The Joy of Trek

The Wire (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9), S2 E22) was recommended by Obiwanjabroni (he/him) pronounced like obi wan kenobi from star wars but the last part is..ja-BRO-nee? I guess lol just listen to the ROCK when he was a wrestler , who said: I know most people would choose this episode as a favorite because it supposedly gives us Garak's "origin story" but to someone who is in recovery and falls off the wagon every other weekend, it's actually kind of a beautiful display of what we go through. The self loathing.. the hatred of those who are trying to help us through it.. the feeling the next morning when they've been so kind to us even though we didn't deserve it.Definitely not something I expected from Star Trek with the whole utopian awesomeness and all. Another reason ds9 was and will always be my favorite of all the series even though I've been watching since TNG with my dad who watched TOS.The Wire first aired on May 8, 1994, written by Robert Hewitt Wolfe, and directed by Kim FriedmanIn order to save Garak's life, Bashir must unravel some of the secrets in the Cardassian's past.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

"Musical Alert" by AxeMeAboutAxinomancy, can be found at https://archiveofourown.org/works/57099433""This is the Captain speaking. Musical Alert. I repeat: Musical Alert. This is not a rehearsal.""The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Those Old Scientists (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, S2 E7) was recommended by Bryan Love(Blackrain), who said: Time travel, cross over, animate, live action, fan boying or girling over your historical idols. What more can you ask for in a Star Trek episode? When on routine away mission to scan an ancient time portal, Ensign Boimier is sucked in into the portal and sent to the past just at the right time when Enterprise was making it's first discovery of that strange portal. Boimier tries his best not to contaminate the time line, but it's Boimier we're talking about. He's going to mess things up or his bestie Mariner will. Just when the crew of Enterprise has the one and only chance to get Boimier home through the ancient time portal, Mariner jumps through from her side thinking she's saving Boimier, but only stranding both of them in the past. Both Boimier and Mariner fan boy out on different Enterprise crew members.This is a great episode over all. Mixing the humor of Lower Decks with the hard hitting stories of Strange New Worlds. It was also perfect that both the voice actors for Boimier and Mariner both look closely like their cartoon characters. This episode always brings up that question of how would you react if you got to meet with you hero? Someone you never thought you would, ether living or dead.Those Old Scientists first aired on July 22, 2023, written by Kathryn Lyn & Bill Wolkoff, and directed by Jonathan FrakesIn the 24th century, ensign Brad Boimler of the USS Cerritos is assigned to investigate an ancient portal. The portal, which is powered by the rare substance horonium, sends him back in time 120 years where he is taken aboard the Enterprise. Boimler struggles to contain his excitement at meeting his heroes and also to prevent polluting the timeline with his knowledge of the future. The portal is stolen by an Orion ship and Pike trades grain supplies to retrieve it. They attempt to return Boimler to the future with the last remaining horonium, but ensign Beckett Mariner comes through the portal instead in a rescue attempt. Spock and Boimler unsuccessfully try to synthesize horonium so they can use the portal again while Mariner and Uhura work to translate engravings on the portal. Boimler realizes that horonium from the hull of the previous starship Enterprise was incorporated into Pike's Enterprise. They use this to send Boimler and Mariner back to their own time, while the Orions agree to accept credit for discovering the portal in exchange for allowing the Enterprise to continue peacefully.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

"Our Man Paris (Of Troy)" by SocialPermaDeath, can be found at https://archiveofourown.org/works/41789019"A holodeck malfunction leaves Tom Paris in an "Our Man Bashir" of his own playing the part of Paris of Troy in the 3rd Book of the Iliad and visions of his crew mates as various parts of the Greek epic."The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Tuvix (Star Trek: Voyager, S2 E24) was recommended by Alex Russet , who said: I'm honestly shocked that this hasn't shown up in the podcast yet. It's the perfect fit for what you're doing.This Episode is fascinating to me. At It's very core is a trolly problem. Save the lives of two for the cost of one, or preserve the one at the cost of two. Both sides have valid points, but equally are both flawed responses to a situation with no truly correct response. But respond Janeway must. And while it was fairly obvious which option would be chosen, (Tim Russ and Ethan Phillips had bills to pay), it still hit hard.Not every option is black and white. How much is a life worth? Do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few? I think the fandom as a whole settled on Team Tuvix, myself included, but I think this episode is captivating from a series famous for it's moralizing.Tuvix first aired on May 6, 1996, written by story by Andrew Shepard Price and Mark Gaberman, teleplay by Kenneth Biller, and directed by Cliff BoleA transporter accident merges Tuvok and Neelix into a new person.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

"Hunting Hound" by Leah [archived by Warp5Complex_Archivist], can be found at https://archiveofourown.org/works/8080225"Tucker and Reed hunt for a hound."The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Devil's Due (Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), S4 E13) was recommended by IronBoomer, and he/him, who said: This episode is pure Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner at their best, and our guest actress of Marta Dubois is so much fun. While it ends up just being a legal drama and half-bottle episode, everyone is bringing their A-Game to this episode.Devil's Due first aired on February 4, 1991, written by story by Philip LaZebnik & William Douglas Lansford, teleplay by Philip LaZebnik, and directed by Tom BenkoA powerful mythic figure from a millennium ago returns to enslave a planet in accordance with a contract. However, Picard is convinced she is an opportunistic charlatan. Guest star Marta DuBois as Ardra.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

