Commentary: Trek Stars 112: Geordi is a Jerk

Burton, Part 1: Trek.

LeVar Burton is best known for his role as Geordi LaForge on Star Trek: The Next Generation. But his contribution to television on the whole goes well beyond that. In addition to a nomination for his performance in the acclaimed miniseries Roots, he has also won ten Emmy Awards for his work on the children's show, Reading Rainbow.

In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Max and Mike begin a new series in which we look at Burton's Emmy-nominated work. In this introduction, we discuss his work on Star Trek as both an actor and a director. We also discuss the hiring of Justin Lin as director of STAR TR3K.

Running Time: 56 minutes 25 seconds

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Hosts

Max Hegel and Mike Schindler

Editor and Producer

Mike Schindler

Production Manager

Richard Marquez

Content Coordinator

Will Nguyen

Associate Producer

Become one! Support Trek.fm and Commentary: Trek Stars at the $25/month level or plus! Visit http://patreon.com/trekfm http://patreon.com/trekfm

Chapters

LeVar Burton (00:02:33)
Acting (00:03:32)
Directing (00:24:02)
Justin Lin (00:37:40)
Wrap-up (00:49:15)

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Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

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Sponsor

Audible is the premiere source for audiobooks with more than 150,000 titles to choose from, and new titles coming every week. From classics to current bestsellers, and even some of the most famous Star Trek books like Prime Directive, Federation, and Spock’s World, Audible has something for everyone.

As a Trek.fm listener you can get a free audiobook of your choice along with a 30-day trial to see just how great Audible is. So give it a try today, catch up on all those classic Star Trek books you’ve yet to read or that latest novel from you favorite author and support the network and our programming at the same time!

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More recent episodes of Commentary: Trek Stars...

Commentary: Trek Stars 106: UPN Really Up'd it Up!

Taylor, Part 1: Trek.

In 1992, Michael Piller turned his attention towards his new Star Trek series, Deep Space Nine. This left a void in the Next Generation writer's room. That void was filled by Jeri Taylor. Under her guidance, the last two season of TNG produced some the best Trek of all-time, and earned the series its only Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama. On the strength of that work, Taylor was given the task of creating the next Star Trek series, Voyager, which she also ran for the first four seasons. 

In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, we begin a new series which looks at Taylor's work as a television writer/producer. In our first part, Mike, Max, and John are joined by Charlynn Schmiedt of To The Journey to examine Taylor's work in Trek. We discuss her first episode, her TNG highlights, her work as a showrunner on TNG, and the creation of Voyager.

Running Time: 1 hour 10 minutes 45 seconds

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Hosts

Mike Schindler, Max Hegel, and John Mills

Guest

Charlynn Schmiedt

Editor and Producer

Mike Schindler

Associate Producer

Become one! Support Trek.fm and Commentary: Trek Stars at the $25/month level or higher! Visit patreon.com/trekfm

Chapters

Jeri Taylor (1:31)
The Next Generation (9:04)
Voyager (27:12)
Final Thoughts (54:53)
Closing (58:50)

Send us your feedback!

Twitter: @trekfm
Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm
Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm
Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact
Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm

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Support the network!

Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

---

Sponsor

Audible is the premiere source for audiobooks with more than 150,000 titles to choose from, and new titles coming every week. From classics to current bestsellers, and even some of the most famous Star Trek books like Prime Directive, Federation, and Spock’s World, Audible has something for everyone.

As a Trek.fm listener you can get a free audiobook of your choice along with a 30-day trial to see just how great Audible is. So give it a try today, catch up on all those classic Star Trek books you’ve yet to read or that latest novel from you favorite author and support the network and our programming at the same time!

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Commentary: Trek Stars 91: Mike, Max, Blue, and Green

Wheaton, Part 4: Recap.

