Star Trek The Next Conversation

Kai Winn continues to be one of the most duplicitous, unpalatable, self-serving, hypocritical leaders in Trek history - whew! Thank goodness it's just sci-fi.[Episode discussion begins around 1:12]

We're goin' to Feringinar! Quark and Rom hit the Ferengi homeworld to SETTLE SOME BUSINESS! Is this a second downbeat episode in a row? Is the next one gonna be Bashir and Dax go to a thrift shop? Anyhoo, Matt tallies up the Andy-points but can the episode go latinum?[Episode discussion begins around 1:07]

Ben and Jake sail through the universe powered by the ultimate B plot! Or is it just a plot? Meanwhile, Matt hasn't been feeling well and Andy's got a Thomas Riker-sized existential crisis, but so what else is new?[Episode discussion begins around 1:21, also trigger warning in the first 20 min for those sensitive to hearing about, um...tummy issues]

Garak goes full Obsidian Order, Odo needs a moisturizing routine, Eddington secures his place as Cmdr. F This Guy, and Andy fights an even greater threat to a podcaster than the Dominion...a sneezing fit![Episode discussion begins around 1:16. And this is a HIDE YOUR NUTS ALERT! Due to a scheduling...mm, issue? The next drop will be middle of the month.]

It's a road trip with Garak and Odo (who we probably shouldn't forget about)! Will they solve the mysteries of what's happening on DS9? Or is Garak too much of a lazybones?[Episode discussion begins around 1:30. 45ish - Disco Spoiler, 2:33 - possible later DS9 spoilers, although it's mostly Andy musing]

It's a Mirror episode, and you know what that means! Andy's gonna like it and Matt's gonna hate it - OR will our opinions be mirror-universed too?? Sisko steps into the Mirror Universe and boy, is he sorta shrugsville about it. And his dead wife Jennifer is back! Oh man, can't wait to see how Sisko's gonna...huh, just sort of chill about it. But at least Bashir/Vantika is back! Which is basically Mirror Alliance Bashir.[Episode discussion begins around 1:01]

Bashir grapples with aspects of himself...like his professionalism! And his great love of tennis! It kinda doesn't really go beyond that.[Episode discussion begins around 1:23]

O'Brien goes all Back to the Future 2, Bashir kills him and doesn't seem to care, and Matt and Andy ask who's the real MVC? O'Brien...or O'Brien??[Episode discussion begins around 1:14]

The Grand Nagus is acting kooky and it takes us several acts to find out why, but when we do, oh boy!.....we know then. But buckle up, because Dr. Bashir is nominated for an award, and Andy and Matt can't wait to hear who the other made-up nominees are! Several times. And someone's mispronouncing something, but you might be surprised who it's not.[Episode discussion begins around 1:27! I wish I could say the digressions end there.]For more information and extra content, visit patreon.com/startrektnc

Our most requested Star Trek content is for us to finally cover the movies - of course it would take more motivated forces to get us to do it, and now you got one! Matt and Andy cover in detail STAR TREK: GENERATIONS - Shatner cooking eggs, Data giving a McCauley Culkin, "YES!" and Picard entering his greatest dream - a Dickens-style Christmas? With a wrap-up crossing of the streams with our Star Trek podcaster brethren from Greatest Generation!Here's an overview of what's happening, and links to finding the other fine participating podcasts to give them a listen and how to donate to The National Center for Science Education:"This episode is part of a project called the Star Trek Pod Crawl. We're a group of Star Trek podcasts raising money for science education by banding together and making special episodes about some of our favorite Star Trek films. Join us in supporting the National Center for Science Education and check out all other great podcast episodes in this series by visiting StarTrekPodCrawl.com"For more information on Star Trek: The Next Conversation:patreon.com/startrektnc

Kira faces becoming a permanently encased-in-resin collectible as Odo reveals a hidden - or possibly already pretty obvious - truth! Meanwhile Sisko performs a one man intervention scene on Nog in Nog's best ep so far. [Episode discussion begins around 1:07. And you know what they say about the winter and nuts...it's a great time to eat heated ones!]

