Ceti Alpha 3: A Star Trek Podcast - podcast cover

Ceti Alpha 3: A Star Trek Podcast

The Nerd Partywww.thenerdparty.com
Darren, Daniel, and Phillip are marooned on Ceti Alpha 3 with only their expansive knowledge of Star Trek, and a sense of humor, to keep them alive. Join the trio as they discuss 50 years of Trek TV series and feature films.
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Episodes

146 - The Trouble with Trivia

Trivia and Random Rankings The trio take a break from hard-hitting, Star Trek analysis for a session of Trek trivia and random rankings. Phillip plays host as Darren and Daniel attempt to answer a slew of questions covering the Star Trek franchise. They also take turns ranking their top four in a variety of off-the-wall categories like Top Four Crew Quarters and Top Four Opening Title Sequences. Join the fun, let us know your rankings, and if you answered all the trivia questions correctly....

Oct 25, 20191 hr 6 min

145 - Spacesonian

The Future of the Enterprise-E. Jean-Luc Picard will return to the small screen in 2020, and fans will get answers to a lot of “What happened to...?” questions. One of those questions is, What happened to the Enterprise-E? Is it still in service? Who’s in command? Was it destroyed? Decommissioned? The trio look at the possibilities and what it could mean to the Star Trek Universe. They also review the latest Short Trek, “The Trouble with Edward.” Let us know if you want to see the Enterprise-E a...

Oct 19, 20191 hr 1 min

144 - Q&A on Q&A

Star Trek Universe Updates It's been a busy fall for the Star Trek franchise! More details have come out about the beginning of "Star Trek: Picard" and season three of "Star Trek: Discovery." The second season of Short Treks has begun, with the initial release of "Q&A," a Spock/Number One vignette set aboard Captain Pike's Enterprise. The trio reacts to all these recent developments and what the future holds for Star Trek in 2020.

Oct 13, 20191 hr

143 - Decker's Vacated Quarters

Are They Really That Bad? - Star Trek: The Motion Picture. It's the 40th anniversary of Star Trek's first movie - and there are mixed feelings. Franchise fans are glad that TMP led to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, eventually creating many movies and television series. However, TMP is also the infamous "Motionless Picture." But, is it really that bad? The trio rewatch this 1979 feature film and look at the characters of Captain Decker, potential Badmiral Kirk, a civilian Spock who seems simila...

Oct 05, 20191 hr 13 min

142 - Suicide Squad 31

Building a Star Trek Suicide Squad There are many heroes in Star Trek, as well as many villains. Then there are those characters who are a bit more grey, or maybe just evil, but who we love to watch. The trio examine which of these characters in the Trek franchise would form the perfect "Suicide Squad." Do you agree with our selections? Who would you also include?

Sep 20, 201951 min

141 - Side Quests

“Episodic” Episodes. ​The Star Trek television franchise has evolved its storytelling format over several decades. In many ways, one can watch episodes of The Original Series in almost any order whilst doing the same with Discovery would cause mass confusion. But what about those truly stand alone episodes? The ones that are either random farces, a fantasy experiment, or just a moment for one or two characters to go on a singular adventure? The trio look at those episodes in the Trek franchise a...

Sep 16, 20191 hr 3 min

140 - The Burden

Command Styles Over the centuries, Starfleet has produced a variety of leaders with a different command styles. How distance are you from the crew? How accessible are you do junior officers? The trio looks at how Archer, Kirk, Picard, Sisko, and Janeway differ in their captain abilities. They examine the pros and cons of each leader from the perspective of a young ensign serving under their command. Which captain do you think has the best command style?

Sep 08, 201957 min

139 - Livingston the 25th

Proposed “Star Trek: Picard” Cameos “Picard” has already teased us the familiar faces: Data, Seven of Nine, and Hugh will be back on television. The trio dives deep into Legacy Trek for other characters who could show up - the more obscure, the better! Do you agree with their “out there” suggestions? Which unlikely character would you love to return?