"Faith and Begorrah" by Bruce (PKSP), can be found at https://archiveofourown.org/works/34170499"Tom Paris and Harry Kim try to repair the Fair Haven holoprogram in time for St. Patrick's Day."The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Move Along Home (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9), S1 E10) was recommended by nazzy (she/her), who said: I cannot believe nobody has asked for this one yet!One of the earliest criticisms of DS9 was that it didn't "boldly go", and in its first two seasons in particular, there were a lot of episodes whose basic synopses read "Weird alien(s) come to the station, hijinks occur." And being a DS9 fan as always meant knowing that criticism is always just around the corner, which meant that for episodes like "Move Along Home", the standard response was an embarrassed shrug and a 'yeah...it hadn't found its feet yet. It got better!'And "Move Along Home" is the ur-example of this type of story. Weird aliens come to DS9, and introduce Quark to a strange board game of chance that traps members of the senior staff in a bizarre game world??? And that's the episode?!But then I read a review of "Move Along Home" that reframed the episode for me in a very meaningful way. "Move Along Home", it said, is basically a TOS episode. And that made so much sense! Is Commander Sisko having to play hopscotch and sing a children's song that different from the crew of the TOS Enterprise being forced to fight in "Plato's Stepchildren"? Or acting strangely to break the brains of the androids in "I, Mudd"? Suddenly, it made perfect sense, and "Move Along Home" is no longer embarrassing.Move Along Home first aired on March 14, 1993, written by story by Michael Piller, teleplay by Frederick Rappaport, Lisa Rich and Jeanne Carrigan-Fauci, and directed by David CarsonQuark plays a board game with the Wadi, a newly encountered species from the Gamma Quadrant, and the lives of the crew seemingly depend on the outcome.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

"I Just Might Say it Tonight" by orcamermaid, can be found at https://archiveofourown.org/works/30425253"Five times Garak and Julian didn't voice their feelings, and one time they finally did."The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Cloud Minders (Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), S3 E19) was recommended by Kaleb, he/him, who said: No war but class war baby! I love this episode for being that classic campy trek, while also being a rather good simplification of how environment- particularly an environment caused by oppression in the first place- shapes the way that oppression is justified and continued. Not specifically class related, but that's the medium this episode evokes, and many marginalized identities can be viewed through class structures as well.I can't deny a good “I won't be the bigger man, I'm dragging you down to my level” type story, especially when it's our protagonist doing the dragging.I can't help but love Droxine flirting w/ Spock, bc it just registers to me as the relatable experience of “ma'am please, I'm here w/ my boyfriend, who you clearly haven't clocked as such, so I'm gonna try and find the most non-scene causing way to stop this”. It kills me, I don't think this scene is supposed to reduce you to giggles.Hope you also enjoy!The Cloud Minders first aired on February 28, 1969, written by Jerome Bixby, and directed by Murray GoldenKirk races against time to acquire plague-fighting minerals from a world in the midst of a civil uprising.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Spock explores human romantic traditions, and works on a surprise for Kirk. Meanwhile, Kirk gets back at him for overuse of a title they now share.First published on February 15th, 2023 on Archive of our Own by VallesMarineris. The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Repentance (Star Trek: Voyager, S7 E13) was recommended by Rugger (They/them), who said: A lot of Voyager's preachy episodes fall flat, but this one always makes me pause. When I first watched this episode as a child, it shaped how I see justice. And, plot-wise, Repentance does a great job of combining a dialogue-heavy, philosophical discussion with real pathos for the murderer, Iko, and linking that pathos to an ongoing character arc with Seven.While Trek is expectedly against the death penalty, this episode keeps from being one-sided by the sub-plot with Neelix and Joleg.Repentance first aired on January 31, 2001, written by story by Mike Sussman and Robert Doherty, teleplay by Robert Doherty, and directed by Mike VejarPrisoners are brought onto Voyager from a damaged alien vessel, and the crew must deliver them to their destination – for execution. Seven's nanoprobes are used to help heal a prisoner.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Dr Katherine Pulaski is set to leave the Enterprise, and a farewell party is being held in her honour. All of her closest friends have been invited, but she notices a big absence; a certain yellow-eyed android who inexplicitly has not shown up. When she goes to confront him about it, however, she finds out something quite horrible:Data believes that Kate does not consider him a friend of hers.First published July 30th, 2022 on Archive of our Own by Superfloxes. The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Peak Performance (Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), S2 E21) was recommended by Kayodé Lycaon / Kay·o·deh Lie·kay·on, who said: I picked this episode for one line from Picard to Wesley: “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life.”That quote was life changing for me. I had spent my entire life struggling with being bipolar. Parts of my brain just do not work. I was one of the brilliant kids in school but my grades never showed that. I couldn't focus on homework no matter how hard I tried. Later in my life I had manic episodes that took control over me and I couldn't stop myself from saying things I shouldn't have. I've lost jobs and friends to episodes.Captain Picard made me realize I was trying my best and it was not my fault that my best wasn't enough to meet anyone's expectations.The other parts of the episode also resonate with me because I'm always trying to find ways around my own limitations. I don't need to do things the way people say I should. I can what works instead, even if it means breaking a few rules.Peak Performance first aired on July 10, 1989, written by David Kemper, and directed by Robert ScheererThe Enterprise and USS Hathaway face off in simulated combat maneuvers. Data fails to beat a humanoid at a game of Strategema and exhibits self-doubt.