Vulcan Hello
Scott McNulty and Jason Snell discuss brand-new Star Trek as it happens, including episode-by-episode coverage of “Discovery”, “Picard”, and “Strange New Worlds”, along with occasional check-ins about what’s going on with animated Star Trek series.
All Episodes
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May 30, 2024
91 “Life, Itself” (Discovery S5E10)
This is it! We’re reviewing a new “Star Trek: Discovery” episode for the last time. From binary stars to binary black holes, we’ve been here through it all. This time we’re doing our usual nonsense, expressing feelings first, then discussing the specially shot series-end segment, then backing into the main core of the episode. Mind-bending corridors! Lengthy bridge discussions! Fancy dress wedding! Book’s new living room! We cover it all.
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May 23, 2024
90 “Lagrange Point” (Discovery S5E9)
The season-long plot nears its conclusion—but this is “Discovery,” so there’s still time for a heart-to-heart while wearing Breen helmets. Jason and Scott have an oil bath to get to, but before they do, they break down the penultimate episode! Saru’s back! Vulcan flower holders! And the most dramatic scene of a man sitting in a chair that we’ve seen in years.
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May 16, 2024
89 “Labyrinth” (Discovery S5E8)
Into the space library we go! Burnham faces a mental labyrinth while on the outside, the Breen are busy doing Breen stuff—being annoying, mostly. We discuss Moll’s commitment to her husband, delight in library wardrobes, and more—but only after Jason makes strange, brief digression to discuss “Magnum, p.i.” and how it’s not connected to “Star Trek.” Except where it is.
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May 9, 2024
88 “Erigah” (Discovery S5E7)
Discovery rolls on toward its end, with an episode that should involve a lot of plot pivoting, but ends up being an old-fashioned talky diplomatic dilemma crossed with scientific puzzle solving. Also, so many Breen! And Rayner learns that when you’re in trouble, you have to take the walk of shame instead of beaming home.
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May 2, 2024
87 “Whistlespeak” (Discovery S5E6)
What’s more Star Trek than violating the Prime Directive? This week’s “Discovery” episode feels familiar in a very good way. Jason defends Captain Burnham in imaginary Prime Directive court, but Judge Scott is not hearing it. Also, we spend a surprising amount of time wondering about how replicated food works. We blame Culber’s abuela.
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April 27, 2024
86 “Mirrors” (Discovery S5E5)
At long last, this episode of “Star Trek: Discovery” answers the question fans have been asking about for decades: What’s under that Breen helmet? Wait, was that not your question? How about some backstory for this season’s antagonists? No? You wanted to know more juicy details about the Mirror Universe? Well, we don’t know what to tell you. Look in the mirror. We did.
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April 18, 2024
85 “Face the Strange” (Discovery S5E4)
Time may change me, but I can’t trace time! We ping-pong through the personal history of the USS Discovery as Michael tries to teach herself how far she’s come, Rayner learns to let the Burn go and live a little, and Stamets gets to construct a box to crush a Time Bug. Also, a Short Trek is surprisingly relevant! We break it all down.
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April 11, 2024
84 “Jinaal” (Discovery S5E3)
This week Burnham and Book take another hike to find a clue; Tilly explains to Rayner that he’s not on his old “Star Trek” show anymore; Saru tumbles into a Ni’Varian episode of “Veep”; and Gray and Adira go their separate ways, worlds apart. It’s all about connections, you see. And this episode connects Scott and Jason to each other, and both of them to you. See, we’re going with the Disco flow.
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April 4, 2024
83 “Red Directive” and “Under the Twin Moons” (Discovery S5E1-2)
Live Star Trek is back in season! “Star Trek Discovery” has returned with a two-episode premiere, and we’re here to break it down. Once again, we profess our love for Jerks Who Are Right. We discover what form a Vulcan Proposal takes. Our new villains look like they’re space Bonnie and Clyde, but maybe they’re just misunderstood. And we enter Conspiracy Corner in order to ponder secret clues for what might be coming next—but not before a moment’s silence for Fred.
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September 1, 2023
82 “Strange New Worlds” S2 wrap-up panel
With season 2 of “Strange New Worlds” in the rear-view mirror, Jason recorded a season overview on the Mothership. But so many people watched and enjoyed the season that we have brought back the Vulcan Hello season wrap-up panel, too!
