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Secrets of Star Trek

SQPN, Inc.sqpn.com
Exploring the hidden layers and deeper meanings of all Star Trek series and movies
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Episodes

Vortex (DS9)

When Odo's strict code of justice conflicts with a growing sense of compassion and mercy, his character has a moment of growth. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this episode provides a major leap forward for the changeling character. The post Vortex (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jul 26, 202133 min

The Battle (TNG)

The Ferengi are back! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that establishes Capt. Picard's backstory involving the Stargazer; claims headaches don't exist in the future; and sets up the Picard Manuever as the indefensible stratagem. The post The Battle (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jul 19, 202135 min

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (Part II)

In the second part of their discussion of this movie, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli continue to talk about the Cold War themes, the responsibility of a starship captain, and putting aside personal grudges and loyalties for the sake of duty and doing what's right. The post Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (Part II) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jul 12, 202134 min

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (Part I)

Is Star Trek VI the best Star Trek movie? In Part I of their discussion, Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss whether the last of the films featuring the whole Original Series cast is the best one of all; its end of the Cold War glasnost vibe; and how it almost didn't get made. The post Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (Part I) appeared first on StarQuest Media ....

Jul 05, 202150 min

The Menagerie, Parts 1 and 2 (TOS)

The Menagerie was the only two-parter in TOS. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the frame narrative of Spock's betrayal of Kirk out of loyalty to Pike that surrounds the original pilot The Cage (which they discussed wat back in episode 20). The post The Menagerie, Parts 1 and 2 (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jun 28, 202144 min

What’s Past is Prologue (DIS)

The drama of Discovery's first season reaches its penultimate moment. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the attempt to show the Federation's goodness in contrast to the Empire's evil as well as the first hints that Emperor Georgiou is more than just an evil warlord. The post What’s Past is Prologue (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jun 21, 202131 min

Shadows of P’Jem (ENT)

It's Vulcans vs. Andorians and humans are caught in the middle again. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this Cold War-style hostage crisis, the problematic sexualization of T'Pol, and Archer's questionable lies to solve his problem. The post Shadows of P’Jem (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jun 14, 202134 min

Cathexis (VOY)

Chakotay's spirit floats around Voyager, trying to warn the crew! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the plot holes, but also the spiritual ramifications of disembodied floating spirits, of prayer as medicine, and Native American spirituality in the show. The post Cathexis (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jun 07, 202133 min

The Visitor (DS9)

A father sees his son give his whole life up to save his. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this DS9 story that explores the love of father and son and son for father and the limits of what Jake will do to save Ben Sisko, including killing himself. The post The Visitor (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 31, 202139 min

The Ensigns of Command (TNG)

Data in command. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode where Data has to take command all by himself to deal with life and death situation and learn what leadership is. The post The Ensigns of Command (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 24, 202142 min

The Survivor (TAS)

A missing philanthropist is found by the Enterprise, but how are the Romulans involved? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this story that at the time could only have been realized in animation, plus the amazing voice work of guest star Ted Knight. The post The Survivor (TAS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 17, 202125 min

Court Martial (TOS)

Kirk on trial! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this episode, which has Kirk being tried for causing the death of a member of his crew, an old classmate who resented him. They discuss the depiction of justice in the future, but also the mistrust of technology in the Sixties. The post Court Martial (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 10, 202153 min

Vaulting Ambition (DIS)

In this first season episode, we get our first glimpse of Emperor Georgiou. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how this character changed the show, the shocking evil of the Terran Empire, and the big reveal about Lorca. The post Vaulting Ambition (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 03, 202134 min

Sleeping Dogs (ENT)

The Enterprise comes across a ship of Klingons in distress and come to their aid. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the rendering of aid to ungrateful recipients and Archer's education in Klingon diplomacy. Plus, a bonus discussion of the latest Star Trek TV & movie news. The post Sleeping Dogs (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Apr 26, 20211 hr 11 min

Scorpion, Part II (VOY)

The premiere of Voyager's season 4 saw the introduction of Seven of Nine to the cast. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss why the change happened, whether it was good for the show, and how she changed its trajectory. The post Scorpion, Part II (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Apr 19, 202147 min

