Trek News and Views: A Star Trek Podcast

The view from the UK. There has been much rumor and speculation about the forthcoming Star Trek series. In this episode of Trek News and Views, host Colin Higgins is joined by Donya Abramo, Steve Roberts, and Paul Wright to bring a British viewpoint to the discussion. We explore into the tidbits Fuller has revealed about the show, share out thoughts on the newest ship to grace our screens, and discuss the rumors and hearsay—which may or may not be true. Trekkies are want to speculate, and we do that in no small measure … as only Trekkies can! Chapters Intro (00:00:00) What We Know (00:10:31) The USS Discovery (00:18:40) Species Hopes (00:25:15) A Non-Captain Lead (00:35:54) Censor Limits (00:52:40) Final Thoughts (01:00:32) Host Colin Higgins Guests Donya Abramo, Steve Roberts, and Paul Wright Production Colin Higgins (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

Star Trek Beyond. This week TNV is fashionably late. With deference to listeners and staggered release time, TNV waited before delving into the latest incarnation of the Kelvin universe. Joining Colin on the show this week are Steve and first time guest Richard Marquez. In the show we find out that Steve is not such a fan of "Wrath of Khan" as most people, We heap praise on a movie that a lot of people had trepidations about, while also talking about the easter eggs and new aliens which appeared throughout the film. Oh and we also went on a tangent about the Enterprise incarnations. So without further ado we finally pull up a mic and talk about "Beyond." the third incarnation in what some term "JJ Verse." Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  First impressions (00:04:10)  Trek movie comparisons (00:08:09)  The opening  (00:17:12)  Character moments (00:25:06)  Yorktown (00:37:41)  Beastie time (00:48:31)  POTFM (01:08:36)  End (01:09:50) Hosts Colin Higgins, Steve Roberts, and Drogyn Guest Richard Marquez Production Colin Higgins (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

HawaiiCon. Star Trek is the focus of many conventions, but how many can claim to take place on a volcanic island? In this episode of Trek News and Views, we talk to HawaiiCon Chief Executive Officer and Convention Chair GB Hajim about the event's unique and intimate atmosphere. Whether zip-lining, snorkeling with Jonathan Frakes, beach-bumming with Walter Koenig, or just hanging at the bar with Nichelle Nichols, an experience like no other awaits you at HawaiiCon, which takes place September 15-18, 2016, at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows on the big island of Hawai’i. And as a non-profit, the event puts its proceeds back into the community. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) What's Different about HawaiiCon? (00:01:15) The Attendees (00:03:55) The Components (00:06:44) Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Star Trek (00:07:50) Celebrating the Genre of Science Fiction (00:09:01) Snorkeling with Frakes (00:11:32) A Growing Con (00:15:55) Learning More (00:32:55) Hosts Colin Higgins, Steve Roberts, and Drogyn Guest GB Hajim Production Colin Higgins (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Star Trek Online’s Original Series Expansion. Fans of the 23rd century rejoiced at the recent announcement by Star Trek Online. Why? The game’s latest expansion is a playable story arc based on The Original Series. In this episode of Trek News and Views, hosts Colin Higgins and Steve Roberts are joined by Maria Rosseau of Cryptic Studios to discuss the new expansion. Launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, this new story gives players the chance to experience TOS first hand. Helm the original 1701, complete missions with iconic characters, and become part of famous episodes such as “Journey to Babel.” Maria also talks about forthcoming in-game items, as well as what it is like working with CBS and other affiliates. She even fields some questions from TNV listeners and followers. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Meeting Maria (00:01:15) The TOS Seed (00:09:42) Spock Tribute (00:11:05) The Voices of STO (00:12:52) The Foundry (00:19:10) STO on PS4 and Xbox One (00:23:49) Enterprise in STO (00:31:23) Race Limitations (00:33:37) Working with CBS (00:37:19) Future Projects (00:59:45) Tea, Early Grey (01:08:05) Hosts Colin Higgins and Steve Roberts Guest Maria Rosseau Production Colin Higgins (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Cosplay. Part of the fun of fandom is feeling as if you actually live in that universe—if only for a moment. That's where cosplay comes in. Today, immersing yourself in the world that you love is not only more widely accepted than ever, it's also cool. In this episode of Trek News and Views, while host Colin Higgins takes his chances in sickbay with Dr. Crusher, co-hosts Steve Roberts and Drogyn welcome two cosplayers: Kat Sky and 10ant. Kat has a strong following and is well established in the cosplay community. 10ant has set up Cosplay Haven, a safe place where cosplayers at conventions can go if they feel they are being harassed. Join us to learn how to get the best out of this thriving scene of the convention circuit. Hosts Colin Higgins, Steve Roberts, and Drogyn Production Colin Higgins (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