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August 10, 2023
81 “Hegemony” (SNW S2E10)
We wrap up season two of “Strange New Worlds” with a discussion of canon breaking and why it’s okay, how we liked the season as a whole, and why the most Star Trek solution to a problem involving enemy alien monsters may be to try to understand them better. To be continued… eventually!
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August 7, 2023
80 “Subspace Rhapsody” (SNW S2E9)
We’re so excited about this episode of “Strange New Worlds” that we’ve gotta sing! But we’re not going to dance very much. And Scott doesn’t sing. What we can do, though, is talk about Star Trek!
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July 27, 2023
79 “Under the Cloak of War” (SNW S2E8)
War! Finally, we get (some of) the story about M’Benga and Chapel’s time during the Klingon war. There’s a “Deep Space Nine” level of darkness in this episode, but did it succeed at what it was trying to do? Or was it just a cup of cold replicated Raktajino?
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July 24, 2023
78 “Those Old Scientists” (SNW S2E7)
Jason and Scott return, and sooner than expected, to cover the surprise release of the “Strange New Worlds”-“Lower Decks” crossover episode. It’s full of jokes, and references, and—what’s this?—unexpected emotional heft and character nuance! Plus more jokes! Grab an Orion cocktail and pull up a chair, there’s an ancient game of Dom-jot to be played!
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July 23, 2023
77 “Lost in Translation” (SNW S2E6)
Scott is joined by his wife Marisa to discuss an episode in which creepy things are happening on the Enterprise… but only to Uhura.
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July 14, 2023
76 “Charades” (SNW S2E5)
We’re sorry, your podcast was damaged in transit and has been repaired in accordance with our warranty policy. Your regular hosts Scott and Jason were scanned and returned to you in their original condition. All extraneous instructions have been discarded. There is no need to reply to this message.
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July 7, 2023
75 “Among the Lotus Eaters” (SNW S2E4)
We can’t really remember what happened on this episode, but it made us FEEL GOOD. And feeling is the important part. Also, how long has this episode been going on? Hand me a helmet! I fly the ship!
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June 29, 2023
74 “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” (SNW S2E3)
Captain Kirk is back—sort of—in this week’s La’an-focused “Strange New Worlds,” which takes viewers on a time-travel ride reminiscent of some of Star Trek’s best movies and episodes. Does it deliver top-notch Trek vibes? We think so.
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June 22, 2023
73 “Ad Astra Per Aspera” (SNW S2E2)
It’s time for a courtroom drama—and the career and life of Una hang in the balance! We discuss Star Trek courtroom dramas, how modern Trek undermines the utopian vision of Gene Roddenberry and makes something even better out of it, and then we enter a Spoiler Closet that’s not particularly spoilery but does involve us trying to make sense of Star Trek economics.
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June 15, 2023
72 “The Broken Circle” (SNW S2E1)
Scott and Jason are back for another season of “Strange New Worlds,” but what’s this? Captain Pike and Number One sidelined? Carol Kane inviting starship theft? A potent injection of punchy-punchy juice? This was an episode that defied our expectations, for sure.
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April 20, 2023
71 “The Last Generation” (Picard S3E10)
It’s all over! Scott and Jason break down the big finale, as we say farewell (again) to classic Star Trek characters. But it’s not a goodbye, of course, but a passing of the torch to… the next generation. How did the episode and season make us feel? How much do we care about the details of the plot? Who else might have been a changeling?
We’ll see you back here in mid-June for “Strange New Worlds” season two.
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April 13, 2023
70 “Võx” (Picard S3E9)
Jack Crusher’s secret has been revealed! And while it’s not that much of a surprise, we think it works thematically and admire the broad, audacious plan that sets up the series’ final episode next week. Meanwhile, the nostalgia trip we thought we were taking turns out to be a much more thorough and detailed nostalgia trip than we could have ever expected. And while we’re all out of conspiracy theories, Scott saves some time at the end to ask Jason some surprising questions about what the final episode of “Star Trek: Picard” might bring.
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April 6, 2023
69 “Surrender” (Picard S3E8)
The final season of “Star Trek: Picard” creeps ever closer to its climax in this episode, which features Riker family grief struggles, Data giving away his Data memorabilia, Jack Crusher making an important decision, Shaw regressing into being a bit of a Bad Captain, and Vadic’s henchmen being of questionable value. Jason has some theories about how this plot will finally be resolved, but we all have to wait until next week to begin finding out!
