Ceti Alpha 3: A Star Trek Podcast

The funniest episode in the franchise. Star Trek is most known as a morality play/drama series with action/adventure and sci-if. But not many people would describe Trek as a comedy. Nevertheless, there are a notable number of episodes that go for full-blown humor. Phillip recently tweeted a question about the funniest episodes and fans responded with their picks. The trio goes thru the list - which is the funniest episode of Trek?

This month, as well as this year, has been a turbulent but significant moment of the 21st Century. We don’t know how it will affect our future. In the third season of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” the writers imagined how a significant moment in the 2020s could lead to the creation of Starfleet and the Federation. The trio look at Sisko, Bashir, and Dax’s unplanned adventure in 2024 in the two-parter “Past Tense.” How did Ben and Julian’s experience in the so-called sanctity district contrast to Jadzia’s time in the sky rise office building? What meaning does this episode have for us today?

In Focus: Harcourt Fenton MuddThere are a special few characters who have made multiple appearances across the Star Trek franchise. Harry Mudd, con artist, has appeared in three various series, as well as being name-checked in "Star Trek into Darkness." How has the character evolved? Is he consistent? Is he villain or lovable rogue? The trio look at Mudd in the original series of "Star Trek," the animated series, and "Star Trek: Discovery" (including a Short Trek!).

A new Star Trek series will join the franchise! As fans celebrate the announcement of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” the trio reflect on another series being set around The Original Series era. Eric Berry of the podcasts “Ranger Command Power Hour” and “The StarFleet Escape Podcast” joins to compare how the Power Ranger franchise gravitates to the original “Mighty Morphin’” era with how Trek keeps returning to its Kirk/Spock-time origins. Is the TOS-era filled with unexplored facets? Do the fans just want more Spock? How did “Enterprise,” “Discovery,” and the Kelvin universe films renew TOS?

For Star Trek fans, the franchise is about science, optimism, and a future to strive for. But there are antagonistic elements that show a darker path for humanity in the 22nd century and beyond. Section 31 was introduced in DS9 as a faction of Starfleet that put security first, and all other considerations second. Other series probed further into this secretive organization, as well as feature films. The trio each choose an episode or movie that features Section 31 - what is their history? What do they add to the franchise? Reveal your secrets as we plunge into all things Section 31.

BridgeMatesWhen Star Trek fans are stuck in quarantine, what better time than to play the only podcast Star Trek game show hosted by Phillip - BridgeMates! Darren and Daniel face off against fellow podcasters from The Nerd Party, Tristan and Char. However, will these two teams survive a challenge from the Roddenberry Network's "Women at Warp" team of Sue and Jarrah?It's Trek trivia mixed in with some 1970s "Newlyweds" questions - and which team will face the dreaded "Netflix summaries" Bonus Round? Join in the fun and questions with BridgeMates!

Quarantine EpisodesWith the world keeping safe from COVID-19, what guidance does "Star Trek" offer about dealing with potentially deadly illnesses? The trio tackles two episodes from the franchise: "For the World Is Hollow And I Have Touched the Sky" focuses on Dr. McCoy contracting a terminal illness and "Resolutions" leaves Captain Janeway and Lt. Cmdr. Chakotay quarantined on an unexplored planet. How did these characters treat these life changes? What does that tell us about today? Let us know how these episodes from The Original Series and "Voyager" compare.

Space Battles. When comparing science fiction franchises, there are many movies and series that concentrate more on special effects, specifically space battles. However, the Star Trek franchise does not shy away from ships trading phaser blasts or torpedo volleys. The trio look at the memorable space battles of Starfleet and beyond. Which series did it the best? Which movies contain the best ship choreography? Let us know your favorite Trek space fight.

Star Trek: Picard Season One Round-UpThere's no new Star Trek for now, so let's talk about "old" Trek! "Star Trek: Picard" has concluded its inaugural season - what did it all mean? Daniel, Darren, and Phillip look at their favorite moments, their not-so-favorite moments, and what this all means for season two. What do you think is the most memorable aspect that "Picard" brought to the "Star Trek" franchise?

“Star Trek: Picard” Season Two TNG Pitches. Season one of “Picard” has ended, which means it’s time to start speculating about season two! The trio does a round-robin selection of episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” that would serve as future stories. What episode would help explore Jean-Luc’s synthetic nature? How would Seven deal with planet Picard has visited before? What TNG “sequel” would you like to see on “Picard”?

"Et in Arcadia Ego" Part 2 Review.All good storylines must come to an end. "Star Trek: Picard" ends its first season with a variety of characters coming together (or meeting their end...). Is the end fulfilling? Does it tease elements for the second season? What would we say the overall theme of the series has been? The trio figures out what it all means. What was your favorite part of "Picard" season one?

"Et in Arcadia Ego" Part 1 Review. The end has arrived for the first season of "Star Trek: Picard." Jean-Luc and his crew, both new and old, face the grand drama of the Zhat Vash fleet on its way, the "synths" home planet, and what more is to be revealed. As the final pieces fall into place, the trio look at the journey of eight episodes to get here, what the pay-offs have been, how the plot has complicated, and what will come in the final episode.

"Broken Pieces"You want answers? You want the truth? You can't handle the truth ... about the synth's attack on Mars and what motivates the Zhat Vash. "Star Trek: Picard" sets up its final journey of the first season with characters setting a final course for what's to be a memorable season finale (with two episodes to go).What questions do you still have remaining for this season?

“Nepenthe” Review. The trio gather around the ready room table, er, dining room table for some pizza, Data memories, and the joy of visiting the Troi-Riker’s in the latest episode of “Star Trek: Picard.” We jump along three storylines but ultimately find ourselves home with Will, Deanna, and Kestra, as Picard and Soji take a moment to refocus their paths. What was your favorite moment?

"The Impossible Box" ReviewIt's all starting to come together for season one of "Star Trek: Picard" ... we think? Jean-Luc and the La Sirena crew arrive at the Borg cube, ending the search for Soji. But can Hugh lead Picard and the synthetic to safety? And what about the Romulan plot - the ploy to find the origins of the Maddox synths? There are a lot of emotional beats in this story - what's your favorite part?

“Stardust City Rag” Review. Put that extra umbrella in your drink and join the trio as they beam down to Freecloud for episode 5 of “Star Trek: Picard.” This Seven of Nine-based episode runs the gambit of horror, revenge, and lost friends (lovers?). What do you think of Seven’s story? Did you appreciate the look into Raffi’s family life? Let us know!

"Absolute Candor" ReviewIn the spirit of the latest episode of "Star Trek: Picard," there are is excitement of the arrival of a Trek favorite at the end, appreciate for the new chateau-ready room, and an interesting use of Picard staging a sit-in. Also, this RPG group picks up their warrior-class character to complete their party! The trio explore what this episode means for the rest of the "Picard" story and what is to come. What was your favorite moment from the episode?

"The End is the Beginning" Review. There are some who are calling the first three episodes of "Star Trek: Picard" the actual pilot of the series. If so, this third installment finally gets former Admiral Picard into space. on a ship, with his chosen crew -- "Engage!" The trio look at the Picard and Borg site storylines that are, for the moment, separate. What more will we learn in future flashbacks to the time of Admiral Picard and Commander Raffi? How many holograms can there be on a ship? When do the Chateau Romulan caretakers get their own spin-off series??!! Let us know what you thought of the first 25th Century appearance of Hugh and the Romulan machinations involving an unsuspecting synthetic, Soji.

"Maps and Legends" ReviewIt's all shaping up as the "Star Trek: Picard" continues to introduce us to the world of the 25th Century. The trio is joined by Sarah Gulde, of the new Trek fanzine Star Trek Quarterly (www.facebook.com/startrekquarterly) to talk about Romulan caretakers, admiral, bad-mmodores, and the fraternization policies of Borg cubes. What questions are you waiting to be answered this season?

All Good Things ... Begin. “Remembrance” Review. ​A new series enters the Star Trek franchise with the debut of “Star Trek: Picard.” This first series set at the dawn of the 25th Century introduces new characters, new challenges, and what as changed since we last saw Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek: Nemesis.” The trio take the first episode of “Picard” step-by-step, as they explore the mysteries that are introduced, the familiar characters and props we see, and what comes next in this new journey. Join us, as we don’t want the game to end either. What was the most memorable part of this series premiere?