Kai Winn returns to DS9 with an evil...nothing? And Bareil sings his swansong as only he can...tediously.[Episode discussion begins around 1:17]

The sparks fly between O'Brien and a filthy Cardie, while Andy asks how long we'll be watching Kira's new haircut, and Matt continues his lobbying for the Dominion.[Episode discussion begins around 1:05ish]

The second part of DS9's eerie vision of the "past" (aka 2024) as Sisko continues to masquerade as "Bell, Gabriel Bell" (Bond theme) while Frank Military continues to be an intimidating criminal to no one.[Episode discussion begins around 1:10]

In tense times, TNC is there to talk about episodes of Star Trek that throw back to exactly the same year with different tense times, but is that what they meant by the title? Also we ask the eternal question, "Is Frank Military a made-up name?"[Episode discussion begins around 1:01]

Everybody's in love with everybody! Just like Naked Now, except crappy and with less sense! And also the return of the oozing non-sexuality of Bareil![Episode discussion begins around 1:30ish]

The crew of DS9 get a visit...from an old friend. OR IS IT? [Episode discussion begins around 1:37ish]

Jadzia is hot for a bland douchebag, Quark tries to pull some Barclay creepology with Kira, and Andy has a new theory about Sisko. [Episode discussion begins around 1:05ish]

Someone's joined the Q Continuum (the TNC Patreon level - it's possible it also gains you access to the actual Q Continuum, we just can't promise)! Time to discuss! Meanwhile, Garak goes head-to-head with Dukat, Quark and Odo spend some alone time, and Jake, Ben, and O'Brien clamber around some ducts. But does this add up to Andy and Matt thinking the episode is good or bad? And can it be bad when it may have the funniest moment in all of Star Trek??[Episode discussion begins around 1:37 - LOOK, THE Q CONTINUUM?! WE HAD TO DOWNLOAD]

Odo adopts a Jem'Hadar, who he tries to train out of murdering people by raising his bloodlust in the holodeck. Minor Mardah spoiler around 1:53ish, for the Mardiacs.[Episode discussion begins around 1:09ish]

DS9 s3e5 “Second Skin”Kira comes down with a bad case of the Cardies! And post-Vegas STLV, Matt and Andy are somehow even more fully off the rails than usual as the episode discussion begins around - get this - 2:06ish]And due to one of the many insane digressions in this episode, if any of you feel swayed to buy WWE 2K24, use one of these links. I signed us up to be Amazon Affiliates and I barely understand it, so let us know in the comments if you actually bought one and we'll see what happens, but obviously no pressure at all - just curious. (Not even if I had to make separate links for each platform, but whatevs)Ps4 standard https://amzn.to/46P5LHZPS4 deluxe https://amzn.to/4dRCVsRPS5 standard https://amzn.to/4cwjAMoPS5 Deluxe https://amzn.to/4dnjU1oPC Deluxe https://amzn.to/46Z35rmPC Forty Years of Wrestling https://amzn.to/4dsyg0AXBox One Standard https://amzn.to/3X8Fxg7XBox series X Standard https://amzn.to/4fLOLWZXBox series X Deluxe https://amzn.to/4dR0j9R

A treasure trove of Trill answers for Andy.... in a super boring treasure chest? And Matt wonders if Jadzia is losing it - or is the character just getting interesting?[Episode discussion begins at a brisk 56:00ish]

A Klingon episode that Matt actually likes? And can a regular, standard fantastic episode get 10 Andys? Have Keiko and O'Brien gone from a couple of wet noodles to Star Trek's horniest couple?Also, possible SPOILERS for those who practice: 8:00ish STAR TREK: PICARD 35:00ish-39:00ish STAR TREK (2009) Romulus stuff 1:14ish VOYAGER[Episode discussion begins around 1:37]

Odo meets his people then tosses something into one of his people's strike zone…or does he? Matt and Andy discuss if people are really a-holes if somebody just dreams about them being a-holes. And now the conclusion. [Episode discussion begins around 53:00ish]

There's a new starship in town, and this one's built to kick ass, Federation style! Wait, is that Federation style? Also, Matt and Andy continue to question if, in fact, the Dominion was right.AND MINOR ALERT: Due to a scheduling mess this month, we're gonna probably be recording "The Search, Pt 2" this Wednesday, although it might take a few days to get it posted, so if you want to listen fast and get your comments in, great! But if you want to comment in the subsequent episode on both, also feel free.][Episode discussion begins around 1:13. If it matters to anyone, lots of PICARD and STAR TREK 2009 spoilers at around 1:53-2:00]

