Ceti Alpha 3: A Star Trek Podcast

So Long and Thanks for All the FishIt's been a long road, starting from 2016, with the first episode of Ceti Alpha 3. The trio now find a way to escape from being stranded on their planet and their endless discussion of all things Star Trek.Join the discussion as they look back at previous discussions, from what if Thomas Riker was in season seven of 'The Next Generation'? to writing their own new series starring Starfleet admirals playing space golf. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip also look to the Star Trek future, their podcast journey through the Kurtzman Era of series, and how fun it is to always talk Trek.

Lower Decks' Last SeasonAnother Star Trek series has come to an end. It's odd to think how many Star Trek shows, post-Discovery, fought for our attention. But the third "new" Kutzman-era series has now officialy ended with the finale of "Star Trek: Lower Decks."The trio portal through the last few episode of the season, sharing what made them laugh, the many reference to Trek trivia, and how that last episode hit them. How did this animated show affect the franchise we all love?Speaking of finales - the trio also announces that this will be the penultimate episode of Ceti Alpha 3. The next episode will serve as the last for this trio, both under this banner and as podcast hosts who have been talking Trek for over a decade.

Holidays in the Star Trek UniverseAs 21st Century Earth approaches the festive season, the trio ask - what are the holidays of the Star Trek future?Throughout many series, we have seen small references to our current holidays. How are they celebrated by Starfleet personnel? Has the meaning changed? And outside of Terran culture - what holidays have we seen on screen? And what others must also exist?Join us in a celebration of holidays past, holidays present, and holidays yet to come!

Star Trek Movie PostersWhat better discussion to have on an audio podcast than the review of Star Trek visuals?The trio takes a journey into the wayback machine to review all the movie posters from the 13 feature films in the franchise (6 TOS, 4 TNG, and 3 Kelvin-verse) - with a bonus add-on for the upcoming "Section 31" TV movie. How were all these movies advertised? Especially in the age when movie trailers could only be found at movie theatres? What "spoilers" did the posters give? How much did they lie to us? What could have been improved? Which ones remain your favorite?Make space on your wall and join the discussion about Trek's movie posters.(Source for images: Trekcore - https://movies.trekcore.com/gallery/) 

New-New Trek Favorite CharactersWith Trek fans "of a certain age", it can be tempting for your list of favorite characters to be cemented from the 1990s and earlier. In order to shake things up, the trio look at post-JJ films era of television series and pick their favorite characters from "Discovery," "Lower Decks," "Prodigy," "Strange, New Worlds" and "Picard". Which characters stand out the most from each series? What about "secondary" characters who we enjoy? Do any of this "new crop" of adventurers take the place of our old top 10 favorite characters? Who did we wish we could see more of?Log into Paramount+ and let us know your top 5 characters from the 21st Century-produced shows.

Georgiou and Disco Season One"Star Trek: Section 31" will arrive January 24 of next year, centered around the Mirror Universe version of Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh). The trio revisit the introduction of both versions of the character, the "Prime" Captain Georgiou and the "Mirror" Terran Emperor, in the first season of "Star Trek: Discovery."What did we think of both of these characters? What meaning did they have for Michael Burnham? Would we have like to see more or less of each version? How do their first impressions predict what we may see in "Section 31"? What does a Burnham-less Georgiou look like?Join us as we board the vertical transporters of the USS Shenzhou to revisit season one of Disco and the introduction of the Georgiou character. 

Lower Decks Season 5 CatchupThe final season of "Star Trek: Lower Decks" began this month - a bittersweet moment for the animated series.The trio look at the first four episodes - looking at what made them laugh and what portents may have been dropped about how this show will end. They  focus on each character, their remaining storylines, and whether the remaining episodes will be more in the spirit of "The Next Generation" or "Deep Space Nine."It's so hard to say goodbye - but join them as they enjoy "Lower Decks" final episodes.

