Earl Grey: A Star Trek The Next Generation Podcast

Latest Episodes:

193: Consciousness On Demand Sep 05, 2017

Show notes

Professor Moriarty. The character of Professor Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes' arch-enemy, appears in two episodes of The Next Generation - "Elementary, Dear Data" and "Ship in a Bottle." The character is only a holographic representation of Moriarty and yet is among the most memorable and well-liked recurring characters in Star Trek. In this episode of Earl Grey, host Justin Oser is joined by special guest Lee Hutchison to discuss their impressions and thoughts on Professor Moriarty in The Next Generation. They also talk about sentience, consciousness, and the use of characters from Sherlock Holmes in Star Trek. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Lee's Connection (00:02:35) Elementary, Dear Data (00:8:28) Holodeck Safeguards (00:13:49) Mastermind Character (00:15:17) Sherlock Holmes in Star Trek (00:15:17) Ship in a Bottle (00:19:00) Differing Opinions (00:26:42) Moriarty in the Novels (00:28:02) Final Thoughts (00:31:02) Give-a-way (00:33:11) Closing (00:38:42) Runtime: 41 minutes and 51 seconds Host Justin Oser Guest Lee Hutchison Production Justin Oser (Editor and Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Lee Hutchison (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

192: Bouncing Plastic Barrels Aug 29, 2017

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Realistic and Unrealistic. Have you ever watched The Next Generation and thought that a scene showed exactly how things will work in the future? Or have you ever watched The Next Generation and wondered what the writers were thinking when they wrote a certain element into the script? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Justin Oser, and Amy Nelson choose their top 3 picks for both realistic and unrealistic elements in The Next Generation. Their choices include technology, ideas, relationships, Federation policy, and more. Chapters Intro (00:01:20) Shuttlecraft (00:02:00) Bouncing Barrels (00:07:38) Excess time to finish projects (00:09:44) Bluetooth (00:14:00) Families onboard (00:17:13) Energy Reserves (00:23:16) Time traveling (00:25:30) Transporting troubleshooting (00:28:42) Conference time (00:32:29) Prime Directive (00:35:50) Tractor Beam (00:39:10) Geordi and Data relationship (00:41:29) Wesley (00:46:00) Site to Site Transporting (00:52:00) Centralizing Starfleet Academy (00:55:30) Hypospary (01:00:05) Culinary Arts (01:03:41) Stellar Cartography (01:07:20) Closing (01:09:07) Contest (01:13:49) Hosts Richard Marquez, Justin Oser, Amy Nelson Production Richard Marquez (Editor and Producer) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Justin Oser (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

191: Mud Bath Aug 22, 2017

Show notes

Unsung Episodes Season 5. Every season of The Next Generation has episodes that get overlooked or ignored. Well, not here and not today! Most fans will quickly identify "Darmok", "Cause and Effect", and "The Inner Light" as being their favorite episodes from season five. So, if we set those episodes aside, which other episodes should we celebrate and recognize from this season? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Justin Oser list their three unsung episodes from season five. Each host puts up a good defense on why their chosen episodes should be among the fan favorites or at least viewed with a fresh perspective devoid of preconceived perceptions. Unsung Episodes is a series that will continue through 2017 highlighting each season in honor of the thirty-year anniversary of TNG. Chapters Intro (00:01:19) Banned Episodes (00:02:05) Perfect Mate (00:03:00) Disaster (00:06:15) Masterpiece Society (00:09:25) The Game (00:19:10) Power Play (00:21:30) Silicon Avatar (00:26:35) Math Lesson (00:30:10) Conundrum (00:34:10) The Cost of Living (00:37:00) A Matter of Time (00:41:00) Robin Williams (00:43:15) Ethics (00:46:25) Outcast (00:50:00) Closing (00:52:25) Runtime: 59 minutes 2 seconds Hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, Justin Oser Production Richard Marquez (Editor and Producer) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

190: Put on Your Starfleet Uniform Aug 15, 2017

Show notes

Star Trek Las Vegas. For the past 16 years, thousands of fans have converged on Las Vegas every summer to see Star Trek actors and creatives, meet other fans, and celebrate what they love about the franchise. This is the largest Star Trek convention in the United States and is eagerly anticipated year after year. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser are joined by Bruce Gibson of Literary Treks to talk about their experiences at this year's gathering. The discussion includes panels, exhibits, cosplay, musical performances, and general impressions, with special emphasis on the celebration of The Next Generation's 30th anniversary! Chapters Intro (00:01:35) STLV (00:04:18) Convention Area (00:05:11) Sets (00:09:59) Props & Uniforms (00:13:37) Art (00:15:51) Roddenberry Vault (00:17:19) Panels (00:21:11) Music & Concerts (00:34:38) Cosplay (00:37:34) Vendor Room (00:45:51) Overall Experience (00:59:01) TrekFM Family (01:02:40) Closing (01:04:46) Hosts Justin Oser and Amy Nelson Guest Bruce Gibson Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

189: Sculpt Music Aug 08, 2017

Show notes

Joe Menosky Episodes. One of the most influential figures in 24th century Star Trek, Joe Menosky wrote or co-wrote 67 episodes of The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager, including a number of fan favorites. Menosky was also a producer on Season 5 of The Next Generation and Seasons 3-6 of Voyager. He is currently a writer on the newest Star Trek series, Discovery. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Justin Oser, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson each pick their three favorite Joe Mensoky episodes. The hosts also discuss what our review of Menosky's episodes may reveal about his approach to writing Discovery. Chapters Intro (00:01:19) Justin's Trek Story (00:02:21) Joe Menosky (00:05:37) Masks (00:07:13) First Contact (00:12:10) Darmok (00:16:31) In Theory (00:21:14) The Chase (00:26:34) Nth Degree (00:31:30) Hero Worship (00:34:43) Suspicions (00:38:37) Time's Arrow (00:43:23) Emergence (00:47:17) Clues (00:50:39) Final Thoughts (00:52:39) Closing (01:00:51) Give-a-way (01:06:39) Hosts Richard Marquez, Justin Oser, Amy Nelson Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Lee Hutchison (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

188: Milk and Cookies Aug 01, 2017

Show notes

Yar and Vasquez Comparison. Gene Roddenberry held a special screening of Aliens with his staff to show a different sci-fi that was currently being released. The effects of that viewing can be seen in the character of chief security officer Tasha Yar. Even though Yar only appeared in season one of The Next Generation, her presence is felt throughout the series. Her character was strong and impulsive as we would expect the head of security to be. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson are joined with Justin Oser to compare TNG's Tasha Yar with Aliens' Vasquez. The similarities are striking as they both are very strong, confident, and loyal characters. Yet the differences are also notable from their layers of femininity to their degrees of obedience. Lee will also pass the baton to Justin Oser as he steps down as co-host and invites Justin to a weekly cup of tea. Chapters Intro (00:01:19) Lee's Exit (00:02:34) Vasquez (00:05:22) Aliens Love (00:10:45) LT. Hernandez (00:17:00) Vasquez compared to Yar (00:18:35) Code of Honor (00:22:46) Yar's back story (00:24:44) Whose ending was better? (00:29:00) Star Trek Overload (00:34:05) Music of Aliens (00:37:00) Pink Blood (00:41:03) Milk for Blood (00:43:00) Closing (00:46:36) Hosts Richard Marquez, Lee Hutchison, Amy Nelson Guests Justin Oser Production Richard Marquez (Editor and Producer) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

187: Shut Up Wesley Jul 25, 2017

Show notes

Wesley Crusher. Wesley Crusher is an interesting character being the only teenager we see on the bridge of the Enterprise D. He is known for being a know-it-all and has been said to be very annoying. Yet he has quite the character arc throughout the seven seasons. We first learn of Wesley as Beverly's son who lost his father under Picard's command. He is anxious to please and tries to fit into the Starfleet mold. We see him training to be an officer and he eventually enters into Starfleet Academy. However, he begins to stray and decides that Starfleet is not the course for him. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Lee Hutchison discuss the purpose of including Wesley as a main character into the crew of the Enterprise D. For many fans, especially the young viewers, Wesley was very relatable for things like first loves, facing your fears, leadership qualities, and for making your own choices. We discuss our top three Wesley moments that highlights his arc throughout the series. Chapters Into (00:01:17) Wesley (00:02:00) Babel Conference (00:05:53) Alexander/Wesley (00:09:13) Top Three Moments (00:13:11) First Duty (00:19:13) Politeness (00:24:34) Economics (00:27:08) Embracing Wesley (00:33:33) Closing (00:37:50) Runtime 42 minute 52 seconds Hosts Amy Nelson Lee Hutchison Production Lee Hutchison (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

186: Titan Love Boat Jul 18, 2017

Show notes

5th TNG Movie. Captain Picard and his crew of the Enterprise E shall never be forgotten and hopes for another Next Generation movie seems to be desired by many fans. But what would this movie look like? The actors themselves have gotten older - can they do another movie justice? With Data dying in Nemesis, would he not appear in the next movie or does B4 return? Which alien species would they be fighting with and what is the conflict they must resolve? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison and Richard Marquez are joined with special guest Justin Oser to discuss the possibilities of a 5th TNG movie. Each will share their ideas on what they would want to see in a final movie - from plot lines to character stories. Listen in as they describe their perfect ending to a mere perfect series. Chapters Into (00:01:17) Nemesis Fans (00:03:46) Exceptions (00:04:44) Q? (00:09:53) DS9? (00:15:17) Worf? (00:19:40) Parasites (00:23:18) Realistic Book Scenes (00:27:28) Beyond (00:36:48) Big Bang (00:41:15) Lee's Thoughts (00:47:02) Closing (00:51:38)

Hosts Richard Marquez and Lee Hutchison Guests Justin Oser Production Richard Marquez (Editor and Producer) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

185: Grandmaster of Space Invaders Jul 11, 2017

Show notes

Peak Performance.

Games have a tendency to bring out the best or worst behaviors in players. Competition is innate to human nature and challenges are difficult to resist. Riker challenges Kolrami, a grandmaster of Strategema, knowing he has no chance of winning. We see the USS Hathaway's hand picked crew led by Commander Riker take on the seasoned Captain Picard in a battle simulation to prepare them for the Borg. The strategies used range from predicable to unexpected, especially when they encounter the Ferengi. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison and Amy Nelson with special guest Zachary Fruhling discuss "Peak Performance," a season two fan favorite episode. We relate different components of competition, challenge, reputation and failure to the game of life. It is possible to make no mistakes and still lose; that is life! Chapters Into (00:01:19) TNG Love (00:02:39) Peak Performance (00:03:28) War Games (00:06:57) Alternate Season Finale? (00:09:23) Dealing with Crisis (00:11:45) Big Scary Ferengi (00:15:40) Strategema (00:20:12) Meta Treks (00:25:40) Competition (00:32:38) Final thoughts (00:47:07) Closing (00:51:12) Hosts Lee Hutchison and Amy Nelson Guests Zachary Fruhling Production Richard Marquez (Editor and Producer) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

184: Slytherin Jun 27, 2017

Show notes

Unsung Episodes Season 4. Every season of The Next Generation has episodes that get overlooked or ignored. Well, not here and not today. Most fans will quickly identify "Best of Both Worlds Part II", "Family", and "Redemption Part I" as being their favorite episodes from season four. So, if we set those episodes aside, which other episodes should we celebrate and recognize from this season? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Lee Hutchison list their three unsung episodes from season four. Each host puts up a good defense on why their chosen episodes should be among the fan favorites or at least viewed with a fresh perspective devoid of preconceived perceptions. Unsung Episodes is a series that will continue through 2017 highlighting each season in honor of the thirty-year anniversary of TNG. Chapters Into (00:01:19) Pick One (00:04:46) Pick Two (00:17:18) Pick Three (00:30:23) Honorable Mentions (00:43:40) Closing (00:52:14) Hosts Richard Marquez, Lee Hutchison, Amy Nelson Production Richard Marquez (Editor and Producer) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

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