It's a high octane thrill-ride of pew-pews! (eventually, and briefly.) Until then, it's a strangely slow farce on a camping trip. Is it fun or dull? Andy and Matt can't agree. And if you're a hailbag skip-per, check out the beginning for A BIG TNC NEWSFLASH![Episode discussion begins around 57:00ish]

DS9 s2e25 “Tribunal” Matt obsesses over an apparent time traveler from the 1970s, and Andy enjoys a cavalcade of funny characters in this exploration of the Cardassian legal system. Remember folks, winning isn't everything! As this podcast proves. [Episode discussion begins around 1:05ish]Premium bonus content, including Star Trek: Voyager, Enterprise, Discovery, Strange New Worlds, and Marvel movies (MCU) discussions, on our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/startrektnc

Is this episode a nuanced tale of political intrigue or b-b-b-boring? Or both? Andy sings the praises of Louise Fletcher's villain who makes Nurse Ratched seem palatable, the boys debate Vedek Bareil's pecs. [Episode discussion begins around 50:00ish]Premium bonus content, including Star Trek: Voyager, Enterprise, Discovery, Strange New Worlds, and Marvel movies (MCU) discussions, on our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/startrektnc

It's a trip back to Mirror Town, and one of our hosts loves it and one hates it! But will they be replaced by a reverse version of themselves by the end? Also: what does it take to kill a goo man?[Episode discussion begins 1:05ish]

A tour de force from recurring character Garak in bizarrely play-like long scenes hooks Andy and Matt, as Mr. Fasc-tastic (Mr. Fascistastic? Mr. Fascistic?) Odo checks the cameras he's hidden all around DS9. [Episode discussion begins around 58:00, takes a Letterman detour, then actually begins at 1:06ish]

The second part of this Maquis de Sade-centric two-parter, one of the few Treks to follow the possible Best of Both Worlds/Godfather II template of 2 being better than 1. To Andy's shock, Odo show the Mr. Fantastic powers he always assumed he was hiding, and Dukat starts to live up to his (future) legend. [Episode discussion begins around 1:00ish]

Is Bernie Casey a badmiral or a badactor? Or neither? And Dax is dating a Ferengi offscreen - is it Quark, who we are led to believe is making a turn from creep to charmer? Meanwhile, Matt has HAD it with the Maquis. Even though this is their first episode. [Episode discussion start 1:08ish]

Jadzia gets tangled in a Klingon plot with bat'leths and convos about honor galore and Andy loves it! Matt, predictably, feels otherwise. Also predictably: Trill Talk!™[Episode discussion begins around 1:15ish]

Quark falls in love with a Cardassian and Andy tries to give Susan from SEINFELD her due. [Episode discussion begins around 1:25ish]

Jadzia Dax looks back on Jadzia's experiences, while Jadzia wonders what Curzon Dax was thinking - or is it Jadzia Dax that's wondering what Dax was thinking? Also, a mini-universe, dead vole puppets, and Jake tries to get with a Dabo girl/woman.[Episode discussion begins around 52 minutes in]

Get ready for some hot wormhole action as Kira gets busy with a classic weird Trek "handsome man," Dax fixates on another tech monolith but doesn't immediately beam this one up, while Matt and Andy debate if Odo is connecting with an imaginary friend.[Episode discussion begins around 1:02]

Sisko gets boxed, O'Brien goes Rambo, DS9 introduces us to another loathsome class A psycho fanatic, Matt tries to avoid eviction, and Andy engages in the longest vamp ever.[VAMP WARNING: Technically the episode discussion begins around 1:03, but at 1:05ish Andy begins the LONGEST VAMP EVER, and when it finally ends, Matt discusses his landlord meltdown, so the episode discussion doesn't begin in earnest until 1:17ish]This month, as requested, Matt and Andy will be adding a little Christmas bonus in the TNC Patreon stocking with a commentary episode on THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL!www.patreon.com/startrektnc