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The events of the episode The Naked Time from the perspective of the one department guaranteed to have been the busiest during the chaos. When the entire ship is going mad around them, it is up to the Redshirts to keep their crewmates safe. POV of Security Chief Giotto. Some implied slash for Kirk and Spock.First Published on October 3rd, 2021 on Archive of our Own by queenofroses12. The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Assimilation (Star Trek: Picard, S2 E3) was recommended by Hauke he/him, who said: While it's very hard to pull out individual episodes of Picard (especially the first two seasons) on my current rewatch this one stood out to me.Having narrowly escaped the horrible Confederation of the alternate 2400, the crew travels back to 2024 to correct the timeline. “Let's see what has been lost in the wake of your fear” Q whispers to Picard again as they jump to the past.Assimilation sets up the character arcs for the rest of the season.Raffi is racked with guilt and anger for Elnor's death early in the episode.Seven, gets to experience not being met with fear since the timeline hop means she was never assimilated.Rios immediately gets into some good trouble meeting the charming doctor Teresa.And Jurati, still racked with guilt over killing Maddox in season one is doing something difficult and dangerous: impressing the Borg Queen (played in this iteration by the magnetic Anne Wershing who sadly passed away in early 2023).Fear, Hope, guilt, forgiveness. Picard season two is about all these things, deeply personal to both Picard and Stewart, and it doesn't get enough credit.“ Move backward to go forward. Shatter to mend. The past is now.”Assimilation first aired on March 17, 2022, written by Kiley Rossetter & Christopher Monfette, and directed by Lea ThompsonSeven distracts the Magistrate long enough for the group to overpower and kill him and his officers. The ship comes under attack, and the Queen takes advantage of the situation to directly connect herself to the ship's computers. She destroys their pursuers and slingshots the ship around the sun, creating a wormhole to 2024. She tells Picard that they must find "The Watcher" in Los Angeles who knows what Q changed to cause the new timeline. The ship crashes near Chateau Picard in France, and the Queen diverts all power to sustain herself. Elnor dies of his wounds, and Raffi angrily blames Picard before departing with Seven and Rios to start searching for the Watcher. Rios's transporter malfunctions and he is knocked out, waking up in a clinic that secretly treats undocumented immigrants. Before he can leave, immigration officers raid the clinic and arrest both Rios and his physician, Teresa. Rios's communicator is left behind. Despite Picard's warnings, Agnes connects her mind to the Queen and learns the exact location of the Watcher before she can be assimilated, impressing the Queen.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Ascent (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9), S5 E9) was recommended by Matt Kennedy he/him, who said: Hi guys! This is my first recommendation - I've been listening for a while now and I adore the show, and it's taken me a long time to decide which episode I want to recommend.And it's got to be The Ascent. This is a wonderful showcase for the "enemies with benefits" Quark and Odo. And the reason I love this episode is because, as someone who is firmly on Team Space Goblin, this is one of the few times where Odo gets called out for his bulls*** - I always scream and cheer when Quark calls him a fascist to his face. But this is classic Trek, because as much as they hate each other they have to learn to work together in order to survive. The B plot parralels this, with Jake and Nog learning to live together as roomates, while Sisko finds an unexpected ally in Rom. This episode is about being open to each other's differences and for that to lead to acceptance.The Ascent first aired on November 25, 1996, written by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe, and directed by Allan KroekerForced to crash-land on a desolate planet, Odo and Quark must climb a mountain to transmit a distress signal. Jake and Nog (temporarily back at DS9) find sharing quarters isn't as enjoyable as they thought it would be.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus (Star Trek: Lower Decks, S3 E8) was recommended by Alex Russet, he/him , who said: This is one of my favorite episodes of this series alongside the finale for that season (Shax's finest hour was amazing.) The central conflict of Boimler trying to find meaning to life was fascinating to watch. Fun action scenes, a couple pokes at us fanfic writers not understanding story flow or proper exposition (I like to think I improved in that department... I hope...) and of course, Captain Sulu cameos is always a plus. Overall, a fun episode with a thoughtful central conflict. Hoping we see more of Will Boimler. As of me writing this Halloween 2024, there's still time.Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus first aired on October 13, 2022, written by Ben Rodgers, and directed by Michael MullenBoimler's holodeck movie sequel tries to live up to the original.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Tapestry (Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), S6 E15) was recommended by Bill Ricardi - he/him, who said: Tapestry is all about regrets, and the mistakes that become part of who we are, for better or for worse. As an older fan, I often look back on my own life and curse the moments when I handled something badly or missed an apparent opportunity. But this episode reminds all of us that the wisdom of age is sometimes just hindsight seen through rainbow tinted lenses. Tapestry teaches us that we are who we are partly BECAUSE of our flaws. And that's okay.Tapestry first aired on February 15, 1993, written by Ronald D. Moore, and directed by Les LandauAn accident kills Picard. He finds an afterlife with Q analyzing his past choices.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Latent Image (Star Trek: Voyager, S5 E11) was recommended by Tana he/they, who said: I always love when Trek does a moral dilemma episode. Sometimes they pull it off, sometimes not so great. This one is probably a mix of both to be honest.The Doctor is sentient and sapient, but he's still a program in many ways and sometimes a program when pushed so far beyond its limits breaks, but is he alive and free willed enough to push beyond that?Latent Image first aired on January 20, 1999, written by story by Eileen Connors, Brannon Braga and Joe Menosky, teleplay by Joe Menosky, and directed by Mike VejarThe Doctor finds out that some of his memories have been blocked.