Earl Grey: A Star Trek The Next Generation Podcast

The Lost Episodes, Part 7.   There are many scripts, script outlines, and episode and movie concepts that never made it onto the screen on The Next Generation. These lost episodes can provide a fascinating window into what might have been, what characters and concepts ended up being modified and used later, and into the behind-the-scenes writing process. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss the never-produced season 5 episode "I.Q. Test" by Herb Wright. The Lost Episodes is a continuing series that will cover many unfilmed episodes and movie concepts over the course of the seven seasons and four movies of The Next Generation. Chapters  Intro (00:01:10)   Babel Conference Feedback (00:01:45)   Lost Episode Guesses (00:05:27)   IQ Test (00:11:04)   Development of IQ Test (00:33:24)   Q Makes Two (00:36:58)   Q Goes Insane Story (00:40:41)   Quantum Leap Q Story (00:42:48)   Final Thoughts (00:45:24)   Preview (00:49:34)   Closing (00:50:02)     Total Run Tim

Favorite Badass Beverly Crusher Moments.   Beverly Crusher is known for being a Starfleet doctor dedicated to saving lives and avoiding harm for her patients and fellow crew. However, we think that Beverly does have her share of badass moments throughout the course of The Next Generation episodes and movies.  In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser list their three favorite badass Beverly Crusher moments from The Next Generation. Each choice is discussed and highlights Beverly as tough and uncompromising. Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Listener Feedback (00:02:48) First Picks (00:09:48) Second Picks (00:19:41)  Third Picks (00:28:14) Honorable Mentions (00:35:48)  Final Thoughts (00:46:37)  Closing (00:52:21)  Runtime: 1 hour 52 seconds   Hosts Amy Nelson, Justin Oser   Production Justin Oser (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer)

Deleted Scenes, Part 1.   Scenes that were filmed, but not seen by the audience in the final aired productions are available for every season and movie of The Next Generation. These deleted scenes can provide a fascinating window into what might have been, including some scenes that would have had a far-reaching impact on the show and the films. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Justin Oser talk about the deleted scenes from seasons 1 and 2 of The Next Generation. A total of 19 deleted scenes are discussed from the following episodes: "Coming of Age," "The Child," "The Measure of a Man," "The Icarus Factor," and "Up the Long Ladder." Links to scripts and videos of deleted scenes not available on the Blu-rays are included below. Deleted Scenes is a series that will cover all seven seasons and the four movies of The Next Generation. Script of deleted scene from "Coming of Age": https://bit.ly/2WTiHHF Video of deleted scenes from "The Child": https://bit.ly/2G3HPFR Chapter

Favorite Friendships in TNG.   From the very beginning, the friendships that we see in Star Trek have been a significant part of the show's appeal and The Next Generation is no exception. Over the course of seven seasons and four movies, we see many different moments that highlight the value of friendships and reveal important aspects of the characters. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser list their three favorite friendships from The Next Generation. Each host talks about why the friendships discussed are meaningful to them and to the development of the characters on The Next Generation. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:01:50)  First Picks (00:11:24) Second Picks (00:20:40) Third Picks (00:28:34) Honorable Mentions (00:36:43) Toxic Friendships (00:41:19) Final Thoughts (00:44:04)    Closing (00:50:28)  Runtime: 59 minutes 4 seconds Hosts Justin Oser Amy Nelson   Production Justin Oser (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Tony Ro

Science in TNG, Part 1.   Science is an essential part of Star Trek that has inspired generations of fans to learn more about science, to become scientists, and to make influential discoveries. The Next Generation is no exception and includes many episodes that include new inventions, the application of existing science, and important scientific questions. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser are joined by science teacher Joe Keegan to talk about science in seasons 1 through 3 of The Next Generation. The discussion includes holography, the definition of life, the special theory of relativity, premature aging syndromes, nanotechnology, and much more! Science in TNG is a series that will cover all seven seasons of The Next Generation. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Babel Conference Feedback (00:01:52)  Welcome, Joe! (00:04:50) Holography (00:06:59) How Do We Define Life? (00:12:38) Special Theory of Relativity (00:17:09) Premature Aging Syndromes (00:22:27) Neutronium (00:27:03) Nanotechn