Aug 30, 201954 min

138 - Don't Break My House

In Focus: "Star Trek: Beyond" The trio tackles the third (and final?) installment in the Kelvin-verse film franchise - what is the verdict on "Star Trek: Beyond"? Kirk and company find themselves without a ship and stranded on a planet (much like this podcast!). How does this Justin Lin-directed feature compare to its two previous installments? How do the character pairings work? And does it help your role when your write your own script? Let us know your thoughts (and beyond) on this less-talke...

Aug 23, 20191 hr 6 min

137 - Picard Primer

The Picard Primer. There’s a lot new and old fans can do to prepare for the 2020 premiere of “Star Trek: Picard.” The trio sip some Earl Grey and put on their too short robes to discuss the pivotal episodes/movies that help establish this new series. From the Borg to Romulans, and from Seven to Data, there’s a weekend’s worth of bingeing to get in the “Picard” mood. Let us know what story best epitomizes the future admiral’s story.

Aug 17, 20191 hr

136 - Klingon Batman

The Symbols of Trek. The universe of Star Trek offers a myriad of cultures, races, and more. Each of those alien species offers various logos and symbology that makes them unique. The trio looks at those symbols - how well do they represent their respective cultures? And are there hidden meanings? What is your favorite Trek logo?

Aug 10, 201955 min

135 - Season of Hell

Star Trek: Voyager's Two-Parters, Edition 1 It's a hot time in the Star Trek Universe - the trio talks about their hopes and excitement for the upcoming 2020 Star Trek shows. They also look at the long form storytelling of 1990's Star Trek: Voyager. As with many Trek series, they made use of two-parters to either end/start a season or provide a larger story in the middle of the season. They examine the episodes "Basics," "Future's End," "Scorpion," and "Year of Hell." Were these stories worthy o...

Aug 02, 201958 min

134 - Zero Zero Zero Destruct Zero

Space Vessel "Deaths" In Star Trek, we mourn the loss of many characters - including those many starships that were sacrificed for the great good. Or were just destroyed by a lucky shot. The trio look at each of the ship "deaths" in all of the Star Trek live action series, and whether they were meaningful or just a cool explosion. Which is your most memorable "ship death"?

Jul 20, 201958 min

133 - One Little Ship

Talkin’ Ships, Part Two. The trio continue their in-depth coverage of the main vessels in Star Trek. They cover Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and the Enterprise-E. How do some of these ships separate? Is the runabout more shuttle or starship? Should saucers be circles or ovals? Let us know your starship opinions.

Jul 12, 201956 min

132 - Strength 17, Dexterity 01

Talkin' Ships, Part 1 The ships of the line are an oft-discussed topic in Star Trek - the trio look at the "hero" ships from "Enterprise" to "The Next Generation." What is that makes the NX-01, the NCC-1031, the NCC-1701 (in its several incarnations), and the NCC-1701-D stand out? From the outside in, Darren, Daniel, and Phillip talk about what these futuristic ships do to bring our imagination alive. Which is your favorite Starfleet vessel?

Jul 06, 201957 min

131 - Foundational History

Alien Introductions. The trio begin a new series - focusing on the introduction on now-familiar alien species. In this inaugural installment, the trio look at the first episodes featuring the Klingons ("Errand of Mercy" TOS) and the Founders ("The Search, Parts 1 and 2" DS9). How do the "Kling'n's" differ from the ones we've seen throughout the franchise? Commander Kor acts as our first Klingon character, but seems a far cry from those warriors of TNG and DSC. Deep Space Nine introduces the lead...

Jun 21, 201952 min

130 - Android Development

The Fathers of Trek, Part 2 The trio continue their celebration of Trek dads with a look at TNG, DS9, and VOY. Who were the fathers that really left a galactic mark on their progeny? Let us know your favorites from the 24th Century.

Jun 14, 20191 hr

129 - Father Knows Best

The Fathers of Trek, Part 1. Here in the US, Father’s Day is approaching, so the trio look at the father’s in Star Trek. There is a range of parents, leading many characters to have “daddy issues.” In this first installment, the trio goes thru Discovery, Enterprise, and The Original Series, giving some the award for number one dad. Who is your favorite father in these first three series?

Jun 07, 20191 hr

128 - Glossy Leaves of Words

Re-booting Star Trek: Communicator The trio travel back to the '90s and discuss what they would put in the glossy pages of "Star Trek Communicator." They also talk the future of "Star Trek: Picard" and the new Trek game at your local Dave & Busters.