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Naked Time (Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), S1 E6) was recommended by Kaleb, he/him, who said: While it definitely isn't an unloved episode, after you did the TNG version it only seemed right to recommend it. It's also the episode that made me fall in love with both Star Trek more broadly and Spock in particular; I even find Riley's incessant singing to be deeply charming. Everyone's acting is great, from comedic to serious to tragic.It's such a smart way to introduce these characters within the first few episodes, by exposing the conflicts and fantasies beneath the surface. Even if it means showing a severe lack of safety protocol to get there!The Naked Time first aired on September 29, 1966, written by John D. F. Black, and directed by Marc DanielsA strange, intoxicating infection, which lowers the crew's emotional inhibitions, spreads throughout the Enterprise. As the madness spreads, the entire ship is endangered.[2]The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Carbon Creek (Star Trek: Enterprise, S2 E2) was recommended by Bryan Love(Blackrain), who said: Being your resident LDS(Mormon) listener, family history or knowing about one's ancestors, their stories is something that is important to me. T'Pol tells a story of her grandmother to Archer and Trip. How it was her grandmother who crash landed on earth, that was the real first contact between humans and Vulcans in 1957. Re-watching this episode years later from its original airing from back in 2002. I now understand how the stories or history of one's family can be very important, even if their only important to you. Hearing about how my one grandfather chased down all the boys in his high school that made fun of his short height, and one by one lifted each of them over his head into a garbage car. Grandpa might of been small, but he was strong from working on the farm his whole life. Little family stories to give you pride about your family.Carbon Creek first aired on September 14, 1993, written by S : Rick Berman & Brannon Braga & Dan O'Shannon, T : Chris Black, and directed by James A. ContnerSub-Commander T'Pol relates the tale of a Vulcan crew stranded on Earth in the 1950s.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Spock Amok (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, S1 E5) was recommended by Lauren Rivers she/her, who said: Two words. Enterprise Bingo. I seriously hope that the writer of this episode got a bonus for that. Casually mentioned in an earlier episode, now we finally find out about this little game played by the junior officers, fully demonstrated by Una and La'an, the ships resident 'fun killers'.I love when Star Trek has fun with itself, and this episode does such a great job with it in every aspect. From giving Dr. M'Benga a hard time for his awesome hat to the awesome subplot with the Rongovians, this not only makes me laugh but gives every single member of the cast the chance to shine.I also love this episode for giving us 'The Scorch', a hull panel on the outside of the ship signed by the crew. It's a great episode all around and seeing Pike finally figure out what the Rongovians are after is supremely satisfying.While I love every episode of Strange New Worlds, this one just fills me with unbridled joy every time.Spock Amok first aired on June 2, 2022, written by Henry Alonso Myers & Robin Wasserman, and directed by Rachel LeitermanA personal visit causes a comedy of errors during Spock & Pike's crucial negotiations with an unusual alien species.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Magnificent Ferengi (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9), S6 E10) was recommended by Tana he/they, who said: Sometimes Trek takes the serious gloves off and just has a fun romp and this may be one of the best examples.The Magnificent Ferengi first aired on May 14, 1993, written by Ira Steven Behr & Hans Beimler, and directed by Chip ChalmersQuark mounts a rescue mission when his mother, Ishka, is captured by the Dominion and Grand Nagus Zek offers a reward for her return.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Final Mission (Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), S4 E9) was recommended by Tsuyoto Wolfe (They/Them), who said: I have so many favorites I thought of recommending. But I was also inspired to find the joy in one I hadn't liked before. When Netflix started streaming Star Trek series back in 2011, I would wtch through TNG, DS9, VOY, and ENT, then start over again with TNG. I would skip most of season 1 and 2, as well as a few later episodes. For my recommendation, I went back to the ones I skipped and I rewatched TNG: Final Mission. I had chocked it off as a filler episode with Wesley being annoying. But I found more in it, it a transition from Wesley fanboying over Picard, to seeing him vulnerable, to taking the responsibility for both their lives. The alien shuttle captain still feels like a thin character meant only to be fodder for Wesley's growth, but I appreciate the episode more now.Final Mission first aired on November 19, 1990, written by story by Kacey Arnold-Ince, teleplay by Kacey Arnold-Ince & Jeri Taylor, and directed by Corey AllenWesley sets off on his final mission with the Enterprise accompanied by Picard. They become stranded on a desert planet.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Vanishing Point (Star Trek: Enterprise, S2 E10) was recommended by Lauren Alexis Rivers She/Her, who said: I always thought that Hoshi was such an underused character. In an era before the Universal Translator had worked out all the kinks, communication is one of the most important elements, and this was one of the Hoshi centric episodes, where while she didn't get to show off her communications skills, it was about facing her fears of the transporter and doing what she had to do no matter what the circumstances. As someone of Asian descent, it was always important to me to see people like myself on screen.Vanishing Point first aired on September 22, 1993, written by Rick Berman & Brannon Braga, and directed by David StraitonAfter her first trip through the transporter, Ensign Sato finds herself becoming incorporeal, with the crew believing she has perished.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Omega Directive (Star Trek: Voyager, S4 E21) was recommended by The Derp Prime, who said: This episode always delighted me as we saw an interesting development of both Seven and the Borg.Plus we get more over all lore on the Federations policies, some fun galactic lore and a threat of clumsy science.Plus, an interesting take on a religious experience though scientific endeavors.As an Apathiest (Gods, do their thing, I do mine, if we don't bother each other everyone is happy), I like little twists to both science and religion. Twists mind, I am tired of sledge hammer statements (I have been hit in the face enough times by those thank to very much!)The Omega Directive first aired on April 15, 1998, written by teleplay by Lisa Klink, story by Jimmy Diggs & Steve J. Kay, and directed by Victor LoblJaneway undertakes the Omega Directive, an order to destroy Omega molecules, even if it means violating the Prime Directive.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

