVD, two awards given to La-La Land Records, the unofficial Star Trek Into Darkness poster designed by Matt Ferguson (plus a few more bits of news and rumours about the film), and we debate which Starfleet doctor is the most skilled.

Direct download: trr-087.mp3
Category:The Next Generation -- posted at: 8:00pm MDT

86: Logic Bombing the Shakespeare Robot

The Conscience of the King.

Shakespeare can be found throughout Star Trek, from simple quotes to lifted plotlines. Today we take the influence of the Bard on the franchise for granted; but it all started in first season of The Original Series with a story that digs deeply into the issues of justice, vengeance, and justifications. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Drew Stewart and Charlynn Schmiedt to discuss “The Conscience of the King” and how a story that may seem like a simplistic, bad mystery is actually a multilayered gem that showcases the very best of Star Trek and the cast.

In news we have the latest information on the Best of Both Worlds theatrical event, try on some tunic tanks, and take a look at Andorians in DK’s upcoming Star Trek Visual Dictionary, IDW’s May 2013 comic lineup, and the making of Star Trek: The Video Game. Plus, we share our impressions of Ongoing #18’s trip into Uhura’s past and the second part of Countdown to Darkness. A Star Trek IV homage may also be on deck.

Direct download: trr-086.mp3
Category:The Original Series -- posted at: 8:00pm MDT

85: Brofighting In the 602

First Flight.

Archer’s involvement in Starfleet’s NX project was key to his ultimate assignment as captain of the Enterprise—and to seeing his father’s work through to completion. Beyond the test flights themselves, the journey through the ups and downs of the project shaped the leader Archer became. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Matthew Rushing and Colin Higgins to discuss “First Flight” and how the competition with fellow Commander A.G. Robinson changed the way Archer approached life. We also talk about how the NX program influenced Archer’s view of Vulcans, how he met Trip, and how the origin of the Starfleet School of Fashion’s Admiral Uniform Modification Program can be traced back to this episode.

In news we look at the new trailers for “The Best of Both Worlds” and Enterprise Season One Blu-rays, the Shatoetry Valentine’s update, new KRE-O toys from Hasbro, and how Pine and Cumberbatch are trying to seduce you from Entertainment Weekly’s new Star Trek Into Darkness covers. Plus, we reveal the surprising identity of the character Cumberbatch is actually playing in the new film.

Direct download: trr-085.mp3
Category:Enterprise -- posted at: 8:00pm MDT

84: Holographic American History Month

The Killing Game.

The introduction of the Hirogen to Voyager brought an interesting and formidable new foe to challenge Janeway and her crew. In their fourth appearance, these hunters put the Voyager crew through a series of holographic challenges culminating in a reenactment of World War II. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt to discuss “The Killing Game,” getting the cast out of makeup, Harry Kim’s Magical Morphing Power Grid, the ethical dilemma of giving the Hirogen Federation technology, and the serious philosophical debate about the paths of society that is hidden carefully at certain points in the story. Oh, and we also reflect upon Jeri Ryan’s lips.

In news we look at La-La Land Records’ new 4-CD collection of music from DS9, upcoming TNG Blu-rays, the Best of Both Worlds theatrical event, the Star Trek Into Darkness iPhone app, and what we learned from the Into Darkness Super Bowl spot. Plus, we reveal the true reason that Chase Masteron has been seen wearing headphones in recording studios recently.

Direct download: trr-084.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm MDT

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