May 31, 201958 min

127 - What We Left Behind

Deep Space 9 Documentary Impressions Darren, Daniel, Phillip and Char discuss seeing the amazing What We Left Behind DS9 documentary this past week.

May 24, 20191 hr 7 min

126 - Reviewing the Franchise Folio

State of the Trek Union It is an interesting time in the Star Trek franchise. As we await season three of Star Trek: Discovery, we are also awaiting a plethora of other Star Trek shows from a variety of sources. The trio talks about all the upcoming Trek shows, and what it could mean in this new phase of the sci-fi franchise. Which show are you most excited about?

May 17, 20191 hr 9 min

125 - The Great Uniform Changeover of 2373

Creating Classic Short Treks. Star Trek: Discovery uses time between seasons to release “Short Treks” specials. The majority of the season one/two break episodes ended up contributing to the end of season two. The trio decide to look at some of the season breaks of TNG, DS9, VOY, and ENT & create their own “Short Treks.” Which one works best?

May 10, 201953 min

124 - Second Time Around

Season Two Finales It's been some time since the "Star Trek: Discovery" season two finale, but does it have something in common with its sister shows? The trio look at the TNG, DS9, and VOY season two final episodes and look for a common thread. Does "Shades of Gray," "The Jem'Hadar," and "Basics, Part 1" stand up to "Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2"? And do they all presage how a season three will begin?

May 03, 201947 min

123 - Starfleet Pinky Swear

Such Sweet Sorrow Part 2 Discussion. The finale has arrived and the ending of season two of “Star Trek Discovery” has left us ... with questions. The trio looks at the long arc of red angels, seven signals, and the secret compact about Michael/spore drive/Discovery. Let us know what you thought of the finale and your predictions for season three.

Apr 24, 20191 hr 8 min

122 - Canon Conversion Corridors

"Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 1" Overview The penultimate episode of season two of "Star Trek: Discovery" sets up a lot of stories to be resolved in the finale - continued frustrations with attempts to destroy the sphere data, the looming attack by Control/Section 31, and crew members saying goodbye as they venture into a risky mission. The trio has a few things to say about ship hookups and leaving Captain Pike and the Enterprise. Let us know how you think season two is wrapping up and what you look...

Apr 17, 20191 hr 9 min

121 - Beep Beep

"Through the Valley of Shadows" Discussion. The trio are joined by Char, co-host of "Punch It: Writing in Star Trek," to talk about Pike facing his future, Michael and Spock fighting Section 31, and how Jet Reno is not the most purely motivated relationship counselor. With season two coming to an end, are we ready to say goodbye to future Captain Beep-beep chair? What relationships are changing? And what are our predictions for the close of season two?

Apr 11, 20191 hr 7 min

120 - C-1000

"Perpetual Infinity" Discussion It's time to meet Burnham ... Doctor Burnham, that is. There's a ticking clock with an evil AI, science, and emotions. What more can we find out about the Red Angel suit? What's going on with Captain Leland? We make predictions about where season two will end. What are your theories?

Apr 03, 20191 hr 3 min

119 - Timex Cristal

Phillip, Daniel and Darren are joined by Amy to finally reveal who guessed who the Red Angel is....

Mar 27, 20191 hr 26 min

118 - Space Girl Squad

"Project Daedalus" Analysis The trio is joined by Robyn from "Black Girls Create" to look at the rise and fall of Lt. Cmdr. Airiam. What questions does this episode raise about our favorite augmented human crewmember? We also examine sibling relationships, some needed self-reflection for Burnham, and Spock/Stamets fanfic. They also look at the dichotomy about Section 31 and Star Trek moralism - as well as casting the "Space Girls." What was your favorite part of "Project Daedalus"?...

Mar 20, 20191 hr 4 min

117 - You Killed Me and That's Not Cool

"If Memory Serves" Analysis We go back to Talos IV to uncover the truth of Spock's past. Join Darren, Daniel and Phillip as they determine what is real and what is connected to the Red Angle. What did you think of this story that seemed to link a lot of the beginning of season two with what is to come? And what did you think of Bernum' secret?

Mar 14, 20191 hr 15 min
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