Since his early days on Star Trek: The Next Generation all the way up to the present, Wil Wheaton has always been an entertainer; but he has never settled into one specific role. Instead, he has adapted to the changing media landscape and used whatever tools were best suited for the task at hand. And whether it has been acting, writing or blogging, he has always excelled. The same is true for his career as a television producer/host.

In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and Max recap their look at Wheaton's current television work. We discuss both Tabletop and The Wil Wheaton Project, as well as touch on some of Wheaton's other projects from throughout his career. We also debate the merits of Monopoly.

Running Time: 35 Minutes 44 Seconds

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Hosts

Mike Schindler and Max Hegel

Topics

Tabletop (1:43)
The Wil Wheaton Project (11:28)
Final Thoughts (19:28)
Wrap-Up (28:40)

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Sponsor

Audible is the premiere source for audiobooks with more than 150,000 titles to choose from, and new titles coming every week. From classics to current bestsellers, and even some of the most famous Star Trek books like Prime Directive, Federation, and Spock’s World, Audible has something for everyone.

As a Trek.fm listener you can get a free audiobook of your choice along with a 30-day trial to see just how great Audible is. So give it a try today, catch up on all those classic Star Trek books you’ve yet to read or that latest novel from you favorite author and support the network and our programming at the same time!

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More recent episodes of Commentary: Trek Stars...

Commentary: Trek Stars 90: Maybe... But No

Wheaton, Part 3: The Wil Wheaton Project.

Wil Wheaton's history in Star Trek and presence in online media has made him a favorite among the sci-fi/fantasy crowd. His love for the genre, as well his comedic talent, made him the ideal host for SyFy's new talk show, coincidentally named The Wil Wheaton Project.

In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Max and Mike take a look at Wheaton's second series as a producer/host. We discuss the format of the show, the quality of the pre-produced segments, and Wheaton's talents as a comedian. We also fondly remember John Henson-era Talk Soup.

Running Time: 41 Minutes 23 Seconds

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Hosts

Max Hegel and Mike Schindler

Topics

The Wil Wheaton Project (1:24)
The pre-produced clips (10:53)
Thoughts on the show (21:35)
Wrap-up (28:15)

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Sponsor

Audible is the premiere source for audiobooks with more than 150,000 titles to choose from, and new titles coming every week. From classics to current bestsellers, and even some of the most famous Star Trek books like Prime Directive, Federation, and Spock’s World, Audible has something for everyone.

As a Trek.fm listener you can get a free audiobook of your choice along with a 30-day trial to see just how great Audible is. So give it a try today, catch up on all those classic Star Trek books you’ve yet to read or that latest novel from you favorite author and support the network and our programming at the same time!

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More recent episodes of Commentary: Trek Stars...

Commentary: Trek Stars 89: Outside of the Box

Wheaton, Part 2: Tabletop.

Wil Wheaton may have started his career as an actor, but he has since become a much larger creative force in the geek community. One outlet that he has used to express himself is through television production and hosting.

In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and Max are joined by Drew of Standard Orbit to look at Wheaton's first television series, Tabletop. We discuss the show's unusual premise, the importance of good chemistry between the guests, and how it shows that Wheaton is truly a geek. We also spoil "Journey's End" for Drew.

Running Time: 49 minutes 43 seconds

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Hosts

Mike Schindler and Max Hegel

Guest

Drew Stewart

Topics

Intro (1:09)
Tabletop (7:37)
Production Value (17:23)
Favorite Episodes (25:23)
Final Thoughts (32:46)
Wrap-up (36:38)

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Sponsor

Audible is the premiere source for audiobooks with more than 150,000 titles to choose from, and new titles coming every week. From classics to current bestsellers, and even some of the most famous Star Trek books like Prime Directive, Federation, and Spock’s World, Audible has something for everyone.

As a Trek.fm listener you can get a free audiobook of your choice along with a 30-day trial to see just how great Audible is. So give it a try today, catch up on all those classic Star Trek books you’ve yet to read or that latest novel from you favorite author and support the network and our programming at the same time!

