In the TNG pilot episode “Encounter at Farpoint,” when Data tells Riker he would gladly give up the abilities of an android to become human, Riker smiles and nicknames his new shipmate “Pinocchio.” The wooden puppet protagonist of the 1883…
One of the most fascinating things about Star Trek is how prescient it can be when it comes to technology. One era’s science fiction becomes another’s science fact, often in surprising ways. The Star Trek: Voyager episode “Author, Author”,…
We deconstruct The Doctor’s turn at holo-fatherhood in “Real Life,” looking at sitcom tropes, patriarchal family dynamics, and what lessons could’ve been learned from other members of the Voyager crew. Download now (right-click and save) Hosts: Jarrah, Grace and…
We’re joined by Dr. Rumman Chowdhury for an in-depth look at many of the different depictions of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the Star Trek universe. Why are malevolent AIs always susceptible to logic problems? Why gender an android?…
I realized I was asexual on Valentine’s Day 2020. My then boyfriend and I had recently agreed that our relationship wouldn’t work out and that it would be best to split on good terms. A month later, while I was…
With all the buzz surrounding the upcoming Voyager documentary, it’s hard not to feel the call of the Delta Quadrant. With four shows since it’s premiere, and at least two more on the way, it’s easy for fans to forget…
I don’t recall if my father purposefully recorded episodes of Star Trek: Voyager (and Deep Space Nine and The Next Generation) to keep for a personal library before the days of DVDs, or if he was otherwise engaged during…
Voyager introduced us to the Delta Quadrant, several new alien species, and of course Star Trek’s first woman captain to lead a show. The crew is joined by Charlynn Schmiedt to discuss the stories, characters, and themes in Season 1.…