All the World's a Stage (Star Trek: Prodigy, S1 E13) was recommended by Hoofburd (he/him), who said: Under lesser writers, an homage episode like this could have come across as corny or cheap. Instead, it deftly introduces its younger audience to the concept of the original series, while also being a very TOS episode itself. We've seen the planet of the 20th century gangsters already; now we can cycle back around and go to the planet where everything is original Star Trek! While being deeply silly, this episode provides the Protostar's crew good character advancement, while simultaneously nodding at a bit of TOS continuity and even Lower Decks. I also think there's an interesting parallel how the crew first learns about the original series through a jumbled cultural perception, much as people tend to do in real life. All in all, it's a love letter that never feels like nostalgia bait, and I deeply respect that about it.All the World's a Stage first aired on November 10, 2022, written by Aaron J. Waltke, and directed by Andrew L. SchmidtThe Protostar crew responds to a distress call from an M-class planet, except for Murf who is unwell. They discover an alien race called the "Enderprizians" who revere and imitate Starfleet. A mysterious disease is afflicting the villagers, and also infects Dal. They track the disease to a cave holding a Federation shuttlecraft that crashed on the planet with Ensign Garrovick of the USS Enterprise long ago. The shuttlecraft is leaking plasma and poisoning the environment. The crew and villagers work together to dispose of the shuttlecraft and seal the cave while Zero devises a cure. When the crew return to the Protostar, they find Murf encased in a cocoon.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Forsaken (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9), S1 E17) was recommended by Rugger (They/them), who said: The Forsaken has its problems as an episode, including that Troi's advances are uncomfortable to watch. But in all of Trek, there is no more emotionally raw, powerful, and moving scene than in The Forsaken. Odo and Lwaxwana are stuck in the elevator, and Odo has to revert into his natural liquid state—and he has to trust Lwaxana to do it.This is Trek at its best: taking something fundamentally alien and using it to humanize a character. Almost every other time an alien evokes such pathos, they are being human—as Kirk says of Spock, "he was the most human."Odo's character arc is one of the best in Trek, and this episode starts it off with the most unique, iconic, and moving scene that I can think of in all sci-fi, while also developing a a character who was previously only comedic relief.The Forsaken first aired on January 18, 1993, written by story by Jim Trombetta, teleplay by Don Carlos Dunaway and Michael Piller, and directed by Les LandauThe Federation ambassador from Betazed, Lwaxana Troi, visits the station, and develops an affection for Odo. Meanwhile, data from a mysterious Gamma Quadrant probe causes system failures on DS9.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Stormy Weather (Star Trek: Discovery, S4 E06) was recommended by Tonks (they/them), who said: I consider “Stormy Weather” to be peak Trek. It's one of many “void episodes” of franchise, and uses that basis to tell an engaging story that demonstrates the best of Trek.From the cohesion & enthusiasm of the crew, the excellent leadership, the exploration of self & identity, to the dealing with new experiences & old wounds; all of this create a package that also homages some memorable moments in the franchise without drawing attention to them.This episode puts compassion, intelligence, & understanding forefront, while also being an almost silent celebration of the tried & true in Trek.Stormy Weather first aired on December 23, 2021, written by Anne Cofell Saunders & Brandon Schultz, and directed by Jonathan FrakesThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Alternative Factor (Star Trek: The Original Series, S1 E20) was recommended by Kaleb, he/him, who said: Listen….listen I'm aware this episode is definitely a strangely paced, scatterbrained mess. Though I'll say it's worst and best sin of it is Lazarus's facial hair; really Lazarus as a whole sums up my feelings about this episode: meandering, accidentally comical, and strangely poignant. The first five minutes I'm always waiting in suspense for the appearance of Lazarus's awful beard and over-the-top scream as he falls down, because I can't help but laugh every time. And while there are certain parts that are very confusing the first time watching, as well as several bits that drag on too long, there's also a lot of fun lines and good performances to keep me enjoying myself.This episode also has one of my favorite one-off crewmembers of the whole show, Lieutenant Charline Masters, who I find really charming and professional when she's on-screen. Plus I love Lazarus's sparkly little outfit.It's an episode of big swings- trying to deal with total nonexistence should the Enterprise fail, time travel, alternate universes, and pulling a bait and switch over which Lazarus poses the real threat- and I'm sure there were cleaner ways to pull it off, but I do know that in the end, after Lazarus stays to fight the other him for eternity in between universes, I really feel the heaviness behinds Kirk's, “For you and me…but what of Lazarus? What of Lazarus…”I find it a really compelling episode, though I can definitely see why it's disliked by a lot of people, especially if they only watch it the one time. That's the thought that stands out to me the most: I like and appreciate this episode more and more with each rewatch, which