Tag Archive for Spock

kevlemo | June 4, 2013
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Episode 15: The Menagerie Parts 1 & 2

Star Trek The Menagerie

In our longest show to date, The TrekQuesters take on the mega-sized two-part episode, “The Menagerie.” Between swigs of tequila, Jack Daniels, and Soco & Coke, we managed to cover the Original Series only two-parter, the first ever Star Trek pilot, “The Cage,” AND the second J.J. Abrams Trek film, “Into Darkness.” We had some good laughs about Commodore Mendez’s possible illicit relationship with his secretary, Captain Pike’s blinking chair, green-skinned women, and pulsating alien heads. We also had a serious discussion about the relative merits of the new Trek films compared to the classic originals we (obviously) know and love so much.

If you’re up for over an hour of TrekQuesting goodness (1:16:50 to be exact), you’ll be rewarded with a roller coaster of deep thoughts. Example: When Captain Pike’s chair blinks again and again, is he trying to say “NO!”, or “Yes!” much more slowly? It’s hard to replicate that kind of entertaining banter, folks.

Apologies in advance to Mr. Stephen Hawkings. If you regularly listen to our show, we do reference your name without your permission. We hope you agree with our assessment that your 21st wheelchair kicks Pike’s 23rd century wheelchair in the ass. Hard.

Which version of Veena do you like best? Does no really mean no, even if it’s just one blink? Does J.J. Abrams have a freaking clue about what Star Trek is all about? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

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Court Martial Review

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kevlemo | February 18, 2013
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Episode 13: The Galileo Seven

Star Trek Galileo Seven

Captain Kirk orders most of his senior staff to fly a tiny shuttle straight into the heart of a quasar-like green cloud. What could possibly go wrong?

Scoring on the far low end of the TrekQuesters’ logic score, this episode nevertheless offers one of the original series most (unintentionally) hilarious moments: a giant spear cracking through a styrofoam space rock and glancing off the head of “dead” crewman. Why is a giant spear being chucked at a dead crewman? Because the giant fur-wearing humanoids who live on the planet make giant folsom-pointed spears. And when giant humanoids with giant spears live on planets in the middle of quasar-like clouds, they tend to be grumpy. And these particular humanoids are probably even grumpier than would be normally expected, seeing that their planet is seemingly otherwise devoid of life — which would tend to make the giant humanoids pretty hungry. Did I mention this show isn’t very logical?

It’s actually kinda funny that the episode that’s most focused on Spock’s dedication to logic surrounds a plot with so many illogical holes. Completely separated from Kirk for the first time, we see that Spock’s insistence on pure logic can really irritate his human colleagues. One of the other officers comes darn close to outright mutiny, and you’re left wondering how Kirk would react once he learned the full details of what happened during the Galileo’s little outing.

Can you recharge a spaceship with a gun? How long would you have waited for Yoeman Mears? Are you afraid of space giants? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

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Conscience of the King Review

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kevlemo | February 10, 2013
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Episode 12: Conscience of the King

Star Trek Conscience of the King

A bloody knife, an iron mask, and a man with half a face make for an interesting start to this most literary of episodes. Actors acting about being actors always makes for an interesting plot, and this show does not disappoint.

Although profoundly illogical in many ways, The Conscience of the King remains a great example of why we love original Star Trek. At it’s best, ST:TOS is both great science fiction and good story telling in general. With belief firmly suspended, we see one man obsessed with revenge, another cursed by his past sins, and a daughter driven to madness to protect her father from harm. This episode doesn’t just quote Shakespeare, it brings some of his most tragic concepts emotionally to life. Add in some groovy 60s lounge music and a classically twisted Kirk romance, and you’ve got one of our favorite episodes so far.

Can you tell Hamlet from Macbeth? Have you ever drank poisoned milk? Do you know what Double Red Alert means? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

Listen to this episode now:

 

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Conscience of the King Review

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kevlemo | January 27, 2013
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Episode 11: Miri

Star Trek Miri

Recorded on the summer solstice, this was definitely one of our stranger podcasts to date. The episode itself, centered around a pseudo-romantic relationship between Kirk and a supposed thirteen year-old, left the TrekQuesters feeling all queasy inside. Combined with possibly the worst sound quality ever recorded over the internet (thanks to Dad’s horrid audio setup), this show started bad and got progressively worse.

