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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

Something Borrowed, Something Green (LD)

Time for a wedding! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Orion pirate weddings,the difference between Orion and Ferengi, and the custom of bridal kidnapping and why the Church frowns on it. The post Something Borrowed, Something Green (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Sep 25, 202354 min

In the Cradle of Vexilon (LD)

It's a civilization run by computer, but not in a bad way this time. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the principles of leadership, koalas in the afterlife, and the pros and cons of hazing, all as related to the latest Lower Decks episode. The post In the Cradle of Vexilon (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Sep 18, 202337 min

A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest

We need your help to continue to produce our great Catholic shows that explore the intersection of faith and modern culture and look at the world from a uniquely Catholic perspective. The post A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Sep 14, 20232 min

I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee (LD)

Promotion repercussions! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this Lower Decks story where Mariner confronts a cute, but terrifying alien; Rutherford tries to get the promotion he deserves; Boimler looks for the right room, and Ensign Gary needs new pants. The post I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Sep 11, 202330 min

Twovix (LD)

Season 4 of Lower Decks opens with a love letter to Voyager. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story that includes many, many deep cuts from Voyager, introduces a new season arc villain, and totally calls out Janeway as a murderer! The post Twovix (LD) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Sep 11, 202346 min

The Bonding (TNG)

Tragedy, loss, and alien trickery. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this TNG story of loss and grief and what makes us human in dealing with the death of a loved one. The post The Bonding (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Sep 04, 202344 min

Once Upon A Planet (TAS)

Back to the Shore Leave planet. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss another Skynet-like computer gone rogue, sparking a man v. machine crisis, exploring themes of consciousness and Uhura's agency. The post Once Upon A Planet (TAS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Aug 28, 202326 min

Tomorrow Is Yesterday (TOS)

Should the needs of one man outweigh the destiny of the future? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first Trek time travel story, which confronts Kirk and crew with the dilemma of saving their future while navigating some funny Sixties military follies. The post Tomorrow Is Yesterday (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Aug 21, 202345 min

Hegemony (SNW)

The Gorn are back! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Strange New Worlds season finale cliffhanger, including parallels to the movie Alien; Pike as heroic leader; and the introduction of a familiar character; as well as an assessment of the whole season. The post Hegemony (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Aug 14, 20231 hr 14 min

Subspace Rhapsody (SNW)

Why are they singing? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the musical episode of Strange New Worlds, which has divided fandom; whether the show should have gone even more into the device; and why the Klingons were the best part. The post Subspace Rhapsody (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Aug 07, 202350 min

Under the Cloak of War (SNW)

Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story focusing on war, forgiveness, and redemption, and they delve into the Christian view on forgiveness, mercy, and justice. They also discuss trauma in war and PTSD, how this story draws on past Trek episodes (and M*A*S*H!), but also breaks new ground for Trek for its raw portrayal of the effects of war. The post Under the Cloak of War (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media ....

Aug 01, 202357 min

Those Old Scientists (SNW)

Crossover! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Lower Decks-Strange New Worlds crossover, how well it was executed, the surprising differences between the same characters in animation and live action, and the SNW crew getting to play comedy. Riker! The post Those Old Scientists (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jul 31, 202347 min

Lost in Translation (SNW)

Spooky! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story in which Uhura is hearing voices, including what they think of Paul Wesley's Kirk so far, the rising stature of Uhura in the show, and the first meeting of Spock, Kirk, and Uhura. The post Lost in Translation (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jul 25, 202348 min

Charades (SNW)

More Vulcan hijinks! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss another SNW story that Spock, T'Pring, and a weird biological swap, including problematic Vulcan speciesism, bureaucratic non-corporeal entities, and mutual self-sacrifice between Spock and Chapel. The post Charades (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jul 24, 20231 hr

Among the Lotus Eaters (SNW)

Amnesia strikes the Enterprise crew. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss memory loss and the pain of remembered grief; the rise of Erica Ortegas; and whether a ship captain is allowed a personal life. The post Among the Lotus Eaters (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jul 10, 202355 min