Mirror Universe - Star Wars: Andor OverviewThe trio enter the Mirror Universe to become a dedicated Star Wars group - looking back at the first season of "Andor."With season two of Andor expected in 2025, three years after the first, the trio looks back at this revivial of Star Wars on TV. Disney+ brought Star Wars to streaming with "The Mandalorian". It was then followed up with "The Book of Boba Fett" and "Obi-Wan Kenobi". Some fans felt that there was still something missing - and then came "Andor" in 2022, a perhaps unexpected prequel series to the film "Rogue One."This 12-episode series centered on Cassian Andor and his reluctant entry into the Rebellion. The trio look at the stories, characters, and structure of this series that earned critical acclaim. Does "Andor" live up to all the hype? How is it different from both the series that came before and after? What were the most memorable parts? Join us in this ... Star Wars? ... discussion.

Star Trek: Prodigy Season Two OverviewThe kids are back! "Prodigy" has been on a wild road - there was a substantial break between the first and second halves of the first season, then it was unexpectedly cancelled and then dropped from Paramount+, and then there was a quest to find someone to host a second season (which had already mostly been completed). But Netflix finally took on this young audience-targeted Trek animated series in 2024 and premiered the second season (after an errant French slip-up). What do we think?The trio look at how the kids are doing, from new storylines, returning Voyager-era characters, new enemies, and how a bigger number of episodes (compared to other 21st Century shows) allows for different storytelling. From the Voyager-A to the temporal headaches of a returning USS Prodigy, from two-parters to a shocking way to end the season (series??) ... and then there's Wesley Crusher! There's a lot to cover and more to hope about the future of this series. 

If we were in charge of Star Trek...It's not the new year yet, but the trio are ready to look to the future. With the sale of Paramount still not quite official until 2025, and the renewal of some series, the cancellation of others, and the development of even others - it's time for a brief thought experiment.What if we ran Star Trek?As the helm of the franchise has gone from Gene Roddenberry to Rick Berman and now to Alex Kurtzman, it's now our turn. Do we keep current projects going or start from scratch? What platform will the future of Star Trek be carried on? Should we concentrate on movies or TV series? What new ideas will keep the franchise going for the next generation?Join us as we sit in the big chairs and imagine our own version of Star Trek's future.

Whittling Down Season Four (VOY) to 10 episodesThe trio continues their series of chopping down the longer 1990s seasons of Star Trek into the 2020s average ten-episode limit. This time "the victim" is season four of "Star Trek: Voyager," also known as "when Seven of Nine joined the show."The season begins with battling Species 8472 with the Borg in "Scorpion, Part II" and ends with "Hope and Fear," when the surprising (and suspicious) new starship Dauntless appears to take them home. These episodes also feature the Paris/Torres romance, the introduction of the Hirogen, and begins Seven's journey into humanity. Will your favorite episode make the cut? Will two-parters be split up? And how many episodes does "The Killing Game" count as???Join us as we whittle down season four of Voyager!

Change in Star Trek ShowsIt is not a suprise that many shows in the Trek franchise evolve in style and tone from their very first episode. But what about during their entire span - which series changes the most during its run? The trio discuss every show in the franchise from TOS to Lower Decks, determining which show changed the most over time. Is it TNG with its introduction of new uniforms and Rikers' beard? Is it DS9 with Worf and the Defiant? What about Enterprise with its pre- and post-Xindi War stories? How different are the three season of Picard? What about time jumping Discovery?Join us as we discuss what changes and what stays the same in the Trek franchise.

Star Trek Comic Con NewsThe past few weeks have brought many updates for the Star Trek franchise that the trio jump into:The release of teasers/trailers for "Star Trek: Lower Decks," "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," and "Star Trek: Section 31."Cast news about the upcoming Starfleet Academy seriesNews about a new live action Star Trek comedy series in developmentThe sale of Paramount Global to Skydance, though still not official until 2025 (pending regulataroy approval and other considerations), also leads to further speculation about how the future of the franchise will be shaped.What upcoming Star Trek are YOU most excited about?  