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More recent episodes of Commentary: Trek Stars...

Commentary: Trek Stars 88: Wesley's Rosetta Stone

Wheaton, Part 1: Trek.

Few characters in Star Trek are as polarizing as Wesley Crusher. But love him or hate him, most fans are very fond of the actor behind the character, Wil Wheaton.

In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Max and Mike begin a new series which looks at Wheaton's career as a television show host. In the first installment, we cover Wheaton's work in Star Trek. We discuss his growth as an actor over the course of The Next Generation, the progression of the character from "Where No Man Has Gone Before" to "Journey's End," and Wheaton's work as a voice actor on the 2009 Star Trek film.

Running Time: 50 minutes 30 seconds

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Hosts

Max Hegel and Mike Schindler

Topics

Wil Wheaton (1:12)
Wesley (10:29)
Favorite Wesley Episodes (25:24)
Star Trek 09 (34:09)
Wrap-up (39:31)

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Sponsor

Audible is the premiere source for audiobooks with more than 150,000 titles to choose from, and new titles coming every week. From classics to current bestsellers, and even some of the most famous Star Trek books like Prime Directive, Federation, and Spock’s World, Audible has something for everyone.

As a Trek.fm listener you can get a free audiobook of your choice along with a 30-day trial to see just how great Audible is. So give it a try today, catch up on all those classic Star Trek books you’ve yet to read or that latest novel from you favorite author and support the network and our programming at the same time!

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More recent episodes of Commentary: Trek Stars...

Commentary: Trek Stars 82: How Many Doll Heads Are in the Sink?

Nemecek, Part 4: TNG Companion Recap.

For over a decade, Larry Nemecek chronicled the making of Star Trek in the Next Generation era. But what about the making of the making of?

In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Max and Mike are joined Larry himself to discuss his career as an author. In the first part of a two-part interview, he discusses his work on The Next Generation Companion, as well as his Voyager episode, "Prophecy," and other episode pitches which he wrote for Voyager. He also blows Max and Mike's minds with the history of Voyager's development.

Running Time: 1 hour 26 minutes 25 seconds

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Hosts

Max Hegel and Mike Schindler

Guest

Larry Nemecek

Topics

Prophecy (3:55)
Voyager Pitches (9:50)
Companion Origins (21:40)
Writing the Companion (39:55)
Later Editions (53:55)
Reactions (1:03:23)
Wrap-Up (1:17:34)

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Sponsor

Audible is the premiere source for audiobooks with more than 150,000 titles to choose from, and new titles coming every week. From classics to current bestsellers, and even some of the most famous Star Trek books like Prime Directive, Federation, and Spock’s World, Audible has something for everyone.

As a Trek.fm listener you can get a free audiobook of your choice along with a 30-day trial to see just how great Audible is. So give it a try today, catch up on all those classic Star Trek books you’ve yet to read or that latest novel from you favorite author and support the network and our programming at the same time!

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More recent episodes of Commentary: Trek Stars...

Commentary: Trek Stars 80: Larry Nemecek is My Spirit Animal

Nemecek, Part 2: The Next Generation Companion.

As we've said before, Larry Nemecek wrote the book on Star Trek: The Next Generation... literally. Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion is a comprehensive episode guide which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show.

This week, Max and Mike are joined by Phillip Gilfus of Earl Grey to talk about Nemecek's first Star Trek reference book. We discuss how we came to discover it, what makes it stand out from other books like it, and how it has impacted our lives on a personal level. We also discuss the hiring of Roberto Orci as the director of STAR TR3K.

Running Time: 54 minutes 56 seconds

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Hosts

Max Hegel and Mike Schindler

Guest

Phillip Gilfus

Topics

The Companion (4:32)
Discovery (11:31)
Thoughts on the book (19:21)
Influence (28:44)
Roberto Orci (36:43) 
Wrap-up (47:34)

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Sponsor

Audible is the premiere source for audiobooks with more than 150,000 titles to choose from, and new titles coming every week. From classics to current bestsellers, and even some of the most famous Star Trek books like Prime Directive, Federation, and Spock’s World, Audible has something for everyone.

