Scorpion, Part II (VOY) – The Secrets of Star Trek

The premiere of Voyager’s season 4 saw the introduction of Seven of Nine to the cast. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss why the change happened, whether it was good for the show, and how she changed its trajectory.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.

Night Terrors (11) – The Secrets of Doctor Who

The 11th Doctor comes to the aid of a scared little boy whose night terrors become real. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha this fairy tale horror story about the unconditional love of a father for his unusual son.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.

The Nagus (DS9) – The Secrets of Star Trek

The introduction of the Nagus changed Ferengi and Quark on DS9 from that point. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Wallace Shawn’s great portrayal, how the story expanded and rehabbed the Ferengi, and the Godfather homage scene.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.

The Mysterious Planet – The Secrets of Doctor Who

The Trial of a Time Lord begins! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the first part of the 6th Doctor’s “trial” season that brings him to an “alien” planet that turns out to be a post-apocalyptic Earth run by a domineering robot. Plus lots of Valeyard name puns.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.

Justice (TNG) – The Secrets of Star Trek

Is a justice system where death is the punishment for every crime really just? Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss this TNG story that is supposed to evoke Eden with a vengeful god/alien and (not-so-)innocents.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.

Let’s Kill Hitler – The Secrets of Doctor Who

With the Doctor tracking down Amy and Rory’s missing baby, they encounter a mysterious group tampering with time. Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss the ethics of punishing historical criminals in the way described here as well as an element introduced here to be important later.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.

Galaxy Quest – The Secrets of Star Trek

Some say the best Star Trek movie made was Galaxy Quest. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this thinly-veiled comedic homage to Trek and how it presaged the rise of fandom and the triumph of the geeks in pop culture.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.

Arc of Infinity – The Secrets of Doctor Who

Omega in Amsterdam! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this 5th Doctor story that includes future 6th Doctor, Colin Baker; lots of Doctor Who mythology; the Time Lords on Gallifrey; and capital punishment among the Time Lords.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.

The Galileo Seven (TOS) – The Secrets of Star Trek

Spock in command. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about Spock’s near-disastrous first command, the unreasonable insubordination of his crew, and the very cool practical effects used to create the tension in the story.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.

A Good Man Goes to War – The Secrets of Doctor Who

“Demons run when a good man goes to war.” Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this 11th Doctor story that broadens the mythology surrounding River Song, Amy and Rory, and the Doctor, plus brings together a lot of elements from throughout New Who.

Direct Link to the Episode.

Subscribe on iTunes. | Other Ways to Subscribe.