The Nagus (DS9)

The introduction of the Nagus changed Ferengi and Quark on DS9 from that point. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Wallace Shawn's great portrayal, how the story expanded and rehabbed the Ferengi, and the Godfather homage scene. The post The Nagus (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Apr 13, 202133 min

Justice (TNG)

Is a justice system where death is the punishment for every crime really just? Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss this TNG story that is supposed to evoke Eden with a vengeful god/alien and (not-so-)innocents. The post Justice (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Apr 05, 202130 min

Galaxy Quest

Some say the best Star Trek movie made was Galaxy Quest. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this thinly-veiled comedic homage to Trek and how it presaged the rise of fandom and the triumph of the geeks in pop culture. The post Galaxy Quest appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Mar 29, 20211 hr 2 min

The Galileo Seven (TOS)

Spock in command. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about Spock's near-disastrous first command, the unreasonable insubordination of his crew, and the very cool practical effects used to create the tension in the story. The post The Galileo Seven (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Mar 22, 202143 min

The Wolf Inside (DIS)

Ash Tyler's true nature is revealed! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this first season mirror universe story in which Burnham confronts the truth about Tyler; Tilly overreaches; and the Emperor appears. Plus what knowing what's coming changes how they see this one. The post The Wolf Inside (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Mar 15, 202139 min

Dear Doctor (ENT)

Dr. Phlox gets his own episode. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the focus on Phlox, the emphasis on his alienness, the morality and timeliness of the pandemic/vaccine story, and the giant mistake in how the story's ending was written. The post Dear Doctor (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Mar 08, 202138 min

Scorpion (VOY)

The season 3 finale introduced Species 8472. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the paradigm shift in Voyager at the end of the 3rd season; Janeway's introduction to holo da Vinci; and the Borg becoming a much bigger part of the show. The post Scorpion (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Mar 01, 202145 min

The Way of the Warrior (DS9)

With the 4th season of DS9, the writers decided to shake things up with the addition of Worf and a return to the Klingons as villains. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the changes and how this began the series' best run of episodes. The post The Way of the Warrior (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Feb 22, 20211 hr 3 min

Evolution (TNG)

A Wesley science experiment goes wrong and not only threatens a vital scientific endeavor and everyone on the Enterprise, but creates new life. Oh, Wesley. Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss how Wesley gets away with it with no repercussions, plus the return of Bev Crusher. The post Evolution (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Feb 15, 202134 min

The Conscience of the King (TOS)

Shakespeare on the Enterprise. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this Original Series episode that has Kirk confronting a Shakespearean actor who may or may not be a mass murderer from Kirk's past and discuss the ethics of both men's actions. The post The Conscience of the King (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Feb 08, 202150 min

Despite Yourself (DIS)

The second half of the 1st season of Discovery took us to a new universe. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this as the moment when the show really started to get its legs under it and why that is. Plus the mystery of Ash Tyler and the reveal of Captain Killy. The post Despite Yourself (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Feb 01, 202143 min

Silent Enemy (ENT)

What happens when you meet a truly alien species? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Enterprise episode focused on Malcom Reed that also explores how humans are truly pioneering into dangerous, unknown territory. Should they be more defensive in first contacts? The post Silent Enemy (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jan 25, 202133 min

Heroes & Demons (VOY)

Beowulf in space! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Voyager story that takes the Doctor onto the holodeck to become a Viking hero of the sagas and how this episode was the first to expand the character from a blank slate to a person with possibilities. The post Heroes & Demons (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jan 18, 202140 min

That Hope Is You, Part 2 (DIS)

Discovery's 3rd season comes to an end and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory dig into the wrap up of the plot, that the season's quality went up as it ended, and look at where the show is going in seasons 4 and beyond. The post That Hope Is You, Part 2 (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jan 11, 202157 min

There Is A Tide… (DIS)

Discovery's 3rd season reaches a dramatic climax in what Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory agree is the best episode of the season. With lots of action tempered by character development moments and a tense negotiation and turn by the antagonist, the stage is set for the finale. The post There Is A Tide… (DIS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jan 04, 202152 min
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