As a Trek.fm listener you can get a free audiobook of your choice along with a 30-day trial to see just how great Audible is. So give it a try today, catch up on all those classic Star Trek books you’ve yet to read or that latest novel from you favorite author and support the network and our programming at the same time!

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More recent episodes of Commentary: Trek Stars...

Commentary: Trek Stars 70: Blue-Collar Directing

Bole, Part 1: Trek.

Last month, the world lost legendary Star Trek director Cliff Bole, who helmed 42 hours of Trek—including 25 episodes of The Next Generation—more than anyone else in the show's history. Among those 25 was "The Best of Both Worlds," commonly considered to be the best TNG episode, and one of the best television episodes, of all time.

In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and Max kick off a new series looking at the work that Bole did in another beloved franchise, The X-Files. But first, we are joined by TNG expert Larry Nemecek to discuss Bole's work in Trek, his industry origins, his hits and misses, and his blue-collar approach to filmmaking. Larry also gives us a taste of what Bole was like as a person.

Running Time: 1 hour 5 minutes 14 seconds

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Hosts

Mike Schindler and Max Hegel

Guest

Larry Nemecek

Show Notes

Read Bole's obituary and sign an online guest book.

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Sponsor

Audible is the premiere source for audiobooks with more than 150,000 titles to choose from, and new titles coming every week. From classics to current bestsellers, and even some of the most famous Star Trek books like Prime Directive, Federation, and Spock’s World, Audible has something for everyone.

As a Trek.fm listener you can get a free audiobook of your choice along with a 30-day trial to see just how great Audible is. So give it a try today, catch up on all those classic Star Trek books you’ve yet to read or that latest novel from you favorite author and support the network and our programming at the same time!

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More recent episodes of Commentary: Trek Stars…

Commentary: Trek Stars 2: The Roddenberry Box

Roddenberry Part 1: Star Trek.

This week, Max and Mike begin a series which looks at the career of Gene Roddenberry as a television creator. Part 1 examines Roddenberry’s work in Star Trek. We discuss the impact that The Original Series had on the medium, the mystery of why The Animated Series didn’t work at all, what The Motion Picture tells us about how Phase II would’ve been, and how Roddenberry’s take on The Next Generation has influenced the franchise since his death. So grab a cup of tea, Earl Grey, hot, and settle in for half an hour of semi-entertaining musings.

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Hosts

Mike Shindler and Max Hegel

Chapters

Creating Star Trek
The Animated Series
Phase II and The Motion Picture
The Next Generation
Final Thoughts

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More Recent Episodes Of Commentary: Trek Stars

Commentary: Trek Stars

Commentary: Trek Stars 182: Let's See What's Out There

about 7 years ago

Series Finale. Mike and John reflect the past three and a half years of podcasting.

Commentary: Trek Stars 181: Deep Cuts

about 7 years ago

Lin, Part 8: Recap. Mike and John recap their series on Justin Lin.

Commentary: Trek Stars 180: Faster, More Intense

about 8 years ago

Lin, Part 7: Furious 6. John and Mike are joined by Megan from Educating Geeks to discuss Justin Lin's Furious 6.

Commentary: Trek Stars 179: The Avengers of Fast & Furiousness

about 8 years ago

Lin, Part 6: Fast Five. Mike and John discuss Justin Lin's sixth film, Fast Five.
 

Commentary: Trek Stars 178: Getting Rid of the Thes

about 8 years ago

Lin, Part 5: Fast & Furious. John and Mike are joined by Zach Moore to discuss Justin Lin's fifth movie, Fast & Furious.

View the full Commentary: Trek Stars episode directory >