I think it deserves credit for, even if it'll never be my Top Episode of All Time.Greg's Charity Stream: https://tilt.fyi/cfN1BNS95SThe Alternative Factor first aired on March 30, 1967, written by Don Ingalls, and directed by Gerd OswaldThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Macrocosm (Star Trek: Voyager, S3 E12) was recommended by Alex Russet (He/Him), who said: I have a soft spot for this episode. It's a wonderfully bonkers off the wall concept pulled off in a fun way. Flying viruses as big as you head? Why not? Trek's done crazier. And plus it features Janeway going full Ellen Ripley. What's not to love?Macrocosm first aired on December 11, 1996, written by Brannon Braga, and directed by Alexander SingerGreg's Charity Stream information. https://tilt.fyi/cfN1BNS95SThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Naked Now (Star Trek: The Next Generation, S1 E03) was recommended by Traci Meek-Reid (she/her) (your accents are delightful- go for your life!), who said: When I was 7, one night the TV just "stopped". We all went "huh" and went off to do other things. And then 5 years later the VCR landed in our home, TV was restored, and I discovered this bright, technicolor world that came on after the Saturday morning cartoons. Star Trek! I was hooked. 2 years later, Star Trek: The Next Generation launched. I watched the premiere and after the trailer for the next episode played, I ran through the house excitedly shouting "They're doing the Naked Time! They're doing the Naked Time! With no further ado, I nominate TNG's "The Naked Now": it acknowledges its roots, it ruthlessly exposes Captain Picard and Doctor Crusher (and Riker, Troi, Data, and Yar) as the star crossed lovers/relentless horndogs that they are, and shows that space is for EVERYONE, even 14-year old kids like Wesley Crusher. And me. Because as much as I loved the dystopian depression pill delivered by "Blade Runner", 14 year old me needed hope for a future. "The Naked Now" proved that Star Trek and its themes are eternal and are not bound by one cast, one era, or one man's vision. I joyfully welcome each new iteration of Star Trek and still run through the house screaming with glee when they drop a reference to an old show. This universe is big enough for everybody.The Naked Now first aired on October 5, 1987, written by story by John D. F. Black & D. C. Fontana, teleplay by D. C. Fontana, and directed by Paul LynchThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Take Me Out to the Holosuite (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, S7 E04) was recommended by Denise, who said: I love all of DS9 but this one is my favorite. I think because it's such an "Earth" game and they are in space and because baseball can be fun to watch and play. It's such a a fun episode and that why it's my favorite.Take Me Out to the Holosuite first aired on October 21, 1998, written by Ronald D. Moore, and directed by Chip ChalmersThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Observer Effect (Star Trek: Enterprise, S4 E11) was recommended by Nazzy (she/her), who said: I've recommended some sillier episodes of Enterprise to you boys, now I want to share one that's just genuinely *good*. Season 4 is when ENT finally, truly started playing to its strengths, even if it was ultimately too late to save it from cancellation. The problem with recommending Season 4 episodes for the purposes of the podcast is that much of the season is broken up into mini-arcs of 2 or 3 episodes, and as much as I would love to have you cover the whole "Babel" three parter, I can't ask that of you (yet). So instead I'm going to suggest an episode that's one of the few one offs of the season, and one of my favorites - Observer Effect, in which Trip and Hoshi contract an alien virus on an away mission. The Enterprise crew must scramble to save their lives, not knowing their efforts are being watched by outside observers.It's a classic Star Trek medical mystery episode, with the added twist of exactly who the observers are and how the observation is being done. It also has some lovely character moments, and since I love these characters, it's like catnip for me.Observer Effect first aired on January 21, 2005, written by Garfield Reeves-Stevens & Judith Reeves-Stevens, and directed by Mike VejarThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Crisis Point (Star Trek: Lower Decks, S1 E09) was recommended by Hauke [ˈhɔukə] (he/his), who said: Not really an under appreciated episode of Lower Decks, it is the first one to truly show what this series is capable of.Format breaking ideas, incredible love letters to how crazy a Star Trek movie can be (or a “Starfleet Movie” as they like to say in-universe), super smart and incisive humor such as comments on old Trek shows' problems with monocultures and centered on Mariner's character arc beginning to reveal her deeper issues.Crisis Point first aired on October 1, 2020, written by Ben Rodgers, and directed by Bob SuarezThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Little Green Men (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, S4 E08) was recommended by Blackrain, who said: When you ask for an episode, I thought hard about for one. Thinking over all the past Star Trek series I have watched and this was the first episode that popped to my mind. I've always found it fun when Sci-fi TV shows would try to put their twist on the Roswell alien crash conspiracy theory. Whether you believe it's true or not each take on it is wonderful to see. Star Trek was just another one to jump on the Roswell crash boat, but didn't have the normal DS9 bridge crew crash land a earth. Nope they had the Ferengi's. Quark, Rom, and Nog. It had the classic first contact tropes miscommunication, the 1940s human biases and conspiracy minded, all topped off with Quark being a Ferengi trying to sale stuff to the hu-mans. Love how Quark says hu-man. This was also one were Rom starts showing his start and dominant side to Quark. Just look at Rom's face at the end of the episode. No words are say, but you know what he is thinking and he has that mischievous grin on his face.Ya'll said in a past episode a lot of people didn't like didn't like the episode with the Ferengi's in them. I love all the episodes that have Ferengi's in them or feature them. DS9 really helped to develop and advance what their culture and species was from when they first showed up in TNG.BlackRain's podcast can be found here! Little Green Men first aired on November 15, 1995, written by story by Toni Marberry & Jack Treviño, teleplay by Ira Steven Behr & Robert