Earl Grey: A Star Trek The Next Generation Podcast

Memorable Goodbyes.   Star Trek has had some very memorable goodbyes from main and secondary characters to series finales. Specifically speaking of The Next Generation, Tasha Yar, Data, and Wesley Crusher have very distinct and unique goodbyes within the series. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan, Amy Nelson, Ria Papageorgiou, Kevin Scharf, and Pierre LaRocco discuss some of their favorite characters saying goodbye. We also say our own goodbyes to the listeners as we take our leave of hosting duties on Earl Grey. Chapters Intro (00:01:14) Feedback (00:03:28) Goodbyes (00:07:47) Round 1 (00:15:40) Round 2 (00:40:06) Speed Round (00:58:03)  Final Thoughts (01:01:39)  Closing (01:04:02) Hosts Joe Keegan, Amy Nelson, Kevin Scharf, Ria Papageorgiou, Pierre LaRocco Guests [Names] Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) Joe Keegan (Producer) Kevin Scharf (Producer) Ria Papageorgiou (Producer) Pierre LaRocco (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (E

Character's We Never Saw Again. As a mostly episodic TV show, The Next Generation is full of rich and interesting characters that we unfortunately only got to see once. Nevertheless there is a plethora of characters that leave an indelible mark on Star Trek and on the crew of the Enterprise.   In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Pierre LaRocco, Joe Keegan and Kevin Scharf discuss some of the many characters we only ever saw once. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) One Off Characters (00:06:48) Shelby (00:07:54) Darren (00:13:53) Jono (00:19:19) Amanda Rodgers (00:21:48) Roga Danar (00:24:25) Yale (00:29:13) Odan (00:33:03) Tam Elbrun (00:40:41) Ishara Yar (00:43:39) Honorable Mentions (00:52:34) Final Thoughts (01:00:36) Closing (01:01:20) End (00:01:09:53) Runtime: 1 hour 9 minutes 53 seconds HostsPierre LaRocco Joe Keegan Kevin Scharf   Production Pierre LaRocco (Editor and Producer) Kevin Scharf (Producer) Joe Keegan (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Ria Papageorgiou (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan J

Mismatched Episodes.   Kathryn Janeway, captain of the Enterprise?  Jadzia Dax and Sylvia Tilly serving side by side?  Jonathan Archer and Tom Paris at the Royale?  How would the 24th century be different if the crew of the NCC 1701-D were replaced with characters from the other Star Trek series?  Would anyone play with Wesley? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Pierre LaRocco, and Ria Papageorgiou discuss what would happen if the characters from different Star Trek series were like a deck of cards, shuffled and dealt into various TNG episodes.  The hosts each come in with three mismatched episodes and discuss the implications of characters traversing space and time and creating alternate adventures aboard the Enterprise-D. Chapters Intro (00:01:17) Feedback (00:04:43) Mismatched Defined (00:07:21) Round 1 (00:10:42) Round 2 (00:20:27) Round 3 (00:29:59)  Final Thoughts (00:46:25)  Closing (00:49:40) Total Run Time: 57:04 Hosts Amy Nelson, Pierre LaRocco, and Ria Papageorgiou Production Amy

Data's Hobbies Being an android with no requirement to sleep would give you a lot of time to develop new skills and practice all your favorite pursuits. In The Next Generation we see Lieutenant Commander Data dabble in numerous hobbies including playing violin, painting, poetry, poker and holodeck adventures. His quest to understand the human condition and become more human himself is developed through his choice of leisure activities and entertainment choices.   In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan, Kevin Scharf, and Ria Papageorgiou discuss Lieutenant Commander Data's many and varied hobbies from The Next Generation. Chapters Intro (00:01:15) Data's Hobbies (00:02:47) Performing Arts (00:08:02) Visual Arts (00:24:08) Holodeck Adventures (00:36:40) Data and Sports (00:41:17) Unseen Hobbies (00:43:35) Closing (00:49:13) Runtime: 56 minutes 34 seconds Hosts Joe Keegan Kevin Scharf Ria Papageorgiou   Production Joe Keegan (Editor and Producer) Kevin Scharf (Producer) Ria Papageorgiou (Producer) Am