Star Trek CollectablesThere is no shortage of "merch" when it comes to Star Trek. From action figures to playsets, 3D-printed accessories to uniforms, there is so much to choose from. Which ones have been most meaningful to the trio during their fandom? They explore what they bought or acquired from their younger years to what "adult money" has helped them enjoy in their current period of Trekdom. Let us know your favorite items - or ones that are still on your list!

Building Series Off of Guest ShipsThe Star Trek franchise is led by our different heroes and their ships (or station). During the course of their many adventures, they encounter other ships and crews, sometimes for just one episode, that nevertheless prove memorable. The trio pick the most interesting "guest ships" throughout the franchise that could lead their own series.Join us as we go round-robin style, pitching what a 23rd. C. based story of the all-Vulcan crew of the U.S.S. Intrepid would look like or how we could follow the continuing voyages of the I.K.S. Pagh through letters to Commander Riker. 

Catch-up with Prodigy S3E1-E3"Star Trek: Prodigy" is back! After an unexpected "cancelation" on Paramount+, season two finally found its way to Netflix (after a brief French detour). The entire season dropped at once, but the trio is taking itheir time to enjoy it - they chat about the first three episodes, encompassing the two-parter "Into the Breach" and "Who Saves the Saviors." The trio talk about re-introducing the crew, the unexpected places they've gone, new characters and ships, and all the other twists and turns that have occurred. These new Trek epsiodes continue to build on the franchise, not only referencing contemporary series, but serving as a mini-Voyager sequel with Admiral Janeway, the EMH, the Voyager-A, and Captain Chakotay. Is this really a kids' show or just a great Trek series for all ages? 

Animated TNG seriesA lifetime ago (in another Star Trek podcast), the trio, along with some help, created the idea of a zany late 1990s animated version of The Next Generation. Since then, real Star Trek animation has evolved, with the arrival of both "Lower Decks" and "Prodigy." As the crew of "Prodigy" begin their second season, the trio revisits "Star TreXtreme", adding to what modern animated Star Trek can look like. This includes revisiting some of original pitches from their prior podcast episode - seeing how they either predicted the future or just made some ridiculous ideas.Grab your skateboard, put on some sunglasses, and revisit the 1990s era of cartoon with Star TreXtreme! 

Celebrating Captain's DayFans were introduced to the concept of "Captain Picard Day" in the seventh season of The Next Generation. Since then, it has taken a life of its own, with references in later shows like "Picard" and "Lower Decks", as well as real life celebrations of Captain Picard Day (typically June 16). The trio get into the holiday spirit to look at how Captain Picard Day may have started on the USS Enterprise-D and how it could have spread across the Starfleet to celebrate other captains (or station commanders). What would be the best entries in a student competition? What are other ways to celebrate? How much is children-led and how much is enjoy by other members of the crew?Get your papier-mâché ready for a nice sculpture of Jean-Luc's head as we celebrate Captain Picard Day. 

New 90s Trek Show PitchWelcome to the late 1990s. "Star Trek: The Next Generation" has been off the air, entering the universe of feature films. "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" is ending, having found its voice and identity. "Star Trek: Voyager" has taken its first steps, and now carries the weight of continuing the franchise.What's next?In the original timeline of TV, Berman and company, under the auspcies of UPN, begin development of a 22nd Century prequel series that will become "Enterprise." But what if ... the next series had continued the story of the 24th Century?The trio imagine what series will now air contemporareously with "Voyager" in the late 90s. Enter "Star Trek: Starfleet Command," which takes a "higher decks" (if you will) approach to the operations of Starfleet and the Federation. See how planetside environments and Earth Spacedock provide unique settings to continue Trek adventures, spanning the post-Dominion War era. How will the Fleet be rebuilt? What scientific discoveries and explorartion have been ignored during combat? Can the admirals actually agree about the future? And where does the real decision-making take place??? (HInt: Welcome to future golf!). Join this exciting new installment in the Trek franchise that never happened, with "Star Trek: Starfleet Command."

TOS plots in TNGTrek has experimented with either re-visiting older episodes with new crews, as in DS9's "Trials and Tribble-ations" or SNW's "A Quality of Mercy", or recycling plots with TNG's "The Naked Now." The trio look at how exact stories from The Original Series would play out with The Next Generation crew. How would "Galileo Seven" work in Next Gen? Which Enterprise-D crew member would be forced back home in "Amok Time"? How would the classic episode "The City on the Edge of Forever" work in the 24th century?Join us as TOS stories play out in TNG - which combination of crew members can replace the triad of Kirk, Spock, McCoy?

TNG First Season Stories for Trek GamesThe game, "Star Trek: Resurgence", came to various platforms in 2023. It introduced several new characters (as well as some old favorites) in its post-Nemesis 24th Century storyline. At the heart of the game's story was a sequel to the first season Next Gen episode "The Last Outpost." Since the trio are revisiting the beginnings of TNG, they look at what other episodes could be mined for stories for new Trek games.Join this round-robin pitch of ideas that takes one first season episode, one of its storylines, and applies it to a new Trek game based on an existing (or entirely new) Trek series. How does "Home Soil" continue in game form? How can "Lower Decks" go further into the ideas of "Haven"? Grab your console of choice and let us know your favorite Trek game pitch.

TNG's beginningIs it possible to view something from long ago in the Trek canon as a new viewer might? The trio attempt to make the old come to life again by re-examining the pilot episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation."It is hard to begin a Star Trek series re-watch. Which one? Where to start? Do you go 20th or 21st Century shows? After a mix of picking their own series recently, the trio come together for a TNG rewatch. That means starting with that two-hour special "Encounter at Fairpoint." The introduction of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D, its crew, the look and feel of the 24th Century ... and Q! There is a lot to take in, even if we ultimately know what production approaches (and characters) don't make it very far. They try to imagine all questions and mysteries this first episode would bring to either a new viewer or die-hard TOS fan. So join them and revisit 1987 with the re-birth of a Star Trek TV series!

Starfleet UniformsFans enjoy cosplaying the many costumes in Star Trek. Starfleet uniforms in particular have been represented onscreen in a variety of ways, from the 22nd century fightsuits of "Enterprise" to the colorful and innate unforms of the 32nd century in "Star Trek: Discovery." The trio go into the costuming department to evaluate the myriad of Starfleet uniforms, from looking at what translates best on screen to what seems the most comfortable. They review some of the more unique choices made, e.g., Seven of Nine and T'Pol, to wondering about the Starfleet clothing that must exist, but is never shown.Join this tour of fashion of starships and spacestation, letting us know who wore it best.

Ship Profile: NCC-1701-AThe history of onscreen Enterprises is rich in detail for some and scant for others.Then there's the U.S.S. Enterprise-A.First introduced in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home as a reward for our TOS-era heroes saving Earth once again, we saw this Constitution refit-class in the next two movies (Star Trek V and Star Trek VI). The trio looks at this ship's origins and purported ending, discovering more mysteries about it than first thought.They look at the largely non-canon origins of the ship, and ask if the U.S.S. Yorktown, then recommissioned as the Enterprise-A, was a new or quite old vessel? What about the history of the Constitution-class and its refits in general? What are the differences, if any, between the refit NCC-1701 and the NCC-1701-A? What was the A's mission in between its malfunctioning introduction in Star Trek V and its scheduled decommissioning in Star Trek VI?Join us as we discuss all things about the first Enterprise to add a letter to its registry and the last with Captain Kirk in command.   

Whittling Down Season Four (DS9) to 10 episodesLove it or hate it, today's Trek means less episodes than the 20th Century series. For some, it's a sign of tighter storytelling, focusing on quality plot and themes. For others, it means missing episodes that are more "day in the life," outside of one season's particular villain/mystery. Or maybe it's just show business wanting to spend less money!Whatever the reason, the trio is going back in time and translating old series of Trek into today's franchise format. What if season four of Deep Space Nine were made today? They look at the initial 25(!) episodes and chop it down to a 10-episode season. Will it be one coherent theme or random episodes? Will it be all about the Klingon-Cardassan war or the rise of the Dominion threat? Or will it just be a series of character-focused stories? Take a listen and find out what episodes made the cut!

What If? Features in Pilot Episodes Never ChangedIn most Trek series created in the 20th century, the pilot episodes often have obvious differences from the rest of the series. From a character's make-up to their voice to their actions, change is inevitable. Even the music or look of the show itself can alter from the very beginning. Most of the times, these changes are seen as improvements. But what if they never changed?The trio look at how first episodes of shows, even from current Trek series, were different in tone, style, and specifics from what came later. How different would the shows be if those improvements were never made?

A New Series of Star Trek: EnterpriseStar Trek: Enterprise was the first TV series of the franchise to be unexpectedly cancelled since the 1960s. With the resurrection of the TNG story in "Star Trek: Picard", the trio open up their pitch meeting to map out a new season for the NX-01 crew in the 22nd Century.Twenty years have passed since we last saw the voyage of Enterprise in "Terra Prime." The United Federation of Planets has survived its first few formative years. As for retired Admiral Jonathan Archer, for whatever reasons, he allowed the leadership of the future of the Federation to pass him by. However, he still remains active to the cause as one of Earth's representatives to the Federation Council. As the time to decide about re-election comes, Archer finds himself caught in a brand new adventure, with past friends as foes, and the lingering question of "has Archer's time gone by?" Join the trio as we revisit what happened to the NX-01 crew, featuring Captain Reed of a refit Enterprise, Starfleet Academy Commandant Sato, last of the cargo fleet Captain Mayweather, Ambassador T'Pol of Vulcan, and proud father Phlox whose son is challenging Archer in the election. And will a long-dead familiar face from the past show up...in another form?

Whittling Down Season Four (TNG) to 10 episodesLove it or hate it, today's Trek means less episodes than the 20th Century series. For some, it's a sign of tighter storytelling, focusing on quality plot and themes. For others, it means missing episodes that are more "day in the life," outside of one season's particular villain/mystery. Or maybe it's just show business wanting to spend less money!Whatever the reason, the trio is going back in time and translating old series of Trek into today's franchise format. What if season four of The Next Generation were made today? They look at the initial 26(!) episodes and chop it down to a 10-episode season. Will it be one coherent theme or random episodes? Will it be all about the Borg or Klingon politics? Will there be a focus on characters or "just vibes"? Take a listen and find out what episodes made the cut!

Character CodasWith the ending of "Star Trek: Discovery" upon us, it's time to look back at the untold endings of our favorite Trek characters. From TOS, TNG, DS9, VOY, ENT, and (arguably) Picard, there are still futures for the main characters that have never been explored. While fans have gotten a few "post-series" peeks at characters, such as Tom Paris and Tuvok, we still don't know what their lives looked like once their series finale ended.The trio hit the random number generator and create codas for main Trek characters from the 20th and 21st century TV shows. What happened to Commander Chekov? Where did Travis Mayweather end up? What does Captain Tuvok do now? Join us in this round of untold stories in Trek.

Pitching a New Trek Series: Enterprise-CThere are "gaps" in Trek history, mostly between the launch of the Enterprise-B and the start of the continuing voyages of the Enterprise-D on "The Next Generation." The trio dives into creating a new series based during the earlier part of the 24th Century with the crew of the USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-C. Just like Captain Christopher Pike, fans already know the tragic ending for Captain Rachel Garrett, Lieutenant Richard Castillo, and the Ambassador-class ship (and alternate universe Tasha Yar!). But even though the episode "Yesterday's Enterprise" tells us the end of the story, what were the missions and untold stories of this crew?In this proposed new series, Captain Garret leads a senior crew of commanders from various alien worlds, along with some familiar faces along the way. A young, wild, and close-to-losing-his-job junior diplomat Curzon Dax helps the Enterprise-C in its mission of patroling Klingon and Romulan space, with a new class of starship that seems more equipped for combat than diplomacy. Will the ship's communications officer be the last one in Starfleet? What lower deck shenanigans are occuring? And why does the Ambassador-class ships become less common in the later part of the 24th Century?All these questions and more are explored in the pitching of a Enterprise-C TV series!