Section 31 in TNG.   Section 31 first appeared in the Deep Space Nine season 6 episode "Inquisition," which aired in April 1998. Section 31 appeared in 2 more episodes of Deep Space Nine, 4 episodes of Enterprise, the movie Into Darkness, and 5 episodes of Discovery (so far). What would Section 31 have looked like if it had been introduced on The Next Generation instead of Deep Space Nine? In the episodes and movies of The Next Generation that we did get, are there hints of Section 31 that we can find? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss Section 31 and what it may have looked like on The Next Generation. Topics discussed include our thoughts on how Section 31 has been portrayed in Star Trek, how Section 31 might have been different if it were first introduced on The Next Generation, and the clues that we see in several episodes and movies that we think may point to Section 31's involvement. Chapters  Intro (00:01:24)   Babel Conference Feedback (00:02:17)

Death in TNG.   Although we don't see deaths on The Next Generation very often, when a character does die, it can have a profound impact on the viewer. How are the effects of death portrayed on the show and what does it mean in our own lives? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss death on The Next Generation. Topics discussed include how religion and death are shown, how mourning is depicted, deaths we wish hadn't happened, and how the age and importance of the character who dies may affect how we feel about it. Chapters  Intro (00:00:00)   Babel Conference Feedback (00:02:53)   What is Death? (00:05:24)   Religion and Death in TNG (00:08:37) Mourning in TNG (00:26:46) Deaths We Wish Hadn't Happened (00:33:09) "Lower Decks" (00:41:34) The Impact of Command Decisions (00:44:30) Cheating Death (00:47:35) Age's Effect on How We View Death (00:50:51) Not of Equal Importance? (00:53:13) Final Thoughts (00:55:53)   Closing (01:04:17)   Total Run Time: 1 hour 14

The Lost Episodes, Part 6.   There are many scripts, script outlines, and episode and movie concepts that never made it onto the screen on The Next Generation. These lost episodes can provide a fascinating window into what might have been, what characters and concepts ended up being modified and used later, and into the behind-the-scenes writing process. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss the never-produced episodes "Ferengi Gold" by Gene Roddenbery, “See Spot Run" by Michael Halperin and “The Legacy" by Paul Aratow. The Lost Episodes is a continuing series that will cover many unfilmed episodes and movie concepts over the course of the seven seasons and four movies of The Next Generation. Chapters  Intro (00:01:11)   Babel Conference Feedback (00:02:16)   Lost Episode “See Spot Run” Guesses (00:04:31)   Lost Episode “See Spot Run” (00:12:36)   Lost Episode “The Legacy” (00:27:06)   Lost Episode “Ferengi Gold” (00:35:29)   Preview for Next Week (00:51:07

"Masks."   The season seven episode "Masks" is often seen as one of the worst episodes of The Next Generation, but it does have its fans that love its unorthodox storytelling style.  Written by Joe Menosky, who is well-known for his frequently unusual Star Trek episodes, "Masks" has a lot of layers and interpretations to explore. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser are joined by guest Christopher D. Littlefield to talk about The Next Generation episode "Masks." The discussion includes talking about Joe Menosky's original concept, Data as a conduit for multiple characters, how we interpret the story being told, whether the episode is actually like a video game, and much more! This is an in-depth conversation and we think you'll enjoy the discussion, whether or not you're a fan of "Masks."   Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:01:57)  Welcome, Chris! (00:07:17) Chris' Star Trek Story (00:07:41) Initial Thoughts on "Masks" (00:09:37) Joe Menosky and the Original Concept (0

Troi's Dishonor.   Star Trek never shies away from an issue - usually tackling things such as racism, sexism, the evils of war, and human rights violations, with assault and rape being no exception. The way Counselor Troi's assaults were portrayed on The Next Generation as a psychic rape instead of a physical rape brings the issue to the forefront of conversation of the issue. In this episode of Earl Grey, host Amy Nelson is joined by Zach Moore of Standard Orbit to discuss the character of Troi and her violations within specific episodes as well as the movie Nemesis. We debate the issues of consent and intent of a perpetrator. We also consider if Troi's empathic ability is a vulnerability or disadvantage which therefore makes her a victim.  Chapters Intro (00:01:14)  Cleavage Character (00:05:31)  "Hollow Pursuits" (00:10:25)  "The Survivors" (00:15:02)  "The Loss" (00:21:27)  "Man of the People" (00:24:24)  Definition of Rape (00:29:37)  "The Child" (00:34:07)  "Violations" (00:43:07)  Nemesis (00:48:47) 

Durinda Wood Interview.   Durinda Wood was the costume designer for the second season of The Next Generation, a pivotal season that saw the introduction of Guinan and the Borg (among a number of other changes) and a huge range of costumes for the 22 episodes of the season. Durinda Wood is an award-winning costumer designer who was also nominated for an Emmy for Best Costume Design for the episode "Elementary Dear Data." In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Justin Oser, Amy Nelson, and Richard Marquez interview Durinda Wood about her role as the costume designer for the second season of The Next Generation. The discussion includes the process of designing costumes for Guinan, the Borg, K'Ehleyr, and the episode "Elementary Dear Data" as well as re-designing Worf's sash, and much more! Chapters  Intro (00:00:00)   Babel Conference Feedback (00:02:07)  Welcome, Durinda! (00:06:41)   Starting in Costume Design (00:07:34)  Designing TNG Costumes (00:11:39)  The Work Schedule (00:13:28)  Designing The Borg (00:15:

Best and Worst Will Riker Moments.   For 15 years, Will Riker is Captain Picard's loyal first officer before being promoted to captain of the Titan in Nemesis. Throughout that long association as part of the crew of the Enterprise-D and the Enterprise-E on The Next Generation, we see Riker being part of many of the best moments of the show as well as some of the worst moments. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser are joined by guest Wes Huntington of The Minnesota Star Trek Nerd podcast to list their picks for the three best and three worst Will Riker moments. Each participant discusses their choices and the reasons why the selected moments show Riker in a favorable or unfavorable light.   Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:02:13)  Welcome, Wes! (00:05:22) The Minnesota Star Trek Nerd Podcast (00:05:56)  Wes' Star Trek Story (00:07:09) The Concept and How We Chose (00:08:20) First Best Moments Picks (00:10:37) First Worst Moments Picks (00:15:20) Second Best Moments Pic

Favorite Character Moments from Nemesis.   The Next Generation has a mostly episodic format, but over the course of the show and the movies, there are many great character moments. Those moments, both great and small, can enhance our experience of the show and lead to a new understanding of both regular and recurring characters.   In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Justin Oser list their three favorite character moments from Nemesis. Each host discusses why their chosen moments are important to them and to the development of characters on The Next Generation. Favorite character moments is a series that has covered all seven seasons and the four movies of The Next Generation.   Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Babel Conference Feedback (00:01:58) First Picks (00:04:39) Second Picks (00:19:14)  Third Picks (00:35:19)    Honorable Mentions (00:51:49)  Final Thoughts (01:05:05)    Closing (01:14:26) Runtime: 1 hour 21 minutes 53 seconds Hosts Richard Marquez Justin Oser Amy Nelson  

The Lost Episodes, Part 5.   There are many scripts, script outlines, and episode and movie concepts that never made it onto the screen on The Next Generation. These lost episodes can provide a fascinating window into what might have been, what characters and concepts ended up being modified and used later, and into the behind-the-scenes writing process. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss the never-produced episode "Blood and Fire" by David Gerrold, which would have aired in season one. The Lost Episodes is a continuing series that will cover many unfilmed episodes and movie concepts over the course of the seven seasons and four movies of The Next Generation. Chapters Intro (00:01:12)  Feedback (00:02:37)  Blood and Fire Synopsis (00:05:50)  Thoughts and Comments (00:39:07)  David Gerrold Comments (00:44:05)  Herb Wright Comments (00:58:05)  Final Thoughts (01:00:36)  Preview (01:02:54)  Closing (01:05:34) Total Run Time: 1 hour 15 minutes 34 seconds  

Weapons of TNG, Part 2.   The primary mission of the crew of The Next Generation is one of exploration. However, they need the means to defend themselves from any danger or combat situations that they encounter. Just about every species that they interact with also has weapons of various kinds at their disposal. What kinds of weapons do we see and what do the types and abilities of those weapons say about both Federation and non-Federations species? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss the various weapons that are seen in the episodes and movies of The Next Generation and what insights we can gain from comparing Federation and non-Federation weapons. This episode focuses on ship weapons, including phasers, photon torpedoes, disruptors, and bombs. This is Part 2 in a two part series - Part 1 covered hand weapons on Earl Grey 257. Chapters  Intro (00:01:21)   Picard News (00:04:30)   Babel Conference Feedback (00:10:13)   Phasers and Photon Torpedoes (00:20:3

Captain Jellico.   Captain Edward Jellico comes in like a whirlwind in the season 6 "Chain of Command" two-parter of The Next Generation to take command of the Enterprise-D during an important confrontation with the Cardassians. Jellico moves to implement a number of changes very quickly that leads to conflict with the crew, especially Commander Riker. What do we think of Jellico's command style, his effectiveness, and how the crew reacts to him? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez and Justin Oser are joined by guest Ken Tripp of Standard Orbit to talk about their thoughts on Captain Jellico and his appearances in The Next Generation episodes "Chain of Command: Part I" and "Chain of Command: Part II." Topics discussed include a comparison between the command styles of Captain Jellico and Captain Picard, Jellico's effectiveness, the resistance that he receives from the crew,  and his working relationship with his two first officer, Riker and Data. Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome, Ken! (00:

Weapons of TNG, Part 1.   The primary mission of the crew of The Next Generation is one of exploration. However, they need the means to defend themselves from any danger or combat situations that they encounter. Just about every species that they interact with also has weapons of various kinds at their disposal. What kinds of weapons do we see and what do the types and abilities of those weapons say about both Federation and non-Federations species? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss the various weapons that are seen in the episodes and movies of The Next Generation and what insights we can gain from comparing Federation and non-Federation weapons. This episode focuses on hand weapons, including phasers, disruptors, and Klingon bladed weapons. There will be a second part in a future episode that discusses ship-based weapons. Chapters  Intro (00:01:14)   The Big News (00:02:26)   Babel Conference Feedback (00:06:18)   Weapons of TNG (00:12:00)   Non-Feder

Favorite Character Moments from Insurrection.   The Next Generation has a mostly episodic format, but over the course of the show and the movies, there are many great character moments. Those moments, both great and small, can enhance our experience of the show and lead to a new understanding of both regular and recurring characters.   In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Justin Oser list their three favorite character moments from Insurrection. Each host discusses why their chosen moments are important to them and to the development of characters on The Next Generation. Favorite character moments is a series that will cover all seven seasons and the four movies of The Next Generation.   Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Babel Conference Feedback (01:51:00) First Picks (00:04:33) Second Picks (00:25:03) Third Picks (00:35:25)  Honorable Mentions (00:39:33) Final Thoughts (00:53:55)    Closing (01:04:02)  Runtime: 1 hour 8 minutes 40 seconds Hosts Richard Marquez Justin Oser Amy Nel

Favorite Badass Troi Moments.   Deanna Troi is often thought of for her counseling abilities and her empathy and not as often for her toughness in the different aspects of her character. However, Troi does have her share of badass moments throughout the course of The Next Generation episodes and movies.  In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Justin Oser list their three favorite badass Deanna Troi moments from The Next Generation. Each choice is discussed and highlights Troi as tough and uncompromising. Chapters Intro (00:01:16)  Listener Feedback (00:02:14)  First Picks (00:10:55) Second Picks (00:22:07)  Third Picks (00:33:13)  Honorable Mentions (00:53:08) Final Thoughts (01:04:30) Closing (01:11:41)  Runtime: 1 hour 22 minutes 35 seconds   Hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, Justin Oser   Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Justin Oser (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Produc

The Lost Episodes, Part 4.   There are many scripts, script outlines, and episode and movie concepts that never made it onto the screen on The Next Generation. These lost episodes can provide a fascinating window into what might have been, what characters and concepts ended up being modified and used later, and into the behind-the-scenes writing process. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss the never-produced episode "The Crystal Skull," which would have aired in season one. The Lost Episodes is a continuing series that will cover many unfilmed episodes and movie concepts over the course of the seven seasons and four movies of The Next Generation. Chapters  Intro (00:01:22)   Babel Conference Feedback (00:03:15)   Email (00:13:19)   Crystal Skull  Guesses (00:16:09)   Lost Episode: Crystal Skull (00:21:07)   Thoughts? (00:47:55)   Final Thoughts (01:00:23)     1 hour 14 minutes 16 seconds   Hosts Richard Marquez, Justin Oser, Amy Nelson   Production Richard