The only upside? A great blooper reel. In fact, I was tempted to delete the actual episode discussion and leave ONLY the bloopers. Yes, this show is that bad. But for anyone willing to push through the crackling microphones and the discussion of Yoeman Rand’s purple scab-ridden legs, you’ll be rewarded with our funniest moments yet. At least, we think we’re funny — so much so all four of us were literally in tears.

Have you ever lost your tricycle? Would you date a 300-year-old-thirteen-year-old? Will Kirk ever stop his BLAH-BLAH-BLAH? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

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Miri Review

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kevlemo | December 5, 2012
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Episode 9: What are Little Girls Made Of?

Star Trek What are Little Girls Made Of

How did this generally ridiculous episode earn multiple five star ratings? One word: Andrea.

Fair warning: This episode contains some adult language. We were tempted to edit out all the questionable bits, but realized that would mean deleting half the show. If you are of a sensitive nature, consider skipping this episode.

That said, we had a blast talking about one of the more, ahem, creative episodes in the Star Trek franchise. Creative plot devices. Creative female costumes. Creative alien make-up. Creative paper mache stalagmites. And creative use of a somewhat humanoid-shaped green blob.

Once again, William Shatner is asked to push his acting skills to the limits by playing both Kirk and Kirk’s android double (you know, the one who doesn’t eat). With an ensemble of interesting cast members — Dr. Corby, the giant alien android Ruk, Cordby’s “assistant” Andrea, and a very sketchy Dr. Brown, there’s a lot to take in. In fact, there are so many laughable moments in this show that it’s hard to remember the show actually has a pretty deep theme — the universal yet unfulfillable quest for perfection and immortality. Of course, Sherry Jackson comes darn close to perfection in her blue and black costume, but I digress…

Does “X” really mark the spot? Could you create a robot from green jello? Have you ever heard someone with a deeper voice than Ruk? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

Listen to this episode now:

 

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What are Little Girls Made Of Review

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kevlemo | December 1, 2012
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Episode 8: Balance of Terror

Star Trek Balance of Terror

It’s a classic World War 2 tale of a destroyer hunting an enemy sub…IN SPACE!!!

Discussing perhaps the best episode to date, the TrekQuesters dive deep into the murky celestial waters of space combat while celebrating the arrival of the Romulans into the Star Trek universe. Yes, the Romulans must have had warp drive, and yes, it’s darn strange that a plasma bolt can travel at warp 10, but even these Spock-defying bouts of illogic can’t ruin this action-filled sci-fi tale.

With an intense cat-and-mouse pursuit as the background, an over-arching theme exploring bigotry, and the death of a groom-to-be on his would-be wedding day, this is Star Trek at its most serious level. Still, The TrekQuesters found plenty of opportunities to cite some of the funnier aspects of the show, whether the writers meant them to be or not.

Have you ever built a model of the Bird of Prey? Do you wear a helmet to hide your lack of pointed ears? Have you ever fought a war with an enemy that no one’s ever seen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

Listen to this episode now:

 

Or you can download the MP3 file here.

The Naked Time Star Trek Episode Review

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kevlemo | June 24, 2012
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Episode 7: Charlie X

Charlie X

When a hormone-filled teenaged boy beams aboard the Enterprise, strange things start happening. What kind of strange things, you ask? How about Kirk strutting around in skin tight red gym pants with coordinating black socks. Or Uhura gagging while Spock plays a mute space harp. Or a young crew-women turning into a lizard. Or Yoeman Rand donning a pink lingerie smock. Strange enough for you yet?

This episode’s thesis is clear: pubescent testosterone and absolute power don’t mix very well. Kinda like Captain Kirk’s red pants and black socks.

Would you like to peruse the Enterprise’s entertainment tape library? Do you know how to do a Kirk roll? Have you ever wanted to turn someone into a newt? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

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Charlie X Star Trek Episode Review

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kevlemo | April 8, 2012
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Episode 6: “The Naked Time”

The Naked Time Sulu with a Sword

Madness reigns as the Enterprise crew faces its inner demons under the influence of a strange alien disease.

On this Special Easter Edition of The TrekQuest Podcast, orange shower curtains can’t protect Spock and expendable crewman Joe from contacting a psychosis-inducing red liquid substance. Passed through contact, the disease is shared with Sulu, our newest navigator Kevin Thomas Riley, Nurse Chappel, Spock, and eventually Captain Kirk himself. Strangely, Bones seems completely immune to the emotionally-inflating disease, perhaps because he is so over-emotional to begin with.

The TrekQuesters had a great time discussing this episode’s classic scenes, from Sulu running around shirtless with a fencing sword to Spock crying like a baby (and then punching Kirk across a table). Even Uhura got a chance to tell Kirk off in this show, a moment we’re sure Nichelle Nichols enjoyed immensely.

Do you know how many bobby pins are in Nurse Chappel’s hair? Do you have a better body than Sulu? Could you beat Kevin Riley at “I’ll take you home again Kathleen” karaoke? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

Listen to this episode now:

 

Or you can download the MP3 file here.

The Naked Time Star Trek Episode Review

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kevlemo | March 27, 2012
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Episode 5: “The Man Trap”


After a brief hiatus due to travel, work, and moving, the TrekQuesters are back this week to discuss the episode that originally introduced America to Star Trek: The Man Trap. The first Star Trek episode ever broadcast, The Man Trap features a hairy, suction cup-laden, shape-shifting creature that wreaks havoc with the minds (and hearts) of the Enterprise crew.

There’s a whole lotta lovin’ in this show, folks. Bones loves Nancy. Crater loves Nancy. Green loves a galactic go-go dancer. Uhura gives some love to Spock, then gets some back from a Swahili-speaking crewman. Rand gets love, or at least attention, from Green, a pink plant, and a gaggle of demeaning crewmen, and gives some love to Sulu by bringing him his dinner. It seems the only person to get absolutely no love in this episode is Kirk. Strange, huh?

This episode provides also some intriguing insights into the supporting characters of the show, informing us that McCoy, AKA Bones, is also AKA “Plum,” that Uhura is a self-described “illogical woman,” and that Sulu loves plants, particularly the five-fingered variety.

But at it’s core, this episode is about loneliness and desperation — a much more serious episode than most of the others we’ve seen so far. There are still a few humorous/ridiculous moments, of course, but as a whole The Man Trap is a darker form of Star Trek, even somewhat sad, and it left the TrekQuesters looking forward to some comic relief in the coming weeks.

Could you suck 40 teaspoons of salt? Have you ever visited Wrigley’s Pleasure Planet? Would Kirk call your ex-girlfriends “handsome”? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

Listen to this episode now:

 

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kevlemo | February 13, 2012
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Episode 4: “The Enemy Within”

This week, the TrekQuesters barely make it through discussing their least favorite episode to date. Between Sulu’s frigid jokes, the horned “alien” dog, and Shatner’s horrifically over-the-top acting, we were laughing so hard we were literally crying. Add in Dad’s random harmonica playing, and you’ve got a truly unique entertainment experience on your hands.

Probably the least politically-correct episode of the Original Star Trek series (and that’s admittedly saying a lot), “The Enemy Within” attempts to explore some pretty heavy philosophical themes including the inner struggle of good versus evil and the fundamental nature of leadership. In the end, however, it comes up very short — kinda like Shatner embracing his “identical” stunt double at the end of the show.

It’s amazing the episode that’s made us the most uncomfortable turned out the be our longest podcast to date (about 40 minutes). There’s just so much geeky goodness in this episode, from the first Vulcan Nerve Pinch to Dr. McCoy’s inaugural utterance of “He’s dead, Jim,” that it almost makes up for the hideously awkward bits between Kirk, Spock, and Yoeman Rand. Still, this isn’t an episode we plan to re-watch any time soon.

Can half a man survive? Can a parachute keep you from freezing to death? Does Kirk secretly wear makeup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

Listen to this episode now:

 

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