Species Focus: VulcansVulcans are everywhere in Star Trek - from the first appearance of Spock to later iterations with Tuvok, T'Pol, and T'Lyn. But how much do we really know about them? And does what we know actually raise even more questions about the way the Federation works?The trio braves the high heat of the desert planet and dives into all things Vulcan. Are they the only major Federation race to maintain their own Fleet? What do the Vulcans do outside of Starfleet? How do we think we'll see them in future Trek series?Suppress your emotions and join us in logically examining Vulcans.

Species Focus: CardassiansThey are the villains of the Alpha Quadrant, the occupiers of Bajor, the makers of Terok Nor, the torturers of Picard ... the Cardassians!Introduced in "The Next Generation," fans learned more about this militaristic society in "Deep Space Nine" through characters like Garak and Gul Dukat. But is there more to this species than first meets the eye? Are they only the military and the Obsidian Order? What are "everyday" Cardassians like? What do we know about the history of the Cardassian Union? And what will be their future, following the disaster of the Dominion War?The trio grab a bottle of kanar and investigate what we know about Cardassians.

Games in the Franchise: Star Trek: ResurgenceIt's been a few months since the release of the adventure game "Star Trek: Resurgence" from Dramatic Labs. Players control two different characters in this story-driven game: Commander Jara Rydek, a Kobliad first officer just joining the USS Resolute, and Petty Officer Carter Diaz, a young but experienced engineering technician. Players decide what actions these characters take in this epic story featuring Ambassador Spock, Captain Riker, other (surprisingly) familiar aliens, new species, and choices that could lead to deaths or saving lives. The trio talks about how this game is more story than game, but how the exciting events makes this (relatively inexpensive) game worth playing. From how to loyal be to a brink-of-retirement captain to how you might choose to sacrifice your friends or yourself. They talk about where someone might get stuck in the game to what parts marveled them as they played. And spoilers: They discuss the random Star Trek episode that serves as prolouge for this story.So step aboard the USS Resolute, brave the ion storm, and set course (via the gaming platform of your choice) for "Star Trek: Resurgence."

Discovery and Series FinalesFans have said goodbye to many Star Trek series during the life of the franchise. Some shows ended more suddenly than others, e.g., The Original Series and Enterprise, whilst others had time to plan their ending, e.g., the seven-year series of The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager. In the 21st Century, "Star Trek: Picard" has been the first show to say goodbye with a planned series finale. Given all this experience, how do we think Discovery will end?The trio looks at how planned the 2024 Discovery series finale was, what traditions of Trek "goodbyes" are available to use, and what they think are the possibilities of how to end the five seasons show.How will Captain Burnham and the crew of the USS Discovery ride into the sunset? Let us know your thoughts!

What's to come in Star TrekIt's been a long road ... from 2023 to what we look towards next year for Star Trek.This past year saw the ending of "Star Trek: Picard", the continuation of "Star Trek: Strange New, Worlds" and "Star Trek: Lower Decks." There was the controversy around "Star Trek: Prodigy", a series that now lives on Netflix. The trio look at what the franchise will bring in 2024.How will we literally watch Star Trek in the months and years to come? They look at the worries about the future of Paramount Plus, and streaming in general, as well as the diminishing ability to purchase "hard media" of Star Trek series and movies. Next year promises the final season of "Star Trek: Discovery," a theoretical "Section 31" movie, as well as season two of "Star Trek: Prodigy," and possibly more "Lower Decks" and "Strange, New Worlds." Will we get more news about the announced Starfleet Academy-based series? And who knows what other surprises are in store?Join us as we look into the crystal ball of Trek 2024.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169638/advertisement