Hewitt Wolfe, and directed by James L. ConwayThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Enemy (Star Trek: The Next Generation, S3 E07) was recommended by Leah (Lee-uh) she/her , who said: In lists of both favorite and underrated star trek episodes this one seems to get lost in the shuffle! I rarely see anybody talk about it which is baffling as its one of my all favorites.As someone playing an engineer in a Star Trek Adventures campaign I adore Geordi's creativity in this episode! He makes it work even at such a horrible disadvantage (imo, an engineer's best trait). The chemistry between Geordi and Bochra makes the near-friendship they form so much sweeter and Worf's indifference towards the death of a Romulan he could have saved all the more troubling. I love trek episodes that allow characters to not always be the better person and this is a perfect example! Its also hard to ignore the line “I never lie when I've got sand in my shoes, Commodore”The Enemy first aired on November 6, 1989, written by David Kemper & Michael Piller, and directed by David CarsonThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Practical Joker (Star Trek: The Animated Series, S2 E03) was recommended by FoxSan, He/Him, who said: "This desk is covered with ice! And it was almost covered with us!", romulans are knee-deep in desserts and KIRK IS A JERK!The Practical Joker first aired on September 21, 1974, written by Chuck Menville, and directed by Bill ReedThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Extreme Risk (Star Trek: Voyager, S5 E03) was recommended by James (he/him), who said: I also ‘like' Extreme Risk. I think Roxann Dawson's acting is super subtle and she does grief really well. Really resonated with me with my own personal grief. As you probably know it's after the news all the Marquis are dead and she is grieving. She isn't her typical angry self (which for her is odd) she's just numb. She does things like taking silly risks to ‘feel' something. And she gets riskier and riskier. I was the rock for my family after my dad suddenly passed away in a car accident, 2 weeks before my 27th bday. Even though I was the youngest I was also the ‘smart and calm one'. My mum and sister were so emotional and I had to close down to hold them up (if that makes sense). I was back at work after a few days. Organised the funeral and sorted stuff with the police. I was numb though. I've worked all this stuff out but did engage in some silly behaviours a few years later that were not okay. Made worse by being in a bad relationship. Numbness was safe. I've saw that episode again about 18 months ago (5 years after my dad and 6 months after a breakup) and I just got her vibe. Her numbness and behaviours. As I already said, her performance is really fucking on point. The half Klingon that was all fire. Now so subtle and carrying on. I love Trek, all iterations but subtle acting ain't a usual part of its wheelhouse. So this was so refreshing. Extreme Risk first aired on October 28, 1998, written by Kenneth Biller, and directed by Cliff BoleThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

The Elysian Kingdom (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, S1 E08) was recommended by Chief Engineer GregThe Elysian Kingdom first aired on June 23, 2022, written by Akela Cooper & Onitra Johnson, and directed by Amanda RowThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Kobayashi (Star Trek: Prodigy, S1 E6) was recommended by Lauren Rivers she/her, who said: When Prodigy first began I did not like Dal. I thought he was arrogant and full of himself, appointing himself captain without having earned the privilege. But this was the first episode that opinion started to shift, with him attempting the famous Kobiyashi Maru. For the first time I found Dal likeable and even a bit hilarious as he gives one of the best renditions of the test in Star Trek history. As a fellow chaos appreciator, this was when I really started to enjoy the show.Kobayashi first aired on January 6, 2022, written by Aaron J. Waltke, and directed by Alan WanThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Our Man Bashir (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, S4 E10) was recommended by he/him Crimson like the color, who said: This one is probably pretty well liked already but...man it's just a blast so why not love on it too? Bashir's 60s Action Spy Holonovel is interrupted by a transporter emergency and all the major characters are replaced by runabout crew. We get the utter delight of the crew getting to ham it up in absurd Bond-style roles, all the while Garak snarks on the whole mess as a 'real spy.' The Garak-Bashir interactions are great, Colm Meany gets to play a gangster, which he does well, and Avery Brooks gets to monologue, plus the 60s spy camp is perfect. Plus we get a bit of a "B" plot that lets Odo, Quark, Rom, and even Eddington solve problems in the dark, which is neat. AND holodeck malfunctions are a classic of Star Trek!Our Man Bashir first aired on November 27, 1995, written by story by Robert Gillan, teleplay by Ronald D. Moore, and directed by Winrich KolbeThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Starship Mine (Star Trek: The Next Generation, S6 E18) was recommended by Royce Day (pronouced like Rolls Royce) he/him, who said: While this episode is safely in the "filler" category, lacking any connection to past episodes and never being mentioned again in the series, I'm fond of it because it's just FUN. It makes no bones (or McCoys) about being straight up "What if Die Hard, but on a Starship?" with Picard alone and rapidly losing his uniform tunic to crawl around in the Jefferies tubes and take on a bunch of terrorists/thieves by himself. Also unless I'm mistaken, this is the most running and punching he does in the series until the First Contact film.Side Note: My second favorite "Die Hard on an X" story is the made for video film "Interceptor" which is set on a C5 Galaxy aircraft, and improbably stars Jurgon Prochnow as the requisite german terrorist out to steal a VR equipped F-117.Starship Mine first aired on March 29, 1993, written by Morgan Gendel, and directed by Cliff BoleThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Unexpected (Star Trek: Enterprise, S1 E05) was recommended by Hoofburd, he/him, who said:I would really like to hear from the writer/s if they knew that mpreg was an actual thing on certain password-protected tumblrs before they wrote this episode.This one goes in the pot because I *didn't* see it, at least not at first. I was watching on original broadcast, I was 10, and