O'Brien sorta thinks there's an unspecified conspiracy when everybody (except Jake) starts acting a little weird! Matt and Andy debate whether Bashir has diversified his creep interests into grabbing O'Brien's strike zone for too long or if he's just poking him in the tummy, like all future doctors do. [Episode discussion begins 47:00ish]

O'Brien gets sick with a highly non-contagious biological weapon virus, Andy still sees no evidence of why Bashir would ever become beloved by fans, and Maurice Hurley is excited about a double homicide investigation which Keiko solves... or doesn't? [Episode discussion begins around 55:00ish]

Odo meets his daddy - is he a monster or a good daddy? Meanwhile Matt has some issues with Dax having an itchy transporter finger and Bashir is back in gear as everybody's favorite Deep Space Incel. [Episode discussion start :59ish in]

O'Brien is a RIVAL with Bashir in the episode, and Quark has a RIVAL in Chris Sarandon! And WHAT ELSE happens?? There's some little luck machines. Odo wanders around in the back of some shots. Kira trips (offscreen). Don't bother buckling up for this one, crew.[Episode discussion begins around 1:26ish]

The Bajorans give refugees the cold shoulder, the crew is SHOCKED at a matriarchal society, and the Universal Translator has more trouble with a new species than it even did in Darmok.[Episode discussion begins around 1:20ish, along with a lot of hails demanding we not tamper with the length (!)]FYI, if any of our Patreon crew have had problems with stupid Patreon rejecting your membership fees, please let us know.www.patreon.com/startrektnc

Matt and Andy debate whether an alien is a vanishing figment of Sisko's imagination… or Batman! Meanwhile, the crew outdoes Alexander Rozhenko in HA HA HAs.[Episode discussion begins around 1:01ish]

We're in full-on Terok NOIR mode and Constable Odo is on the case! Meanwhile, Matt has a theory about what a "Cardassian neck trick" is, and a lizard extra needs a few more classes at the Andrew Secunda School of Specific Acting. [Episode discussion begins around 1:05]

Are the Ferengi adorable scamps or truly despicable? Hard to tell in this light farce minus fun episode. Tongo seems enjoyable, tho. [Episode discussion begins about 53:00]

Dr. Bashir works overtime to engage in some extracurricular anti-gravity activities with a visiting alien while Matt and Andy wonder why Dax suddenly has super strength. [Episode Discussion begins 1:07ish]

There's intrigue afoot and Gashir is on the case! Plus, a new couple of Andy's Theories™ and Matt and Andy debate who's more of a speciesist -- O'Brien or Keiko? [Episode discussion begins at about 1:08]Sign up for our Patreon for weekly coverage of STRANGE NEW WORLDS season 2, plus monthly episodes of VOYAGER!www.patreon.com/startrektnc

Dax gets into hot water as Odo stands around wishing he had some special ability which would stop intruding criminals, while Matt and Andy play another round of "Is Bashir being a creepo or just a caring friend-doctor?"[Episode discussion begins at a blisteringly fast 39:00 minutes!]Tune into our Patreon for our weekly coverage of STRANGE NEW WORLDS season 3 starting this week, crew! www.patreon.com/startrektnc

Andy is excited that Dax is finally employing the main reason it'd be cool to be a Trill, Steven Webber kills it as a slimy Bjoran (doing double-duty on WINGS?), and Matt shares a dumb opinion on French Onion Soup. [Episode discussion starts 55:00ish. If you're the type of crewman that wants to follow our next day coverage of STRANGE NEW WORLDS, season 3, check us out in the Patreon this month! www.patreon.com/startrektnc ]

It's Part 2 (?) of this three-parter, and the boys are in fine mistake form here on "the best Star Trek podcast." Matt rebounds from his boredom in part 1 and is back on board, while Andy asks if Kira just had sex with that glowing orb. [Episode discussion starts roughly 56:00 in - a blistering pace!]

LET'S GET READY TO SERIALLLIZZZZZE! Or at least start to as Matt and Andy discuss Frank Langella's refusal to take credit, whether Cardassians and Bjorans are into each other in general, and the fastest and most uneventful prisoner breakout in Trek history.Also, SOMEWHERE IN TIME (starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour) spoiler at 1:06ish. Yes, SOMEWHERE IN TIME. [Episode discussion begins around 1:09]