Ceti Alpha 3: A Star Trek Podcast

The Symbols of Trek. The universe of Star Trek offers a myriad of cultures, races, and more. Each of those alien species offers various logos and symbology that makes them unique. The trio looks at those symbols - how well do they represent their respective cultures? And are there hidden meanings? What is your favorite Trek logo?

Star Trek: Voyager's Two-Parters, Edition 1It's a hot time in the Star Trek Universe - the trio talks about their hopes and excitement for the upcoming 2020 Star Trek shows. They also look at the long form storytelling of 1990's Star Trek: Voyager. As with many Trek series, they made use of two-parters to either end/start a season or provide a larger story in the middle of the season. They examine the episodes "Basics," "Future's End," "Scorpion," and "Year of Hell." Were these stories worthy of two episodes or could they have been told another way? And did some of the two-parters leave us wanting more? Let us know your favorite VOY two-parter.

Space Vessel "Deaths"In Star Trek, we mourn the loss of many characters - including those many starships that were sacrificed for the great good. Or were just destroyed by a lucky shot. The trio look at each of the ship "deaths" in all of the Star Trek live action series, and whether they were meaningful or just a cool explosion.Which is your most memorable "ship death"?

Talkin’ Ships, Part Two. The trio continue their in-depth coverage of the main vessels in Star Trek. They cover Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and the Enterprise-E. How do some of these ships separate? Is the runabout more shuttle or starship? Should saucers be circles or ovals? Let us know your starship opinions.

Talkin' Ships, Part 1The ships of the line are an oft-discussed topic in Star Trek - the trio look at the "hero" ships from "Enterprise" to "The Next Generation." What is that makes the NX-01, the NCC-1031, the NCC-1701 (in its several incarnations), and the NCC-1701-D stand out? From the outside in, Darren, Daniel, and Phillip talk about what these futuristic ships do to bring our imagination alive. Which is your favorite Starfleet vessel?

Alien Introductions. The trio begin a new series - focusing on the introduction on now-familiar alien species. In this inaugural installment, the trio look at the first episodes featuring the Klingons ("Errand of Mercy" TOS) and the Founders ("The Search, Parts 1 and 2" DS9). How do the "Kling'n's" differ from the ones we've seen throughout the franchise? Commander Kor acts as our first Klingon character, but seems a far cry from those warriors of TNG and DSC. Deep Space Nine introduces the leaders of the Dominion in their season three opener, which will change the course of the series and last until its finale. What do you think of these first episodes? And what changed/kept the same?

The Fathers of Trek, Part 2The trio continue their celebration of Trek dads with a look at TNG, DS9, and VOY. Who were the fathers that really left a galactic mark on their progeny? Let us know your favorites from the 24th Century.

The Fathers of Trek, Part 1. Here in the US, Father’s Day is approaching, so the trio look at the father’s in Star Trek. There is a range of parents, leading many characters to have “daddy issues.” In this first installment, the trio goes thru Discovery, Enterprise, and The Original Series, giving some the award for number one dad. Who is your favorite father in these first three series?

Re-booting Star Trek: CommunicatorThe trio travel back to the '90s and discuss what they would put in the glossy pages of "Star Trek Communicator." They also talk the future of "Star Trek: Picard" and the new Trek game at your local Dave & Busters.

Deep Space 9 Documentary ImpressionsDarren, Daniel, Phillip and Char discuss seeing the amazing What We Left Behind DS9 documentary this past week.

State of the Trek UnionIt is an interesting time in the Star Trek franchise. As we await season three of Star Trek: Discovery, we are also awaiting a plethora of other Star Trek shows from a variety of sources. The trio talks about all the upcoming Trek shows, and what it could mean in this new phase of the sci-fi franchise. Which show are you most excited about?

Creating Classic Short Treks. Star Trek: Discovery uses time between seasons to release “Short Treks” specials. The majority of the season one/two break episodes ended up contributing to the end of season two. The trio decide to look at some of the season breaks of TNG, DS9, VOY, and ENT & create their own “Short Treks.” Which one works best?

Season Two FinalesIt's been some time since the "Star Trek: Discovery" season two finale, but does it have something in common with its sister shows? The trio look at the TNG, DS9, and VOY season two final episodes and look for a common thread. Does "Shades of Gray," "The Jem'Hadar," and "Basics, Part 1" stand up to "Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2"? And do they all presage how a season three will begin?

Such Sweet Sorrow Part 2 Discussion. The finale has arrived and the ending of season two of “Star Trek Discovery” has left us ... with questions. The trio looks at the long arc of red angels, seven signals, and the secret compact about Michael/spore drive/Discovery. Let us know what you thought of the finale and your predictions for season three.

"Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 1" OverviewThe penultimate episode of season two of "Star Trek: Discovery" sets up a lot of stories to be resolved in the finale - continued frustrations with attempts to destroy the sphere data, the looming attack by Control/Section 31, and crew members saying goodbye as they venture into a risky mission. The trio has a few things to say about ship hookups and leaving Captain Pike and the Enterprise. Let us know how you think season two is wrapping up and what you look forward to in season three.

"Through the Valley of Shadows" Discussion. The trio are joined by Char, co-host of "Punch It: Writing in Star Trek," to talk about Pike facing his future, Michael and Spock fighting Section 31, and how Jet Reno is not the most purely motivated relationship counselor. With season two coming to an end, are we ready to say goodbye to future Captain Beep-beep chair? What relationships are changing? And what are our predictions for the close of season two?

"Perpetual Infinity" DiscussionIt's time to meet Burnham ... Doctor Burnham, that is. There's a ticking clock with an evil AI, science, and emotions. What more can we find out about the Red Angel suit? What's going on with Captain Leland? We make predictions about where season two will end. What are your theories?

Phillip, Daniel and Darren are joined by Amy to finally reveal who guessed who the Red Angel is....

"Project Daedalus" AnalysisThe trio is joined by Robyn from "Black Girls Create" to look at the rise and fall of Lt. Cmdr. Airiam. What questions does this episode raise about our favorite augmented human crewmember? We also examine sibling relationships, some needed self-reflection for Burnham, and Spock/Stamets fanfic. They also look at the dichotomy about Section 31 and Star Trek moralism - as well as casting the "Space Girls."What was your favorite part of "Project Daedalus"?

"If Memory Serves" AnalysisWe go back to Talos IV to uncover the truth of Spock's past. Join Darren, Daniel and Phillip as they determine what is real and what is connected to the Red Angle. What did you think of this story that seemed to link a lot of the beginning of season two with what is to come? And what did you think of Bernum' secret?