Previewing Stellar Cartography (Literary Treks 26)

It's been more than a decade since the last update to the Star Charts reference book, but thanks to Larry Nemecek and 47North fans will soon be able to get around the galaxy more efficiently than ever. In this episode of Literary Treks, Christopher Jones is joined by Larry to learn about the genesis of his new book Star Trek: Stellar Cartography, the process of creating it, and how Larry's career in mapping stars dates back to the 1980s. We also make sense of the Delphic Expanse and choreograph the Dominion War.

In our news segment we find out what Jeff Mariotte has to say about his forthcoming TOS novel Serpents In the Garden, what hints Greg Cox has dropped about No Time Like the Past, and IDW's latest Ongoing omnibus, Star Trek Volume 5, which collects Ongoing 17 through 20.

Originally published as Literary Treks 26: Cardassia Is In the Caribbean.

Our Man Bashir (The Ready Room 101)

The holodeck malfunction was a staple of storytelling on The Next Generation. So as the Deep Space Nine writing team set out to chart a different course, they shied away from this perhaps overused plot device. But sometimes a story comes along that it is just too fun not to tell. And if you can find a way to do it that ties into your overall premise, that’s all the better. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Michael Fisher and Larry Nemecek to discuss DS9’s romp through the 1960s life of secret agents as Dr. Bashir’s holosuite fantasy goes terribly wrong, yet turns out to be the hero. 

In our news segment we find out what special features are in store for us on the Trek Nation special edition DVD, discuss the value and functionality of a Spock coin bank, make ice for the 24th century, find out which Abramsverse actor has been secured for Star Trek Las Vegas, and pay our final respects to Katherine Woodville, who played Natira in “For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky.”

Originally published as The Ready Room 101: Kiss the Girl, Get the Key.

Nicholas Meyer and The Day After (Commentary: Trek Stars 29)

In 1983, Nicholas Meyer followed up Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan with The Day After, a television movie depicting a nuclear war from the perspective of Lawrence, Kansas, a small town in middle America. The film is, and always shall be, the most watched television movie in history, and went so far as to influence the actions of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

This week, Mike and Max are joined by Star Trek expert Larry Nemecek, who worked as an extra on The Day After while in college. We discuss the political climate of the time, the social impact of the film, what it was like to live in Lawrence during the movie’s production, Larry’s experience as an extra, and Larry’s encounter with Nicholas Meyer.

Originally published as Commentary: Trek Stars 29: 

Trials and Tribble-ations (The Ready Room 93)

When the 30th Anniversary of Star Trek rolled around in 1996, the creative teams of both Deep Space Nine and Voyager were charged with the task of paying homage with a special episode. Inspired by the revolutionary techniques of Forrest Gump, the DS9 writers set out to pen a story that would insert Sisko and his crew into the middle of one of the franchise’s most iconic episodes—“The Trouble with Tribbles.” The result was one of the most memorable moments in Star Trek history. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Matthew Rushing, Charlynn Schmiedt, and Larry Nemecek for a look at the making of “Trials and Tribble-ations.” Larry’s firsthand experience on the set delivers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what truly is a Valentine to Trek.

In news we look at the debut of TNG HD on iTunes and Amazon Instant Video, a reunion of the full principal cast of Enterprise for the upcoming Season Two Blu-ray release, TV Guide’s 60th Anniversary commemorative covers, Dayton Ward’s picks for 10 of the best Star Trek audiobooks, Cumberbatch talking about John Harrison’s motives, and some of the new Star Trek Into Darkness poster art including spotlight’s on Uhura, Spock, and the Enterprise, plus a Tumblr-inspired Cinemosaic poster. We also reveal our own pick for the most influential TV series of the 1980s… and we think you already know what it is.

Originally published as The Ready Room 93: Three-Inch Heels and a Six-Inch Hairdo.

The Measure of a Man (The Ready Room 87)

Does Data have rights? This is the central question asked in Melinda Snodgrass’s classic courtroom drama “The Measure of a Man.” But beyond the fate of Data himself, the real question is how artificial life will be treated in the future. Though it may sound like science fiction, it’s a decision we will someday have to make in the real world. The difficulty of the issue was presented brilliantly more than two decades ago by TNG, and the uncertainty of its message still rings true today.

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by renowned Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek to discuss “The Measure of a Man,” the ethical questions it raises, and how the extended cut on Blu-ray—which adds 13 minutes—makes this episode even better.

In news we look at the upcoming re-release of The Next Generation on DVD, two awards given to La-La Land Records, the unofficial Star Trek Into Darkness poster designed by Matt Ferguson (plus a few more bits of news and rumours about the film), and we debate which Starfleet doctor is the most skilled.

Originally published as The Ready Room 87: Can We Please Reactivate the Defendant?

The Doomsday Machine (Trek News & Views 66)

Our planet may have recently found itself in the path of a large meteor, but it could have been worse. There could have been a planet-eating machine with Earth in its sights. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Lou Costanzo of The Lou Trek Show and renowned Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek to discuss the classic TOS episode “The Doomsday Machine.” In addition, Larry fills us in on the latest developments involving his documentary “The Con of Wrath”… and his annual Los Angeles sleet photo.

Originally published as Trek News & Views 66: We're All Doomed!

The Wrath of Khan (The Ready Room 80)

While The Motion Picture did its job of resurrecting Star Trek on the big screen, it was the second outing of Kirk and crew that really propelled the franchise forward. Nicholas Meyer, a director who was not a Trekkie, somehow “got” the very core of Star Trek and put together once of the most amazing stories ever filmed. But the road from initial idea to final cut was a lot less straightforward than the flowing narrative might suggest. In this episode ofThe Ready Room we are joined by Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek and Sociology professor John Tenuto to explore the genesis of Star Trek II, the creative choices that led to the film we know, and a wealth of behind-the-scenes information that has never been shared anywhere before. Tenuto has researched more deeply into the Nicholas Meyer archives and the life of Ricardo Montalban than perhaps anyone else in the world. In the process he uncovered the minutiae of “Space Seed” and The Wrath Khan as well as connections that indicate that Khan is indeed the villain of Star Trek Into Darkness.  

In news we cover new information about the Star Trek console game release date, William Shatner’s plans for a TNG documentary, three bonus features planned for the Enterprise Season One Blu-ray set, new images from Star Trek Into Darkness, J.J. Abrams making a terminally ill fan’s final dream come true, Benedict Cumberbatch and Chris Pine on the cover of EMPIRE, and some of the first details of this summer’s edition of the Star Trek Geek Tours. Plus, we mark the 20th anniversary of Deep Space Nine by remembering the day that “Emissary” premiered.

Originally published as The Ready Room 80: Taking Out the Khan Baby. 

The Search for Spock (The Ready Room 73)

Nestled between the relentless vengeance of Khan and the near destruction of Earth at the flippers of whales is an emotional nugget whose power is often overlooked. Star Trek III suffers from the middle-child syndrome, but it highlights the relationships between the crew of the USS Enterprise in a way rarely seen. It also planted the seeds for many of things we now take for granted in later incarnations of the franchise. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt and Larry Nemecek to discuss The Search for Spock, why many of the creative decisions in the film were made, and why Starfleet wishes some captains could learn to stop oversharing over subspace.

In news we cover the La-La Land Records 10th anniversary celebration, the addition of Star Trek to Hulu, the Enterprise Blu-ray cover art, Anthony Montgomery’s new film project Chariot, the trouble with Tribble slippers, Spock oven mitts, Star Trek Into Darkness and Dolby Atmos, and we speculate on just what Star Trek could bring to Angry Birds.

Originally published as The Ready Room 73: Hot Vulcan Finger Action.

Prophecy (The Ready Room 52)

It took Voyager seven seasons to make her way across the Delta Quadrant, and during that time we were teased with Klingons on occasion. There were holographic Klingons, Klingon Borg, a vivid dream about Klingons, and even a photograph of a Klingon. But for the real thing we had to wait until near the end of the seven-year journey. Finally, Janeway and her crew crossed paths with real warriors—three generations removed—and a little old-school pre-Khitomer action was served up. Oh… and Neelix got lucky, too.

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Larry Nemecek, who penned the original story, to talk about “Prophecy” and the long and winding road that finally led to the story of B’Elanna and Tom’s magical baby. 

In news we cover Levar Burton and J.J. Abrams at Apple’s WWDC 2012, Television Critics Association Awards nominations for William Shatner and Star Trek: The Original Series, a Gorn appearance in the upcoming Star Trek console game, Mary Czerwinski and Brandi Clark’s Glue Guns and Phasers, and lots of news and rumors about the next Star Trek film. Plus we grow enormous mustaches, redesign Starfleet uniforms (for the better), and Greg gets really serious.

Originally published as The Ready Room 52: Klingon Love Machine God.

The State of Star Trek (The Ready Room 47)

Over the course of 45 years Star Trek has had its ups and downs—from cancellation three years into the original five year mission to revival on the big screen, the birth of The Next Generation to the golden age of the 1990s, the fizzle of Enterprise to the J.J. Abrams reboot. Through it all Star Trek has remained a part of our lives in a way few things have. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek, and Trek veterans Doug Mirabello and Jose Munoz of Zero Room to discuss the current state of the franchise, where things are headed on the big screen, and what we might expect from Star Trek in the decades to come on television and beyond.