Season 7 Deleted Scenes, Part I.   Scenes that were filmed, but not seen by the audience in the final aired productions are available for every season and movies 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 Ria Papageorgiou, Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson talk about deleted scenes from The Next Generation season 7 episodes "Descent part II," "Liaisons," "Gambit part I," "Gambit part II," "Dark Page," "Inheritance." All the deleted scenes that are discussed can be found on the season 7 Blu-Ray release. Deleted Scenes is a series that will cover all seven seasons and the four movies of The Next Generation.  Chapters Intro (00:00:00) "Descent part II" (00:06:01) "Liaisons" (00:10:53) "Gambit Part I" (00:13:24) "Gambit Part II" (00:24:43)  "Dark Page" (00:27:39)  "Inheritance" (00:34:54)  Final Thoughts (00:49:08)  Closing (00:51:3

What if Series: Part 1 Every fan has their thoughts and every fan also wonders what if... In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Pierre LaRocco, Kevin Scharf, and Amy Nelson start a new series of what if scenarios.  They start with Yar, Locutus, and W. Thomas Riker. Chapters Intro (01:16:00) Feedback (04:21:00) Yar is Alive (07:10:00) W.T.K. Stays (25:19:00) Locutus of Borg Lives (37:17:00) Final Thoughts (51:00:00)  Closing (53:08:00) Hosts Pierre LaRocco, Amy Nelson, Kevin Scharf Production Pierre LaRocco (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Joe Keegan (Associate Producer) Jim McMahon (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art)

Finding the Highs in the Low, Season 1 Every rose has its thorn, and every season has its episodes that are, well, not as highly rated by fans.  While there are usually good reasons why these episodes are poorly received, even the biggest clunkers have redeeming qualities. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan, Amy Nelson, Pierre LaRocco, Kevin Scharf, and Ria Papageorgiou start a new series looking at the good that can be found in episodes that have been poorly reviewed. This series begins with a look at Season 1. Chapters Intro (00:01:20) Feedback (00:02:38) Low Rated Episodes (00:13:20) Coming of Age (00:16:40) Code of Honor (00:22:22) Skin of Evil (00:36:54)  The Last Outpost (00:44:11)  Angel One (00:50:07)  Justice (00:52:34)  When the Bough Breaks (01:00:47) Final Thoughts (01:08:10)  Closing (01:10:35) Hosts Joe Keegan, Pierre LaRocco, Kevin Scharf, Ria Papageorgiou Production Kevin Scharf (Editor and Producer) Ria Papageorgiou (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C

Introducing New Hosts   Usually, when one hosts leaves it's common for another host to be auditioned and recruited to share the vital tasks of editing and producing a professional sounding show. With Justin Oser leaving as host recently, we thought we'd shake things up and do something unique, so we've invited 3 new hosts to join us. They are Ria Papageorgiou, Kevin Scharf and Pierre LaRocco and this episode is their introduction. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson introduce not one, not two but three new hosts to join us and talk about all things TNG. Topics include introducing Ria Papageorgiou, Kevin Scharf and Pierre LaRocco, the new host's favorite things about Star Trek and a Scottish Lockdown Quiz with some wandering into a discussion on flags. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Introducing Kevin Scharf! (00:06:28)      Introducing Pierre LaRocco (00:07:57) Introducing Ria Papageorgiou (00:09:12) New Host Favorite Things (00:12:26)  Why You? (00:35:13) Scottish Lockdown Quiz (00:40:3

Jack Crusher.   Best friend to Captain Jean-Luc Picard, husband to Dr Beverly Crusher and father to Wesley Crusher. We only get to see Jack Crusher in a few short appearances; in one of which he's a hologram, another he's an hallucination and in the third he's dead. In "Family" we see a holographic Jack Crusher with a message for Wesley from when he was a baby. Then, in "Violations" we see Beverly's painful memory of visiting Jack in the morgue after Captain Picard had return his body to Earth. Finally, Wesley receives another message in the form of an hallucination in "Journey's End." In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson discuss the character of Jack Crusher. The discussion includes his role as father, husband and best friend and we try to piece together the facts we have about him to give us an idea of what kind of man he was. Chapters Intro (00:01:16) Feedback (00:03:25) Jack Crusher (00:07:26) Jack's Death (00:12:41) Husband (00:18:44) Father (00:36:51)  Friend (00:51:10)    Fin

Aging and Death.   Death is a natural part of life and an unavoidable consequence of aging, even in the 24th century. As time marches on, so must we. We have seen many characters prematurely age due to outside influences or grow old gracefully. We see one alien culture declare old age as a burden and set rituals for death while Klingons send their fallen warriors to the great Sto'Vo'Kor. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson have the pleasure of welcoming Ria Papageorgiou to discuss the idea of aging and death as perceived in the 24th century. We share our personal stories to growing older and our perceptions of death. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:05:03) Welcome, Ria! (00:09:10) Death and Aging (00:14:40) Aging in TNG (00:23:08) Death in TNG (00:44:03)  Final Thoughts (01:01:54)  Closing (01:07:27) Runtime: 1 hour 15 minutes 27 seconds Hosts Joe Keegan, Amy Nelson Guests Ria Papageorgiou Production Joe Keegan (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Tony Rob

