“New Life and New Civilizations” We discuss the resolution to the Batel and Vezda stories, potential pathways for Pike, and look back at Season 3 as a whole.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 30: This Is a Test of the Emergency Metron System /
“Terrarium” We discuss the connection to the Original Series classic "Arena," character development for Ortegas, Uhura's stint as a scientist, the Metrons, and more.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 29: A Shot of Silly Serum /
“Four-and-a-Half Vulcans.” We discuss the concept, the setup, the humor, and what each character's situation reveals about Vulcans and themselves.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 28: Mothra's Sacrifice /
“What Is Starfleet?” We discuss the documentary concept, Beto's agenda, and pacing in short seasons as well as the big question (and whether the story answers it).
Read MoreSaddle Up! 27: The Monster Past the Edge of the Map /
“The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail.” We discuss Kirk's backstory and evolution, bringing together the original series crew, pack rat Pelia and her '80s solution, and the story's closing twist.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 26: Indiana Jones and the Prisoners of Azkaban /
“Through the Lens of Time.” We discuss the mystery and its film inspirations, AI, flying cameras, and the Q, Vezda, and Gorn.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 25: Where on the Ship Is La'an Sandiego? /
“A Space Adventure Hour.” We discuss the use of the Holodeck, La'an and Spock's tango, and the Last Frontier cold open as we also ask whether this very meta episode is really a love letter to Star Trek.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 24: Dak'Rah Part Deux /
“Shuttle to Kenfori.” We discuss the continuation of M'Benga's story, future paths for Batel, designing TOS-inspired Klingons, insubordination, and a few creative ideas we maybe should keep to ourselves.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 23: Emotional Whiplash /
“Wedding Bell Blues.” We discuss Chapel's character arc, contrast her and Spock's relationship with that of Pike and Batel, question the story's tone, and, of course, delve into the return of the lonely squire of Gothos.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 22: The Best of Both Gorn /
“Hegemony, Part II.” We kick off Season 3 as we discuss the challenge of continuing a story after a two-year break, the character progressions, the potential end of the Gorn threat, and the familiar nature of the resolution.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 21: Break in Case of Gorn /
“Hegemony.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss the challenges of creating drama in a prequel, elements of diplomacy in Star Trek, parallels (and not) with “Arena,” and try to make sense of the Gorn.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 20: Fundamental Harmonics /
“Subspace Rhapsody.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss the concept, how they pulled it off, using the musical format to boost communications, advance storylines and clear the deck for the finale, and more.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 19: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner /
“Under the Cloak of War.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss the impact of war, atonement, responsibility for one’s actions, the DS9 feel of the episode, and more.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 18: This Historical Saddle /
“Those Old Scientists.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss blending live action and animation, bringing animated characters to life, poignant moments in the midst of silliness, and how the casts of Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks work together.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 17: Schrödinger’s Mixed Bag of Story Elements /
“Lost in Translation.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss humor in Star Trek, writing in a modern vernacular, overshadowing important commentary, character arcs, and more.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 16: Mental Gymnastics /
“Charades.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss humor in Star Trek, writing in a modern vernacular, overshadowing important commentary, character arcs, and more.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 15: Definitely Not the Oatmeal /
“Among the Lotus Eaters.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss the story’s perhaps overlooked social commentary, connections to Homer's Odyssey and past Star Trek, the TOS feel of the presentation, Spock’s choices, and a puzzling Prime Directive moment.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 14: Seams in the Bunny Suit /
“Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss how the story evolves, La’an’s struggles with identity, Paul Wesley's Kirk, playing with history, Khan’s pivotal role, shifting the timeline, and more.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 13: An Illyrian Enigma /
“Ad Astra per Aspera.” We continue Season 2 as we discuss a story that questions the Federation’s commitment to IDIC, examine real-word struggles to avoid discrimination, and debate how the case against Illyrians fits into the existing story of genetic modification within Star Trek.
Read MoreSaddle Up! 12: Kung Fu Juice! /
“The Broken Circle.” We kick off Season 2 with a look at the unexpected start, character moments, the writers’ flirtation with canon, some confusion at the very top over where the series falls on the Star Trek timeline, and why it doesn't really matter when you have stories that are so much fun.
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