The "All Good Things" Star Trek Podcast

This week, along with a plethora of Star Trek: Discovery news, Mike and Barry discuss some recent rumors regarding the (possible) upcoming fourth Abrams-verse Star Trek movie. Namely, the possibility that the plot will involve setting the alternate universe right and erasing the current timeline. We’ll dig into that, plus Barry’s recent brush with Trek greatness and much more, this week on Episode 90, “All Is As It Was Before - Maybe”.

This week Mike and Barry discuss recent fan reaction to certain casting decisions on the new Star Trek: Discovery series. Conveniently forgotten seems to one of Gene Roddenberry’s main focuses for his original Star Trek, that of showcasing people of all races, genders (and species) working together for the common good. In comparison, they review the reactions to some of Star Trek: Voyager’s more innovative casting decisions as well. The spirit of IDIC takes center stage this week in Episode 89, “Diversity’s Combinations are Infinite.”

This week, we continue our conversation with Erin Horakova, author of the article, “Freshly Remember’d: Kirk Drift”, published on Strange Horizons. Of special interest is a discussion about a falsley remembered conversation between Kirk and McCoy that illustrates how we misremember certain scenes and situations in popular media. Episode 88 is Online, “‘Kirk Drift’ - a Conversation with Author Erin Horakova, pt. 2?.

Mike and Barry start with a quick breakdown of the brand new Star Trek Discovery trailer from the CBS UpFronts this week, as well as a look at Fox’s new Star Trek parody show “The Orville”  They then being a conversation with Erin Horokova, author of an article in Strange Horizons web magazine called “Freshly Remember’d: Kirk Drift“. Her article discusses how the reality of the character of Captain James T. Kirk has been occluded in modern day by a much different popular remembrance. From his many supposed “rash decisions,” to his supposed numerous dalliances with every alien female in the galaxy, the myth of Captain Kirk has changed a great deal since his debut in 1966. Episode 87 is online, “‘Kirk Drift’ - a Conversation with author Erin Horokova - pt. 1.”

This week, Mike and Barry respond to an online article speculating which historic Star Trek characters should or should not make appearances on the new Star Trek: Discovery series. Several characters spanning all ages of the saga are possible additions to what is hopefully a strong guest or recurring cast on the new show. We break down all the possibilities on Episode 86, “Long Lost Friends.” Also. here’s Barry’s filled out bracket for the TNG Season 2 vs. TOS Season 3 comparisin - we apologize for the episode that broke this down not being available, but invite your comments and additions. https://allgoodthings.podbean.com/mf/web/5pdc2w/TOS_Season_3_vs_TNG_Season_2_Barry.pdf

Happy First Contact Day! April 5, 2017 marked the -46th pre-anniversary of Earth’s “official” First Contact with beings from another world (although we all know aliens visited Earth many times before then) and Mike and Barry are here to celebrate this auspicious occasion. What would happen if beings actually did land on Earth and give the old Vulcan salute? Would we welcome them, shoot them, or elect them president? Would they bring a cure for cancer, special affection for a little boy, or a great big laser straight down the Empire State Building? These questions and many others will be answered, plus and introduction to a great new “bracket” competition between two Star Trek seasons, this week on Episode 85, “First Contact Day.”   TOS Season 3 vs TNG Season 2 Downloadable Bracket (PDF) NOTES Episode rankings come from the SOS (Spoiler-free Opinion Survey). http://www.joereiss.net/sos/ Two middle TOS episodes dropped are: Elaan of Troius, Turnabout Intruder because TOS Season 3 had 24 episodes and TNG Season 2 only had 22.

For centuries, man has provided special areas set aside as a refuge, a safe harbor, a shelter to those seeking safety, justice or rest. Star Trek, especially Deep Space Nine, has always provided many examples of sanctuary and asylum. This week, Mike and Barry discuss several examples from DS9 where the station and Starfleet seek to give protection to those in need, plus numerous other examples throughout Trek. In today’s troubled times of of prejudice and persecution, it’s often useful to look to our artistic endeavours to provide insight and perspective. Episode 84 is online: “Sanctuary”.

This week, Mike and Barry discuss Deep Space Nine’s various religious practices, focusing specifically on the Bajorans and the Prophets, the Dominion and the Founders, and the Ferengi and their actual worship of greed and profit. We’ll talk about how this series more than any of the others contentrated heavily on questions of faith and how it affected the characters, the plots and themes. We’ll also compare them to other religions and faith practices throughout Star Trek, and see how they can help us learn about spiritual beliefs here back home. Episode 83 is online, “Prophets, Founders, and the Divine Treasury.”

As a follow-up to last episode’s “Seasons to Skip” discussion, this week Mike and Barry concentrate on TOS Season 3. Much-aligned, controversial, with its shares of gems and duds, the final season of the original Star Trek also carries its share of opinions. Is it worth spending your time on, and if so what interesting nuggets can be gleaned from the series’ final trip to the Final Frontier? More Discovery news, tiki glasses, and other items of interest make up Episode 82, “TOS Season 3 - What Is It Good For?”

If you were introducing a friend to Trek for the first time, and they had a limited amount of time to watch a particular series, would you recommend they skip certain seasons? Should they? Would it be considered a court martial offense? This week Mike and Barry discuss whether certain entire seasons of Trek series are “expendable” in the interests of time, space, and on occasion, good taste. Also news about a new DS9 documentary, possible new Blu-Ray releases and much more on the All Good Things Star Trek Podcast, Episode 81, “Season Skips.”

Hear ye, hear ye, court is now in session! This week Mike and Barry put on trial one of Star Trek’s most famous/infamous characters, Acting Ensign/Cadet/Traveler Wesley Crusher. to determine his ultimate guilt or innocence of being a valued member of the Trek team. They also have (hopefully) the final update on the ongoing Ananar crisis and a quick discussion on the state of Trek fandom. Break out your Usenet “alt.wesley.crusher.die.die.die” T-shirts, because Episode 80 is online, “The Trial of Wesley Crusher.”

This week, Mike and Barry take a look at “For the Love of Spock,” the new documentary on the life of Leonard Nimoy produced by his son, Adam Nimoy. A loving tribute to a Star Trek icon with a lot of hidden gems and some flaws as well. Also, a Trek gift item you won’t care beans about, more non-news about the Axanar lawsuit and a story about a lost starship that’s gone vewy vewy quiet. All this week on Episode 79, “Spockumentary.”

Ever wanted to have the ability to move objects just with your mind? Alter reality at a whim? Be thought of as a god? Well, this week Mike and Barry discuss several individuals throughout Star Trek who acquired those abilities, and how they dealt with them. Did they choose the right paths, or let their ambitions and emotions sweep them away? Find out this week in Episode 78, “God-Like Powers.”

This week, Mike and Barry wrap up their Top 50/Bottom 10 of all Trek with #5-1. Did your lists match theirs? Tune in and find out on Episode 77, “Top 50 and Bottom 10 Trek Episodes Of All Time (Part 3)”

This week, we pick up with the Episode 5-10 of Star Trek’s Top 50 Episodes of All Time. Mike and Barry discuss such great Trek episodes as…..wait, that would be spoiling it! (Let’s just say tribbles and supermen might be mentioned a time or two…) You’ll have to tune in and hear Episode 76, “Top 50 and Bottom 10 Trek Episodes of All Time (Part 2)” to find out for sure.

This week, Michael and Barry finally start their Top 50 Star Trek Episodes of All Time countdown with #50-11, with the bottom 10 episodes thrown in for….bad measure.  It’s a look through the best and worst of Trek over 50 years in Episode 75, “Top 50 and Bottom 10 Trek Episodes Of All Time (Part 1)”

This week, Mike and Barry discuss a recent fan-generated list of the Top 10 and Bottom 10 of all Star Trek episodes…with mixed results and opinions. Plus a timely look at the Presidents of the Federation. News about Brian Fuller and the new Trek Series, all on Episode 74 of the All Good Things Star Trek Podcast, “The Not-So-Magnificent Ferengi.”

As we continue our celebration of Star Trek’s 50th year and beyond, this week Mike and Barry take a quick look at a new book series, “The Fifty Year Mission” and discuss Rick Berman’s attempts to fill the shoes of Gene Roddenberry. Also a look at the Organians, and much more.  Episode 73 is online, “Great Bird or Flightless Fowl? A Quick look at The Fifty Year Mission Books”

This week, Mike and Barry discuss the relative merits of the re-mastered and re-engineered special effects that were added to TOS. This month marks the 10th anniversary of the debut of the new effects, and….let’s say a spirited discussion ensues. All this, plus Trek News and a starship class-y Jeffries Tube segment, on Episode 72, “Special Effects Remastery.”

It’s the 50th Anniversary of Star Trek, and in honor of this historic week, Mike and Barry look back at the life and legacy of Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. His place as originator and early champion of the Trek look, style and philosophy are well-documented, but where does he fit in the overall fifty year legacy? Episode 71 is online, “The Great Bird of the Galaxy.”