were only a few episodes in before one of the Cub Scout dads (very conservative bunch, my family/scout troop) mentions something hyperbolic about not letting his family watch the show anymore. I then didn't see that episode myself and didn't think anything of it, but then some eleven years later, I started watching the series start to finish, and found out that the reason why I didn't remember this one was hilarious.Unexpected first aired on October 17, 2001, written by Rick Berman & Brannon Braga, and directed by Mike VejarThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Plato's Stepchildren (Star Trek: The Original Series, S3 E10) was recommended by Kaleb, he/him (pronounced 'Kay-lub'), who said: When thinking of which episode to recommend, this one didn't even cross my mind; I was sure it must be universally beloved! However, I found that it seems to be rather divisive, so I'm taking that as an excuse to recommend one of my all-time favorite episodes.It has some really great Spock character moments- especially in the scene after he and Kirk are humiliated by Parmen and Philana- which I'm always excited about. Really the entire scene lives rent free in my mind, especially Alexander's speech and his anger towards the other Platonians. As an autistic person, I really relate to how he- a disabled man living among a population created through eugenics- is finally able to verbalize that his treatment wasn't deserved because of his difference, and that he doesn't want to be just like them.I also really love Uhura and Kirk's exchange right before their kiss, showing the trust shared between the members of the bridge crew this far into the series. The whole scene surrounding it has THE most sinister undertones, it's a little uncomfortable to watch, but it's supposed to keep you on tenterhooks waiting to see how far it'll go before they find a way out.Yes, it's another (allegedly) advanced alien species that's modeled itself on Ancient Greece- however it's camp as hell, so I love it, especially Spock, Chapel, and Parmen's outfits. I have a blast every time I rewatch it, even though Parmen needs to learn that just because you're in space doesn't mean you don't have to ask for consent before making people do weird fucked up acts for your amusement.TLDR: Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates? Morons.Plato's Stepchildren first aired on November 22, 1968, written by Joyce Muskat, and directed by John ErmanThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Night (Star Trek: Voyager, S5 E01) was recommended by Greg (He/him), who said: Night is the first appearance of Captain Proton which gets a lot of points for me right there. But more importantly, seeing the Captain's depression and her struggling with that has been very powerful to me when I've struggled with depression. I thought about this episode a lot during Covid where we were all trapped and feeling alone and isolated, but I knew there was a lively cluster of stars and planets at the end. Special Effect video mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m3Rea0H_p8Night first aired on October 14, 1998, written by Brannon Braga and Joe Menosky, and directed by David LivingstonThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Profit and Lace (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, S6 E23) was recommended by Lauren Alexis Rivers She/Her, who said: While I saw this episode long before I knew I was trans, I always love this episode because the Ferengi centric episodes are never afraid to have fun. Exploring the Ferengi culture and the slow march towards equality, we see Quark forced to step in as a Ferengi female after his arguments with his mother reach a boiling point. But not only is it a brilliant performance by Armin Shimerman but it's a really fun look at the Ferengi family and an unquestionable sign that Quark really does love his mother, flaws and all.Profit and Lace first aired on May 13, 1998, written by Ira Steven Behr & Hans Beimler, and directed by Siddig El FaddilThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

A Matter Of Honor (Star Trek: The Next Generation, S2 E08) was recommended by Rugger (They/Them), who said: I watched A Matter of Honor when I was 13, and had black and white views of good and bad. The Klingons are first presented as repulsive and bad, with excessive violence and moving gagh. But the Klingon aggressive nature saves the day; Riker sees the virtue of its flexible culture. If Picard ever made a mistake like the Captain Kargan, the Enterprise crew would follow him to their death (as they almost do in First Contact, until Lily talks him down).Diversity is good because nothing is good in every circumstance—we need different skillsets at different times.Crimson (he/him), I hope you guys have some fun with this episode. I certainly had fun rewatching it., recommended TNG 208 A Matter Of Honor, saying:"S2 TNG: Collarless-uniforms but Riker's Beard! Here we start to get a proper look at Klingons with some real complexity and individuality. Also we get a proper look at a whole lot of Klingon food. It's a great episode to show off Riker's character, as clever, brave, funny, with good humor, and a real willingness to jump in and just do things, the moreso as a personal challenge. We also get a B plot w/ Awkward Benzite Ensign, who is absolutely a type of person I have met many times. It's a great fun episode of cultural exchange in a few directions, all in all a favorite. Especially Riker's response to a nominal proposition (and his harried look afterwards). Also apparently the first appearance of blood wine!"A Matter Of Honor first aired on February 6, 1989, written by story by Wanda M. Haight & Gregory Amos & Burton Armus, teleplay by Burton Armus, and directed by Rob BowmanThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee (Star Trek: Lower Decks, S4 E2) was recommended by Mark Nixon he/him , who said: Not only do we see Marriner eventually loosing the battle against acceptance and recognition by her Commander but we are met with the cutest goddamn thing in the entire Star Trek Universe: The Moopsie. The sounds that came out of me and my partner when we saw this cuddly little murderer awkwardly waddle around the Manage have failed to be any quieter on subsequent viewings. This is my most watched Lower Decks episode by far.I accuse 'I Have No Bones, Yet I Must Flee' of Moopsie Freeing.I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee first aired on September 7, 2023, written by Aaron Burdette, and directed by Megan LloydThe Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook