The Ready Room: A Star Trek Podcast
74: The Magic Clone Bean

Similitude.

About halfway through the Xindi arc, Enterprise took a break the search for the weapon and presented a story that was very traditional Star Trek. In exploring the ethical quandary of creating life simply to harvest tissue from it, Enterprise did what Star Trek does at its best. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Doug Mirabello and José Muñoz to discuss this episode, “Similtude,” how it represents a turning point for the series by planting the seeds of Manny Coto’s influence, and how it fits into the overall Xindi arc.

In news we cover a TNG 25th Anniversary lithograph from Bye Bye Robot, new collectibles and reissues from Diamond Select, the danger real-life warp drive could pose to planets, the results of another series preference poll, and some movie news and rumours. Could we be seeing the end of Quinto’s Spock?

Direct download: trr-074.mp3
Category:Enterprise -- posted at: 8:00pm MDT

73: Hot Vulcan Finger Action

The Search for Spock.

Nestled between the relentless vengeance of Khan and the near destruction of Earth at the flippers of whales is an emotional nugget whose power is often overlooked. Star Trek III suffers from the middle-child syndrome, but it highlights the relationships between the crew of the USS Enterprise in a way rarely seen. It also planted the seeds for many of things we now take for granted in later incarnations of the franchise. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt and Larry Nemecek to discuss The Search for Spock, why many of the creative decisions in the film were made, and why Starfleet wishes some captains could learn to stop oversharing over subspace.

In news we cover the La-La Land Records 10th anniversary celebration, the addition of Star Trek to Hulu, the Enterprise Blu-ray cover art, Anthony Montgomery’s new film project Chariot, the trouble with Tribble slippers, Spock oven mitts, Star Trek Into Darkness and Dolby Atmos, and we speculate on just what Star Trek could bring to Angry Birds.

Direct download: trr-073.mp3
Category:Movies -- posted at: 8:00pm MDT

72: Janeway Goes Goth

Bride of Chaotica!

Star Trek is littered with episodes that revolve around the holodeck. But few holodeck programs have been as much pure fun as Tom Paris’s Captain Proton. Having been introduced in Voyager’s fifth-season premiere, “Night,” The Adventures of Captain Proton gave birth to a black-and-white romp through the world of 1930s’ sci-fi B-movies. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt and Matthew Rushing to discuss the centerpiece of Voyager’s Captain Proton series, “Bride of Chaotica.” We also reveal a few things you may not have known about the holodeck.

In news we cover the TNG Blu-ray price drop, the winter 2012 issue of Star Trek Magazine, ThinkGeek’s Trek Socks, the latest entries Hive and Ongoing comics from IDW, and we play with the new “Shatoetry” app. We also explore which series had the best overall music. You might even find a Star Wars reference of two.

Direct download: trr-072.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 8:00pm MDT

71: Michael Piller's Magic Show

Equilibrium.

From the beginning we knew that, as a joined species, Jadzia Dax was different. Bit by bit we learned more about the path that she had followed to become joined, and about the symbiont inside her. We learned about her previous host, Curzon, and debated whether one host could be held liable for the actions of past hosts. Then, in season three, we took a deeper look at the past lives of Dax beginning with “Equilibrium,” a story that explored how repressed memories can affect Trill and the truth behind the selection process. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Mike Schindler and Max Hegel of Commentary Track Stars to discuss “Equilibrium,” the concept of the Trill, and the story’s unusual genesis.

In news we remember Winrich Kolbe and cover a new world record for costumes set at Destination Star Trek London, the TNG Season Two theatrical event, typographic art prints from Generation Gallery, Trek Tones for your iOS device, and we debate which series would make the best movies. Plus, we reveal the truth about what has happened to Greg.

Direct download: trr-071.mp3
Category:Deep Space Nine -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

70: Measured Degrees of Aloofness

Lower Decks.

As The Next Generation wrapped up its TV run with the season of family—also known as Season 7—we finally got to see the inner workings of the Enterprise crew in the episode “Lower Decks.” It was a glimpse into the daily lives of the people Q would refer to as Picard’s Little Minions. It also marked the return of a familiar face—Sito Jaxa—and revealed the circumstances of her ultimate demise. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by our Managing Editor Charlynn Schmiedt, Dork Trek’s Ben McCormick, and Michael Fisher to discuss “Lower Decks,” the process of crew evaluations, and how to get a service job on a cruise ship… we mean starship.

In news we cover the remastered Star Trek: Generations soundtrack from GNP Crescendo, Syfy UK’s plans to air TNG in HD, the Star Trek Online Azure Nebula Rescue event, and some movie news and rumours—including the great Facebook hoax. Plus we determine which one of us is Garak and which is Quark.

Direct download: trr-070.mp3
Category:The Next Generation -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

69: The Ultimate Eff You Finale

Turnabout Intruder.