Borg Collective Set.   "We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile." These immortals words were spoken by one of the Enterprise crews most relentless enemies - The Borg. We cover the topics of the evolution of the Borg from Q's first introduction in "Q Who" to Lore's mini-collective in "Descent" and continue the conversation on the next episode of To The Journey. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson are joined by TrekFM's To The Journey hosts Liam Smart and Zachary Fruhling to discuss the Borg episodes from The Next Generation and Voyager included in the Borg Fan Collective set. The episodes discussed include, Enterprise's "Regeneration" and TNG's "Q Who," "Best of Both Worlds," "I, Borg," and "Descent." Chapters Intro (00:01:12) TTJ Intro (00:05:44) "Regeneration" (00:09:41) "Q Who" (00:22:28) "Best of Both Worlds" (00:31:01) "I, B

Season 6 Deleted Scenes.   Scenes that were filmed, but not seen by the audience in the final aired productions are available for every season and movies 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 Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson talk about deleted scenes from The Next Generation season 6 episodes "Time's Arrow Part II", "Relics", "True Q", "Ship in a Bottle", "Face of the Enemy", "Tapestry", "Birthright Part I", "Birthright Part II", "The Chase", and "Rightful Heir". All the deleted scenes that are discussed can be found on the season 6 Blu-Ray release. Deleted Scenes is a series that will cover all seven seasons and the four movies of The Next Generation.  Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:05:07) "Time's Arrow Part II" (00:11:11) "Relics" (00:14:42) "True Q" (00:19:00) "Ship in a Bottle" (00:21:34)     "Face of

Trivia with Jim McMahon Throughout Star Trek's history, human and alien competitive games have featured, including parrises squares, stratagema, tri-dimensional chess, hover ball, poker, dom-jot, kal toh and dabo. One thing we didn't see on screen was a good old fashioned quiz night, so we're giving you one on Earl Grey. Topics include TNG guest stars and Picard's history among others. Who wins? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Joe Keegan are joined by guest and quizmaster Jim McMahon.  Amy and Joe are pitted against each other in a titanic battle that tests the depths of their Next Generation knowledge. Chapters Intro (00:01:14) Trivia Intro (00:05:37) Round 1 (00:09:39) Round 2 (00:16:03) Round 3 (00:21:51) Round 4 (00:27:51)  Bonus Round (00:36:42)  Final Score (00:43:27)    Closing (00:45:40) Running Time (00:52:51) Hosts Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson Guests Jim McMahon Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) Joe Keegan (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive

"Birthright Part I and II"   Worf and Data are both in search of their father in the season six episode "Birthright Part I and Part II". Data learns that his father created a dreaming program in hopes that he will learn more about humanity. Worf learns how to be a teacher of Klingon culture to a new generation of Klingons captured by Romulans from the Khitomer attack. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson are joined by special guest Pierre LaRocco to discuss the parallel storylines of Worf and Data in search of their fathers. Both characters must learn about themselves in order to bring closure to their own father's life. We discuss the importance of dreams and our own personal family histories. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:05:46) Welcome, Pierre! (00:09:43) "Birthright" (00:10:55)    Data's Experience (00:12:04) Worf's News (00:19:40)    Worf & Data's Interaction (00:24:22)  Final Thoughts (00:50:27)    Closing (00:54:52) Running Time 1 hour 0 minutes 2 secon

Wesley's Starfleet.   Ever since we met Wesley Crusher, he has always wanted to join Starfleet and become an officer. What is it about Starfleet that has Wesley so enamored? With the number of tests to enter the academy and the peer pressure of doing well, does this discourage Wesley to leave Starfleet before graduating? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Justin Oser, Joe Keegan, and Amy Nelson are joined with Kevin Scharf to discuss the testing procedures and courses taken at Starfleet Academy. The mere entrance exams of written, oral, and psych tests are enough to sway the faint of heart but Welsey endures only to drop out before his graduation. Chapters Intro (00:01:19) Starfleet Academy (00:07:56) Entrance Exams (00:12:36) Attending the Academy (00:36:52) Disciplinary Actions (00:49:04)  Leaving Starfleet (00:58:04)    Final Thoughts (01:09:50)  Closing (01:17:03) Hosts Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson Guests Kevin Scharf Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) Joe Keegan (Producer) Tony Robinson (Prod

Time Travel Fan Set.   As Deanna Troi says best in First Contact, "Timeline? This is no time to talk about time. We don't have the time!" Well, we do have the time and we do talk about the selected episodes from the Fan Collective Set covering The Next Generation episodes. We discuss time loops, going back in time, alternate-reality timelines and many other things including hot dogs. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan and Amy Nelson discuss "Cause and Effect", "Time's Arrow", " and "All Good Things". These three episodes were highlighted in the Fan Collective Set for The Next Generation and all deal with the concept of time travel. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:03:30) The Scots Language Section (00:05:19) Time Travel Fan Collective (00:10:26) "Cause and Effect" (00:10:56) "Time's Arrow" (00:22:04)  All Good Things (00:35:35)  Final Thoughts (00:43:42)  Closing (00:48:45) Runtime  1 hour 0 minutes and 32 seconds Hosts Joe Keegan, Amy Nelson Production Joe Keegan (Editor and P

Favorite Badass Guinan Moments. Guinan first appeared at the start of the second season of The Next Generation and she quickly became a fan favorite character. Through appearances in twenty-eight episodes and two movies, Guinan dispensed important wisdom as Ten Forward's bartender while keeping the history of her long life mostly a mystery. With Guinan set to appear in the second season of Star Trek: Picard, we thought it was the perfect time to choose her most badass moments that we've seen so far. We also have an important announcement after the discussion.    In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser list their three favorite badass Guinan moments from The Next Generation. Each choice is discussed and highlights Guinan as tough and uncompromising.   Chapters  Intro (00:01:15)  First Picks (00:16:33)  Second Picks (00:33:47)  Third Picks (00:47:11)  Honorable Mentions (01:03:09)  Final Thoughts (01:12:08)  Announcement (01:16:56)  Closing (01:27:30)     Runtime: 01:41:28  

Favorite Exoplanets in TNG.   Exoplanets are planets outside Earth's solar system and they have been very important to Star Trek from the first time that the crew of the Enterprise on The Original Series startedexploring strange new worlds. There have been many exoplanets depicted in every series, from familiar M-class planets like Vulcan and Betazed to gas giants to even more exotic planets. Over the course of seven seasons and four movies, The Next Generation introduced us to many amazing exoplanets that have been fueling our imaginations for more than three decades.    In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Joe Keegan and Justin Oser are joined by guest Mike Wong of the Strange New Worlds: A Science and Star Trek Podcast to list their three favorite exoplanets on The Next Generation. Each participant talks about why the exoplanets they have chosen are meaningful to them and important to The Next Generation.   Chapters  Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome, Mike! (00:02:42) Exoplanets (00:04:24) First Picks (00:19:12) Se

Picard's Best Partner. Over the course of seven seasons and four movies, Captain Picard has his share of love interests, from the romantic tension with Dr. Beverly Crusher that begins in the very first episode to his love affair with Anij in Insurrection. How should we judge who would make the best partner for Picard and what does that say about how we see his character?    In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Justin Oser and Joe Keegan are joined by guest Rob Chapman, who runs the Trek Book Club on Twitter, to discuss who they think is the best romantic partner for Picard in The Next Generation. The partners discussed include Dr. Beverly Crusher, Vash, Kamala, Lt. Commander Nella Daren, and Anij.   Chapters  Intro (00:00:00)  Listener Feedback (00:03:14)  Welcome, Rob! (00:11:30)  Beverly Crusher (00:13:18) Vash (00:21:59) Kamala (00:29:16) Nella Daren (00:37:57) Anij (00:48:54) Final Thoughts (00:56:35)  Closing (01:57:58)    Runtime: 1 hour 16 minutes 47 seconds Hosts  Joe Keegan Justin Oser GuestRob Cha

"Balance of Terror" and "The Neutral Zone."   The Romulans are one of the most important and recognizable species in Star Trek. They were introduced in the classic season 1 episode of The Original Series "Balance of Terror" on December 15, 1966. We learn in the episode that the Romulans have re-appeared on the galactic stage after more than a century of isolation that followed a war with Earth. On May 16, 1988, the Romulans made their first appearance on The Next Generation in the season 1 finale episode, "The Neutral Zone." We see an echo of "Balance of Terror" as we learn that the Romulans have once again isolated themselves (this time for 53 years) and have returned again to exert their influence on events in the galaxy. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Joe Keegan are joined by guest Tim Robertson, Associate Producer of Standard Orbit and host of the Observers Notebook podcast to discuss the introduction of the Romulans in The Original Series and The Next Generation. We talk about the st