Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country – The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

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The Brain of Morbius – The Secrets of Doctor Who

The 4th Doctor fights a mad scientist and his horrific creation. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the classic story and its implication that the Doctor had many more than the traditional 13 (or 14) incarnations, and how that relates to the Timeless Child.

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The Menagerie, Parts 1 and 2 (TOS) – The Secrets of Star Trek

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 way back in episode 20).

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The Doctor, The Widow, and The Wardrobe – The Secrets of Doctor Who

The Doctor riffs on Narnia, but misses just a bit. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this Christmas special in which pretty much nothing the Doctor does makes any difference to the main action of the plot, but at least there’s sentient trees and a happy reunion.

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What’s Past is Prologue (DIS) – The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

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The Daemons – The Secrets of Doctor Who

The 3rd Doctor deals with the Master who poses as village vicar summoning demons. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about how the BBC ordered no mention of God; the science vs. occult theme; and the occurrence of horned beings through mythology. Plus Morris dancing! We also remember in prayer Damaris Hayman, who played Miss Olive Hawthorne in this episode and just died on June 8, 2021.

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The Wedding of River Song – The Secrets of Doctor Who

The 6th season of New Who wraps up with a wedding. Jimmy and Dom discuss the trick for getting out of the impossible situation set up at the beginning of the season, as well as where it leaves all our characters, including making the Doctor small again.

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Cathexis (VOY) – The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

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The Ice Warriors – The Secrets of Doctor Who

The 2nd Doctor deals with climate change! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this story that deals with the climate change worry of the 1960s, namely a forthcoming ice age. Plus the introduction of the Ice Warriors from Mars and more 60s-era worries about computers.

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The Visitor (DS9) – The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

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