TNV Relaunch. Just when you thought it was safe to put your headphones back on, Trek News & Views returns! In this, the first episode in nearly two and half years, we take a moment to share our vision for TNV 2.0. As part of the refit, the bridge of Trek News & Views will get a little more crowded as Colin Higgins introduces two co-hosts: Steve Roberts and Drogyn. Join us for this informal meet and greet—with a side order of Star Trek discussion—before we get down to our first full-on episode in TNV 102. HostsColin Higgins, Steve Roberts, and Drogyn ProductionColin Higgins (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Signing Off. This week we bring you the final episode of Trek News & Views with voice messages, email, and the final discussion. Colin is joined by Daniel Proulx of Earl Grey, Mike Schindler and Max Hegel of Commentary: Trek Stars, and Trek.fm publisher and host of The Ready Room Christopher Jones for one more trip through the world of Star Trek. True to all our previous shows we go off topic here and there, but in general it’s Trek. In general. Thanks for sharing the journey with us here on Trek News & Views.

Looking Back at TNV. In the penultimate episode of Trek News & Views, Colin casts an eye back on the past two years and picks a few nuggets from the previous 98 shows. We go all the way back to the beginning, move forward with the first guests, and as the months pass the guests start to vary more with Robert Duncan McNeill popping up on episode 47 and the creation of the EAH. Colin also reflects on guests who are now friends and many who have become podcasters in their own right, such as our very own Matthew Rushing. 

The Data Network. In this episode of Trek News & Views we delve into the latest news from around the web, covering Star Trek hoodies, Star Trek Online, and a poll from StarTrek.com. Then in the feature we’re joined by Richard Evans who has created The Data Network, a new social hub akin to Twitter but aimed specifically at Trekkers. Richard tells us all about his vision for the network, what he hopes to achieve, and what users can expect from this exciting new social hub for like-minded Star Trek fans.

Spooky Treks. It’s that time of year once again when the ghosts, ghouls, and space things that go bump in the night come out to play with our crews. In this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Lorrie Sears from To The Journey, Daniel Proulx from Earl Grey, Mike and Max from Commentary: Trek Stars, and Shervin Sabeghi to discuss spooky or scary shows from across the Star Trek franchise. From “Catspaw” to “Night Terrors” and a few moments from the movies, we get you ready for Halloween Star Trek style. Along the way we encounter the usual tangents such as George Clooney selling coffee. (Don’t ask how we get there.) Plus, Dan arrives fashionably late to avoid talking about Barclay and spiders.

Al Rivera, Star Trek Online Principal Designer. Trek News and Views likes to bring you a variety of things from the Star Trek universe and this week is no exception as we delve into the world of STO with Al Rivera, Principal Designer at Cryptic Studios and Star Trek Online. Al was kind enough to give up his Sunday afternoon and talk Dyson spheres, the Voth, and how he got dinosaurs with frigging lasers in game. We also get his views on Abramsverse and he drops hints on what's going to be coming to the STO universe in the future. 

The Naked Time. Unique outfits. Lack of outfits. Time travel. "The Naked Time" has it all. And in this episode of Trek News & Views we're joined by Drew Stewart and Charlynn Schmiedt to talk about the early TOS story in which the Enterprise crew becomes intoxicated by space germs. We delve into Spock's shower-curtain outfit, how we see his human side come to the fore, as well as how the loss of inhibition affects Kirk and how he divulges his two loves. Along the way we talk about topless Sulu and how the outfits of each department had unique qualities—including a highly absorbant red shirt.

Barge of the Dead. B'Elanna tried hard to distance herself from her Klingon side, but when she died in a shuttle accident she was forced to face her heritage in Gre'thor. In this episode of Trek News & Views we're joined by Mariel Keeran, Steve Roberts, and Michael J. Medeiros to discuss "Barge of the Dead," the probable sacrifice with which B'Elanna was faced, how much she came to embrace her Klingon background, and how she finally made peace with her mother. Plus, we discover that she is the MacGyver of Star Trek and that Voyager seems to be towing the universe's largest leola root across the Delta Quadrant. In news we hear JJ apologize for the lens flares, crack open a book of Juan Ortiz's Trek art, catch the Voyage Trekkers season two finale, try on the ThinkGeek and Her Universe t-shirt contest, find out which captain StarTrek.com voters feel had the most respect for The Prime Directive, and brush up our German for the next Destination Star Trek con. 

Andorians. Something alien, something blue. If that's a must-have for you, then you've come to the right place as we discuss various aspects of Star Trek's antennae-donning Federation founders. In this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Miles McLoughlin and Michael Clark to look at the unique Andorian coupling system—which involves eight antennae (or four people if you prefer to count that way). We also discuss how Shran helped mould our current view of Andorians, whilst also touching on the Aenar and Enterprise. On a tangent we ask if one of the faces of God in Star Trek V is William Shatner and if there is a court case concerning Romulan Ale and Andorian Ale.

Who Watches the Watchers. It's proto-Vulcan week on Trek News & Views as Colin is joined by the crew of Trek.fm's newest podcast, Earl Grey. With the help of Darren Moser, Phillip Gilfus, and Daniel Proulx we delve into TNG's "Who Watches the Watchers" to find out just how much fun it is to hang out with Mintakans. We also discuss vodka ice cubes, how Trek.fm's publisher is really on Earl Grey, and of course take a few tangents into the Abramsverse, Insurrection, Kirkisms, and how Livingston was either an operative with Section 31 or an aquatic spy.

Darmok. This week Colin has been captured and placed on a planet with not one but two guests to discuss the legendary TNG episode “Darmok.” For once we pretty much stay on topic on Trek News & Views as we discuss the challenges of trying to talk to someone when the universal translator is taking the day off. We heap praise on the actors and also delve into the comparisons between the situation Picard finds himself in and the how language varies greatly here on our own planet. Finally, we talk about the different incarnations of Star Trek, our views on the movies—old and new—and cover a bit of recent Star Trek news.

Seven of Nine Day. As its the seventh day of the ninth month, we decided to use this episode of Trek News & Views to mark Seven of Nine Day and talk all things Jeri Ryan. Colin is joined by Shervin Sabeghi and Laura Fawcett to discuss her work outside Star Trek, then delve into Seven—including her effect on Voyager, the outcome of Jeri joining the crew, and the amazing qualities of nanoprobes and their ability to heal and fix so many things. We also talk about the Borg children and how Seven was one of the few women who offered to, well, copulate with Harry.

A Taste of Armageddon. In this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Drew Stewart and Max Hegel for another trip into the worlds of TOS with “A Taste of Armageddon.” We talk about sonic weapons, Apple-product love, synthetic burgers, Drew and his love of fabric, how the Vulcans made ancient Earth monuments, and of course how Kirk yet again leaves a planet on the brink of annihilation. 

Someone to Watch Over Me. When you think of romance, you think of the holographic Doctor, right? In this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Laura Fawcett, Steve Roberts, and Shervin Sabeghi to delve into the world of Voyager and Seven of Nine’s education in mating rituals—thanks to the Doctor—as well as the five species that make up 8472. We also recall how Sisko’s mom didn’t recognise him without the beard, explore the need for soundproof walls, and how the Borg cure hangovers with nanites! Plus, for some reason, we morph into a singing show as Mr. Shatner’s cover of “Common People” gets into the mix. 

Michael Ansara. With the recent death of Michael Ansara, we decided to turn our attention in the episode of Trek News & Views to his last appearance as the Klingon Captain Kang, the role which first brought him to our eyes. We delve into “Blood Oath” where, along with a sterling performance from the ensemble cast, we learn how to build a warrior’s bat’leth, why you don’t just conduct an orbital bombardment from space, and of course we delve into Michael and his varied career from Star Trek to Babylon 5. 

Good Ole Trip. In this week’s episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Brian Baker, Melissa Woinarowicz, and our own Mariel Keeran to discuss the NX-01’s chief engineer, Trip. He’s a man who got pregnant via an ice tray, loves pan-fried catfish, and who pulled off an unthinkable feat—he stole the heart of a Vulcan. Along the way we take some of our usual sideroads, which include Stargate, Archer, and of course Rocky Road ice cream.

Half a Life. Lwaxana returns as Colin brings you a commentary for TNG’s “Half a Life” in this week’s episode of Trek News & Views. Mrs. Troi does her best impression of a Bajoran, complete with wailing and gnashing of teeth, as she tries to stop Kaelon II’s leading scientist from carrying out his society’s customs. There’s lots of crying but no tears and speeches galore—although not from the Captain. Hell, even Riker keeps his leg down for this one.

Voyager Season 7 Favourites. It’s time to wrap up our look at Voyager as Colin is joined once again by Charlynn Schmiedt and Lorrie Sears of To The Journey to discuss their favourite episodes—this time from the final season. We also take a look back at the series as a whole, how Harry finally made Captain (sort of), delve into other characters, and examine how the show wrapped up with “Endgame” and why, though it differs from other Star Trek series, Voyager will always have its own special place in our hearts. 

Scifi Divergence: Man of Steel. This week we bring you a special episode of Trek News and Views, the second of a quarterly cast called “Scifi Divergence” in which Colin goes off tangent to talk about some non-Trek parts of the science fiction world. In this episode Colin is joined by Mariel Keeran, Thomas Marrone, and Dave Rossi to discuss Superman’s latest big screen adventure, Man of Steel. Along the way we visit the Christopher Reeve incarnation as well as Brandon Routh’s. We also take a look at Superman in comics, how he finally managed to start wearing his underwear underneath, as well as the casting choices and bringing the franchise up to date for a modern audience. 

Q Who. The Borg are best remembered on TNG for their appearance in “The Best of Both Worlds,” but it was “Q Who” that really set the legend in motion. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Tristan Riddell, Rick Moyer, and David Taylor to discuss Q’s little wake-up call, the two incarnations of the Borg Queen, and Guinan’s Kung Fu pose. 

Voyager Season 5 and 6 Favourites. It’s time for Borg and Irishmen as Colin is joined once again by Charlynn Schmiedt and Lorrie Sears of To The Journey to discuss their favourite episodes from Voyager. This week it’s seasons 5 and 6 that up for grabs as we also talk about history, broccoli (the lieutenant variety), Reading Rainbow, and almost morph into an episode of Top Gear. 

Voyager Season 3 and 4 Favourites. It’s the time of transition from Kes to Seven, from Kazon to Borg. And in this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Charlynn Schmiedt and Lorrie Sears of To The Journey to discuss their favourite episodes from these middle seasons of Voyager. Along the way we explore why we love air conditioning, the Jetsons, and Harry being… well… Harry.

Who Mourns for Adonais? How many times has this happened to you? You drive past a town, find that it has a curious lack of residents, and then your car gets grabbed by a giant hand? Well, it happened to the Enterprise—only in space. Kirk never expected a trip to Pollux IV to result in a close encounter with Greek mythology, but when Apollo threw on his toga Jim knew he meant business. In this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Christopher Jones and Kate Walsh to discuss the classic TOS episode “Who Mourns for Adonais?” Along the way we learn how to chat someone up over coffee, how Starfleet missed the boat in uniform design, and of course the religious connotations of this episode. 

In a Mirror, Darkly. TOS and DS9 aren’t the only ones to have romped in the Mirror Universe. Enterprise did it, too, and in this week’s episode of Trek News & Views Colin dives into 22nd-Century evil with the help of Matthew Rushing, Max Hegel, and Mariel Keeran. We look at the TOS tie-ins, how the Temporal Cold War seems to have taken place in some fashion in the Mirror Universe, and why DS9 had no cloak while Archer did. Of course it wouldn’t be Trek News & Views without a bit of digression, and this week we discuss Phlox’s love of animals, how Porthos almost became soup, and how the Terrans resemble the Nazis.  

Countdown to Darkness. Last week we discussed the latest movie, Star Trek Into Darkness, and this week we look back at the comic prequel Countdown to Darkness. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Michael, Bunny, and Jon of The Holodeck for a special crossover show to talk about how the four-part series from IDW plays into the film. 

Star Trek Into Darkness. The wait is finally over, and for some international fans it ended sooner than expected. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Shervin Sabeghi, Kate Walsh, and Steve Roberts to discuss the latest J.J. Abrams film. The get-together took place just two days after the UK/Australian openings. We talk about the film, our thoughts on the plot, performances, and effects, how much of a “Trek” movie it was, and what we thought about the concept of the story. WARNING: This is, of course, very spoiler heavy so please make sure you’ve seen the movie before listening. 

Klingons. There’s no beating around the bush this week—we’re talking about the warriors of Star Trek. Joining Colin in this episode of Trek News & Views are Adrianne Grady, Michael J. Medeiros, Xander, and DeyviD of Trek Radio. We touch on Klingon culture and language, plus take a diversion into the world of fur and laser whips with some Ferengi cosplay talk. We even throw in a Gorn for good measure. 

Vanishing Point. As it turns out, Travis isn’t the only crew member who feels he’s invisible. In “Vanishing Point,” Hoshi had the same sensation. In this episode of Trek News and Views Colin is joined by Drew Stewart, Lorrie Sears, and Mariel Keeran to discuss this second-season Enterprise episode, with a dash of “Samaritan Snare,” a bit of “Fallen Hero,” and a possible appearance by Monty Python.

Battle Lines. Kai Opaka’s stint on DS9 was sadly shorted-lived, paving the way for the beloved Kai Winn to grace our screens. In this episode of Trek News and Views Colin is joined by Michael Clark, Adam Howse, and Thomas Baddeley to discuss the episode that marked Opaka’s farewall, “Battle Lines.” With a scoop of Kira’s temper, a dash of O’Brien’s observant nature, and a sprinkle of Doctor Who—yes, Doctor Who—we take you through one of DS9’s early episodes.

Body and Soul. The Doctor is known as the EMH, and has even pulled a stint as the ECH. But in this episode of Trek News and Views Colin is joined by Kate Walsh and Shervin Sabeghi to discuss the EAH—Emergency Arousal Hologram—as they dive into the Voyager episode “Body and Soul.” From the Doctor’s first experience with arousal and taste to Tuvok’s pon farr problems, this is a discussion that hits all the spots. And even the monkey may pop in for a bit.

Robert O’Reilly and J.G. Hertzler. They played two of the best known Klingons in Star Trek—Gowron and Martok. In this episode of Trek News and Views Colin is joined by Kate Walsh to bring you an interview with the Chancellors of the Klingon High Council old and new. The two actors recently sat down with Kate at Oz Comic Con Adelaide in Australia… and here’s what unfolded.

Scifi Divergence: Battlestar Galactica. This week we bring you a special episode of Trek News and Views, the first of a quarterly cast called “Scifi Divergence” in which Colin goes off tangent to talk about some non-Trek parts of the science fiction world. In this episode Colin is joined by Mike Schindler and Max Hegel of Commentary: Trek Stars along with Joe Myers to discuss Battlestar Galactica—with a bit of divergence into Stargate, Egyptian religion, and how big a difference 700 pounds is from 50 pounds when one is gaining a bit of weight. 

Sex and Relationships in Star Trek. Through 727 episodes and 11 movies, we’ve seen a wide range of relationships and—at least implied—sexual moments in Star Trek. After all, we are dealing with humanoids… and the occasional shapeshifter. In the episode of Trek News and Views, Colin takes the usual restraints off and is joined by Charlynn Schmiedt, Lorrie Sears, and Kate Walsh for a wide-open discussion of sex and relationships from across all of Star Trek. Warning: This episode is filled with sexual themes, playful innuendo, and the occasional explicit moment.

Workforce. Somewhere in a vast industrial complex, on the planet Quarra, a shift supervisor named Colin, a worker named Lorrie, and an efficiency monitor named Charlynn gathered to fraternize and talk about the Voyager episode “Workforce”—despite it being against the rules. In this episode of Trek News & Views you’ll hear that conversation, as recorded by Chakotay in disguise. You’ll also find out why Harry Kim wasn’t quite so PDH in this episode, and why it’s coffee and hot chocolate that make the quadrant go round. 

Sacrifice of Angels. Deep Space Nine is rich in character development, and in this episode of Trek News & Views we look at several key players in “Sacrifice of Angels.” Colin is joined by Michael Clarke, Robin Harming, and just plain Tanya to discuss Garak, the breakdown of Dukat, the determination of Sisko, and of course Weyoun… because he’s everywhere. 

The Doomsday Machine. Our planet may have recently found itself in the path of a large meteor, but it could have been worse. There could have been a planet-eating machine with Earth in its sights. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Lou Costanzo of The Lou Trek Show and renowned Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek to discuss the classic TOS episode “The Doomsday Machine.” In addition, Larry fills us in on the latest developments involving his documentary “The Con of Wrath”… and his annual Los Angeles sleet photo.

Time Travel In the Movies. Even when it comes to time, all things must eventually come to an end. And so it is with our exploration of time travel in Star Trek. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Mike and Max of Commentary: Trek Stars, Miles of the Scifi Diner Podcast, and not-co-host of The Observation Lounge Drew Stewart to discuss time travel in Star Trek’s big screen adventures. 

Vulcans of All Generations. Let’s face it. It’s really hard to resist those pointy ears. From Spock to T’Pol, we’ve all grown to love at least one Vulcan on our journey through Star Trek. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Keith and George of the Sci-Fi Super Friends podcast and Brian of The Lou Trek Show to discuss Vulcans from all the different incarnations of Star Trek, as well as why you must have an ‘S’ or ‘T’ in your name to be a good Vulcan. 

Star Trek V Commentary. It’s finally here. The journey you’ve been waiting for: a trip to Paradise City. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin joins forces with Mike Schindler and Max Hegel of Commentary Track Stars for a crossover show as they watch—and provide commentary on—Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. 

Time Travel in Enterprise. There’s always more time to talk time. And this time we head to the 22nd century, or is it the 30th… or the 20th… to talk time travel on Enterprise. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Mike Schindler and Max Hegel of Commentary: Trek Stars along with not-co-host of The Observation Lounge Drew Stewart to continue our ongoing discussion of time travel—Archer style.

News and Feedback. On this week’s Trek News & Views, host Colin Higgins catches you up on the news front with a slew of stories from the past week. Find out about Qualcomm’s upcoming Star Trek Into Darkness iPhone app, IDW’s Countdown to Darkness comics, and new Enterprise and TNG Blu-ray release details. Plus Shatner talks Trek, J.J. talks Darkness, and Cumberbatch talks villains. There are also plenty of views served up by you—the audience—in an extended feedback segment. 

The Wrath of Khan. It’s the scream that became a pop culture icon. It’s Kirk’s outburst at Khan. And in this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Scott and Miles to discuss the fan favourite The Wrath of Khan, including Spock’s death, the briliant use of music, and how the film helped propel the franchise forward.

Portraying Women Now and Then. Over the amazing 45-year life of Star Trek, the way that women have been portrayed in the franchise has changed along with the times. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Charlynn Schmiedt, Lorries Sears, and Gwen Maddison to discuss the TOS episode “Turnabout Intruder”—along with others—and to explore the role of women in Star Trek and especially how they were portrayed in the 1960s.

Time Travel in Voyager. Time keeps on slipping… slipping… slipping… into the Delta Quadrant! In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Drew Stewart and Max Hegel to continue our ongoing discussion of time travel—this time as it pertains to Voyager. Along the way they go down a few wormholes including one for health care, one for vowels and the British need for the letter ‘u’, and one in which they find a new storyline in which Harry Kim is the only one not to die!

Books, Comics, and Authors. It’s the Countdown to the Holidays… and the Countdown to Darkness. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Matthew Rushing, Michael Clark, and Sina to discuss books, comics, e-books, and authors. In addition to delving into the upcoming IDW lead-in comics and the Ongoing series, they also give their recommendations for Star Trek holiday gifts, telling you what to look for and what to avoid.

First Contact. It was the first big-screen solo outing for Picard and his crew, and it brought back the most famous enemy from The Next Generation. After sharing the limelight with James T. Kirk in Generations and the destruction of the beloved Enterprise-D, there was some uncertainty over—and high hopes for—what would come next. But First Contact became an instant classic and set the bar high for the film franchise. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Lorrie Sears, Shervin Sabeghi, and Admiral Aaron to discuss the film that brought us the Borg Queen, a drunk Troi, and a bunch of astronauts… on some kind of Star Trek.