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March 30, 2023
68 “Dominion” (Picard S3E7)
Action takes a bit of a pause this week, as Picard and company deploy their plan and Vadic reveals hers. We also react to the “Strange New Worlds” and “Starfleet Academy” news.
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March 23, 2023
67 “The Bounty” (Picard S3E6)
We cover an episode that’s busy pivoting the plot of “Picard” season 3 but manages to also throw in fan service, plot twists, surprising character development, and the first appearance of one classic TNG character! But why is Lucille Ball’s body being stored in a Paramount warehouse?
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March 16, 2023
66 “Imposters” (Picard S3E5)
Scott and Jason are back—or are they diabolical duplicates?—to discuss an episode of “Picard” that featured surprising guest stars, the ratcheting up of the mystery of Jack Crusher, the continuing education of Captain Shaw, and Worf and Raffi’s encounter with a very logical Vulcan mob boss.
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March 9, 2023
65 “No Win Scenario” (Picard S3E4)
Jason’s back just in time for the USS Titan to spiral into the abyss. But on the way down, there will be lots of glorious character moments! We sing the praises of Todd Stashwick as Captain Shaw—he’s not wrong, he’s just a jerk—and break down the rest of this tense hour of holodecks, Space Babies, and recriminations.
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March 3, 2023
64 “Seventeen Seconds” (Picard S3E3)
Scott plunges deeper into the nebula with Moisés Chiullán. Fathers are everywhere, all things are not what they seem, and if Beverly Crusher offers you her hypospray, you darn well better take her up on it!
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February 24, 2023
63 “Disengage” (Picard S3E2)
Text your spy handler and get yourself out of that med pod; Star Trek: Picard Season 3 episode 2 is here. Scott is joined by Joe Rosensteel to talk about their feelings about Picard in general and what works for them in this episode (a lot of it works!).
What makes an ideal Starfleet captain? Who keeps a head handy for dramatic reveals? Find out!
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February 16, 2023
62 “The Next Generation” (Picard S3E1)
“Star Trek: Picard” is back and so are Jason and Scott with our review of the final-season premiere, “The Next Generation.” (Hmmmmm.) We discuss themes (musical and otherwise), try to understand why hitching a ride on a Starfleet ship counts as “no Starfleet,” and praise the art of being a truly bad “Star Trek” admiral or captain.
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February 9, 2023
61 “Prodigy” S1.5, “Lower Decks” S3, and “Picard” S3 anticipation
They gave her back to us, Scotty! Jason and Scott prime the pump for next week’s “Star Trek: Picard” premiere by discussing the completed animated seasons of “Lower Decks” and “Prodigy.”
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July 7, 2022
60 “A Quality of Mercy” (SNW S1E10)
So it’s come to this. It’s our last weekly podcast for a while, as “Strange New Worlds” wraps its season with an explosive-yet-contemplative look at Captain Pike’s fate and how he chooses to deal with it. We also discuss why the first season of “Strange New Worlds” has been successful and whether Trek should be embracing the past, trying new things, or if there’s a middle ground.
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June 30, 2022
59 “All Those Who Wander” (SNW S1E9)
The penultimate episode of “Strange New Worlds” season one is here, and it brings horrors and character development in equal measure! Join us for some classic Hemmer-Uhura bonding, Spock getting in touch with his human side, and a few characters who may not make it out of the episode alive.
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June 23, 2022
58 “The Elysian Kingdom” (SNW S1E8)
This week the Enterprise becomes a fairy tale, but there’s a surprisingly bittersweet ending. What’s in that nebula? Which Enterprise crew member is an elf from Lord of the Rings (easy one) and which one is Arrow (tougher one)? Also we assign you a good “Deep Space Nine” episode and Jason tries to trick people into watching a bad one.
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June 16, 2022
57 “The Serene Squall” (SNW S1E7)
Arr, matey! Jason and Scott are here to talk about pirates, references to three different not-good Star Trek feature films, an intriguing guest star, Chapel and T’Pring, mining Spock’s inner conflict, and the ol’ Mutiny Ploy. Shiver me space timbers!
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June 9, 2022
56 “Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach” (SNW S1E6)
Pike is back in the spotlight and Scott welcomes replacement cohost David Loehr to break it all down.
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June 2, 2022
55 “Spock Amok” (SNW S1E5)
This week it’s time for a little hijinks, as “Strange New Worlds” treads on classic Trek canon in the service of comedy, but not without keeping an eye on character development. We’re joined by cartoonist and writer Thom Zahler to break down an episode that shows the newest Star Trek show hitting on all cylinders.
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May 26, 2022
54 “Memento Mori” (SNW S1E4)
We really liked this week’s “Strange New Worlds,” and we talk about it, but we also wonder if this show’s plots are a little overstuffed. Is the show finding its footing or leaning too heavily on old references? Discuss among yourselves—or just listen to us discuss it.
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May 19, 2022
53 “Ghosts of Illyria” (SNW S1E3)
With Pike and Spock trapped on a planet hiding from ghosts(!), Number One has to deal with a crisis aboard the Enterprise that will lead her to reveal some very personal information about herself. We discuss it all, including other things you might want to hide in a transporter buffer.
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May 12, 2022
52 “Children of the Comet” (SNW S1E2)
This week’s “Strange New Worlds” focuses on Uhura, and also there’s a comet that’s not quite what it appears to be, a ship full of comet-worshippers, and a glowing egg that should be sung to—but not touched! We break it all down.
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May 5, 2022
51 “Farewell” (Picard S2E10) and “Strange New Worlds” (S1E1)
Two Treks, one podcast! We discuss the (disappointing) finale of “Star Trek: Picard” season two, and then (at 24 minutes) shift gears to discuss the eponymous pilot episode of “Strange New Worlds,” which fills us with enthusiasm for the future of Star Trek. Also: Jason mentions Law & Order and has a gruesome pitch for season three of “Picard.” Hit it!
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April 28, 2022
50 Picard S2E9: “Hide and Seek”
The penultimate episode of season 2 of “Star Trek: Picard” is here! Jason and Scott are conflicted. Some of it seemed pretty obvious, but was it affecting? Why has there not been more Jurati and Borg Queen up until now? Where is this season going to end up? Join us for a very slow walking tour of the tunnels beneath Chateau Picard.
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April 21, 2022
49 Picard S2E8: “Mercy”
The human podcast digressions, Scott and Jason, are back with more roundabout conversation that’s vaguely related to “Star Trek: Picard!” (Can you picture it?) We’re discussing an episode that we enjoyed despite it being in the midst of a very questionably paced season. And we announce our forthcoming Incomparable Member Special!
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April 14, 2022
48 Picard S2E7: “Monsters”
We dive into Picard’s mind this week with our review of “Monsters.” Also, Guinan does that thing with her hands, Rios makes a questionable decision, and the Borg confront their greatest foe: safety glass.
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April 7, 2022
47 Picard S2E6: “Two of One”
This week we’ve got a surprise musical number, the perfect murder weapon (a Tesla), and the world’s wisest security guard dispenses advice. All that and more as Scott and Jason discuss the latest “Star Trek: Picard”, then fire off the Conspiracy Phaser to discuss the season 3 teaser and finally move on to the 4K remaster of the ST:TMP Director’s Edition.
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March 31, 2022
46 Picard S2E5: “Fly Me to the Moon”
It’s another set-up episode for “Star Trek: Picard,” and so we break down Alice giving the Borg Queen a phone in her room, Rios finishing his bus ride, Q doing accents and other schtick, Brent Spiner proving that the Soong remains the same, and of course Picard showing his detailed knowledge of TOS episodes.
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March 24, 2022
45 Picard S2E4: “Watcher”
Back to one Star Trek show per week, and Jason and Scott are here to deconstruct an episode of “Picard” that’s a little lighter on plot advancement than the previous weeks. But it’s heavy on references, fan service, and conspiracy theories! Also, there’s a cute dog, car chases, a very funny Rios monologue, and a perplexing Q twist. Also: We discuss the trailer for the 4K revival of Star Trek: The Motion Picture!
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March 17, 2022
44 Discovery S4E13: “Coming Home” and Picard S2E3: “Assimilation”
After an impromptu St. Patrick’s Day celebration of all things Irish in Star Trek, Scott and Jason get down to business and send season 4 of “Star Trek: Discovery” off (starting at 2:04), before turning to another cracking episode of “Star Trek: Picard” (starting at 16:09) and briefly discussing some “Strange New Worlds” casting news (after the spoiler phaser at 36:33).
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March 10, 2022
43 Discovery S4E12: “Species 10-C” and Picard S2E2: “Penance”
So much Star Trek! This week Jason and Scott discuss the “Strange New Worlds” trailer, then turn their attention to the penultimate episode of “Discovery” (at 8:24) and the second episode of “Picard” (at 26:16). We are excited about “Discovery” reaching its seasonal climax and super-super excited about… pretty much everything in “Picard.” Join us!
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March 3, 2022
42 Discovery S4E11: “Rosetta” and Picard S2E1: “The Star Gazer”
Two episodes of Star Trek at once? Let’s party like it’s 1999. First up is “Rosetta,” in which Discovery goes to a mysterious planet and the landing party has some strong feelings. Then (at 20:46, for those who want to skip the “Discovery” talk) we cover the season premiere of “Star Trek: Picard,” which gets us really excited about starships, the Borg, and how wine bottles are designed in the early 25th century.
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February 24, 2022
41 Discovery S4E10: “The Galactic Barrier”
The Disco crew slowly begins its gradual journey toward the source of the DMA. Every journey begins with a first step. Scott’s traveling companion for this step of the journey is special guest Joe Rosensteel.
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February 17, 2022
40 Discovery S4E9: “Rubicon”
This week Discovery takes us to the heart of the DMA for a confrontation between Burnham and Book with the galaxy at stake. Mad scientists are not to be trusted! Also, Saru might have been asked on a date? And we discuss the big news that the Kelvin crew may be returning in a fourth J.J. Abrams-produced Star Trek movie.
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February 10, 2022
39 Discovery S4E8: “All In”
We’re back to begin an unprecedented run of 21 straight weeks of new live-action Star Trek! This week’s “Discovery” has a lot of wacky dialogue and peculiar situations, yet we both felt it was missing… something. Still, it’s good to have Star Trek back!
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December 30, 2021
38 Discovery S4E7: “…But to Connect”
Vulcan Hello’s midseason finale features mad scientists, sentient computers, and also some “character clean-up.” This was perhaps the most Star Trekky episode of the season, by our judgment. And it’s all you’ll have of “Star Trek: Discovery” until the far off time of… February! See you in six weeks.
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December 23, 2021
37 Discovery S4E6: “Stormy Weather”
This week “Star Trek: Discovery” is about as Star Trek as it gets, with the ship trapped in a mysterious void. Dying robots scream, the ship’s singing A.I. has focus issues (and yet nobody bats an eye?), Book gets yelled at by a relative only he can see, and there are intriguing clues to the source of the DMA that manage to reassure us.
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December 16, 2021
36 Discovery S4E5: “The Examples”
This week’s episode of “Star Trek: Discovery” has a classic Star Trek character, the arrogant guest-star mad scientist! Stamets looks in the mirror and thinks maybe the new guy is a little too familiar. Culber gets a pep talk from our favorite mysterious man, Kovich! And Michael Burnham gets to tell off a functionary about his stupid society, in classic Kirk style—but only after making a difficult decision about the fate of a prisoner.
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December 9, 2021
35 Discovery S4E4: “All Is Possible”
Joe Rosensteel joins us to discuss Burnham and Saru’s diplomatic trip to Ni’Var, Book and Culber’s sand-sculpting therapy, and Tilly’s adventure with a bunch of unruly cadets from Starfleet Academy. Where is this season going? We have no idea.
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December 2, 2021
34 Discovery S4E3: “Choose to Live”
Space ninjas will get you every time. This week, we take a trip to a moon—wait, that’s no moon. Also, there’s an ironically emotional trip to Ni’Var, Tilly gets way out of her comfort zone, and Gray’s 3-D printed body arrives. This is an inventive episode, but Jason really wanted an extra Star Trek-style plot twist or two. Scott has an idea for the ultimate Star Trek crossover event. Two words: “Characters Welcome.”
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November 26, 2021
33 Discovery S4E2: “Anomaly”
We’ve emerged from our Thanksgiving food comas to discuss Discovery’s trip to the edge of the dangerous gravitational anomaly that’s threatening the galaxy. There’s a lot of character bits, emotional journeys, good dads, and management tips along with explosive bridge action and an awful lot of flying rocks.
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November 18, 2021
32 Discovery S4E1: “Kobayashi Maru”
“Star Trek: Discovery” is back and so are we! In the season premiere we say hello to an annoying back-seat driver of a Federation President, and goodbye to a sparsely populated planet! Also, Saru kills it with his PowerPoint presentation about togetherness, and a gravitational anomaly wreaks havoc—but with any luck, provides the impetus for the season’s themes about the value of thinking beyond yourself and working collectively. Also, we ponder what a Tribble might do in Starfleet. As one does.
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October 21, 2021
31 “Lower Decks” season 2 wrap-up
Scott and Jason return, joined by a special guest to discuss season two of “Lower Decks” and a little bit about what we anticipate for “Prodigy.” Dooplers! Mugatos! And also lots of things we really liked! We’ll be back in a month or so to resume our weekly reviews of “Discovery.”
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January 15, 2021
30 “Star Trek: Discovery” season 3 wrap-up
The third “Star Trek: Discovery” season is over, and we’ve split our thoughts up into two separate panels. Jason’s will be over on The Incomparable, but Scott’s is right here! He’s joined by five special guests to discuss the ups and downs of this season.
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January 7, 2021
29 Discovery S3E13: “That Hope Is You, Part 2”
“Star Trek: Discovery” season 3 has reached its end. Jason and Scott liked the episode but also have a bunch of complaints. (They start with the complaints, to get them out of the way.) Where does this episode leave us? What’s season 4 going to be like? It’s a momentous episode and we take our time breaking it down.
Want more “Discovery” talk? We’ll be back in about a week for a special season wrap-up panel hosted by Scott, and Jason will host an additional wrap-up panel on The Incomparable.
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December 31, 2020
28 Discovery S3E12: “There is a Tide…”
It’s the penultimate episode of season three of “Discovery” and a lot is happening! “Die Hard” homages! A jerk who we thought was dead returns! Osyraa… has more depth than we previously thought? We liked this episode, though some of the twists don’t seem set up very well. Also we theorize about what happened to the Ferengi in the last 1000 years, and have some ideas about how season four might play out. Onward to 2021 and the finale! Happy New Year!
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December 24, 2020
27 Discovery S3E11: “Su’Kal”
On Christmas Eve, Scott and Jason sneak a look at one present under the tree—it’s a new episode of “Star Trek: Discovery!” And does it take a surprising and weird turn. We break down the holo-shenanigans, as well as what transpires back on the ship. Onward to New Year’s Eve!
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December 17, 2020
26 Discovery S3E10: “Terra Firma, Part 2”
This week we return to the ISS Discovery to see just how Georgiou’s time in the Prime Universe has changed her, before the show sends her off to whatever is next. (It’s a spin-off!) Also, we discuss story arcs versus standalone episodes, the dearth of sci-fi TV available when Scott and Jason were kids, and why there’s no eating in the Spore Chamber. Sit on it, Potsie!
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December 10, 2020
25 Discovery S3E9: “Terra Firma, Part 1”
In the first of a two-part episode, it’s all about Georgiou and her relationship with Burnham. And it goes to some very interesting places. Perhaps you all saw this coming, but Scott and Jason were surprised, because they’re suckers. Also, we meet this year’s new break-out Star Trek character! He’s got a bowler hat and will give you cryptic answers to all your questions because he just wants to sit in his comfy Adirondack chair and read tomorrow’s newspaper! Let’s hear it for Carl!
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December 3, 2020
24 Discovery S3E8: “The Sanctuary”
This week Jason and Scott try to separate what was good about this episode (Saru’s catchphrase shopping, Adira’s journey and Stamets’s support, Culber not taking any crap from Georgiou, Detmer getting her groove back) from what was bad (Book’s planet—all of it). And the Conspiracy Phaser returns so we can speculate about what’s in that nebula! (Probably not coffee.)
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November 26, 2020
23 Discovery S3E7: “Unification III”
Vulcans and Romulans, oh my! On Thanksgiving, Discovery dips into the private VHS collection of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard to follow up a TNG two-parter from 29 years ago. Burnham discovers the fate of Spock and finds she’s eligible for a passport from planet Ni’var! People in rooms discuss things at length! And Jason drops some old-school Trek fan fiction knowledge along the way. It’s Star Trek, you turkeys.
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November 19, 2020
22 Discovery S3E6: “Scavengers”
This week, Burnham fails to follow orders and saves Book from indentured servitude by kicking off a clever prison escape plan that’s… not particularly clever? We’ll admit it, this episode was a letdown compared to the high bar set by previous episodes. What’s up with Georgiou? Is Grudge a better actor than Number One? And for the first time this season, we end the episode with a bunch of season-arc speculation when we fire off the Conspiracy Phaser.
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November 12, 2020
21 Discovery S3E5: “Die Trying”
This week’s episode of “Star Trek: Discovery” is like a candy treat with a serialized character-driven coating and a crunchy Star Trek center. That’s our story and we’re sticking to it. Scott and Jason discuss mystery lullabyes, jerky Admirals who we really want to impress, sad seed-bank dads, and which famous director we’d next like to randomly appear on a sci-fi show.
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November 5, 2020
20 Discovery S3E4: “Forget Me Not”
What better for a stressful week than an emotional episode of Star Trek? Scott and Jason journey to Trill, where there are men in robes carrying pointy laser spears and goo-filled cave pools with repressed memories. Meanwhile, the Discovery orbits above, letting its newly sentient computer drive while the crew takes the night off for dinner, a movie, and an awkward Thanksgiving dinner.
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October 29, 2020
19 Discovery S3E3: “People of Earth”
This week, Discovery goes home to Earth to discover an unpleasant truth: Isolationism is bad and Star Trek has always been political. While there’s no sign of UESPA, the United Earth Defense Force will cause enough trouble, while a young genius bugs Tilly and Stamets, an obvious fake alien is unmasked, and Burnham and Book have to team up to see if they can out-Star-Trek Star Trek.
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October 22, 2020
18 Discovery S3E2: “Far From Home”
We get the flip side of last week’s episode, as the Disco crew adapts to the future. Plus, there’s a fistfight at a space saloon! Because it’s Star Trek. We discuss Saru’s inherent decency, Tilly’s cleverness, Georgiou’s gruff kick-punchiness, Reno’s surly pep talks, and a whole lot more as this season of “Star Trek: Discovery” gets underway.
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October 15, 2020
17 Discovery S3E1: “That Hope Is You, Part 1”
“Star Trek: Discovery” is back and so are Scott and Jason! But we’ve all been flung far into the future, a strange world full of Trance Worms,Maine Coon Cats, and Orions and Andorians living together! What strange new world has Michael Burnham discovered? Who is Book and why does his forehead glow sometimes? Why is this the perfect show to deal with the ideals of Starfleet and the Federation? We’re happy to be back!
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October 9, 2020
16 “Lower Decks” Season 1 Wrap-Up
Scott and Jason are getting ready for next week’s “Star Trek: Discovery” season three premiere, but before they get there, they take a little time to sum up their feelings about the just-completed first season of “Star Trek: Lower Decks.”
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August 20, 2020
15 An Animated Series (Lower Decks S1E1-3)
Scott and Jason finally get a chance to check in about the first three episodes of the newest Trek animated series, “Lower Decks.” They discuss the challenges of finding a balance between comedy and canon, between character drama and reference humor. How did they react to the first out-and-out Trek comedy? Humor may be subjective, but let’s analyze some jokes anyway, people!
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April 3, 2020
14 “Star Trek: Picard” season 1 wrap-up
The “Star Trek: Picard” season is over, and we’ve split our thought up into two separate panels. Jason’s will be over on The Incomparable, but Scott’s is right here! Scott is joined by five special guests to discuss the ups and downs of this season.
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March 26, 2020
13 Picard S1E10: “Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2”
The first season of “Star Trek: Picard” is in the books! Did the show stick the landing? Did the plot resolve properly, and how about the thematic and emotional character arcs? How about that six-minute long tearjerker of a scene in that quantum simulation? And what’s Narek up to now? Scott and Jason break it all down. Join us back here next week for a panel discussion wrapping up the season as a whole.
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March 19, 2020
12 Picard S1E9: “Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 1”
The two-part finale is here! Jason and Scott find it hard to judge part one of a two-part episode, but they’ll run down what they can. Scott can’t decide what his favorite scene is! Jason has studied his paintings and his latin and can’t figure out what will happen next! Seven and Elnor are… present? And the great Guest Actor Prophesy is fulfilled! Join us as we get ready for next week’s big conclusion.
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March 12, 2020
11 Picard S1E8: “Broken Pieces”
This week we’re once again joined by a special guest, as Jean MacDonald brings her Voyager know-how along to discuss Seven of Nine’s artifact takeover. While this episode was exciting, the more we thought about it, the more questions we had. At least some of us can remember Narissa’s name and understand more about her motivations! The secret of the Admonishment is revealed! Rios reveals the remarkable coincidence in his dark back story! And who is Beautiful Flower? We have theories. You knew we would.
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March 5, 2020
10 Picard S1E7: “Nepenthe”
A lot of emotion, both expected and unexpected, comes out of this first true “Next Generation” reunion episode of “Star Trek: Picard.” David J. Loehr joins us as we talk about our feelings, make pizza, eat tomatoes, skin bunnicorns, eat cake with chocolate milk, and don’t even throw up once.
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February 27, 2020
9 Picard S1E6: “The Impossible Box”
There are a lot of mystery boxes in this episode, full of people, androids, secrets, murder, and surprise figurines! The crew arrives at the Artifact at last. Picard is overwhelmed by his status as the OG XB. Is Narek as straightforward as he seems, or is there room for some interesting betrayal? Why is Narek’s sister so boring? Why do the Borg have a Stargate? Also, Agnes is deeply upset and seeks solace in the arms of a spaceship captain, as so often happens. And Raffi shows just how high functioning an alcoholic (and snake plant addict) she really is.
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February 20, 2020
8 Picard S1E5: “Stardust City Rag”
Now the curtain is going up, the entertainer is taking a bow! It’s time for some space ragtime on the popup-ad-infested planet of Freecloud. In the aftermath of this truly remarkable episode of “Star Trek: Picard,” Scott and Jason are here to discuss shocking plot twists, equally shocking moments of gruesome violence, how Rios stuck a feather in his cap (but probably didn’t call it ‘macaroni’), cartoonish French accents, and various bones.
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February 13, 2020
7 Picard S1E4: “Absolute Candor”
Funny holograms, angry Romulans, a ninja elf swordsman, a Bird of Prey on the loose, and a surprise ending made less surprising by the marketing of the show. It’s all in this week’s “Star Trek: Picard.” Jason and Scott are here to break it all down.
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February 6, 2020
6 Picard S1E3: “The End is the Beginning”
Engage! Scott and Jason break down episode three of “Star Trek: Picard,” which finally gets Picard out of Earth orbit with a ragtag crew. We learn why Raffi feels Picard let her down, but ol’ J.L. knows she can’t resist some good Romulan Research. Captain Rios talks tough, but between his immaculate logs and fussy holograms, he’s Starfleet through and through. And then there’s Dr. Durati, who would really like you to look at her C.V. and consider her for a position on the crew. Meanwhile, at the Borg Artifact, Hugh makes jokes, there’s an intense game of Triangle Tarot, and we learn a lot of things that we already learned last time. Plus: Why do Vulcans need sunglasses? We break it all down!
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January 30, 2020
5 Picard S1E2: “Maps and Legends”
From the halls of Starfleet Command to the creepy gray zone of the Borg Artifact, it’s time to reconvene to discuss the latest episode of “Star Trek: Picard” with Scott, Jason, and special guest Brianna Wu. We accumulate more lore about secretive Romulans! We learn a bit more back story about Dahj and Soji! Picard expresses a dislike of Science Fiction and then rides in a taxi! This podcast has gone 5843 days without an assimilation, but the night is still young!
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January 23, 2020
4 Star Trek: Picard S1E1: “Remembrance”
Jean-Luc Picard is back! Your Vulcan Hello crew will be here every week to talk through all ten episodes of “Star Trek: Picard” right away. This week, we ponder the twists and turns of Data’s story, admire Picard’s need to always be surrounded by people he can give orders to, question the use of the canine Number One as a way to decide if drifters are welcome at Chateau Picard, and a whole lot more.
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January 10, 2020
3 Short Treks #10: “Children of Mars”
The Short Treks pivot from “Star Trek: Discovery” to “Star Trek: Picard” as we get our clearest view yet of the future of Star Trek: Libraries, schools, dour Vulcan headmasters, David Bowie covers, and scary terrorism. “Picard” begins in two weeks and we’re excited!
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December 13, 2019
2 Short Treks #8-9: The Animated Ones
Two animated “Short Trek” installments arrive, and we liked one more than the other. In “Ephraim and Dot”, a mama tardigrade loses her eggs and fights a cute robot. In “The Girl Who Made the Stars”, young Michael Burnham is afraid of the dark and her dad tells her a story.
Onward to 2020, The Year of Star Trek! We’ll have one more “Short Trek” and then it’s time for “Star Trek: Picard.”
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November 14, 2019
1 Short Treks #7: “Ask Not”
Same old Scott and Jason, new numbering system. Are we living in a Star Trek golden age, and how long can it last? Vulcan Hello returns to ponder the big questions of TV’s platinum age and also to discuss November’s Short Trek, “Ask Not”, in which a young cadet is gaslit by a Starfleet captain.