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (SNW)

Another Kirk. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this time travel story that sees a younger Kirk from an alternate timeline team up with La'an and struggle with the question of which timeline should remain. The post Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jul 03, 20231 hr 3 min

Ad Astra Per Aspera (SNW)

Court martial! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discus the trial of Number One and the issues raised about historical injustice, respect for cultures, and persecution, plus favorite call backs to other series and previous SNW episodes. The post Ad Astra Per Aspera (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jun 26, 202355 min

The Broken Circle (SNW)

The second season of Strange New Worlds comes roaring out of the gate! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first episode, including the evolution of Spock, the M'Benga revelations, and the new chief engineer, Pellia. Plus a tribute to Nichelle Nichols. The post The Broken Circle (SNW) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jun 19, 20231 hr 3 min

Oasis (ENT)

Ghosts or something else? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this Enterprise story that finds Trip flirting with aliens again; learn that Vulcans don't get the creeps; and talk about the superiority of reality to comforting illusion. The post Oasis (ENT) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jun 12, 202347 min

Learning Curve (VOY)

Maquis and Starfleet clash! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Voyager episode that explores the nature of leadership, loyalty, and duty in an idealistic profession for those who never sought it out. The post Learning Curve (VOY) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Jun 05, 202342 min

The Storyteller (DS9)

Who lives? Who dies? O'Brien tells your story! Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Jimmy Akin discuss this story inspired by "The Man Who Would Be King" and whose theme is that sometimes we create our own monsters to defeat them to find security. The post The Storyteller (DS9) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 29, 202341 min

Haven (TNG)

Love and Duty! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the TNG episode "Haven" and its themes of duty, love, compassion, destiny, and cultural differences, while not missing the Trek debut of Lwaxana Troi and the comedic chaos she brings. The post Haven (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 22, 202343 min

Star Trek: First Contact

Before Picard Season 3, there was First Contact and the Borg Queen. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the film's "never meet your heroes" theme; Picard's ongoing trauma; and what makes this movie one of the most popular Trek films. The post Star Trek: First Contact appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 15, 20231 hr 12 min

The Alternative Factor (TOS)

Jekyll and Hyde? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Original Series story featuring Lazarus, a man obsessed with his alternate reality self who will go to any length to destroy him, and his doppelgänger who is willing to sacrifice his life for the universe. The post The Alternative Factor (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 08, 202341 min

Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4

They didn't discuss Discovery, season 4, as it aired, but due to popular demand, Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha give a round-up of the latest season, the good and the bad, and explain why they treat this series differently. The post Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4 appeared first on StarQuest Media .

May 01, 202351 min

The Last Generation (PIC)

Star Trek Picard and the TNG era have come to a close. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the series finale, whether it stuck the landing, the theme of fatherhood and vocation, and where Star Trek goes from here. The post The Last Generation (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Apr 24, 20231 hr 20 min

Vox (PIC)

The D is back! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate episode of Star Trek Picard, including the implications of Puer Dei and Vox; the return of a familiar ship, and the disappointing departure of a particular character. The post Vox (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Apr 17, 20231 hr 6 min

Surrender (PIC)

What is necessary in healing from grief? Dom Bettinellli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard episode, including grief and healing; how love is at the core of identity; and the everchanging theories for what's really going on. Plus what's next for Star Trek? The post Surrender (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Apr 10, 20231 hr 4 min

Dominion (PIC)

Big revelations and cameos! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what more we've learned about the story so far, including morally questionable and objectionable actions, plus another high-profile cameo in this week's Picard. The post Dominion (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Apr 03, 202356 min

The Bounty (PIC)

The gang is all here. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha note that the whole TNG crew is now assembled in Picard and then geek over the ships and discuss all the Easter eggs and fan service as the show prepares for the final stretch. The post The Bounty (PIC) appeared first on StarQuest Media .

Mar 27, 20231 hr 15 min
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