After 80 produced episodes, Star Trek bid us farewell on June 3, 1969, with one of the most bizarre stories of the series. It was a finale filled with moaning, out-of-character acting, and a fab bass line. With one last shot, there’s a bit of everything for TOS fans in what’s more a clearing house for William Shatner’s acting than an actual finale. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by our Managing Editor Charlynn Schmiedt, TOS Editor Drew Stewart, and Jennie Zell of Dork Trek, Playing Doctor, and Broadcast to explore “Turnabout Intruder” and why it’s a wicked fun romp that leaves you feeling like Gene Roddenberry gave you the Winnie.

In news we discuss Destination Star Trek London and a special con exclusive from Star Trek The Official Magazine, Haynes Publishing’s Klingon Bird-of-Prey owner’s manual, a possible Paramount theme park in England, the 2013 Star Trek wall calendars, StarTrek.com’s poll of the best series opening credits, and we reveal the hidden message that can be found in the Deep Space Nine theme music. 

Direct download: trr-069.mp3
Category:The Original Series -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

68: Busting Through a Room Divider

The Andorian Incident.

The launch of Enterprise marked the return of one of Star Trek’s favourite aliens—the Andorians. After four appearances on The Original Series, the Andorians were rarely seen. We caught glimpses twice each in TAS, TNG, and the TOS films. Then nothing. But Enterprise took the Andorians and made them a cornerstone of the 22nd century storyline with 16 appearances led by one of Star Trek’s greatest actors, Jeffrey Combs. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by our TOS editor Drew Stewart and Ben McCormick of Dork Trek and Playing Doctor to discuss the triumphant return of our blue-skinned friends in “The Andorian Incident.”

In news we discuss Ronald D. Moore’s thoughts on a new Star Trek series, the Star Trek Renegades Kickstarter, confirmation of Enterprise and the possibility of DS9 on Blu-ray, our impressions of the first issue of Brannon Braga’s Hive comic, and some movie news & rumours… including a very special exclusive. 

Direct download: trr-068.mp3
Category:Enterprise -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

67: Handholding Is a Euphemism

Resolutions.

The relationship between Janeway and Chakotay was filled with emotional and sexual tension—or at least promise—from the start. And Voyager fans waited patiently through the first two seasons to find out if the writers would actually go anywhere with it. In the next-to-last episode of the second season, the one person who should have been able to resolve the issue penned a story with the promising title “Resolutions.” But the real question is whether or not the show was capable of delving into the issue on a meaningful level. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt and Lorrie Sears to discuss “Resolutions” and find out if Jeri Taylor hit the mark as Kathy and Coco shack up on the love planet.

In news we focus on the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation with a whole gaggle of stories about the TNG cast and their missions. And we hope you like primates, because this week we’re all about the monkey. So hop in and let’s go. Allons-y!!! 

Direct download: trr-067.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

66: Bucket-Dwelling Morality

Children of Time.

How far would you go to save someone you love? And to what lengths would regret drive you if a second chance were to present itself? Star Trek has debated the value of the individual on many occasions, but the results and consequences have rarely been as personal as in this time travel story with a twist. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Ben McCormick and Michael Fisher to discuss the fifth-season DS9 episode “Children of Time.” Part love story, part morality play, part bizarre Star Trek “science,” it’s an episode that rewards—and disappoints—on many levels.

In news we cover a chance to get in on a TNG 25th anniversary mosaic, another Star Trek series coming to Blu-ray, quotable Voyager cards, updates on the Shuttle Galileo restoration project, IDW’s December comics, and we take on Topless Robot’s list of the seven most useless Star Trek characters. Plus, we make an inordinate number of references to Doctor Who, Greg channels Jake Sisko, and we explore the mystique of the non-farming Klingons. 

Direct download: trr-066.mp3
Category:Deep Space Nine -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

65: Trent's Glass Ceiling

Angel One.

Early TNG maintained a heavy TOS flavor despite the new ship and new crew. Heavy-handed black-and-white commentary wrapped stories over which Gene Roddenberry still had full control. One such script attempted to address gender inequality by forcing the crew into negotiations with a matriarchal society. It seems like a good idea. But does it work? In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Down In Front’s Brian Finifter and Trek.fm Managing Editor Charlynn Schmiedt to discuss the first-season TNG episode “Angel One.”

In news we remember Lance LeGault and look at the ThinkGeek bat’leth letter opener, an inflatable adult chair for Starfleet officers like you, Star Trek cookie cutters, and a new jazz album that brings familiar sounds from the final frontier. We also discuss the future of holodeck-style gaming and the StarTrek.com poll that makes a Starfleet captain your parent. Plus, we explain why, as a Starfleet officer, you really should be wearing sunglasses at all times.

Direct download: trr-065.mp3
Category:The Next Generation -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT