Trek Marry Kill

TOS: "The Ultimate Computer" (s2e24) with Anthony Pascale & Laurie Ulster from TrekMovie.com's All Access Star Trek Podcast

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:01:00 -0000

SON OF A GLITCH. Control of the Enterprise is given over to a computer program programmed by a one-time wiz-kid who is trying to invent The Next Big Thing. But is automated space exploration that thing? Probably not. Bryan and Kristen are joined by Anthony Pascale & Laurie Ulster from TrekMovie.com's All Access Star Trek Podcast to discuss an episode from The Original Series that resonates today as much as it did upon first airing.

Thank you for listening to us all these years. It's Trek Marry Kill's **200TH** EPISODE!

Check out TrekMovie.com's All Access Star Trek podcast here or wherever you listen to podcasts: The TrekMovie.com Star Trek Podcast Network - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

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TNG: "Half A Life" (s4e22) with creator Matt Baume

Tue, 05 May 2026 16:27:00 -0000

AUNTIE MAME'S MORALITY. Has Lwaxanna Troi finally found love in the form of timid Dr. Timicin, whose life's work to reignite his planet's dying star hits a wall when he's scheduled to perform ritual suicide? This week, Bryan is joined by YouTube creator and writer Matt Baume to discuss a serious episode featuring the flamboyant Lwaxanna. Check out the excellent video Matt made all about Lwaxanna's place in the Trek firmament on his channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHbTWEXSx1Y&pp=ygUYbWF0dCBiYXVtZSBsd2F4YW5uYSB0cm9p

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VOY: "The Thaw" (s2e23) with James Thorpey of The Monster Rally Podcast

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:01:00 -0000

WHAT FEAR WANTS is to keep itself alive and only Captain Janeway is clever enough to outwit a computer program that's become the embodiment of that extreme emotion. Are We Sure It Was Bad? Month concludes with the episode of Star Trek: Voyager where This Is Spinal Tap's and Better Call Saul's Michael McKean guest stars as a killer clown. Joining Bryan to decide if it's a TREK, MARRY, or KILL is James Thorpey, one of the hosts of Geekscape's Monster Rally Podcast.

Check out James's show here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-monster-rally-podcast/id1553516144

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TOS: "The Way to Eden" (s3e20) with Mark Farinas & Ryan Thomas Riddle of The Ship Full of Jerks Podcast

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:12:00 -0000

HIP HIP HIPPIE! The Ship Full of Jerks take command of the podcast once again as "Are We Sure It Was Bad?" Month rolls along. The Enterprise takes into custody a band of hippies who are trying to find the mythical planet of Eden, which for some reason is very close to the Neutral Zone. To them, Kirk is a square and Spock is cool. Also, Chekov has a preexisting relationship with one of them. Is the episode a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

This episode has a three-way tie! Vote in the poll below through the Spotify app OR go to the poll on our Bluesky page (trekmarrykpod). More importantly, check out Ship Full of Jerks wherever you get your podcasts!

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TNG: "The Royale" (s2e12) with writer Cory Marciel

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:01:00 -0000

ALIEN ANT HOTEL. Riker, Data, and Worf get caught in an alien habitat setup to mimic the story of a trashy airport novel carried by a long-dead NASA astronaut. "Are We Sure It Was Bad?" Month continues with this season two headscratcher from TNG. Will Bryan and guest co-host Cory give this one a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

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DS9: "Move Along Home" (s1e9)

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:01:00 -0000

QUARK THE GAMER. We kick off "Are We Sure It Was Bad?" Month with one of the more memed episodes of Star Trek: the episode where Sisko, Kira, Dax, and Bashir become trapped in a board game brought through the wormhole by gaming aliens from the Gamma Quadrant. Shereese the Sci Fi Savage beams in to see if this one is a TREK, MARRY, or KILL.

Check out Shereese's YouTube channel here: The Sci-Fi Savage - YouTube

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LD-"The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel" & "A Farewell to Farms" (s5e3-4) with writers Avery Kaplan & Ollie Kaplan

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:10:00 -0000

HASTE MAKES TASTE? Bryan is joined by the Kaplans, Avery & Ollie, to talk about their love of Lower Decks, the worst episode of Star Trek in Ollie's opinion, and thoughts on how Star Trek should leverage its many alien cuisines. As for the two episodes up for judgment, in the first one, Mariner backslides into a season 3 characterization while T'Lynn reveals another awesome aspect of her personality. In the second, Dr. Migleemo's world proves to be a seven-course headache for the Cerritos crew!

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SNW: "New Life and New Civilizations" (s3e10)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:43:00 -0000

EYES WIDE SH*T? It's the third season finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and it would appear that the writing staff used the opportunity to combine three or four partial storylines they'd been noodling with all year only to realize that this might wind up being the series finale. Does the stew of ideas and spectacle make this a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

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SNW: "Terrarium" (s3e9)

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:30:00 -0000

GORNTEGAS? Erica Ortegas finally gets a substantial spotlight and it's a take on Enemy Mine and the TNG episode "Darmok." Can the helm officer of the Enterprise survive in an inhospitable place with a member of the Gorn Hegemony, her sworn enemy?

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SNW: "Four-and-a-Half Vulcans" (s3e8)

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:10:00 -0000

HENRY ALONSO MYERS presents his Star Trek-ified version of Birth of a Nation in the latest "it's okay because they're aliens" racial comedy that Strange New Worlds is the genre they've pioneered. But does this one match up well with, say, "Spock Amok," or "Charades," the episode to which this is a soft sequel? Bryan and Kristen try not to concern themselves with the plot and just examine this one as an expression of... something.

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SNW: "What Is Starfleet?" (s3e7)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:01:00 -0000

BETO'S FIRST MOVIE isn't quite what it was sold as. It's not feature length and it's more of a hit piece than an examination of what Starfleet is, and that's probably for the best as it's clear that Erica Ortegas's lil' bro has some serious problems with what's happened to his sister in service of the fleet. Are Bryan and Kristen impressed by this format-shifting episode of Strange New Worlds?

Check out Open Pike Nights' Strange New Words podcast interview with Alan B. McElroy right here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rykqCxlGVx9HgNQ4x8uHo?si=4ilqCsIrRdew_KQOdGiOEQ

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SNW: "The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail" (s3e6)

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:01:00 -0000

TRUSTING HIS FARRAGUT. Lt. Commander Kirk is thrust into command of the USS Farragut, but thankfully, he has Spock, Scotty, Uhura, and Nurse Chapel there to help him get through a hairy situation. Meanwhile, aboard a captured Enterprise, Chris and La'an play Lee & Starbuck, skulking the corridors taking out Cylons -- I-I mean ancient astronauts who've lost their humanity and are trying to strip the ship for parts.

Open Pike Night's Strange New Words interview with episode writers David Reed & Bill Wolkoff:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5sCmaTzEWewjxwss64S5we?si=Mo-h2t3hS9i3YGKo6n5-DA

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LD: "Dos Cerritos" & "Shades of Green" (s5e1-2) with Geekscape's Katie Hampton

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:05:00 -0000

THINE OWN SELVES. The Cerritos crew meets their alternate reality versions and are not too happy by what they discover about themselves via a parallel universe. Meanwhile, Tendi's choice to remain with the Orion Syndicate for a bit longer than you might expect gives her character an added, interesting dimension. This month's animated spotlight kicks off the fifth and final season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Will Bryan and returning guest co-host Katie Hampton Trek, Marry, or Kill these episodes??

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TNG: "Lessons" (s6e19) with Mark Farinas & Ryan Thomas Riddle of the Ship Full of Jerks Podcast

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:01:00 -0000

JEAN-LUC'S MOMMY ISSUES. This week, Bryan & Kristen transfer command codes of the podcast to the hosts of the Ship Full of Jerks podcast, Mark Farinas & Ryan Thomas Riddle. They bring to a close Love In A Vacuum Month with a look at the time Jean-Luc Picard dated a subordinate. Does it reflect Gene Roddenberry's vision of the 24th century or is it something closer to a man with modern day mommy issues? The Jerks are on the case!

Check out Ship Full of Jerks wherever you get your podcasts!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ship-full-of-jerks/id1672781041

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VOY: "Day of Honor" (s4e3) with Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence.net

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:01:00 -0000

WORST DAY EVER? B'Elanna Torres is stuck with Tom Paris floating in space, but that might not be the worst thing that's happened to her or Voyager on the Klingon Day of Honor. Bryan and guest co-host Liz Shannon Miller, the Senior Entertainment Editor of Consequence.net, look at a pivotal episode in the B'Tomnna relationship to determine if it's a TREK, MARRY, or KILL.

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DS9: "Looking for par'Mach in All the Wrong Places" (s5e3) with Cory Marciel

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 08:01:00 -0000

LOVE, DS9 STYLE. Star Trek has had farces throughout its history and here's one that centers an unlikely pair: Worf and Quark. Does this take on Cyrano de Bergerac reach the upper echelons of the farce genre? Joining Bryan to decide is an old friend of Bryan's, writer-editor Cory Marciel.

The grades begin at (33:00).

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TOS: "This Side of Paradise" (s1e24) with Curtis Fortier, Creator of 12 Sided Die

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0000

A HIDDEN TREASURE? Our theme this month is Love In A Vacuum, and kicking it off is an episode that's pivotal to understanding the Kirk-Spock relationship and the interiority of Mr. Spock -- so why isn't it one that frequently comes up when discussing the best episodes of the franchise? Bryan and guest Curtis Fortier try to reason it out.

Check out Curtis's show 12 Sided Die here: https://12sideddie.com/

And their Season 2 Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/12sideddieseason2/12-sided-die-season-2/

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LD: "The Inner Fight" & "Old Friends, New Planets" (s4e9-10) with Geekscape's Katie Hampton

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 01:02:00 -0000

RETREADS AND RERUNS. Bryan and Katie delve into the final two episodes of Lower Decks' fourth season in this month's animated spotlight in a pair of episodes that feel awfully familiar, but does that make them a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

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VOY: "The Voyager Conspiracy" (s6e9) with writer Avery Kaplan

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:17:00 -0000

PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS. Conspiracy Month concludes with an episode where Seven of Nine becomes super online and in the process develops a conspiracy mindset. Bryan is joined by writer Avery Kaplan to see if this one is a TREK, MARRY, or KILL.

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DS9: "Paradise Lost" (s4e12) with Geekscape's A. Diallo Jackson

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:14:00 -0000

SISKO'S HOME COUP'ING. Can Sisko and Odo unravel another Star Trek Badmiral's plot to usurp control of Earth from the President? Bryan and Geekscape's A. Diallo Jackson play TREK MARRY KILL with the exciting conclusion to this two-part earthbound conspiracy.

Check out Diallo's motion comic, Angela and the Dark here: Angela and the Dark: Volume Zero - Motion Comic

80s Kids Unite here: 80s Kids Unite | Geekscape

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DS9: "Homefront" (s4e11) with director David Livingston

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:01:00 -0000

SISKO FAMILY REUNION. For the first time in Trek Marry Kill's history, a member of the Star Trek team beams aboard to judge their own episode. Episode director David Livingston offers up his thoughts on Odo's feelings, casting decisions, shot selection, and the scene Colm Meaney really loved to do as well as his choices for his best-directed episodes of DS9 and Voyager, but what grade will he give his own work: TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

David has directed more episodes of Star Trek than anyone on the planet and has talked about his journey with the franchise many other places. Here are just a few of his recent appearances:

Mission Log: The One with David Livingston « Mission Log Podcast

TrekMovie.com's All Access: Podcast: All Access Goes Behind The Camera On ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ With Director David Livingston – TrekMovie.com Salon Trek:

https://www.youtube.com/live/sBgNbsoLq80?si=lLYriwbUoiqdG1Mp

He also suggests that if you're in a giving spirit or interested in Trek-adjacent charities, there's the Hollywood Food Coalition (https://www.hofoco.org/) and PanCAN, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (https://pancan.org/).

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TNG: "Conspiracy" (s1e25)

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:01:00 -0000

A REAL HEADACHE. Star Trek dips into pod people conspiracy territory with a complete outlier in the canon when it comes to graphic violence. It's an episode timed perfectly (?) to the 5-year anniversary of the January 6th Riot in Washington, D.C. Does it have enough campy charm to keep it out of Bryan and Kristen's phaser sight?

The grades begin at (38:28).

We are a part of the Geekscape podcast network. Check out Geekscape.net for all of our shows! This one was produced by Matt Kelly.

Consider rating and reviewing our show wherever you listen!

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LD: "A Few Badgeys More" & "Caves" (s4e7-8) with Geekscape's Katie Hampton

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:01:00 -0000

SEVERE PEANUT ALLERGY. Bryan and Katie navigate the return of **REDACTED** as the Cerritos crew is badgered by AI from their past. Meanwhile, in the other half of our animated spotlight, the two hosts wonder if the postmodern spin on a TV flashback episode delights or is more concept than execution.

We are a part of the Geekscape podcast network. Check out Geekscape.net for all of our shows! This one has been produced by Matt Kelly.

Consider rating and reviewing us wherever you listen to the show!

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TNG: "The Next Phase" (s5e24)

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:01:00 -0000

OUR FIRST SHOW! Bryan and Kristen recorded a test episode to see if Trek Marry Kill could be an actual show, and here it is! Will they TREK, MARRY, or KILL the episode where Geordi and Ro phase through all matter except the floor?

If you're interested, the music underneath the intro is track "Futuristic Sci Fi" posted by Rockot to pixabay.com.

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TOS: "Wolf in the Fold" (s2e14) with Curtis Fortier, Creator of 12 Sided Die

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:01:00 -0000

SCOTTY GETS STABBY, according to the Argelians, and it's up to Kirk & co. to prove that their chief engineer is not a brutal killer of women. The investigation leads them face to face with literally Jack the Ripper. Bryan and Curtis try to figure out if this one's a TREK, MARRY, or KILL.

The grades begin at (23:08).

Check out 12 Sided Die here: https://12sideddie.com/

And their Season 2 Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/12sideddieseason2/12-sided-die-season-2/

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LD: "Empathological Fallacies" & "Parth Ferengi's Darth Place" (s4e5-6) with Geekscape's Katie Hampton

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:01:00 -0000

THE LATINUM GIRLS. Bryan and Katie livestreamed this month's animated spotlight as part of Geekscape's fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern New Jersey. Come take a listen to their thoughts and judgment on the midway point of Lower Decks' fourth season. Some bawdy Betazoids fluster the crew of the Cerritos in "Empathological Fallacies." Later, a trip to Ferenginar proves overwhelming for Boimler, Tendi, Rutherford, and Mariner.

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TNG: "Power Play" (s5e15) with Geekscape's Sadie Witkowski

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:01:00 -0000

GHOSTS AND HOSTAGES. Bryan is joined by Sadie Witkowski of Geekscape's In Defense of Fandom podcast to decide if the episode where Troi, Data, and O'Brien are possessed by the "ghosts" of a long lost ship is a TREK, MARRY, or KILL.

The grades begin at (33:30).

Check out In Defense of Fandom here: In Defense of Fandom - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

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SNW: "Through the Lens of Time" (s3e5)

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:01:00 -0000

EFFECT BEFORE CAUSE. Strange New Worlds visits a strange new structure and discovers what seems to be an alien prison. Meanwhile, Dr. M'Benga's new nurse, Gamble, has an eye-opening experience on his very first landing party.

Check out the Open Pike Night interview with episode co-writer Davy Perez that Bryan cites right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEkknbezxa0&pp=ygUcc3RyYW5nZSBuZXcgd29yZHMgZGF2eSBwZXJleg%3D%3D

And the talk with Onitra Johnson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVPG40aec9o&pp=ygUgc3RyYW5nZSBuZXcgd29yZHMgb25pdHJhIGpvaG5zb24%3D

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SNW: "A Space Adventure Hour" (s3e4)

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:01:00 -0000

A LOATHING HOMAGE. Bryan & Kristen activate the arch and step inside Strange New Worlds stab at a holodeck mishap episode. La'an assumes the role of her favorite detective character from childhood who is asked to investigate the murder of a famous executive behind a fictional science fiction show from the 1960s. Does this concept within a concept within a concept lead to the loving homage everybody's claiming it is?

The grades begin at (35:46).

Check out the Open Pike Night podcast episodes referenced in this episode. With the episode writers:

https://youtu.be/fZDTc6gyVDk?si=bjOoGPSVTTQEHtGB

With the Mayor of Star Trek and episode director, Jonathan Frakes:

https://youtu.be/g6Qyj_xbjzU?si=lAjHqUfulN7mYwzu

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VOY: "Bride of Chaotica" (s5e12)

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:56:00 -0000

GET AWAY, CAMP! Bryan and Kristen stumble into Tom Paris's 1930s sci fi serial adventure and find it a threat to good taste just as a species of photonic beings perceive the characters in the holodeck to be. Voyager does a black and white episode, as was the style at the time, and Kate Mulgrew gets a chance to flex an acting muscle. Is it a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (15:34).

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DS9: "Our Man Bashir" (s4e10)

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:01:00 -0000

LICENSE TO BOND? Is this homage to James Bond our hosts' cuppa tea? Dr. Bashir becomes more interesting and a fair bit cooler putting on a tux, but it has the opposite effect on Garak, who becomes a total nag in this one. Meanwhile, a transporter accident creates a holosuite mishap that can only be solved with a Bondsian climax.

The grades begin at (26:45).

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SNW: "Shuttle to Kenfori" (s3e3)

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:01:00 -0000

ZOMBIES AND INSUBORDINATION. Pike and M'Benga go "off book" to find a flower to cure Captain Batel of her Gorn infection only to come across a research station now overrun by zombies. Complicating matters is the arrival of a Klingon woman on a question for vengeance. Meanwhile, Ortegas butts heads with Number One. Will Bryan & Kristen TREK, MARRY, or KILL this one?

The grades begin at (15:27).

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LD: "In the Cradle of Vexilon" & "Something Borrowed, Something Green" (s4e3-4) with Geekscape's Katie Hampton

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 06:53:00 -0000

BITS AND BYTES. A couple of episodes jam-packed with comedy bits greets Bryan and Katie (Geekscape's Christian Cringe and Napping Through Happy Hour podcasts) in this month's animated spotlight on Lower Decks. Does Captain Freeman's IT work rise to the level of expert? Can Tendi overcome family traditions? Do Boimler & Rutherford realize they've lost the thread on their Mark Twain impressions and have become caricatures of southern gentlemen?

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ENT: "Impulse" (s3e5) with Curtis Fortier, Creator of 12 Sided Die

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:01:00 -0000

SCREAM QUEEN JOLENE? Bryan is joined by actor-producer Curtis Fortier, creator of the web series 12 Sided Die, to engage with Star Trek's first non-Borg zombie story involving Captain Archer, T'Pol, and a ship of zombified Vulcans. Is this side quest in the Hunt for the Xindi season of Enterprise a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (32:50).

Check out 12 Sided Die here: https://12sideddie.com/

And their Season 2 Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/12sideddieseason2/12-sided-die-season-2/

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SNW: "Wedding Bell Blues" (s3e2)

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 19:37:00 -0000

STUPID SEXY KORBY. Spock and Dr. Korby must fight through a mass delusion foisted on the Enterprise crew by Trelane, who it turns out is a member of the Q Continuum. Bryan & Kristen discuss the worst weddings they've attended and argue about the possibility that this episode was based on the Lindsay Lohan movie "Irish Wish."

The grades begin at (25:03).

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TNG: "Qpid" (s4e20)

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:01:00 -0000

SLINGS AND EROS. Q returns and drops Picard & co. into a recreation of Errol Flynn's The Adventures of Robin Hood. Is Picard as Robin Hood enough to keep Vash interested in or is she drawn to the omnipotent being? And will Bryan and Kristen TREK, MARRY, or KILL this episode?

The grades begin at (21:44).

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TNG: "Family" (s4e2)

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:01:00 -0000

CAPTAIN UNCLE BROTHER. Jean-Luc Picard returns to his family vineyard to recover from his ordeal with the Borg. Meanwhile, Worf's adopted parents come aboard the Enterprise to do some bits; and, Wesley Crusher gets a message from his dead dad. Will Bryan and Kristen TREK, MARRY, or KILL this very important episode in franchise history?

The grades begin at (19:18).

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LD: "Twovix" & "I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee" (s4e1-2) with Geekscape's Katie Hampton

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:21:00 -0000

MUSEUMS AND MENAGERIES. In this month's animated spotlight, we replay our episode of Lower Decks' fourth season premiere, "Twovix," where Bryan & Kristen are joined by social media personality FanSince09. Then, in a new segment, Bryan is joined by Katie Hampton (Napping Through Happy Hour podcast) to deliver a verdict on "I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee." (38:02)

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SNW: "Hegemony, Part II" (s3e1)

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:05:00 -0000

WEREN'T GORN YESTERDAY! After a long hiatus, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns and the writers hope we don't remember the cliffhanger that ended season two. And what's going on with Captain Batel, exactly?

The grades begin at (27:06).

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VOY: "Scorpion, Part II" (s4e1)

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:02:00 -0000

IT'S THEIR NATURE! Our opening theme for the season was "New Season, New Characters," and after talking through the introduction of Worf to Deep Space Nine, it's time to spotlight the arrival of Seven of Nine, a massive shift in Star Trek history. Does "Scorpion, Part II" work solely because Jeri Ryan joins the cast or is there more going on here than meets the eye?

The grades begin at (22:01).

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VOY: "Scorpion" (s3e26)

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:01:00 -0000

RESISTANCE IS NEGOTIABLE? Captain Janeway writes the 24th century edition of The Art of the Deal in which she believes she can negotiate a truce with literally the Borg long enough for Voyager to traverse their territory. The hitch? The Borg are being annihilated by an aggressive species, making time of the essence. Meanwhile, Leonardo da Vinci has some opinion. Bryan is joined by Shereese the Sci Fi Savage (@SciFiSavage) -- will they TREK, MARRY, or KILL this one?

The grades begin at (25:32).

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DS9: "The Way of the Warrior" (s4e1) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:02:00 -0000

WORLD OF WORFCRAFT. Thirty years ago, Deep Space Nine was struggling in the ratings and the studio wanted them to do something to boost the ratings. Enter Michael Dorn as Worf, Son of Mogh. Did the producers' Hail Mary connect? Bryan, Kristen, and Shereese the Sci Fi Savage play TREK MARRY KILL with Worf's premiere on our favorite space station.

The grades begin at (24:53).

Check out Shereese's YouTube channel for her BEST/WORST reviews of every DS9 season: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSciFiSavage

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Level Three Diagnostic [SEASON PREMIERE]

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:01:00 -0000

SEASON FOUR BEGINS with a look back at season three and an examination of the mini controversies that surrounded the Star Trek franchise this summer. We also have some news about the podcast.

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DS9: "The Adversary" (s3e26)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:05:00 -0000

FINALLY, CAPTAIN SISKO. It took the powers that be long enough to grant Avery Brooks the public role of Star Trek captain and it happens here in the finale of Deep Space Nine's underrated third season that really cemented what the show would become in the seasons to follow -- even before Worf got dropped into it. Bryan and Kristen wrap up the third season of DS9 and the third season of Trek Marry Kill. Hope you've enjoyed it!

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LD: "Trusted Sources" & "The Stars at Night" (s3e9-10) with Katie Hampton

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:01:00 -0000

HUMAN INTEREST STORIES. Did Mariner badmouth the crew? Has Admiral Buenamigo teamed up with an evil AI to takedown Starfleet or is all AI inherently evil? Bryan is joined by Katie Hampton from Geekscape's Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast to work out if the last two episodes of Lower Decks' third season are TREKs, MARRYs, or KILLs and discuss along the way fame, schmuck bait, and their memories of various California cities.

Jump to "The Stars at Night" at (34:06).

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DS9: "Explorers" (s3e22)

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:01:00 -0000

SAIL BONDING TIME. Ben takes Jake on a trip aboard an ancient Bajoran spacecraft that utilizes a solar sail. Does this father-son adventure takeoff? Meanwhile, Bashir finds an ally in Chief O'Brien after being seemingly spurned by an impressive woman. DS9's Season Three Leap Forward theme month continues with this crucial episode.

The grades begin at (20:34).

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DS9: "The Die is Cast" (s3e21)

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:01:00 -0000

LOVE LIES SCREAMING. Garak tortures Odo to get back into Enabran Tain's good graces. Meanwhile, Sisko defies orders to mount a rescue only for he and the Defiant to come across one of Trek's biggest space battles -- to that point! DS9's Season Three Leap Forward theme month continues with the conclusion to an accidental two-parter.

The grades begin at (28:41).

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DS9: "Improbable Cause" (s3e20)

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:01:00 -0000

TAILOR MADE CONSPIRACY. Garak's shop explodes and Odo's investigation soon gets the two of them into a situation of galactic importance. Our DS9's Season Three Leap Forward theme month continues with a pivotal episode about Garak, the Dominion, and the clandestine services in the Alpha Quadrant.

The grades begin at (29:06).

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DS9: "Defiant" (s3e9) with actor-producer Curtis Fortier ("12 Sided Die")

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:01:00 -0000

DOUBTING THOMAS RIKER. Kira and the crew of DS9 fall under the charms of a Riker, just not the one they think! Transporter Twin Thomas Riker has his eyes set on the USS Defiant and uses sexcraft to get what he wants. In order to stop him, Sisko must reenact Fail Safe -- or is it the TNG episode "The Wounded"? -- with Gul Dukat on Cardassia.

Our theme this month is DS9's Season Three Leap Forward, looking at key episodes that showed Star Trek's middle child taking off and finding its own voice. Joining Bryan to kick things off is actor-producer-comedian Curtis Fortier, star and producer of web series 12 Sided Die, featuring Trek alumni such as Tim Russ and Andrew Robinson.

The grades begin at (21:30).

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LD: "A Mathematically Perfect Redemption" & "Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus" (s3e7-8) with Katie Hampton

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 07:01:00 -0000

NARCISSISTS AND CATHARSIS. Bryan and Katie Hampton from Geekscape's Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast shine a spotlight on a pair of sequel episodes. Do the hosts overcome their disdain towards the character of Peanut Hamper? Does another adventure in Boimler's holodeck movie universe generate the same surprise and excitement as the last time out? You'll just have to listen!

The grades begin at (21:09). Jump to "Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus" at (52:35).

Here's the supercut of The Most Famous Prop in Science Fiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phPp5oYnps0

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TNG: "The Perfect Mate" (s5e21) with Cory Marciel

Tue, 27 May 2025 07:01:00 -0000

PICARD'S BASIC INSTINCT. We conclude Spring Flings Month with a look at the time Jean-Luc Picard bonded with one of the most beautiful women to ever appear on Star Trek: Kamala, as played by Famke Janssen. But is her performance as skin deep as the script? Bryan is joined by an old friend of his, Cory Marciel, a writer and editor in Hollywood. It's two dudes bro'ing out over Star Trek. Will they find this one a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (42:00).

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TNG: "The Host" (s4e23) with Jessi from Crusher Convo Podcast

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:54:44 -0000

INTRODUCING TRILL RIKER? Spring Flings Month continues as Jessi from Crusher Convo Podcast joins Bryan to discuss the episode where Dr. Crusher falls for the first Trill to appear in Star Trek -- Odan. Only, he didn't tell her about that slug inside him so, after a shuttle accident that injures his host body, she must place said slug inside Will Riker -- who's like a brother to her. Does love take many forms or does Beverly have a remarkably consistent type?

The grades begin at (26:00).

Get more of Jessi on Crusher Convo here: Crushing the Conversation, One episode at a Time!

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TNG: "The Price" (s3e8) with TV critic Diana Keng

Tue, 13 May 2025 07:01:00 -0000

HOLLYWOOD CRINGE FESTIVAL. Bryan continues Spring Flings Month with returning guest Diana Keng, a TV critic whose work you can read at Geek Girl Authority and Women at Warp. Did the nail the casting of a man who is supposed to sweep Deanna Troi off her feet?

The grades begin at (22:51).

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LD: "Reflections" & "Hear All, Trust Nothing" (s3e5-6) with Katie Hampton

Sun, 11 May 2025 07:01:00 -0000

NINE OWN SELF. This month's animated spotlight features a pair of episodes that go to great lengths to give our cartoon characters some badly needed introspection. Rutherford learns about his bad boy former self and Tendi is pressed to assert the woman she wants to be over her culture's demands. Oh, and there's plenty of nostalgia for Bryan with a trip to Deep Space Nine. But will he and Katie Hampton from the Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast give these episodes TREKs, MARRYs, or KILLs?

The grades begin at (26:44).

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TOS: "Elaan of Troyius" (s3e13) with Jordan Hoffman

Tue, 06 May 2025 07:01:00 -0000

TEARS FOR LEERS. Captain Kirk falls under the spell of... a former co-star of William Shatner's? It's Spring Flings Month here on Trek Marry Kill. Bryan is joined by film critic Jordan Hoffman, who also authored the Star Trek Book of Friendship, and whose writing can be found in Vanity Fair, Foreign Policy Magazine, and his Substack -- Hoffstack.Substack.com. Will they TREK, MARRY, or KILL this season three episode?

The grades begin at (24:46).

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Star Trek: Prodigy - Just the Marrys! with Charlynn Schmiedt, Marina Kravchuk, Steve Shives, and Jessie Gender

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:51:53 -0000

SIMPLY THE BEST? Don't sleep on Star Trek: Prodigy, which manages to capture the spirit and storytelling of the most popular Trek and aim it at kids while also being highly entertaining for adults -- especially a crusty old Star Trek fan like Bryan. He's not the only fan enchanted by the series, though. Charlynn & Marina from Mission Log: Prodigy and YouTubers Steve Shives and Jessie Gender come aboard to decide which of the show's 40 episodes (and counting?) are among its very best.

Jump to Charlynn & Marina at (12:22). Listen to their show here: https://tinyurl.com/2w6ny2hp

Jump to Steve Shives at (45:07). Check out his channel here: Steve Shives - YouTube

Jump to Jessie Gender at (1:10:16). Check out her channel here: Jessie Gender After Dark Channel Trailer and the trailer for her movie here: https://youtu.be/oYPpbfHfhG0?si=3KCXoscb8rs_wYcK

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Star Trek - Red Alert! Special Episode

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:36:23 -0000

UNIVERSAL FAN FEST has kicked off at Universal Studios Hollywood and fans can stand on the bridge of the Enterprise-D as used in Star Trek: Picard - Season Three for a tour-turned-adventure. But does it and the themed food make the event a TREK, MARRY, or KILL? Bryan and Kristen take you through their experiences to decide.

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VOY: "Coda" (s3e15)

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:01:00 -0000

DADDY DEAD CARE. A shuttle accident puts Captain Janeway on death's doorstep and death is only too happy to answer, taking the face of her dead father. But that's not the only weird thing going on in this fast-paced, wacky episode that concludes The Captain is DEAD! Month on Trek Marry Kill.

The grades begin at (33:42).

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DS9: "The Visitor" (s4e2)

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:01:00 -0000

THE RUBBERBAND MAN. Bryan and Shereese commiserate over dead dads and her first time watching a classic episode of Deep Space Nine as THE CAPTAIN IS DEAD! Month continues. The grades begin at (32:34)

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TOS: "The Tholian Web" (s3e9)

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:01:00 -0000

WEB KIRK.O. Captain Kirk is dead! No wait -- he's a ghost! No... it's interspace! But, what's this? the crew of the Enterprise is slowly going mad? And now the ship is being surrounded by a web? Is this third season adventure a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (13:22).

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TNG: "Tapestry" (s6e15)

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:57:10 -0000

PICARD WORKS BLUE. It's the death of Jean-Luc Picard as we kick off The Captain is DEAD! month on the show. Shot through the heart and **Q** is to blame? Bryan and Kristen examine this critical episode to determine if it's a TREK, MARRY, or KILL.

The grades begin at (29:44).

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LD: "Mining the Mind's Mines" & "Room for Growth" (s3e3-4) with Katie Hampton

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:01:00 -0000

COME ON, CAROL! In this month's animated spotlight, Bryan and Katie Hampton of Geekscape's Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast take a look at a pair of Lower Decks episodes that are half character assassinations of Captain Carol Freeman. Are the other halves funny, though?

Jump straight to "Room for Growth" at (33:44).

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PIC: "Et in Arcadia Ego," Parts I & II (s1e9-10)

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:01:00 -0000

OH HEAVENS NO! Bryan & Kristen marvel at the tax dollars used to make the last two episodes of Star Trek: Picard's first season, but are these final two episodes a TREK, MARRY, or KILL? The grades begin at (23:26).

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PIC: "Nepenthe" & "Broken Pieces" (s1e7-8)

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:19:09 -0000

PIZZAS AND ADMONISHMENTS. Picard takes Soji to the Riker Troi's house to chill out and think about their next move. Narissa kills a bunch of Borg... and Rios reveals he has a direct connection to what's happening.

The grades begin at (29:45).

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PIC: "Absolute Candor" & "Stardust City Rag" & "The Impossible Box" (s1e4-6)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:01:00 -0000

BREAKING BAD ACCENTS. Jean-Luc Picard couldn't save all the Romulans so he opted to save none of them. Does the attempt to turn the character into a classic 21st century antihero succeed or are Bryan and Kristen too distracted by both the intentionally bad and the accidentally bad accent work throughout the series?

The grades begin at (24:27).

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PIC: "Maps and Legends" & "The End is the Beginning" (s1e2-3)

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:45:00 -0000

PADDING THE RUNTIME. It's been five years since the premiere of Star Trek: Picard and the first season was a bumpy ride for all involved. Patrick Stewart trying to capture Jean-Luc Picard at a different point in his life. A host of executives, producers, and writers being largely unfamiliar with the character or episodic TV; and a first-time showrunner trying to figure out how to pace out an incomplete story. Bryan & Kristen revisit this experiment in brand extension to see how well it's held up.

The grades begin at (20:55).

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Star Trek: Picard - "Remembrance" Fifth Anniversary Reissue

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:27:35 -0000

It's been five years since the first season of Star Trek: Picard concluded, and here in the month of March, Bryan & Kristen will be revisiting the episodes they didn't get to when they first kicked off coverage of the series. Back in 2022, Trek Marry Kill began by grading all the live action pilots, including Picard. We were joined by Hector Navarro from YouTube's Heroes Reforged, so rather than make you search through your feed for it in order to sync up with our new episodes this month that will complete season one -- here it is refreshed!

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LD: "Grounded" & "The Least Dangerous Game" (s3e1-2) with Katie Hampton

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 08:01:00 -0000

PARK AND RECREATIONS. This month's animated spotlight judges the kickoff of Star Trek: Lower Decks' third season, which include a pair of episodes that pay homage to iconic moments from throughout the franchise. One *could* say that about every episode of Lower Decks -- do Bryan and Katie do that? You'll just have to listen.

The grades begin at (15:09). Jump right to "The Least Dangerous Game" at (41:27).

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TOS: "The Paradise Syndrome" (s3e3)

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:01:00 -0000

KIRK'S UNPLANNED VACATION. An alien obelisk gives Captain Kirk amnesia and strands him among indigenous people transported from Earth to an alien planet in the direct path of a world-ending asteroid. Our Inner Light Month concludes with this look at Kirk basically getting a chance at a normal life but still becoming the captain of a tribe. Is it a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (15:49).

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ENT: "Carbon Creek" (s2e2) with Jamie, Bill, and Maria from Enterprisesplaining

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:01:00 -0000

A GOOD STORY? That's not something Bryan and his trio of guest co-hosts expected from Star Trek: Enterprise here during Inner Lights month. Jamie, Bill, and Maria have their own show where they explain episodes of Enterprise to one another, and for "Carbon Creek," they're doing a bit of a swap with Trek Marry Kill -- look for Bryan to appear on their show in April.

You can listen to Enterprisesplaining here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enterprisesplaining/id1733657074

The grades for this one begin at (39:47).

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DS9: "Far Beyond the Stars" (s6e13)

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:06:59 -0000

HOPE AND DESPAIR walk hand and hand, but that's not the only lesson to be learned from a classic episode of Star Trek and Deep Space Nine. From a technical standpoint, the Star Trek format is malleable and elastic if the story has a point, and the story can be about anything if there's meaningful characterization. But! Is this episode a TREK, MARRY, or KILL? Bryan and Shereese investigate as our Inner Lights theme month continues.

The grades begin at (33:18).

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TNG: "The Inner Light" (s5e25) with Michael Baumann of FanGraphs and Wheelysports

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 08:07:19 -0000

A FLUTE OCCURRENCE. Captain Picard gets zapped into a simulation where he must live out a whole other life as a man on a dying planet. It turns out this has a profound effect on the captain of the Federation flagship, but it's something the franchise barely revisited after what many consider to be the show's finest hour. Do Bryan and guest co-host Michael Baumann agree?

The grades begin at (29:03).

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LD: "wej duj" & "First First Contact" (s2e9-10) with Katie Hampton

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 08:01:00 -0000

KLINGONS! VULCANS! PROMOTIONS! This month's animated spotlight focuses on the last two episodes of Lower Decks' second season, in which we get the introduction of T'Lyn and Ma'ah and discover that Ensign Sonya Gomez has been promoted from spilling hot chocolate on Captain Picard to captaining her own starship -- which the Cerritos needs to rescue in one of Trek's most thrilling sequences this century. BUT! Are these episodes TREKs, MARRYs or KILLs?

The grades for "wej duj" begin at (21:04). Jump to "First First Contact" at (59:10).

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VOY: "Learning Curve" (s1e15)

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:01:00 -0000

SAY "CHEESE," TUVOK! When some surly MaQuis crewmembers refuse to conform, it's up to Tuvok to whip them into shape. Meanwhile, Neelix cuts the cheese and it winds up being so nasty that it makes the ship sick.

The grades begin at (34:16).

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Star Trek: Section 31 with TV critic Diana Keng

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:57:40 -0000

YEOHING FOR IT. The long-gestating Section 31 TV series finally premieres on Paramount+ as a standalone movie -- or is it? Bryan and TV critic Diana Keng try to figure out just what this actually is and how the wonderful, resplendent, and popular Michelle Yeoh's contributions go insofar as making this a TREK, MARRY, or KILL.

The grades begin at (33:09).

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VOY: "Eye of the Needle" (s1e6)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:01:00 -0000

TIME IS PRECIOUS. It's been 30 years since this episode aired and yet it remains one of Voyager's most indelible hours. Is a random Romulan contacted through a wormhole friend or foe to the ship stranded in the Delta Quadrant and is the episode a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (28:27).

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VOY: "The Cloud" (s1e5)

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 08:01:00 -0000

COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE. It's the episode that gave us Captain Kathryn Janeway's most famous line *and* underscored just how much of a charlatan the show's Native American advisor wound up being. Will Bryan & Shereese give it a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (29:05).

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VOY: "Phage" (s1e4)

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:01:00 -0000

LOL (LOSS OF LUNGS). It's the 30th anniversary of Star Trek: Voyager's debut. Bryan & Shereese play Trek Marry Kill with "Phage," the episode that introduces us to the gnarly Vidiians, who mark the occasion by stealing Neelix's lungs! Is the episode compelling Trek or a drama set in a carnival?

The grades begin at (25:41).

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Star Trek: Voyager - "Caretaker" 30th Anniversary reissue

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 08:01:00 -0000

MINOR BIPEDAL SPECIES? Captain Kathryn Janeway has a problem: in order to save a childlike race of people called the Ocampa, she must strand her ship and crew 70,000 light years from their home quadrant of space, or else risk the Ocampas' future as slaves to the evil Kazon. What is a Starfleet captain to do?

This week, Bryan and Kristen grapple with Captain Janeway's decision and a lot of the behind the scenes decision that went into creating Star Trek: Voyager along with "Caretaker," its pilot, specifically. Will this episode fit comfortably into any of our three labels: Trek, Marry, or Kill?

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LD: "Where Pleasant Fountains Lie" & "I, Excretus" (s2e7-8) with Katie Hampton

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 09:01:00 -0000

LADIES BE SCHEMING! Billups' mother has been trying to trick her son into losing his virginity so that he can leave Starfleet and take his place on his home world's throne. Meanwhile, a consultant contrives for the Cerritos crew to fail a series of tests to boost her status. Two very funny episodes for this month's animated spotlight, but will Bryan and Katie Hampton from Napping Through Happy Hour podcast TREK, MARRY, or KILL them?

"I, Excretus" begins at (51:31).

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DSC: "Life, Itself" (s5e10) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 08:01:00 -0000

ALL GOOD STREAMS must come to an end, and Star Trek: Discovery is no exception, despite putting Paramount Plus on the map. But is this final episode a fitting conclusion to Michael Burnham's and the crew of the Discovery's story? Bryan and Shereese investigate.

The grades begin at (33:24).

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DSC: "Lagrange Point" (s5e9) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 09:21:05 -0000

RUNNING IN PLACE? As Discovery closes in on the Progenitors' technology, Saru and Federation negotiators must deal with the Breen. It's the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Discovery and Bryan & Shereese seek to determine if it's a Trek, Marry, or Kill.

The grades begin at (26:41).

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DSC: "Labyrinths" (s5e8) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:01:00 -0000

BADLANDS AND BOOKMARKS. While Discovery fends off an advancing Breen force led in part by Moll, Michael Burnham must therapyspeak her way through a mindspace to get the last piece of the puzzle needed to complete the map that will lead her to the Progenitors' tech. Is the antepenultimate episode of Star Trek: Discovery a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

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DSC: "Erigah" (s5e7) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:36:26 -0000

BIG EVIL HELMETS. Michael Burnham must lead the Federation against a faction of the Breen Imperium in order to protect what they know about the Progenitors' technology from falling into the wrong hands -- but is Starfleet's bluff enough to stave off a hostile force, and is the episode a TREK, MARRY, or KILL? Bryan and Shereese investigate.

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DSC: "Whistlespeak" (s5e6) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:11:38 -0000

DENOBULAN GOD COMPLEX. Burnham and Tilly go undercover as a pair of true believers to find the next clue which has been hidden in a malfunctioning water tower built by a Denobulan scientist who was part of the team that discovered the Progenitors' technology. Are they convincing spies? Bryan & Shereese investigate.

The grades begin at (18:03).

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LD: "An Embarrassment of Dooplers" & "The Spy Humongous" (s2e5-6) with Katie Hampton

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 08:15:26 -0000

REPLICATORS AND RESERVATIONS. This month's animated spotlight on Lower Decks looks at two episodes midway through the show's second season that show off the real strengths of the series to this point while shining a big bright light on the problematic portrayal of the Pakleds. Beyond that, there's perfect deployment of beloved character actor Richard Kind and a long overdue and novel use of Star Trek's replicator technology.

The grades begin at (18:36).

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DSC: "Mirrors" (s5e5) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:17:59 -0000

VIDEO GAME LOGIC. Burnham and Book board the ISS Enterprise from "Mirror, Mirror" and engage in a series of video game levels that leads to an exposition dump via cut scene. Is this a clever stop along the clue trail or Exhibit A in the case for Star Trek: Discovery being a live action video game? Shereese the Sci Fi Savage helps Bryan investigate.

The grades begin at (36:20).

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DSC: "Face the Strange" (s5e4) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:01:00 -0000

SPACE-TIME BURNHAMUUM. It's training day for Michael Burnham's new first office, Commander Rayner, and he has to learn on the job as both of them are thrust through the history of Disco thanks to a pesky Krenim timebug installed on the ship by Moll & L'ak. Will the tension between the two Starfleet personnel resolve in time to save the ship and the galaxy? Only time will tell.

The grades begin at (15:44).

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VOY: "Shattered" (s7e11)

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:08:55 -0000

JAKOTAY OR CHANEWAY? Did we ever settle on the label for a Janeway-Chakotay relationship? Oh well, it hardly matters, since those two crazy kids are always on the fence about making a move. It all comes to a head in this time travel adventure from season 7 where a Janeway from just before the pilot finds herself becoming more and more attracted to a season 7 Chakotay even as he fills her in on the horrible fate that awaits her during her first command. Does this episode serve as a love letter to Star Trek: Voyager or something better? Will Bryan & Kristen TREK, MARRY, or KILL IT?

The grades begin at (22:15).

Don't forget! We're giving away a Blu ray box set of Star Trek: Discovery - The Complete Series. To enter, all you have to do is submit a poem about Discovery to our email: trekmarrykpod at gmail. We're accepting poems until 11:59pm PST on December 1, 2024. If we like your poem the best, we will send you the box set as a Thank You!

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VOY: "Relativity" (s5e24)

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:13:23 -0000

PING PONGIN' SEVEN. It's a time travel romp as Seven of Nine gets roped into a game of chicken with a vengeful Captain Braxton previously seen (and played by a different actor) in the "Future's End" two-parter. Will Bryan & Kristen TREK, MARRY, or KILL it?

The grades begin at (20:30).

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LD: "We'll Always Have Tom Paris" & "Mugato, Gumato" (s2e3-4) with Katie Hampton

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:51:30 -0000

RESURRECTIONS AND DIPLOMACY. Katie Hampton of the Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast returns for our monthly animated spotlight. This time out, our core four Lower Deckers get paired up unusually: Tendi & Mariner go on a Girls Trip in the first episode and Rutherford & Boimler have an adventure together in the second. Instant classic pairings that make for classic episodes?

The grades begin at (19:10). "Mugato, Gumato" review begins at (51:18).

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TNG: "Schisms" (s6e5)

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:01:00 -0000

POETRY IN COMMOTION. Data's Ode to Spot is about as lighthearted as it gets in an episode inspired by the alien abduction pop culture phenomenon. It's a terrific episode to watch ahead of Halloween, but is it a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (18:19).

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DSC: "Jinaal" (s5e3) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:25:52 -0000

FX AND TRILL. The clue trail leads Discovery to Trill, which gives Adira a chance to sort out their relationship with Gray while Burnham, Book, and Culber go on an adventure with a previous Trill host who was involved in the breakup of the Progenitors tech. Will any of this make sense as characters repeat plot details or is it a simple tour de force of VFX as Burnham and Book dodge exploding barbs launched from cloaked monsters that are indigenous to Trill! Meanwhile, Rayner gets to know the crew by forcing them to give brief, 20-word statements as a way of getting to know them. Will his rough edges rub the delicate crew the wrong way or will Tilly be able to sand those edges before Burnham gets back to the ship?

Joining Bryan for this voyage through Disco's 5th season is Shereese the Sci-Fi Savage (@SciFiSavage on all social platforms). She has a weekly stream on YouTube called "The Savage Stream," every Wednesday night, 6pm PT/ 9 pm ET -- check it out!

The grades begin at (33:41).

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DSC: "Red Directive" & "Under the Twin Moons" (s5e1-2) with Shereese (@SciFiSavage)

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:01:00 -0000

BURNHAM'S LAST DANCE. The final season of Star Trek: Discovery is a perfect season for those curious about the show to jump right into. It helps that the overarching story is a sequel of sorts to "The Chase" from Star Trek: The Next Generation, but more importantly, the straightforward treasure hunt plot allows the show to focus on its characters growing and changing as the series heads towards its surprising ending.

Captain Michael Burnham and the crew of the USS Discovery need to get on the clue trail to finding the technology left behind by the race of aliens Picard & crew got a holographic message from that said all the humanoid species in the galaxy are connected. That message of unity doesn't quite survive to the 32nd century and a pair of criminal lovebirds have plans to steal it and sell it to the highest bidder.

The grades begin at (19:18).

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TNG: "The Chase" (s6e20)

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 15:45:40 -0000

THE BRITISH MUSEUM is alive and well in the 24th century in the form of Captain Picard's old archeology professor Galen, whose shuttlecraft no doubt holds artifacts from countless civilizations taken from their native lands with a reckless abandon. But during all that grave robbing, Galen stumbled upon proof that there is no God, at least as we understand one. His death spurs Picard to take the Enterprise on a rogue mission to complete a galactic jigsaw puzzle.

Bryan & Kristen review a pivotal episode for Picard's backstory that just so happens to be the impetus for the season mystery in Star Trek: Discovery's final season. They also talk about the beauty of Grace Kelly and escape rooms. Is this one a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (17:32).

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LD: "Strange Energies" & "Kayshon, His Eyes Open" (s2e1-2) with Katie Hampton

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:56:29 -0000

RAINBOWS AND SKELETONS. Our monthly animated spotlight series returns as Bryan and Katie Hampton from the Napping Through Hour Podcast look at the first two episodes from Star Trek: Lower Decks' second season. How is Mariner processing Boimler's absence and the day to day of working with her mother? Meanwhile, is serving aboard the USS Titan everything Bradward hoped it would be?

The grades for "Strange Energies" begin at (18:01). The grades for "Kayshon, His Eyes Open" kick in at (48:10).

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TNG: "Darmok" (s5e2)

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

THE MEME TEAM. Captain Picard fights a dude in a rhinoceros suit alongside an alien captain whose species only speaks in memes. It's an episode that's gained in notoriety exactly because of our cultural evolution into being -- or at least communicating more -- like the Tamarians. It's also a chance to look at the episode that begat Lt. Kayshon on Lower Decks. But is this famous episode a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (25:26).