In news we cover the reunion of the full principal TNG cast at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo, Geek Nation Tours: Exploring Trek Sites: Hollywood to Vegas with Larry Nemecek, and lots of news and rumors about the next movie including MTV News allegedly stumping Benedict Cumberbatch with a Star Trek quiz, Khan as the villain, and possible appearances by the Klingons and Leonard Nimoy. And we always remember two members of the Star Trek family who we lost over the past week, Joel Goldsmith and George Murdock.

Originally published as The Ready Room 47: Forty-Two Adjusted for Inflation. 

Sins of the Father (The Ready Room 42)

Despite an early insistence that Original Series races not be used on The Next Generation, the Klingons became an integral part of TNG, and later DS9. This was of course due in part to Michael Dorn’s portrayal of Worf, but there is more to it than just that. By maturing the character of Worf and the show itself, the writers truly brought the Klingon culture to life. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Larry Nemecek to discuss the episode where it all started: “Sins of the Father.”

In news we cover IDW’s Redshirt contest (we have a winner!), the delay in Star Trek Ongoing #7, Patrick Stewart hosting the Peabody Awards, Leonard Nimoy on The Big Bang Theory, Geek Nation Tours, Vintage Movie Posters, and Movie News and Rumors. Plus, Greg gets locked in a broom closet.

Originally published as The Ready Room 42: Today Is a Good Day to Dye.

Schisms and Brannon Braga (The Ready Room 36)

When season six of The Next Generation rolled around we started to get some seriously creepy stories, thanks largely to the influence of Brannon Braga. One of the creepiest of the bunch was “Schisms,” in which solanogen-based fish monks began kidnapping Enterprise crew members in their sleep and using them for bizarre medical experiments. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Larry Nemecek as we discuss the episode “Schisms” as well as Brannon Braga’s influence on Star Trek from late TNG forward.

In news we cover Hollywood Collectibles’ 1:4 Scale Kirk Statue, Greg Cox’s new TOS-era novel The Rings of Time, the lack of social networking in the Star Trek future, the Spring 2012 issue of Star Trek Magazine (and the future of the publication), and our first impressions of the TNG “The Next Level” Blu-ray. And we also recast the missing 13 seconds from “Sins of the Father” with younger actors.

Originally published as The Ready Room 36: Group Clicking.

The Undiscovered Country (The Ready Room 28)

In 1991 we bid farewell to the voyages of the Enterprise and its original crew. In a film of heavy Cold War allegory, released just 26 days before the Soviet Union ceased to exist, we were given a final chance to spend time with the characters we had known as Star Trek for 25 years. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Larry Nemecek to discuss Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, how it worked as a sendoff for TOS, and how it started the Star Trek universe down the road to the world of TNG.

In news we cover Paramount’s plan to feature Star Trek in their 2012 Tournament of Roses float, George Takei’s foray into the Star Trek vs Star Wars feud, the release of the complete Voyage Home score, movie rumors, IDW’s first original Abramsverse content, and we’ll preview two more tracks off of Five Year Mission’s new album Year Two. Plus a character from a galaxy far, far away makes a surprise appearance on the bridge of the Enterprise.

Originally published as The Ready Room 28: The Search for Boots.

The Con of Wrath (Matter Stream 4)

Today, when someone mentions the word “convention” together with “Star Trek,” a certain image comes to mind. Record numbers of fans gathering in costume, huge productions in places like Las Vegas, and dozens of big-name stars headlining panel after panel. The conventions of today are slick productions, but it wasn’t always that way.

In this episode of Matter Stream we’re joined by renowned Star Trek historian Larry Nemecek to discuss Ultimate Fantasy 1982, his project to tell the story of one of the greatest debacles in fandom history, and what it meant for those involved and the future of conventions.

Originally published as Matter Stream 4: The Con of Wrath.

The Star Trek Pendulum (The Ready Room 19)

With the reboot of Star Trek in 2009 the TOS time period came back into style. But is TNG poised for a comeback? Is the Star Trek Pendulum about to swing back toward the Enterprise-D? In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Larry Nemecek to discuss how fandom moves back and forth between the series. We also talk about how each series was a reaction to the one before it, and about the future of Star Trek on television.

In our news segment we look at what it might be like if Seth MacFarlane were to reboot Trek on TV, play with the Star Trek Deck Builder Card Game, William Shatner’s new album Seeking Major Tom, Apple’s Siri, how Quinto may be prepping for the next Star Trek movie, and we cast the next Starfleet engineer.

Originally published as The Ready Room 19: It Doesn't Have to Be Seven Years Apart.