Computer Operations in StarfleetThere is a lot that goes on aboard starships and starbases that we never see. There is no question that one of the most important systems in Starfleet is the computer - it runs all systems and yet we never meet the team who are in charge of maintaining it. Who is the master/mistress of the LCARS? The trio reviews the many computer malfunctions in Trek, and why the IT department was surely ignored by the command team. Who is the ultimate commander of the computer?This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169638/advertisement

Characters' Holodeck PreferencesIn the Trek franchise, fans have seen our favorite characters enjoy many programs in the Holodeck (including those that try to kill them). But for time (and copyright) reasons, we know that there are more holographic programs in the starship or space station catalog than we ever see on screen. The trio hits the random character generator button and guesses what are the real Holodeck programs that people use during their recreation time periods. From debating whether the choices from Starfleet Holdecks are the same as commercial Holosuites, they look at all there is to offer in holo-tainment.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169638/advertisement

Season Four - Star Trek: Lower DecksThe season four finale of the second Trek animated series provided endings, new beginnings, and some mystery for our USS Cerritos crew. The trio looks at what happened with the unexpected return of Nick Lacarno (and how he looks ... familiar ...), the story arc of Lt(jg) Beckett Mariner, and what the future holds for everyone else. This era of Star Trek tends to have season-ending stories with galaxy-wide consequences, impressive battle sequences, and final answers to lingering questions. Even in the cartoon world, "Old Friends, New Planets" brings that same structure, but with lots of jokes and Trek-references thrown in. But how did we get here? How does "Lower Decks" deal with season arcs, compared to its sister Trek shows? Join us as we search for answers in the 10 episodes long season.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169638/advertisement

Main Actors in Other Trek RolesWe all know and love the Trek phenom that is Jeffrey Combs. His many notable Trek roles have led fans to think he may be playing them in everyday life! What is even more noticable about actors who play multiple roles is when it is someone who plays a "main character." A recent "Lower Decks" reminded fans about the Nick Locarno/Tom Paris double-billing. The trio looks at the "main" actors in Trek who have played multiple roles. Remember seeing Ensign Ro before we saw her? Did you know Tim Russ can be seen a few times in the franchise before joining the Voyager bridge? And what about those actors who played "guest roles" after their main series ended?Join us as we see double (or triple) in actor appearances, including a continuing argument about how to count appearances in TNG's "Shades of Gray".This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169638/advertisement

Creating a Section 31 TV MovieWith the end of the writers' strike, pre-production continues on various new (and current) Star Trek projects. One such idea that keeps popping up from official channels is the idea of a "Section 31" story. From the initial promise of a series to the new evolution of a "TV Movie Event", it remains unclear what this will look like in the end. The trio try their hand at shaping a story that would become a Section 31 TV movie. They turn their attention to Julian Bashir as the central character, with the story set after season three of "Star Trek: Picard." We revisit old faces with Miles O'Brien, along with potential new faces from Section 31, Romulans, and maybe even the next generation from Deep Space Nine. In this thriller surrounding the assassination of a Federation official, will Section 31 finally meet its end?This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169638/advertisement

Ferengi Federation MembershipIn the "Lower Decks" episode "Parth Ferengi's Heart Place", viewers are surprised to see Grand Nagus Rom (and his wife Leeta) spearheading efforts for the Ferengi Alliance to join the United Federation of Planets. The trio looks at how Ferengi culture does (and does not) fit into what we understand of the Federation.From the extremes of capitalism to the "opportunities" available to Federation members, why should the Ferengi join the Federation? Or is it actually a bad deal?This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169638/advertisement

Star Trek Toy PitchesFirst, there was Star Trek. Quite quickly thereafter, there was ... merchandise! Trek has been a franchise full of toys for over 50 years. From Mego to Playmates to Diamond Select to Eaglemoss, there have been many manufacturers of Trek action figures, playsets, accessories, and more. The trio looks back at the 90s era of Trek and asks - what would have been other great choices down the Trek toy aisle?This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169638/advertisement