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TOS: "Tomorrow is Yesterday" (s1e19)

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:59:47 -0000

OH NO, DEAR. The Enterprise is thrown through time back to the groovy 60s and in order for Kirk & co. to escape that predicament they'll need to help of a pilot who couldn't make it into the space program and who has, apparently, never seen a woman in the workplace before. We conclude our Star Trek Predicts... Today! theme month by looking at an accidental time travel story that Bryan accidentally put in the schedule. Is this season one episode a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (15:38).

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VOY: "Future's End, Part II" (s3e9)

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:10:23 -0000

WHAT THE PARADOX? It's the end of the time loop as we know it and Voyager feels fine -- kinda, sorta. Getting back from 20th century Earth isn't without its complications though, as Captain Janeway discovers that American capitalism is as evil as the Borg when Henry Starling reveals that he plans to travel to the 29th century in his stolen time ship despite her warnings that such a trip would cause a temporal explosion. Meanwhile, Tom Paris and Rain Robinson grow so close that Sarah Silverman has off-screen stories about making out with some of the show's actors during her guest stint; Chakotay & B'Elanna are captured by militiamen; and, The Doctor gains the ability to leave Sickbay, forever altering the character. Ah, but do all these qualities make the episode a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (20:28).

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VOY: "Future's End, Part I" (s3e8)

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:32:37 -0000

TIME TO DIE? Voyager's involvement in a temporal explosion throws them into a causality loop that brings them to Los Angeles in the year 1996. Bryan & Kristen continue their Star Trek Predicts... Today! theme month to see just how well the writers blended Star Trek and 1996. Meanwhile, there's plenty of talk about what life was like in the late 1900s, a serious correction to last week's episode, and education about women's clothing that you don't want to miss.

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DS9: "Past Tense, Part II" (s3e12)

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:01:00 -0000

A HASTY RESOLUTION? Sisko takes the place of Gabriel Bell and his plan to restore history goes off basically without a hitch. Is that the most compelling version of the story? Meanwhile, as part of the Star Trek Predicts... Today! theme month, Bryan & Kristen look at what the second part of this episode gets right about September 2024 and how it misses. Gavin Newsom references abound -- but also, how strong is your mid-1990s Emmys trivia? There's also some discussion of Errol Flynn and why he's referenced by a character who couldn't possibly care about an old famous actor.

The grades begin at (30:51).

Stick around afterwards for some random Errol Flynn facts.

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DS9: "Past Tense, Part I" (s3e11)

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:02:00 -0000

HISTORY IS NOW. The Bell Riots are Star Trek's biggest line in the sand between its fictional future and our now and it's all because how we treat each other now determines our civilization's tomorrow. A transporter accident sends Sisko, Bashir, and Dax to August 2024 in San Francisco where in Star Trek's history, the government has imprisoned the unhoused in Sanctuary Districts. Our Star Trek Predicts... Today! theme month kicks off with 1995's predictions about 2024. Hey... a lot of this stuff is happening this week -- and next!

The grades begin at (21:11).

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Level Two Diagnostic [SEASON PREMIERE]

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:01:00 -0000

A NEW SEASON means new grades! Bryan and Kristen also announce some free giveaways for the season, look back at what worked and what didn't in season two, add some instant KILLs to the running tally, announce some of the new theme months and answer your listener questions.

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SNW: "Hegemony" (s2e10) [SEASON FINALE]

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:05:00 -0000

THE GORN ULTIMATUM. All big swings must come to an end, and Strange New Worlds doesn't disappoint with its second season finale. There's a major set piece that competes with the best that Star Trek has ever done. Big emotions! Big decisions... and Scotty? It's also Trek, Marry, Kill's second season finale AND 100th episode. We've got a lot of people to thank for joining the show this season.

The grades begin at (16:38).

We'll be back in September with new episodes. Don't forget to check out our TREK / MARRY / KILL tracker at trekmarrykillpod.com; and, if you're so inclined, rate & review us on your podcast platform of choice.

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DS9: "The Jem'Hadar" (s2e26)

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:01:00 -0000

OUTSIDE CONTEXT PROBLEMS. Ben Sisko just wants to hang out with his son in the Gamma Quadrant, but Quark wants to advertise his bar on the station monitors. Something's gotta give and it turns out the entire Star Trek format gets sacrificed to tell this story as the DS9 writers looked to differentiate their show from TNG -- and boy do they! Is the destruction of a Galaxy-class starship a traumatic moment in Bryan's life? Does the introduction of The Dominion equal Strange New Worlds' take on the Gorn? Listen and find out.

The grades begin at (22:09).

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SNW: "Subspace Rhapsody" (s2e9) with Grammy winner Becca and Emmy winner Bill

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:05:36 -0000

MAKE IT SONG! Strange New Worlds breaks the TV mold by doing their musical episode early in the show's run rather than later. There's lots of singing but very little dancing. Bryan has a theory as to why. But more importantly, this week's special guests joining Bryan and Kristen have theories of their own about why this episode works so well and also why there are a few small pockets of the hour where it works less well.

Becca is a Grammy Award-winning musician who breaks down the vocals. Bill is an Emmy Award-winning writer who points out just what the show gets right technically in translating the notion of a musical into the Star Trek universe.

Yes, there's comparisons to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical from which this episode draws a lot of its inspiration. And as a final content warning: if you don't want to hear even a breath of negativity about this episode, this might be one to skip, though we suspect most listeners will love our hosts' final grade. The grades begin at (25:44). If you want to skip to specific songs, here's the list:

STATUS REPORT (26:18)
STRANGE NEW WORLDS THEME (34:25)
CONNECT TO YOUR TRUTH (36:08)
HOW WOULD THAT FEEL? (42:39)
PRIVATE CONVERSATION (48:19)
KEEPING SECRETS (52:44)
I'M READY (59:49)
I'M THE X (1:09:39)
KEEP US CONNECTED (1:14:27)
WE ARE ONE (1:18:06)

Best Trek Tropes and the rest of the grades resume at (1:23:19).

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TOS: "Plato's Stepchildren" (s3e10)

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:01:00 -0000

THE VILE FRONTIER. The elites are at it again! Kirk & Spock are tortured for the amusement of a bunch of blue-blooded assholes in order to compel Dr. McCoy to give up his Starfleet commission and become their personal physician. It's The Original Series most notable examination of class warfare that resonates to this very day! It also features singing and dancing loooooong before "Subspace Rhapsody" AND one of the first interracial kisses on television, though it's not as historic as it was once made out to be.

The grades begin at (17:58).

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VOY: "Threshold" (s2e15) with Tom Salinsky (Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series)

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:01:00 -0000

INFINITE VELOCITY = INFINITE REGRETS. Bryan is joined by author Tom Salinsky whose book, Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series: The Original Series, The Animated Series and The Next Generation, releases on July 30th. He committed himself to a daily journey of Star Trek and catalogued his findings all for your reading pleasure. But what did he think of one of the weirdest, wildest swings in the history of Star Trek?

When Tom Paris achieves Warp 10, he begins to evolve into a real headache for the crew. Does anything that happens after that make even a bit of sense? Will they TREK, MARRY, or KILL the one where Paris & Janeway become space salamanders and have salamander babies?

The grades begin at (26:34).

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TOS: "The Apple" (s2e5) with Robert Skir, Kurt Carley, and Jim Newman

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:02:55 -0000

WHO'S THE DEVIL? A straight down the middle episode from the original series has Bryan and his guests pondering what really stands out about this adventure where the crew must overpower an alien serpent statue that has taken away all humanly pleasures from the humanoids it has tasked with fueling it for centuries on end. Breaking the chains of Vaal's control is an anxious Captain Kirk and a horny Ensign Chekov with his girlfriend (?) Yeoman Landon. There's some damseling, some ass-kicking, and a whole lot of red shirt deaths in this one.

It's our final Wild Card episode of the season and joining Bryan to help grade this one are writer-producer Robert Skir, actor Kurt Carley, and Jim Newman, co-creator of the Go Fact Yourself podcast (https://gofactyourpod.com/). The grades begin at (18:25).

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SNW: "Under the Cloak of War" (s2e8)

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:45:00 -0000

ANOTHER HORRIFIC SECRET harbored by Dr. M'Benga compels another member of the Enterprise crew to aid in a coverup. This time around, it's not M'Benga's family matters, it's his war record. Turns out, he was The Winter Soldier during the Klingon-Federation War and the arrival of a Klingon defector turned Federation ambassador has dredged up some ugly memories. Does this one earn its shocking twist and merit a place in the top tier of Star Trek's canon? Bryan and Kristen decide!

The grades begin at (18:28).

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TNG: "Unnatural Selection" (s2e7)

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:59:39 -0000

RAPID AGING SUCKS. Well, that's one of the main lessons of this episode where Dr. Pulaski is exposed to a virus that makes its victims age rapidly. Meanwhile, Bryan and Kristen explore the IMDb of one of the guest cast, wonder who lines up to get Diana Muldaur's autograph (when she used to attend conventions), and discuss how the high res conversion of the season two episodes actively disrupts the viewing experience by calling attention to smaller details that otherwise would've been ignored and making everything look not so good. Does that ding the episode enough points to merit a KILL?

The grades begin at (24:03).

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SNW: "Those Old Scientists" (s2e7) with Katie Hampton from Napping Through Happy Hour

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:01:00 -0000

COMPUTER, END PROGRAM? Boimler & Mariner board the Enterprise, only it's not the Enterprise they usually mean when they talk about "those old scientists." It's Pike's ship -- does that change the vibe? Does Strange New Worlds successfully pull off its latest "big swing," the TV crossover?

Katie Hampton from her Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast returns. The grades begin at (22:47).

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DS9: "Trials and Tribble-ations" (s5e6)

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 17:13:32 -0000

TOO MUCH FUN. The Defiant is orbed back in time to the teaser of "The Trouble with Tribbles" on the occasion of the Star Trek franchise's 30th anniversary. Bryan and Kristen dig in to an earlier crossover that featured extravagant technology to accomplish the task. Does this time capsule of Forrest Gump-inspired technology and Back to the Future-level grandfather paradoxes still hold up? More importantly, is it a BIG SWING that connects?

The grades begin at (27:01).

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TOS: "Turnabout Intruder" (s3e24)

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 18:32:29 -0000

GENE RODDENBERRY'S MISOGYNY. Apparently, women couldn't be Star Trek captains all along. In a season that began with "Spock's Brain," wherein we discovered that Gene Roddenberry (and Gene L. Coon) had a chip on his shoulder about beautiful women preferring handsome men in their prime the season -- and series -- ends with a similar diatribe from Roddenberry's mind. This time, women want the same positions men have, only, they don't have the constitution to handle the job! It's a silly notion foisted on TV viewers by a silly man and a tough way to end the run of a show that had largely been an inspiration to everyone, regardless of gender.

Will the crew figure out that Captain Kirk's mind has been swapped out with a vengeful ex-girlfriend? Due to some scheduling changes, this episode is Kristen's first date back to record even though she's appeared recently; and, look out for another release tomorrow as part of our weekly schedule. Today's a special one because it's the 55th anniversary of "Turnabout Intruder."

The grades begin at (27:22).

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SNW: "Lost in Translation" (s2e6) with Shereese Alexander (@thescifisavage on TikTok & The TNG Podcast)

Tue, 28 May 2024 07:01:00 -0000

UHURA HAS VISIONS and none of them are good. Will she be able to figure out the source before she loses her mind? Helping her through all this is Lt. James T. Kirk who is aboard the Enterprise for reasons, one of which is to eventually meet Spock. Is it an historic moment?

Shereese Alexander was on our episode about Voyager's "Drone" and returns to comment on her very first episode of Strange New Worlds while also celebrating the end of The TNG Podcast, which looked at every episode of TNG, as well as promote her Tik Tok channel @thescifisavage -- check it out! Will TNG come up in this discussion? Hmmm...

The grades begin at (35:39).

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VOY: "Emanations" (s1e8) with Marina Kravchuk from Daily Star Trek News

Tue, 21 May 2024 07:06:48 -0000

BEYOND THE VACUOLE. Ensign Eager himself, Harry Kim, winds up in another dimension or on another planet after a transporter malfunction sends him through a subspace vacuole. He arrives in a world that thinks he's visiting them from their afterlife, which is no heavenly place at all it would seem -- thanks to him being unable to keep his big mouth shut.

Returning to discuss Brannon Braga's big swing at exploring life & death on Star Trek is Marina Kravchuk (@drakkorex) from Daily Star Trek News. Does this big swing connect?

The grades begin at (24:18).

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TNG: "Preemptive Strike" (s7e24) with Samantha Gregory from Sam Hill Productions

Tue, 14 May 2024 17:36:30 -0000

WELCOME HOME, RO? Michelle Forbes returns to Star Trek: The Next Generation just before the series finale and 30 years later Bryan finally understands just exactly how tragic this episode's ending is, resonating all the way until Star Trek: Picard's "Imposters."

Joining him to sift through 30 years' worth of opinion about Captain Picard is actor-producer Samantha Gregory, who has co-founded a women-led production company Sam Hill Productions (samhillproductions.com and sam__hill__productions on social) and who has played Ro Laren before in a Star Trek fan film.

The grades begin at (20:55).

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TNG: "Emergence" (s7e23) with Diana Keng (The Televixen, Geek Girl Authority, & Women at Warp)

Tue, 07 May 2024 12:00:00 -0000

ONE FINAL ADVENTURE inside the holodeck is what the writers had in mind for the antepenultimate episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Is it a big swing that connects? Joining Bryan to render a final verdict is TV reviewer Diana Keng (@diana4tv), who wrote hundreds of Star Trek reviews for TV Fanatic, but now provides her talents to another of outlets.

Does the 30th anniversary of this episode's premiere make the hosts nostalgic or has time allowed them to more soberly assess one of the last episodes of a foundational show?

The grades begin at (24:40).

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LD: "Crisis Point" & "No Small Parts" (s1e9-10) with Katie Hampton from Napping Through Happy Hour podcast

Wed, 01 May 2024 21:24:58 -0000

NICE SHOT, da VINCI! Our animated spotlight for this season of Trek Marry Kill concludes with the final two episodes of Lower Decks' first season, and joining Bryan to discuss is Katie Hampton, who appears in Jerry Seinfeld's Netflix movie, Unfrosted, which debuts May 3rd, 2024.

The penultimate episode might very well be the ultimate holodeck adventure as Mariner reprograms Boimler's sucking up to the Captain simulation into an exciting Star Trek-themed action movie called Crisis Point: The Rise of Vindicta. Does Boimler learn what he needs to in order to impress Captain Freeman during an interview or does Mariner go on a journey of self-discovery that shakes her to her very foundation?

Meanwhile, in the season finale, Mariner's big secret gets out that Captain Freeman is her mom and now it's up to them to figure out how to deal with the fallout. And then Captain Riker shows up.

Our animated spotlights will return in September.

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SNW: "Charades" (s2e5)

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 12:11:09 -0000

SPOCK BECOMES HUMAN after a shuttle accident at the mouth of an interdimensional vortex places his broken body in front of a group of energy beings patterned after Amazon customer service chatbots. It only gets worse for our favorite Vulcan when the in-laws drop in to complete a sacred Vulcan tea ceremony. Can his mother help him tap into his human side in time to lie his way through it? Will any of this story make sense? Bryan and Kristen are highly skeptical! Does this big swing connect?

The grades begin at (26:24).

If you're curious about Jane Espenson's blog, here's her post on clams.

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VOY: "Someone to Watch Over Me" (s5e22)

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:10:00 -0000

MY FAIR SEVEN. The Doctor sticks his photons into Seven of Nine's interest in procuring a man to "date," and little does he know that his programming has made him vulnerable to the feminine wiles of Seven of Nine, who is completely clueless about how humans date. Kristen returns to discuss the "Seven is horny" episode which features a complimentary B-plot featuring the hilarious Scott Thompson from comedy group Kids in the Hall.

The grades begin at (24:26).

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TOS: "Metamorphosis" (s2e9) with Laurie Ulster from TrekMovie.com

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:24:06 -0000

A LOVE STORY? When Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Commissioner Nancy Hedford discover Zefram Cochrane is both still alive and under the influence of an electrical cloud that has fallen in love with him, it's just the setup for perhaps the deepest exploration of love in Star Trek history.

Joining Bryan to discuss this BIG SWING from 1967 is Laurie Ulster from TrekMovie.com. Can she and Bryan agree on a final grade for this one?

Two podcast episodes to check out which Bryan references in the episode:

1) The remastering of TOS for HD on Inglorious Treksperts
2) "Metamorphosis" director Ralph Senensky on the Scott Mantz Star Trek podcast, Enterprise Incidents

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TNG: "Where No One Has Gone Before" (s1e6) with Ryan T. Riddle & Mark Farinas from Ship Full of Jerks Podcast

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:49:03 -0000

OFF THE SCALE! The Enterprise is thrown to the edge of the universe in one of the biggest swings Star Trek has ever taken. Joining Bryan to discuss this important early episode of TNG where Captain Picard talks to his dead mother and when Wesley Crusher meets the Traveler, are Mark Farinas & Ryan T. Riddle from the Ship Full of Jerks Podcast. They're here not only to judge the quality of this season 1 episode but also to extol the virtues of TNG-Season 1 overall. Better than you remember or simply too good to be forgotten?

The grades begin at (26:34).

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LD: "Much Ado About Boimler" & "Veritas" (s1e7-8) with Cassie Soliday (The Ink & Paint Folk Podcast) & Matt (Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man)

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 22:35:09 -0000

BOIM US UP! This month's animated spotlight looks at the highs and lows of being a lower decker as well as the highs and lows of Star Trek stories told via animation. Joining Bryan to discuss are two animation veterans: Cassie has written for multiple animated series and hosts a podcast that spotlights women & nonbinary talent in animation called The Ink & Paint Folk Podcast. Their partner Matt is a CG artist who's worked on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man slated for release later this year.

The grades for "Much Ado About Boimler" begin at (22:50). The grades for "Veritas" begin at (58:35).

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TOS: "By Any Other Name" (s2e21) with Matt from Star Trek: Prodigy

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

SCOTTY GETS DRUNK with a Kelvan and Star Trek fans are given a scene to enjoy forever. Does the rest of the episode rise to the occasion or is there a "just play the hits" quality to it? It's Trek Marry Kill's 79th episode, and so it seemed only fitting to do an episode of TOS.

The Enterprise is once again taken over by superior beings and once again it's up to Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Scotty to figure out how to take down "gods." This time, the gods don't want to test humanity or watch them toil for amusement, they need the ship to complete a 300-year journey back to their home galaxy of Andromeda.

This time, our intrepid crew takes down "gods" with the most human behavior they can conjure. Joining Bryan this week to discuss the episode is CG Artist Matt who worked on both wrapped seasons of Star Trek: Prodigy (season one of which you can watch right now in the US on Netflix) and whose opinion of this episode has changed over time.

If you're enjoying the show, consider rating and reviewing us on whichever platform you use to listen to the show. Check us out at trekmarrykpod on social.

Our monthly animated spotlight will post on the 2nd of the month and was preempted only to make sure a TOS episode went in as our 79th episode.

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SNW: "Among the Lotus Eaters" (s2e4) with Michael Baumann of Wheelysports and FanGraphs

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:04:03 -0000

ANSON MOUNT'S RETURN from paternity leave thrusts Captain Pike into an adventure where he loses his memory and becomes... the darkness that's been inside him all along? And it's because an asteroid crashed on a planet thousands of years ago? Huh? This week, Bryan is joined by Michael Baumann of the cycling blog Wheelysports and the baseball blog FanGraphs to sort out a greatest hits-type of story.

Michael has a great theory about how every Star Trek series has a captain who is a different type of dad. Is Mount's "Dad Energy" your kind of Star Trek captain energy? Is this episode a big swing that connects? The grades begin at (33:39).

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TNG: "Genesis" (s7e19) with actor-director Heidi Cox ("Stalking LeVar," "Chasing Fletcher Allen")

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:30:39 -0000

GATES MCFADDEN DIRECTS one of the biggest swings in the history of the Star Trek franchise: the crew de-evolves! How did the Dancing Doctor's perspective improve the episode and is her directorial debut a classic? Joining Bryan this week is actor-writer-producer-director Heidi Cox, creator of the web series "Stalking LeVar" and co-founder of Dweeb Darlings (@DweebDarlings on social), a media company promoting balance in the industry for women driven content from women creators.

Not only was this Gates McFadden's TV directing debut, it's the first time in Star Trek history that an episode is directed by a woman castmember and lucky for her she gets to direct a horror movie aboard the Enterprise. Is this a big swing that connects? What's the fate of Spot's kittens? You'll just have to listen.

The grades begin at (23:53).

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TNG: "Masks" (s7e17) with Thomas Tulak, Director of Who Dunt Dunt Dunnit?: The Movie

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:12:13 -0000

MASAKA IS SLEEPY! Writer-Director-Actor Thomas Tulak joins Bryan to discuss one of the most extreme examples of writing, directing, and acting in all of Star Trek history. Is Brent Spiner up to the task of playing multiple characters from an entire civilization? Is Patrick Stewart sleepwalking through his performance or does he manage to act just enough in this one to not be shown up by the 12 errant palm fronds production brought in to decorate the Enterprise sets after the ship starts to transform into an alien sun god/dess's palace? Listen and find out!

And you can watch Thomas Tulak's feature film, Who Dunt Dunt Dunnit?:: The Movie, RIGHT NOW on Tubi. https://tubitv.com/movies/100013396/who-dunt-dunt-dunnit

If you're enjoying the show, consider rating us five stars on whatever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

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TOS: "The Savage Curtain" (s3e22) with Andrew Bloom (The Spool, Slashfilm, Consequence)

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000

PARTY OF LINCOLN! We continue to look at Star Trek's BIG SWINGS with the episode where literally Abraham Lincoln beams aboard the Enterprise. It's a classic Star Trek story that includes wacky 1960s predictions about the future, alien gods pitting our crew against the forces of evil itself for their own amusement, and some really unsubtle Kirk-Spock slashfic material.

Joining Bryan this week is returning guest Andrew Bloom (@TheAndrewBlog and andrewbloom.substack.com). Will they Trek, Marry, or Kill it?

The grades begin at (26:18).

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LD: "Cupid's Errant Arrow" & "Terminal Provocations" (s1e5-6) with Katie Hampton from Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:28:43 -0000

COOL OR FOOL? In the this month's animated spotlight, Bryan and Katie Hampton from the Napping Through Happy Hour podcast take a look at two Lower Decks episodes that firmly push the freshman series in its own direction. In the first, Mariner suspects that Boimler's long distance girlfriend is a parasite. In the second, Tim Robinson screams his way through some shenanigans. Are they Treks, Marrys, or Kills?

If you want to jump to "Terminal Provocations," the grades begin at (39:50).

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VOY: "Course: Oblivion" (s5e18) with Joshua Pruett (The Last Comics on Earth series, Doctor Who, Phineas and Ferb)

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:33:20 -0000

CAMP OR CLASSIC? The Emmy-winning and New York Times-bestselling writer Joshua Pruett returns to walk Bryan through the high camp of one of Star Trek: Voyager's most tragic episodes in which the crew discovers that they are merely mimic goo that's now disintegrating because of an enhanced warp drive. Did Bryan Fuller and Nick Sagan have higher aims or were they locked into a nihilistic ending? And just how many members of the cast were in on the joke of playing up the ridiculousness of turning into puddles of goo?

It's another BIG SWING for Star Trek -- does it connect? And whose side do you agree with: Bryan's or Josh's? It's another split vote scenario and we're asking the audience to break the tie.

Check out The Last Comics on Earth: Too Many Villains! releasing this April and check out Josh's social media @zombietardis on most platforms.

Enjoying the show? Consider rating us five stars on your platform of choice!

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SNW: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" (s2e3)

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

LOKI MEETS TWILIGHT? Bryan and Kristen kick off a new theme series: BIG SWINGS. And, folks, Star Trek is committed to the big swing. This time out sees La'an teaming up with an alternate reality Captain Kirk to travel back in time to 21st century Earth for reasons. Does the episode reveal something new about La'an? Does it give us a new side of Kirk even if only through the lens of an alternate reality figure? Or is it all too safe and pat?

The grades start at (17:35).

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ENT: "Shuttlepod One" (s1e16) with Kayla Iacovino & Brian Drew from TrekMovie.com's Shuttle Pod

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

SOME MALE BONDING is all the crew behind Star Trek: Enterprise needed to get excited again about their show late in the first season. This bottle episode that was largely a two-hander wound up bonding actors Connor Trinneer and Dominic Keating IRL. Does this one evoke the adventure and progressivism that are the hallmarks of Trek, or does it tend to scratch the itch of its corporate masters who want a more conventional network TV show?

Joining Bryan to discuss another episode in TMK's Two Hander series are Kayla Iacovino & Brian Drew, hosts of Shuttle Pod on the TrekMovie.com feed. Does this popular episode make a whole lot of sense? More importantly, is it a TREK, MARRY, or KILL?

The grades begin at (19:08).

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VOY: "Resolutions" (s2e25)

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

WHY WON'T THEY? A mysterious disease forces Janeway and Chakotay to live on an alien planet for the rest of their lives, but will the tension force them to move beyond colleagues? Wait a minute. What tension? Is there actually something here, or is it merely the inertia of a man and a woman of similar ages being stranded together in a confined space? Is it the ultimate Bachelor date?

Our Two Hander theme continues into *a second month* as Bryan and Kristen investigate Star Trek: Voyager's stab at a harlequin romance story, just in time for Valentine's Day. Is this May sweeps stunt a success?

The grades begin at (23:20).

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LD: "Temporal Edict" & "Moist Vessel" (s1e3-4) with Katie Hampton from Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

IT'S BUFFER TIME! Bryan and returning guest co-host Katie Hampton from Geekscape's Napping Through Happy Hour podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/napping-through-happy-hour/id1628046345) judge two more episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks and, folks, you're not going to believe this, but they didn't agree on a grade for either of them! We'll need your vote to break the deadlocks!

After Captain Freeman orders the end of "buffer time," is the reveal that the crew's frantic behavior is NOT the result of an alien influence or virus too weird or cartoonish to make the episode truly great? Is Tendi's sitcom-level behavior during a crewmember's ascension ceremony and Mariner's yawning during a briefing enough to sour strong premises? Listen and decide!

"Temporal Edict" begins pretty much straight away while "Moist Vessel" begins at (43:38).

Trek Marry Kill will continue the animated spotlights for the rest of the season. On the 1st of every month, you'll get a bonus TMK featuring two episodes of either Star Trek: Lower Decks or Star Trek: The Animated Series; and be sure to go watch Star Trek: Prodigy - Season One now streaming on Netflix. We give all 20 episodes of season one a hearty TREK.

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DS9: "Armageddon Game" (s2e13) with Clint Worthington from The Spool

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

JUST BROING OUT. A key episode in the development of Chief O'Brien and Dr. Bashir's friendship sees them trapped on an alien world trying to survive until Commander Sisko can rescue them. Joining Bryan to discuss this pivotal story is Clint Worthington, Editor-in-Chief of The Spool (https://thespool.net), a pop culture website focused on Film & TV.

Back in 2021, Clint wrote "Queering the Bromance Between O'Brien and Bashir" for StarTrek.com which examines how their close bond, created in part by missions like this one, eventually creates a safe space for both men to express their feelings. This episode also features some Emmy-nominated hairstyles, a shell game, and a very questionable plot by the episode's antagonist. Is it a Trek, Marry, or Kill?

The grades begin at (21:14).

If you're enjoying the show, considering rating and reviewing us wherever you listen to the show.

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TNG: "The Enemy" (s3e7) with Katie Hampton from Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

GEORDI'S BIG EPISODE finds him trapped on a weird planet with a Romulan centurion. We get to see LeVar Burton channel his natural charisma and show different sides of our favorite chief engineer, but it's nearly overshadowed by one of the most compelling ethical and moral dilemmas ever featured on The Next Generation when Worf has the chance to save the life of a different Romulan.

Our Two Hander theme month continues, and joining Bryan to discuss what might be the most overlooked episode of The Next Generation is writer-comedian Katie Hampton from The Napping Through Happy Hour podcast. The grades begin at (28:29).

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TOS: "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" (s3e15)

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

MOST FAMOUS EPISODE? Last week was the 55th anniversary of perhaps the most famous episode of Star Trek, which is really saying something. It's a middle of season three episode wherein the Enterprise takes on two passengers -- one half black on the left side of their face and half white on the white; the other half white on the left and half black on the right -- that leads to an allegory or parable about Civil Rights era America. Is it overwrought or filled with thought?

The grades begin at (32:18).

Our Two Hander theme month continues with an episode that features guest star Frank Gorshin (aka TV's The RIddler from the 1966 Batman TV series), which allows our hosts to wonder about a famous story from Adam West's memoir in which he and Gorshin attend an orgy in the Hollywood Hills. Were you or someone you know there? We want to hear about it!

But also, we want to hear your thoughts about the show. Email address dropped at episode's end. If you're enjoying the show, consider rating and reviewing us on your podcast platform of choice.

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DS9: "Duet" (s1e19) with Andrew Bloom (Slashfilm, Consequence, The Spool)

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

KIRA'S SOLEMN VOW leads to a shocking truth: vengeance is not moral. In the course of investigating a single Cardassian she comes to the realization that collective punishment of all Cardassians isn't justice, even if this particular Cardassian wants to face judgment for his people's crimes. It's one of the most intense episodes of Star Trek ever made and to help Bryan discuss this Deep Space Nine achievement is writer Andrew Bloom (Slashfilm, Consequence, The Spool).

He's written a piece about "Duet" on his Substack In Full Bloom -- check it out! If you're liking the show, consider rating us on your podcast platform of choice. Check out all our standings at TrekMarryKillPod.com.

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DS9: "The Alternate" (s2e12)

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 10:41:02 -0000

ODO'S PANIC ATTACKS lead to some scary times aboard Deep Space Nine thanks to some volcanic gas from a planet in the Gamma Quadrant and the arrival of Odo's old captor/trainer/parent figure, Dr. Mora (James Sloyan). It's an episode that was intended to be about alternate personalities, but it winds up being something else entirely.

Kristen test runs her New Year's Resolution, Bryan tries to sing Klingon opera, and he introduces Kristen to the word "cremains." What do you think? Is that a real word or Bryan-brand hokum?

It's the first of our Two-Hander Month! The grades begin at (17:12).

If you're enjoying the show, considering rating and reviewing us wherever you listen to podcasts and help spread the word!

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LD: "Second Contact" & "Envoys" (s1e1-2) with Katie Hampton from Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 15:05:00 -0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We kick off 2024 with our animated spotlight on the beloved Star Trek: Lower Decks and we do it by bringing in one of the biggest fans of the show: Katie Hampton, a comedy writer and performer in LA who co-hosts the Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast (social: @ElSassyPants or @ElSassyPantz on TIkTok). She was also a guest on our Star Trek: Picard - "Surrender" episode last season. Will she and Bryan see eye to eye on this new kid on the block in the Trek universe?

"Second Contact" begins at (30:48). "Envoys" begins at (1:13:07).

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TNG: "Second Chances" (s6e24) with Kat Spada from Feminist Frequency Radio

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 18:42:39 -0000

A TRANSPORTER MIRACLE created two Rikers eight years ago setting up a situation where Counselor Troi would be confronted with the man she fell in love with who was still madly in love with her and Commander Riker looking a different part of himself right in the eyes. It's all in service of getting some Important Scientific Data from a planet and that could not be any less interesting than the love triangle aboard the Enterprise.

How do Bryan, Kristen, and special guest Kat Spada respond to this one and do you agree with Bryan & Kat that Troi and Lt. Riker hooked up or do you think Kristen got it right?

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TOS: "The Enemy Within" (s1e5)

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:08:43 -0000

KIRK'S TOXIC MASCULINITY is unleashed after a transporter accident involving mystery ore from a freezing planet splits him into his Negative Side and Positive Side. This mascara'd drunk sexually assaults Yeoman Rand. Meanwhile, the Positive Side winds up being the passive side and his inaction and softness begins to offend Mr. Spock!

It's an episode that only could've been written in the 1960s and it should come as no surprise that its general statement about the darkness inside every man comes from a Twlight Zone writer -- it's a very Twlight Zone message. For your consideration: Bryan and Kristen play Trek Marry Kill with it and see if the episode holds up despite sexual assault, a dog in a dragon costume, and an inexplicable storyline where the ship can't send down a shuttle to rescue Sulu & some redshirts!

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VOY: "Deadlock" (s2e21) with Marina Kravchuk from Daily Star Trek News

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

TWO MANY JANEWAYS? That's the conundrum at the heart of season two standout "Deadlock," and joining Bryan this week is Captain Janeway superfan Marina Kravchuk from Daily Star Trek News to talk all about. There's a lot of technobabble that only makes sense because of the years of world building going on since the TNG days, but there's also a lot of Voyager-specific tropes deployed in an episode that finds Voyager being duplicated because of a rift in subspace. And there are Vidians thrown in for good measure! Is it a Trek, Marry, or Kill?

Check out all our Trek Marry Kill standings at TrekMarryKillPod.com. You can follow our guest on social media @drakkorex on most platforms.

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LD: "Twovix" (s4e1) with FanSince09

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:01:00 -0000

BLEEP GOT FREAKY aboard the USS Voyager, but BLEEP gets even freakier aboard the USS Cerritos after it's assigned to tow the famous ship to its final home as a museum piece. In this special bonus episode, Twitter/X's FanSince09 returns to discuss how Lower Decks deals with Star Trek's version of the trolley problem. He also uses this opportunity to soft launch a podcast he's been thinking about for a while -- which idea winds up being more grotesque? FanSince09's podcast idea or the blob of people created by all of the Tuvixing going on aboard the Cerritos? You be the judge.

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VOY: "Tuvix" (s2e24) with FanSince09

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

DEEP LORE TREKKIES aren't the only ones who know about the episode where Captain Janeway straight up murdered a dude. Indeed, the one where a transporter accident merges Tuvok and Neelix has been the subject of philosophical and legal papers and years of social media debate -- but has it all added up to this one being worthy of the Star Trek canon? Is it marriage material? Joining Bryan and Kristen to help them decide this week is Twitter/X's FanSince09, who has never let this one fade from memory. It's a whole new theme month! SPLIT IN TWO.

AND! FanSince09 will hang around for one more episode with Bryan and Kristen -- is Lower Decks' followup to this famous Voyager episode, "Twovix," a Trek, Marry, or Kill? Keep your playlist running and find out. we've dropped two this week.

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TAS: "One of Our Planets Is Missing" & "The Lorelei Signal" (s1e3-4)

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:46:34 -0000

UHURA TAKES COMMAND and the Enterprise becomes trapped in a sentient cloud (again, and not for the last time) -- it's another exciting month of animated Star Trek!

Bryan and Kristen examine two more from Star Trek: The Animated Series, one that features floating teeth and another that has the men aboard ship so horny that they could die. Does this 50-year old children's programming hold up in the 21st century or is it all too silly? Find out!

If you're enjoying the show, considering rating and reviewing us on your podcast platform of choice. Check out our standings at trekmarrykillpod.com. Are we tracking with the old thought that 30% of the episodes are amazing, 40% are good or fine, and 30% are bad? Go find out!

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VOY: "Death Wish" (s2e18) with Kat Spada (Feminist Frequency Radio) & Ethan Harper (Remember the Memories Podcast)

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:22:18 -0000

KILL ALL MEN? That's the tantalizing hook for the latest episode in our Trials of Season Two theme month and guest co-hosts Kat Spada of Feminist Frequency Radio and artist Ethan Harper can't help but think what might've been. Instead, we get an episode about a member of the Q Continuum who wants to die. The only thing stopping him is another member of the Q Continuum -- John de Lancie! Can he convince Captain Janeway to rule in his favor and sentence a wayward Q to an eternity trapped inside a comet or will she grant Death Wish Q asylum so that he can become mortal as a means of ending his own life. Oh -- and there's a surprise cameo by William T. Riker.

The grades start at (25:33). Check out Kat's Voyager-themed manicure here.

If you're enjoying the show, consider rating and reviewing us. Check out all the standings at TrekMarryKillPod.com

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ENT: "Judgment" (s2e19)

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

TRIAL BY RETCON. Ohhhh, sorry Captain Kirk. Turns out it's fairly common for the captain of (the) Enterprise to stand trial on the Klingon home world. Jonathan Archer did it 80 years before you were even born! Our Trials of Season Two theme month continues with this rehash of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country with some DS9 "Tribunal" thrown in for good measure as David Goodman, the President of the Writers Guild of America, jumps from sitcoms to Star Trek to co-write an episode that borrows heavily from established franchise history. Is it a winner or all too familiar?

The grades begin at (19:06). Also, Bryan makes a big mistake when he references Tuvok being on the Excelsior during Star Trek VI as being in the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Timeless" when we ALL know it's "Flashback."

If you're enjoying the show, consider subscribing and rating us five stars on your podcast platform of choice. And don't forget to check out our monthly spotlight on the animated shows. This month: Laurie Ulster from TrekMovie.com joined Bryan to judge the first two episodes from The Animated Series (1973).

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DS9: "Tribunal" (s2e25)

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:02:35 -0000

O'BRIEN MUST SUFFER is a Deep Space Nine tradition, and one of the first episodes that really tortured our favorite Chief of Operations involved the bloody Cardies and their bloodless fascist court system. We continue our Trials of Season Two theme month that sees O'Brien arrested for terrorism and Odo dispatched to serve as his co-counsel. Meanwhile, the Niners Scooby-Doo around the station in an attempt to clear the Chief's name.

The grades begin at (14:26). You can watch the "Don't Talk to the Police" YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/d-7o9xYp7eE?si=b1WdzMIvqOv0GGl2 -- remember: All Cardassians Are Bad! If you're ever stopped by a Cardassian patrol outside of their jurisdiction, don't go along with their orders, even if they're coming from Gul Evek!

If you're enjoying the show, consider rating & review us on Apple Podcasts or your podcast platform of choice. Our theme is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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SNW: "Ad Astra Per Aspera" (s2e2)

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 08:44:24 -0000

NUMBER ONE'S TRIAL kicks off our first theme month: The Trials of Season Two. In order to exonerate his embattled first officer, Captain Pike takes a personal day to travel across the galaxy to get a ringer/the best civil rights attorney in the galaxy. She's portrayed by Yatide Badaki in one of the best Star Trek guest appearances of all-time. Is her performance as Attorney Neera enough to deliver a Trek, Marry, or KIll?

The grades begin at (26:49).

If you're enjoying the show, consider rating & review us on Apple Podcasts or your podcast platform of choice. Our theme is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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TAS: "Beyond the Farthest Star" & "Yesteryear" (s1e1-2) with Laurie Ulster from TrekMovie.com

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 08:16:01 -0000

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY of the debut of The Animated Series more or less coincides with Trek Marry Kill's 1ST ANNIVERSARY, and so to celebrate both, Bryan has decided to remove this podcast's original sin of holding the animated shows off to the side by fully embracing them with the first of what will be monthly special episodes dedicated to animated episodes.

Joining him for the first special episode is Laurie Ulster of TrekMovie.com, who hosts the All Access Podcast on that network. She also copy edited Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series, an awesome reference guide for this Emmy-nominated Saturday morning cartoon that's not "just" a cartoon -- it's animated Star Trek!

This month, the first two episodes of the series. One written by the same guy who wrote the first episode of The Original Series and the other written by D.C. Fontana, perhaps the second-most important writer in franchise history after Gene Roddenberry. Hear about Bryan's chance encounter with her back in 2016.

The grades begin at (22:15). "Yesteryear" discussion begins at (48:23). This episode features some old promos for which you can see here on YouTube. One of those promos is an old "Keep America Beautiful" PSA. Our theme is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay. We also use a snippet from Luis Humanoide from Pixabay's "Space Fleet" during our bridge. If you're liking the show, consider rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

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TOS: "Catspaw" (s2e7)

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:19:01 -0000

A HAUNTED HOUSE traps Kirk, Spock, and McCoy who are teased, tortured, and brainwashed by a pair of bickering aliens from another galaxy -- one of which transforms from a simple black house cat to a forced perspective oversized black house cat meant to suggest a panther! That's not the goofiest thing that happens in this episode and there's a lot more scary stuff surrounding the episode's production, from diva actors to tragedy.

The grades begin at (32:06).

TOMORROW, Bryan will be joined by Laurie from TrekMovie.com to talk about **two** episodes from The Animated Series in our new monthly bonus episode focusing on The Animated Series and Lower Decks.

If you're enjoying the show, tell your friends or give us a review on Apple Podcasts and five stars, if you feel so inclined. And you can check out how many Treks, Marrys, and Kills we've handed out at www.trekmarrykillpod.com.

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VOY: "Drone" (s5e2) with Shereese & Andrea from The TNG Podcast

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

OUR FIFTIETH EPISODE! This week, Bryan is joined by Shereese & Andrea from The TNG Podcast to discuss an important episode of Star Trek: Voyager. Seven of Nine becomes a mentor or a big sister to a baby Borg drone created by a transporter accident that mixed her Borg nanoprobes with The Doctor's 29th century mobile emitter.

The trio has a lot of fun digging into the social morays of a stranded crew on a long-term voyage home and get serious about the real-life clash between Kate Mulgrew and Jeri Ryan, which played an important role in helping get Barack Obama elected President of the United States.

The grades begin at (40:55). And since the great scenes grade runs so long, the rest kick in it (1:17:19).

If you've been enjoying the show, consider rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts, in the Spotify app, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Keep track of our standings at trekmarrykillpod.com and if you have any ideas or questions for the show, you can at us on Twitter or Instagram @trekmarrykpod

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DS9: "Take Me Out to the Holosuite" (s7e4) with Michael Baumann of FanGraphs

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

HEY BATTER BATTER! Star Trek finally gives in to Michael Piller's love of baseball with The Baseball Episode of Deep Space Nine where Captain Sisko gets the crew together to play against some competitive Vulcans. It's the 25th anniversary of what's probably an oddity for most fans. Think of it like the musical episode of its day...

Joining Bryan to discuss the episode where his favorite captain wears the hat for his favorite baseball team is national baseball writer Michael Baumann of FanGraphs.com, who interviewed DS9 showrunner Ira Steven Behr back in 2017 for The Ringer about this very episode.

Bryan and Michael did not wind up agreeing on the appropriate grade for this one so it's up to YOU, Dear Listener, to break the stalemate! You can vote directly in the Spotify app OR at our website trekmarrykillpod.com.

The grades begin at (23:28).

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DS9: "The Siege" (s2e3)

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 06:55:41 -0000

DYING IS EASY. But wrapping up Star Trek's first-ever three-parter isn't. In the exciting conclusion of Deep Space Nine's Circle trilogy, veteran writer Michael Piller deploys every trick in the book to bring this story to an exciting conclusion. Does it hit every mark or will Bryan and Kristen be left wanting even 30 years after it first aired?

There's also plenty of off-topic conversation like what kind of Mission: Impossible stunts our intrepid hosts would attempt on the holodeck and why they love the community of TV.

The grades begin at the (17:00) mark.

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DS9: "The Circle" (s2e2)

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

BAJOR IS OVER. At least, that's what Quark wants us to believe after a wave of Bajoran nationalism threatens the lives of every of non-Bajoran on the station. This week, Bryan and Kristen take a look at part two of Star Trek's first ever three-parter which sees the introduction of the 90s version of Hot Priest, Vedek Bereil, Major Kira's soon-to-be boyfriend. Is he as interesting now as he was then? They also discuss the life of this episode's writer, Peter Allan Fields, with the help of this incredible Twitter thread from DS9 writer Robert Hewitt Wolfe.

The grades begin at the (12:20) mark.

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DS9: "The Homecoming" (s2e1)

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

IT'S THE NINETIES. The Star Trek franchise has never been more popular and striking while the iron's hot is the Deep Space Nine writing staff determined to chart their own course away from the Next Gen juggernaut. But is this show's specificity and sometimes uncomfortable parallels with modern history a bridge too far for the audience of the time? How about today's audience? Bryan and Kristen explore an episode that deals with Bajoran nationalism, surprisingly weird casting, and an even wackier honeypot scene.

The grades kick in at (34:06). Here's that TV Guide cover that Bryan references. Here's the archive of Tim Lynch's Star Trek reviews.

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TOS: "Spock's Brain" (s3e1)

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

BRAIN AND BRAIN! For a very long time, the third season premiere of The Original Series was considered one of the dumbest episodes of TELEVISION to have ever aired. Part of the reason Bryan wanted to do a Star Trek podcast was to see if time + examining episodes from a somewhat different perspective -- like the series of questions we ask about every episode before arriving at our judgment -- would help us see any differently episodes lodged in cultural memory a certain way.

There's certainly a lot that happened behind the scenes to explain how one of the greatest science fiction TV shows in human history produced an episode called "Spock's Brain," and Bryan and Kristen cover all those bases. CONTENT WARNING: The conversation leads to our hosts discussing Gene Roddenberry's sex lives, which necessarily means a slightly more graphic conversation than usual, so be forewarned.

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TNG: "We'll Always Have Paris" (s1e24)

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

PLAY IT AGAIN? Captain Picard comes to the rescue of a woman he ghosted! Will it be awkward? Chill? A chance to do it all over again? Bryan and Kristen relive some of the worst that eighties TV had to offer as Patrick Stewart and Michelle Phillips act out trite melodrama in a story that deals with some cultural detritus that has been (seemingly) left behind in the 20th century -- you don't see too many naked ripoffs of Casablanca these days! There's also some stuff about a time fart in here that fails to inspire when it's not a little confusing; but, does Michelle Phillips' experience with people tripping on acid help her performance in this one and does the science fiction B-plot entertain just enough?

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TOS: "The Enterprise Incident" (s3e2) with Mark & Ryan from Ship Full of Jerks podcast

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

POOR ROMULAN COMMANDER. She thinks she's got a chance with Mr. Spock, but his loyalty is to the Federation and Captain Kirk. This week, Bryan is joined by Mark & Ryan from the Ship Full of Jerks podcast to judge what many consider to be the best episode of The Original Series' third season. Mark & Ryan delve into the slashfic aspect of Kirk & Spock and how their dynamic plays into the events of this episode.

Kirk and Spock execute an elaborate ruse on the Romulans and their commander played by the remarkable Joanne Linville in order to gain access to the newest edition of the Romulan cloaking device.

If you're enjoying the show, consider rating us five stars in your podcast app of choice and leave a review if you feel so inclined. Keep track of our standings on trekmarrykillpod.com and if you have any ideas for the show, including what should be our final grade/question before asking TREK, MARRY, or KILL, you can at us on Twitter or Instagram: @trekmarrykpod.

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TOS: "Bread and Circuses" (s2e25)

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:33:13 -0000

KIRK, SPOCK & McCOY just play their behavioral hits in a classic episode of The Original Series that includes everything great and everything 1960s about the show. This being the 55th anniversary year of the episode, it's worth wondering how much of it holds up and how much of it is of its time. Will Bryan and Kristen delight in the character-specific dialogue along with the Roddenberry-driven "science fiction" scenario of a planet in the thrall of both "Caesar and Christ?"

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SNW: "The Broken Circle" (s2e1)

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

STEALING THE ENTERPRISE has never looked so easy! In the second season premiere of the hit Strange New Worlds, the writers needed to write around Anson Mount's limited availability and did so by coming up with a prequel to "The Menagarie" -- Spock's first effort to hijack the ship! Is Spock's first time as impressive as his next time? And, does getting new backstory on M'Benga and Chapel give enough weight to their storyline in this episode where they inject themselves with drugs to Hulk out?

Meanwhile, Bryan and Kristen try to remember which TV show posted a list of cliched jokes that were banned from their scripts, but it took until post production for us to locate that it was the writers room for the Comedy Central series Workaholics that posted the list back in 2016.

If you're interested in donating to groups in Maui who are on the ground and providing aid in response to the wildfires, we recommend Maui Food Bank (mauifoodbank.org) and the Maui Strong Fund (https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong).

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ENT: "The Expanse" (s2e26)

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:03:01 -0000

THE AMERICAN TRAGEDY of the September 11th attacks becomes a Star Trek turning point, as a vision of a hopeful future gets put on pause so that it can explore the deep grief of the American psyche in the "War on Terror." Our season premiere dealt with the episode that might've saved Star Trek as we knew it, but Enterprise's second season finale might've changed the franchise once and for all.

An attack on Earth from an unknown alien species compels Captain Archer to take Enterprise into an unexplored region of space to hunt down whoever's responsible before they can launch another, larger attack that could destroy Earth entirely. What do Bryan and Kristen think of "The Expanse" and do you agree? Please note, we get into some spoilery discussion about the movie Oppenheimer from (56:45) to (1:02:10).

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DS9: "Babel" (s1e4) with Katelyn Hempstead of Lizard People Podcast

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:01:00 -0000

CAPTAIN JAHEEL SUCKS. Bryan and Kristen are joined by special guest Katelyn Hempstead from the podcast Lizard People to talk about the fourth episode of Deep Space Nine ever which featured a virus that gave the infected aphasia. But more importantly, this episode includes a character so annoying, so worthy of derision, that Bryan has remembered him ever since this episode aired and after rewatching this, Kristen and Katelyn agree -- Captain Jaheel sucks!!! Before deciding if this one should get a Trek, Marry, or Kill, they also talk about lice, the Velveteen Rabbit, David Lynch's "Lost Highway," and test out a new grade. What does any of this mean? You'll just have to listen to find out.

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TNG: "The Child' (s2e1)

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:32:18 -0000

GROW THE BEARD. Season two of Star Trek: The Next Generation fundamentally altered the course of the franchise's popularity and all of that started right here in the season two premiere. Based on a script recycled from the aborted Star Trek: Phase II series, this episode about Counselor Troi having a miracle child causes Bryan and Kristen to discuss abortion, yo momma jokes, and HIPAA laws. Will they TREK, MARRY, or KILL it?

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Level One Diagnostic [Season Premiere]

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

BRYAN AND KRISTEN kick off the second season of Trek Marry Kill with a review of season one. What worked? What didn't work? What was the biggest complaint and how did we decide to address it? Season two will feature some minor tweaks to the format, including theme months, the animated shows, a new question to ask before TREK, MARRY, OR KILL? and a list of Wild Card episodes that Kristen drew from a Spock mug.

Stay tuned because we dropped two episodes this week: Counselor Troi is pregnant in The Next Generation's second season premiere, "The Child."

If you're enjoying our show, consider rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can check out all our rankings at trekmarrykillpod.com. Our theme is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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PIC: "The Last Generation" (s3e10) [Season Finale]

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

GOODBYE, SPACE DAD. Bryan and Kristen get together to say goodbye to Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D in the series finale of Star Trek: Picard. Is it a fitting end to the longest parasocial relationship of Bryan's life? Does Kristen dig the backdoor Star Trek: Legacy pilot season 3 Executive Producer Terry Matalas snuck in there?

Picard fights to rescue Jack from the clutches of the Borg Queen while Seven & Raffi enlist the aid of the few remaining Olds aboard the Titan to retake the ship and defend space dock from the networked fleet. It all ends with a poker game and a cameo.

Jump to the grades (19:32) or straight to our mini grade of the Star Trek: Legacy backdoor pilot (1:10:03).

This episode also serves as the season finale of TREK, MARRY, KILL! We'll be back August 1st with all-new episodes. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss it! Rate us five stars in the Spotify app and Apple Podcasts. You can check out all our rankings at trekmarrykillpod.com. Our theme is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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PIC: "Vox" (s3e9) with Stu

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

ENTER THE ENTERPRISE. The last cast member of this Star Trek: The Next Generation reunion finally enters the story as Picard & co. seek refuge aboard their old ship after the season's main enemy reveals themselves during Frontier Day: the Borg, humanity's most lethal enemy, has a doozy of a plan that might be unstoppable.

This week, Bryan is joined by an old friend, Stu, now a movie producer, but the two were once production assistants together. They geek out over seeing the Enterprise-D again but they have clashes in the Anton Karidian and Shatner Awards the likes of which have never been seen before on this podcast. Will they be able to agree on whether or not "Vox" is worthy of a Trek, Marry, or Kill? You'll just have to listen!

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PIC: "Surrender" (s3e8) with Katie Hampton from the Napping Through Happy Hour Podcast

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

THE FINAL ROUND between Data and Lore forms the center of a critical episode in sorting out the season arc of #StarTrekPicard season three. Bryan is joined by actor-improvisor-podcaster Katie Hampton (@ElSassyPants on Twitter) from the Napping Through Happy Hour podcast to talk about the challenges of playing two roles that involves acting against yourself and, wouldn't you know it, Brent Spiner is truly great at it.

Meanwhile, Captain Vadic faces a cold reality and Riker and Troi are forced to resolve their marital strife. Does it all work or did the writers, in their haste to make a compressed production schedule, overlook a critical issue with the Riker-Troi family storyline? Which way will we go with this one? Is "Surrender" a Trek, Marry, or Kill?

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PIC: "Dominion" (s3e7) with Joshua Pruett (The Last Kids on Earth, Mystery Science Theater 3000)

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

A BRIDGE EPISODE raises a lot of questions from Bryan, Kristen, and this week's special guest, Emmy Award-winning writer Joshua Pruett (@zombietardis on Twitter & Instagram). Does Jean-Luc's plan to turn the tables on Vadic in hopes of figuring out her master plan make sense or is it all just a bunch of nonsense?

Check out The Last Comics on Earth, released April 25, 2023 by Viking Books and follow Joshua Pruett on social media to stay current with the busy writer of The Last Kids on Earth series as well as Phineas and Ferb!

This episode of #StarTrekPicard also reacquaints us with Data, who shares a new body with Lore; a character from another show returns; Marvel movies collide with the Star Trek universe in a fun and cool way; and, LeVar Burton uncorks some really fine acting.

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PIC: "The Bounty" (s3e6) with Matt (Star Trek: Prodigy) and Rian (QCODE Media)

Tue, 30 May 2023 11:47:03 -0000

SUCH BEAUTIFUL STARSHIPS! That's all Bryan wants to talk about with special guest co-hosts Matt from Star Trek: Prodigy and Rian from QCODE Media, but there's a whole other storyline in there that makes this episode one of the stranger ones in Star Trek history. Just how much fan service is *too* much fan service, and does Picard-Season Three showrunner Terry Matalas body slam Bryan and his complaints with a perfect explanation of the realities of producing TV? You'll just have to listen!

Matt is a VFX artist on both seasons of Star Trek: Prodigy and Rian produces unscripted podcasts at QCODE Media (Jillian on Love).

Geordi LaForge finally returns to Star Trek as the USS Titan, now on the run from the Changelings who have infiltrated Starfleet, seeks refuge and aid at the Fleet Museum at Athan Prime. Meanwhile, Worf, Raffi, and Riker infiltrate the much-discussed Daystrom Station to find out just what the Changelings took the night they also stole the portal weapon, but in order to do that, they'll need to thwart Moriarty while making their way through a garden of Easter eggs from Star Trek history.

Liking our show? Be sure to rate us five stars on Apple Podcasts and even leave us a review, if you feel so inclined. You can also submit feedback right there on the Spotify app. Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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PIC: "Imposters" (s3e5) with Kat Spada of Feminist Frequency Radio

Tue, 23 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

RO LAREN RETURNS and Bryan might still be tingling. Does this week's special guest co-host, Kat Spada of Feminist Frequency Radio, share his love for Picard's wayward protege? They also get into Todd Stashwick's continued excellence as Captain Shaw, talk about the pairing of Michelle Hurd & Michael Dorn, and other famous Star Trek things like wonky ADR and wigs.

The Changelings can now pass blood tests, Jack Crusher might be Jason Bourne, and there's a logical explanation for organized crime. Do all these things make sense? Will they compel Bryan and Kat to Trek, Marry, or Kill this episode of Star Trek: Picard - Seaosn Three? You'll just have to listen.

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PIC: "No Win Scenario" (s3e4)

Tue, 16 May 2023 07:54:09 -0000

EMMY FOR FRAKES! At some point during the past 36 years, Star Trek: The Next Generation's Number One, Jonathan Frakes, became Star Trek's ambassador and a cultural meme in his own right. Bryan and Kristen weigh all that against his incredible work in this episode and quickly decide that this one is a lifetime achievement, one deserving of an Emmy Award! Succession? Who cares! Jonathan Frakes is where it's at!

Beyond that, they get into the nitty-gritty of the holodeck and how its power cells allow it to operate like a 7-11, leading to a longer discussion about what you might do if you knew the end was near and all you could do is chill out on the holodeck. They also examine backtalking junior officers, how Picard would rewrite Shaw's confrontation in the simulated Ten Forward bar, and why this episode made Bryan cry while watching Star Trek for the first time in his life. Hear him choke up!

If you've been enjoying our show, consider rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts and leaving us a review. You can always check out our standings for Treks, Marrys, and Kills over at www.trekmarrykillpod.com. Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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PIC: "Seventeen Seconds" (s3e3)

Tue, 09 May 2023 07:49:35 -0000

WORF AND RAFFI become a classic Star Trek duo by the end of this episode that's mostly about Jean-Luc and Beverly's relationship reckoning. How could she keep a secret son from him for all these years? How does Ed Speleers pull off playing a 20-year old human male? How will the Titan evade the Shrike in this weird-ass nebula? What sort of celebrity gossip do Bryan and Kristen peddle about midway through this one? You'll just have to listen and find out!

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PIC: "Disengage" (s3e2) with Joel from Trek Against ALS

Tue, 02 May 2023 12:54:18 -0000

WHO'S JACK CRUSHER? It's the question with an easy answer, only, Jean-Luc Picard's in denial. This week, we're joined by Joel, who runs Trek Against ALS, a special fundraiser to help in the fight against ALS by raising support funds for Margot, who was Jeri Ryan's stand in on the ABC series "Body of Proof" and in the last two seasons of Star Trek: Picard.

Come aboard and listen to Joel talk about how Jeri Ryan and other Trek stars have come together for this important cause and stay for his story about Walter Koenig.

Meanwhile, Bryan and Joel also deal with Raffi's storyline and how it leads to us getting Worf! And this is the episode where we meet Amanda Plummer's character, Captain Vadic.

If you've been enjoying our show, consider subscribing and giving us five stars on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or a thumbs up right there in the Spotify app. You can keep tabs on all our grades by visiting trekmarrykillpod.com. Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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PIC: "The Next Generation" (s3e1)

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

ALL GOOD THINGS... get one more story in the 21st century and Star Trek: The Next Generation proves to be no exception. Will this reunion be like an eighth season of TNG or the best season of Star Trek: Picard ever or the best TNG movie we never got? You'll just have to log on and listen!

Jean-Luc Picard receives a message from Dr. Beverly Crusher who needs his help on the edge of Federation space, but in order to get to her, Picard will need to enlist the help of his old Number One, Captain William T. Riker, and in order for Riker to help his old Captain, they'll need the help of Jean-Luc's friend, Seven of Nine serving under one of the galaxy's most supreme jerkwads, Captain Liam Shaw. Meanwhile, Raffi's paranoia gets put to good use for Starfleet Intelligence and her long-time fears of a terrorist attack are finally realized -- only, she's too late to stop it!

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SNW: "A Quality of Mercy" (s1e10)

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:54:17 -0000

REMIX OF TERROR? Strange New Worlds concludes its first season with a bookend to Captain Pike's dilemma setup in the series premiere: dude knows he's gonna suffer a terrible fate. Does this episode help him see that he shouldn't try to wiggle out of it? Bryan and Kristen examine an episode that serves as a "What If?" story to one of the stone cold classic episodes from The Original Series. Is the juice worth the squeeze? Does Strange New Worlds do the original episode justice? And, did the Trojan War actually happen, or is that just something made up to sell books? Kristen has the answer.

Also, how did we feel overall about Strange New Worlds' first season? Did the 30-40-30 ratio (30% Marry, 40% Trek, 30% Kill) described in Episode Zero hold up with this show?

If you're enjoying the show, consider rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts or right there in the Spotify app. You can keep tabs on all our grades by visiting trekmarrykillpod.com. Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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SNW: "All Those Who Wander" (s1e9) with Ryan Nanni of Shutdown Fullcast

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:10:41 -0000

THE VOYAGE HOMAGE. Captain Pike leads a rescue team to an icey planet after the USS Peregrine crash lands there, only to discover that Gorn invaders caused the crash and are not on the planet with them!

Joining Bryan this week is the hilarious Ryan Nanni (@celebrityhottub on Twitter) from the best college football podcast ever made: Shutdown Fullcast. He's here because one of his New Year's resolutions was to appear on as many podcasts as possible, with a preference for subject matter not in his wheelhouse. He's not a total Star Trek novice, though, and he's well aware of science fiction in pop culture, knowledge that's necessary for an episode that... pays loving... homage... to Alien, Aliens, The Thing, and, allegedly Gremlins.

If you're liking our show, consider rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts and leaving a review!

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SNW: "The Elysian Kingdom" (s1e8)

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

CHILDCARE CRISIS RESOLVED! For most of the first season, Dr. M'Benga has been stuck caring for his daughter who's stuck in Sickbay's medical transporter buffer. That changes after the Enterprise's chance encounter with a living nebula! Does the nebula's ability to transform the crew into characters from his daughter's favorite book wind up being a great story twist or merely a lot of fun for the cast and crew?

Bryan and Kristen put on their cloaks and head into an enchanted forest to see if this crucial episode of Strange New Worlds warrants a Trek, Marry, or Kill!

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SNW: "The Serene Squall" (s1e7) with Jen from Baseball Prospectus

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 08:00:25 -0000

ANGEL OR DEVIL? This week, Bryan is joined by special guest co-host Jen (writer at Baseball Prospectus) to discuss one of the most interesting episodes of Star Trek we've ever seen. The legacy of Spock has featured the culture clash of his human side vs. his Vulcan side, and in this episode of Strange New Worlds that dynamic faces a direct challenge from one of the most compelling characters ever created for the franchise.

Spock's Human-Vulcan dynamic gets challenged by nonbinary Dr. Aspen who sees the whole thing as a false dilemma. Meanwhile, after the Enterprsie gets boarded by pirates and the crew imprisoned, Captain Pike decides to shed his Boy Scout label and be a true bad boy... by offering to cook for the pirate crew in hopes of inciting a mutiny. As the saying goes, the fastest way to the heart of a mutinous knave is through their stomach, right?

Jen mentions their involvement with the Youth Leadership Intstitute and if you're interested in checking it out and seeing how it's helping young people address inequities in their communities, then check out yli.org.

Liking our show? Be sure to rate us five stars on Apple Podcasts and even leave us a review, if you feel so inclined. You can also submit feedback right there on the Spotify app. And, of course, be sure to check out trekmarrykillpod.com for up to date standings of Treks, Marrys, and Kills for each series.

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SNW: "Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach" (s1e6) with Cassie Soliday (The Ink & Paint Folk Podcast)

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 08:16:30 -0000

PIKE'S FORMER CRUSH has a secret and this week we have guest co-host Cassie Soliday from The Ink & Paint Folk Podcast to talk about it! Is the perfect world of Majalis too good to be true or does it just seem that way to Federation outsiders?

Meanwhile, Cadet Uhura gets exposed to La'an's list of security rules -- which are more like guidelines -- and Dr. M'Benga's doctor goes on a playdate. Does this episode setup a disturbing motif in this new Star Trek series, or were the writers really just horny for the ending they wrote and worked backwards from that?

THIS EPISODE ENDS IN A SPLIT VOTE! What grade do you think this episode deserves? Vote via Twitter (@trekmarrykpod), our website, or through the Spotify app!

If you're interested in animation, check out Cassie's podcast, and if you're enjoying our show, consider rating us five stars on Apple Podcasts and leaving a review. For a list of all our episodes and our Trek/Marry/Kill standings, check out our website, trekmarrykillpod.com.

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SNW: "Spock Amok" (s1e5) with Aliza Pearl (Women at Warp Podcast)

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

SPOCK BECOMES T'PRING after a Vulcan Soul Swap goes awry and it's all thanks to Spock's pesky humanity! This week, Bryan is joined by Aliza Pearl from the Women at Warp Podcast, the Star Trek Adventures campaign called Clear Skies: Perseverance and she's created an interactive story you can playthrough right now on StoryLoom called Welcome to the Blood Bar.

Will Spock and T'Pring learn a valuable lesson about radical empathy in time to repair the Federation's delicate negotiations with the Rongovians and T'Pring's task to bring in a wayward Vulcan, or will the preponderance of hijinks sink their efforts?

If you're liking our show, be sure to rate us five stars on Apple Podcasts and leave a review! Curious about how many Treks, Marrys, and Kills we've handed out? See all that and more at our website, trekmarrykillpod.com!

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SNW: "Memento Mori" (s1e4)

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:05:15 -0000

HOT GORN ACTION! The Enterprise comes face to face with the mysterious Gorn, realizing La'an's worst nightmare! With the entire ship under constant attack, the episode splits into multiple storylines: Cadet Uhura and Lt. Hemmer are trapped in the cargo bay; and, Number One is trapped in Sickbay with the manic pixie dream Nurse Chapel.

Listen to this one to find out what Bryan and Krsiten think about using mind melds to help with psychotherapy, a glistening Anson Mount, and the movie Interstellar.

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SNW: "Ghosts of Illyria" (s1e3)

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:24:17 -0000

SECRETS AND LIES invade the Enterprise while investigating a distant planet that once was home to the mysterious race called the Illyrians. Has this genetically modified people been hunted to extinction or have they evolved? Bryan and Kristen conduct their own investigation into an episode that's heavy on incident and light on consequences.

They also talk about the production realities that affected this one and how much the story owes to shooting TV during COVID-19 lockdowns and safety protocols. Does the show manage to do more than just remind us of the beginning of the pandemic? Does it borrow too much from The Next Generation? Find out all that and more in this week's all new episode.

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SNW: "Children of the Comet" (s1e2)

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 12:22:12 -0000

ARBITER OF LIFE? Second episodes can be as difficult as the pilot episode of a new show, and Bryan and Kristen don't see an exception with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Does the combination of Anson Mount's charisma and Celia Rose Gooding's talent sell a sometimes sweaty script or does the Star Trek-ness of the whole thing wind up saving the day?

The Enterprise tries to stop a comet from colliding with a planet only to be intercepted by The Shepherds, an alien species that views the comet as a religious figure. Meanwhile, Uhura doesn't know if she belongs in Starfleet, despite being great at everything. Can she find the thrill in time to save the landing party that's trapped on the comet as it hurtles towards its destination?

If you're enjoying our show, consider writing a review on Apple Podcasts and rating us five stars there or whichever platform you listen to Trek, Marry, Kill -- and don't forget: all our standings can be seen on trekmarrykillpod.com.

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TNG: "The Wounded" (s4e12) with Rian Kountzhouse (QCODE Media)

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:26:12 -0000

A BUREAUCRAT'S OFFICE! That's all Captain Picard seems good for to rogue Captain Benjamin Maxwell, but little does he understand that the USS Enterprise is the top diplomatic vessel at the Federation's disposal! Trek, Marry, Kill wraps up its Star Trek: Picard Season Three prep by watching this 4th season episode that introduces Cardassians to the world of Star Trek ... and maybe the world to the Kardashian family?

Joining Bryan this week is Rian from podcast network QCODE to discuss what might be the perfect example of Captain Picard in action playing to his strengths. How does he (via Patrick Stewart's performance) convey so much power without firing a phaser or delivering a drop kick? That's Shakespearean training for you! In this one, he's up against two all-time great Star Trek performances, one from Bob Gunton as Maxwell and Marc Alaimo as Gul Macet, a great preview of his performance for many years on Deep Space Nine as Gul Dukat.

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TNG: "Sub Rosa" (s7e14)

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

BEVERLY CRUSHER COMES to the realization that her entire maternal line has been haunted by an anaphasic life form in one of Star Trek's most hare-brained episodes ever. It's the one with the Sex Ghost! Or... the one where Beverly Crusher has an orgasm! Or... the Sex Candle. Whatever you call it, this episode has gone down as a camp classic akin to "Spock's Brain" or "Threshold." Does that make it an automatic kill?

Bryan and Kristen get to work examining one of the most famous episodes to feature Dr. Crusher, who plays a prominent role in Star Trek: Picard season three. Does this episode besmirch her good name? Is it as wildly bad an episode of Star Trek as you remember? What part of this entire ordeal will they teach at Starfleet Academy?

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TNG: "Remember Me" (s4e5)

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

BEVERLY'S GRIEF BUBBLE? With Beverly Crusher set to play a pivotal role in the final season of Star Trek: Picard, Bryan and Kristen decide to watch a couple of key Beverly episodes to prepare. In this one, Wesley's warp bubble experiment traps Beverly in a alternate reality where one by one, everyone she loves disappears. Has she lost it or is something amiss?

This episode also holds a special place in Bryan's cold black heart: it's the first episode of Star Trek he ever watched. Do you agree with him that this is a solid Beginner's Guide to The Next Generation?

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TNG: "Brothers" (s4e3) with Craig Calcaterra (Cup of Coffee Newsletter)

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

DATA'S DAD LIVES and that causes a whole lot of problems for our favorite android and the Enterprise. Joining us this week is special guest Craig Calcaterra, a sportswriter who writes at Cup of Coffee, one of the top newsletters on Substack. He also has a brother and a dad, but his love of Star Trek goes beyond family ties -- his love life was at one time centered around the outcome of "The Best of Both Worlds."

This episode continues our look at key episodes that might factor into the events of Star Trek: Picard - Season Three, specifically, how Lore figures into the 10-episode season. Does his surprise appearance in this episode hold any special meaning? Do Craig and Bryan think "Brothers" warrants a Trek, Marry, or Kill, and did they wind up brainstorming a solid episode had the original version of the episode -- no Lore -- been the one that got made?

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TNG: "Datalore" (s1e13)

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

SHUT UP, WESLEY! People forget where this eternal line was first uttered, but it's right here, in this oft-forgotten episode from TNG's first season. But "Datalore" does quite a lot of heavy lifting for TNG lore, not just with that line, but also some new "rules" about Data. With Lore -- Data's evil twin -- set to return in Star Trek: Picard - Season Three, Bryan and Kristen take a look at his first appearance and see if that memorable line isn't the only thing worth remembering about this episode and season one in general.

If you're enjoying our show, like us, rate us, and review us on whichever platform you listen. Curious to know about grades for the other series? Check out our website, trekmarrykillpod.com, and stay up to date on our standings.

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TNG: "Ship In A Bottle" (s6e12) with Laurie Ulster & Brian Drew (TrekMovie.com)

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

HOLODECK HIJINKS ENSUE when Lt. Barclay unlocks a secret file that stored the sentient hologram Professor James Moriarty from Data and Geordi's ill-fated adventure we graded in last week's "Elementary, Dear Data." Moriarty figures into the plot of Star Trek: Picard - Season Three in some way, and joining Bryan to figure out how he fits -- along with returning to this Next Gen classic -- are Laurie & Brian from TrekMovie.com.

After you listen to our episode, go check out their podcasts on the TrekMovie.com podcast network. If you like this episode, consider rating us five stars and/or liking us wherever you listen. Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay. Find us on Instagram and Twitter @trekmarrykpod and at our website www.trekmarrykillpod.com.

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TNG: "Elementary, Dear Data" (s2e3)

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 08:54:13 -0000

LEAVE DATA ALONE! Dr. Pulaski teases Geordi for hoping Data would get into the spirit of cosplaying as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on the holodeck instead of quickly solving the case like a computer would. This compels Geordi to ask the computer to create a holographic adversary capable of defeating Data, a character who winds up being Sherlock Holmes' arch nemesis, Professor James Moriarty, played in this episode by the wonderful Daniel Davis.

Bryan and Kristen prepare for Star Trek: Picard - Season Three (debuts February 16, 2023) by rewatching this season two episode that introduces the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle character into the Star Trek universe. Speculation abounds in this one, but not what our hosts think Moriarty's role will be in this upcoming Picard season, but what they'd do if the holodeck existed in real life.

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TNG: "Manhunt" (s2e19) with Tamar & Nathan

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

COUNSELOR TROI'S MOM has a problem: she wants to sleep with Captain Picard, only, he's nowhere to be found. So in the meantime, she takes to interviewing all the males on board the Enterprise to see he would be a worthy mate. And just where is Picard? He's hiding in the holodeck playing a Dixon Hill adventure.

How do Bryan and this week's guests, Tamar and Nathan, feel about this season two adventure? You'll just have to listen to find out. This one was an in-person record, so the sound quality might be a bit different from our previous episodes. And don't worry, Kristen just has the week off, but will be back next week for an all new one.

This is our second Wild Card episode, where the guest chooses the episode. You'll find out all about why a Lwaxana Troi episode made it on the list. Starting next week, we'll be kicking off 2023 with episodes featuring Data, Lore, Moriarty, and more in preparation for the premiere of Star Trek: Picard - Season Three! Don't forget to check out our social media (@trekmarrykpod on Twitter & Instagram) and website: trekmarrykillpod.com -- Our Star Trek: Voyager - "Caretaker" poll runs through January 31st. Is that episode a Trek, Marry, or Kill? Vote!

And Happy New Year!

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VOY: "Tsunkatse" (s6e15) with AndyMoney69 & FanSince09

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:00:58 -0000

THE ULTIMATE CROSSOVER? UPN decided to attack a two bird problem with a single stone: corporate synergy. Does special guest star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson boost a Seven of Nine storyline in the 6th season of Star Trek: Voyager? According to Nielsen ratings, yes, it did, making "Tsunkatse" the highest rated episode of that season.

With Kristen away, Bryan has on two of his favorite Twitter follows: @andymoney69, now a writer-director of the Award-winning short film TITO, which you can watch on YouTube (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10yvDxNw-x0), and @FanSince09, the greatest Philadelphia Phillies & Eagles fan since 2009. The pair had previously hosted the parody baseball conspiracy theory podcast and are just two massive professional wrestling fans.

Pro wrestling and Star Trek fandom are a crucial Venn Diagram overlap here as this episode features The Rock just before his stardom ascends into the mainstream. Does all the wrestling stuff work in this episode where Seven of Nine must fight for hers and Tuvok's survival, or do Andy & FanSince see through the Star Trek-ian attempt to give this cynical corporate merging of IP some dramatic heft?

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PIC: "Remembrance" (s1e1) with Hector Navarro (Nerdist, YouTube's Heroes Reforged)

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:01:54 -0000

JEAN-LUC PICARD has meant so much to audiences that his return to TV in Paramount+'s Star Trek: Picard was an event, one that this week's guest, Hector Navarro (YouTube's Heroes Reforged) actually attended -- and quite by accident! Hear his story about being in the audience at the Las Vegas convention where Patrick Stewart made the announcement, and then stick around for not just our usual grades, but also Hector's view on why Bryan and Kristen should pay more attention to Lower Decks and Prodigy. It's an impassioned defense Jean-Luc Picard would admire.

When we catch up with now-retired Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, both he and the Star Trek universe as we know it have changed. Picard no longer a man at the edge of the final frontier. The Federation no longer interested in preserving life. The destruction of the Romulan homeworld has created an intergalactic incident. Simultaneously, a revolt by androids leads to a 9/11-like incident on the planet Mars, creating a ban on all synthetic life in Federation territory. What's Picard to do, then, when he meets a synthetic woman named Dahj... who happens to be Data's daughter?

If you like this episode, consider rating us five stars and/or liking us wherever you listen. Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay. Find us on Instagram and Twitter @trekmarrykpod and at our new website: trekmarrykillpod.com

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ENT: "Broken Bow" (s1e1)

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 08:36:38 -0000

THE FIRST PREQUEL to bear the name Star Trek, and it's incredible that so much of Enterprise has remained canon despite all the changes to the universe following the Chris Pine movies. Bryan and Kristen explore the big 2-hour premiere episode of the last Trek show of the Rick Berman era to see if Scott Bakula works as the first captain of a starship named Enterprise and if humanity's first adventure into deep space lives up to those adventures in the previous pilots.

Is this the greatest Star Trek pilot ever? Do you wish you could hop into a decontamination chamber with T'Pol or Trip? Of course, the biggest "controversy" of the show's four-season run was its theme song. Is "Faith of the Heart" a bop or a flop?

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DSC: "The Vulcan Hello" & "Battle at the Binary Stars" (s1e1-2)

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

WEIRDEST TREK EVER. That's the only way to describe Star Trek's return to television after a thirteen-year hiatus since the end of Enterprise. Bryan and Kristen tackle the first two hours of the show that helped launch Paramount+ (née CBS All Access) and try to figure out just what the adventures of Michael Burnham are supposed to be about. We don't even get to the USS Discovery by the end of these first two hours. Bold choice or shaky planning?

This is the five-year anniversary of Discovery's debut, making it the perfect time to revisit it and see if the show has been unfairly maligned during its run. Do the first two hours combine into something Star Trek fans would want to Trek, Marry, or Kill?

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VOY: "Caretaker" (s1e1)

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

MINOR BIPEDAL SPECIES? Captain Kathryn Janeway has a problem: in order to save a childlike race of people called the Ocampa, she must strand her ship and crew 70,000 light years from their home quadrant of space, or else risk the Ocampas future as slaves to the evil Kazon. What is a Starfleet captain to do?

If you like this episode, consider rating us five stars and/or liking us wherever you listen. Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay. Find us on Instagram and Twitter @trekmarrykpod

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TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint" (s1e1)

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

GRIEVOUSLY SAVAGE RACE? Join Bryan and Kristen as they decide whether or not the pilot of their favorite Star Trek, The Next Generation, deserves to be Trek'd, Married, or Killed.

Patrick Stewart steps into the role of Jean-Luc Picard, which would eventually set off a pop culture debate as to who's the best captain: Kirk or Picard? In the 2-hour premiere episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Picard and the crew of the new Starship Enterprise are tasked with discovering the "mystery" behind the improbable success of a new space station, Farpoint, situation on planet Deneb IV. On the way, the Enterprise is intercepted by an omnipotent being named Q who warns the Enterprise to turn back and stop exploring space or else be put on trial for the crimes of humanity.

In order to stave off summary judgment against the human race, Picard and crew must uncover the mystery of Farpoint Station to the satisfaction of this Q fellow. Does this episode, which kicks off the most popular Star Trek series of all time, satisfy our hosts? Listen and find out!

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DS9: "Emissary" (s1e1) with J. Holtham (Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale)

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

THERE'S YOUR WORMHOLE! Writer-Producer J. Holtham (The Handmaid's Tale, Supergirl, Pitch) joins Bryan and Kristen to decide if Deep Space Nine's 2-hour premiere warrants a Trek, Marry, or Kill. And where does Benjamin Sisko, Star Trek's first black captain, land on their list of favorite captains?

Michael Piller is responsible for bringing Star Trek: The Next Generation from pale spinoff of a cult TV show to pop culture phenomenon. And he got first crack at a post-Gene Roddenberry Star Trek future. Meet Sisko, Kira, Dax, O'Brien, Quark, Odo, Jake, Bashir, and many more as the Star Trek format shifts from deep space exploration to strong character and cultural work in a show that paved the way for the turn of the century Golden Age of Television. That's right! Your favorite serialized shows owe some thanks to what has long been considered Star Trek's "middle child"!

Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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Trailer - Welcome to Trek Marry Kill

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:40:16 -0000

The galaxy's newest Star Trek podcast has rules!

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TOS: "Where No Man Has Gone Before" (s1e3)

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:01:00 -0000

A SECOND PILOT? Star Trek spent three seasons defying the odds, and it all started here in this second pilot, a rare occurrence by TV's standards even today. What did NBC see in this show? Why, the promise of action adventure and solid science fiction, of course. They get all that and more with William Shatner as Captain James R. Kirk of the USS Enterprise and a script by novelist-turned-TV writer Samuel A. Peeples.

As the Enterprise probes the edge of the known galaxy, they encounter an energy field that gives Captain Kirk's best friend, Lt. Gary Mitchell, the power of a god. In order to save his ship, Kirk must choose between stranding his friend on a distant world or killing him.

Check this one out to hear how Bryan first saw it and why both he and Kristen think Gary Mitchell is a piece of sh**.

ALERT! We use strong language when talking about the character of Gary Mitchell!

Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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SNW: "Strange New Worlds" (s1e1)

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Our first regular episode kicks off a look at all the Star Trek pilot episodes.

MEET CAPTAIN PIKE and the crew of the Enterprise *before* Captain Kirk took command. In this episode, Bryan and Kristen examine the first episode of the newest Star Trek series and try to figure out if it's a sequel to Star Trek: Discovery, a prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, an alternate timeline, or all of the above.

The Enterprise voyages to a pre-warp civilization to locate a lost survey team led by their own first officer, Number One. They discover this planet has developed a warp bomb, and when they uncover the how and why of it, Captain Pike decides it's time to break Starfleet's General Order one.

Will Bryan and Kristen Trek, Marry, or Kill this one?

Our theme music is "70's Synth Funk Jam" by Phill_Dillow on Pixabay.

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Episode 0 - Welcome Aboard

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 07:17:22 -0000

WELCOME TO TREK, MARRY, KILL! We're another modest Star Trek podcast with a modest goal: to determine which episodes devoted fans and curious viewers should find and "Marry," which are good enough to "Trek" out again and again, and which episodes we should "Kill," but only in the metaphorical sense; because, let's be honest: even when Star Trek is bad, it's still pretty good.

In this initial episode, meet your hosts, Bryan and Kristen. They'll discuss their relationship with the franchise, which episodes they're probably NOT going to cover, and go over all the criteria they'll be using to determine which label -- Trek, Marry, Kill -- a given episode deserves. And then stick around for two more episodes for our premiere week!

ALERT! We use strong language, particularly when it comes to talking about F***, Marry, Kill, the schoolyard game upon which this show is based.

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