Earl Grey: A Star Trek The Next Generation Podcast

Latest Episodes:

163: Snooping Around Jan 31, 2017

Show notes

Tin Man. Based on the 1976 short story "Tin Woodman" by Dennis Russell Bailey and David Bischoff, "Tin Man" was the first episode of The Next Generation that Earl Grey co-host Richard Marquez saw, and it is what launched his Star Trek fandom. Originally published in Amazing Science Fiction Stories and later as a novel in 1979, the original "Tin Woodman" story was nominated for a Nebula Award in 1977. Bailey and Bischoff are also credited with writing the TNG episode. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Lee Hutchison, and Amy Nelson discuss whether this is a good first episode for someone new to The Next Generation, how the name Tin Man correlates with the theme and characters of this episode, and certain sound effects that will make your stomach turn. We also debate if this is a Troi- or Data-centric episode and the social issues of mental health and disability.

Chapters 00:00:38 Introduction 00:02:08 Episode Review 00:02:40 History 00:03:10 What did you think? 00:06:05 Disability 00:11:11 Jay Chattaway 00:18:24 Mental health 00:20:43 First contact issues 00:24:03 Marina Sirtis 00:26:54 Touch ups

Hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production Richard Marquez (Editor) 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) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

162: Grr... Yeah Jan 24, 2017

Show notes

Earl Grey 162: Grr... Yeah

Recast TNG.

James T. Kirk and Spock are arguably the most beloved and well-known characters in Star Trek. With the newest movies released, does one prefer William Shatner over Chris Pine or Leonard Nimoy over Zachary Quinto? What will happen if we reboot The Next Generation? As it stands now, Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner are the names associated with Jean-Luc Picard and Data, respectively. But, who would play these characters now?

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson look at a recast of The Next Generation. We decide if our interpretation of a reboot series would be in the Prime or Kelvin timeline, or if this reboot takes place now versus the 1980's. Each host prepares and defends their choice of actors that would play the main characters of TNG.

Chapters 00:00:39 - Introduction (00:00:39) Prime or Kelvin Timeline (00:02:39) Wesley Crusher (00:03:52) Geordi LaForge (00:06:23) Beverly Crusher (00:10:05) William Riker (00:12:23) Worf (00:17:07) Data (00:23:01) Deanna Troi (00:27:15) Jean-Luc Picard (00:30:57) Full List Review (00:35:52) Closing (00:40:40)

Hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

161: One with the Cloud, Man Jan 17, 2017

Show notes

Unsung Episodes: Season 1.

Every season of The Next Generation has episodes that get overlooked or ignored. Well, not here and not today. Most fans will quickly identify "Encounter at Farpoint" as being their favorite episode from season one. So, if we set that one aside, which other episodes should we celebrate and recognize from this introductory season?

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson list their three unsung episodes from season one. 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 Opening (00:00:00) Unsung Episodes (00:01:02) Datalore (00:03:44) We'll Always Have Paris (00:06:14) Haven (00:07:50) Skin of Evil (00:14:15) Conspiracy (00:20:51) Angel One (00:21:50) Lonely Among Us (00:28:00) Code of Honor (00:32:50) The Arsenal of Freedom (00:42:04) Honorable Mentions (00:48:05) Closing (00:52:22)

Hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production Lee Hutchison (Editor) Richard Marquez (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) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

160: Grabbed It, Hugged It, and Paid for It Jan 10, 2017

Show notes

TNG 30th Anniversary.

The first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation aired on September 28, 1987. Still today, we are watching, enjoying, and discussing this incredible story—and after thirty years, we do it through rose-colored glasses.

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson discuss possible future episode ideas and share our hope for this podcast. Hear Lee's behind-the-scenes wishes, Richard's hope to travel and meet the cast of TNG and other hosts of Trek.fm, and Amy's desire to look at individual seasons with a twist. We take this opportunity to share our thoughts and invite everyone to listen throughout 2017.

Chapters Introduction (00:00:39) Lee's Ideas (00:01:20) TNG Memories (00:02:58) Amy's Ideas (00:04:17) STLV Interviews (00:04:51) Richard's Ideas (00:05:48) Focus on Panels (00:06:28) Behind the Scenes Writers (00:07:17) Episodes in Theaters (00:07:43) PEZ Sets (00:09:25) Closing (00:10:20)

Hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production Richard Marquez (Editor) Amy Nelson (Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

159: Hilton in the Stars Jan 03, 2017

Show notes

Q&A Session.

As the holiday season comes to a close, we have a special gift for you: a chance to unwrap the new hosts of Earl Grey. We are more than just pretty paper and ribbons; we have a great passion for The Next Generation and Star Trek as a whole.

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson open themselves up to questions posed in The Babel Conference, our listeners group on Facebook. How would we handle a reboot? What are our top three episodes? Who are our favorite secondary characters? Each question is like a gift waiting to be unwrapped.

We thank you for participating in The Babel Conference, and for making this episode possible. We believe our listeners are the ornaments on the tree that allow our fandom to shine. Enjoy this Q&A wonderland with another cup of Earl Grey.

Chapters Introduction (00:00:00) Favorite Season and Episode (00:01:50) Future Episodes (00:04:29) Ethics (00:05:34) Set Design and Music (00:08:28) Top Three Episodes (00:16:35) Skip Generations? (00:19:20) Top Three Secondary Characters (00:24:03) Admirals (00:29:07) Outside of Trek (00:29:07) Closing (00:37:35)

Hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production Lee Hutchison (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

158: Cleveland Browns Dec 27, 2016

Show notes

The Road to Deep Space Nine.

By the time The Next Generation entered its fifth season, the series was enjoying such amazing success and popularity that the studio decided it was time for a third dip into the Star Trek well, and Deep Space Nine went into production in 1992. But what would this new show be about? Which characters would carry over? What species would be highlighted and developed further? The answers would come from specific episodes of The Next Generation.

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson look at the beginnings of Deep Space Nine through the lens of The Next Generation. We discuss how TNG set up Sisko's introduction with "The Best of Both Worlds," as well as how the Romulans and Bajorans were portrayed in "The Wounded," "Ensign Ro," and "Chain of Command." This initial setup allowed for an incredible arc to be fleshed out more fully on DS9.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) (Christmas) Greetings (00:00:38) The Road to Deep Space Nine (00:03:15) "The Best of Both Worlds" (00:04:16) "The Wounded" (00:09:37) "Ensign Ro" (00:18:30) "Chain of Command" (00:26:53) Cardassian Nation (00:31:14) Jellico (00:36:12) Closing (00:40:07)

Hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production Lee Hutchison (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

157: See Elf Instead Dec 20, 2016

Show notes

New Crew Introductions. Earl Grey has enjoyed 155 episodes with Daniel, Darren and Phillip. We encourage everyone to listen to the amazing work these three have contributed to Star Trek fandom. We are indebted to them and thank them. We have a feeling of great joy and gratitude. Star Trek is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, but our new hosts aren't that old. So how did our new crew come to know Star Trek? How did our new crew come to love The Next Generation? In this episode, you will get the chance to meet our new hosts, Lee, Richard and Amy. Hear how each of us found Star Trek and why we love The Next Generation. We talk about our first influences and how our fandom grew so much so that we are now hosts on Trek.FM. We also discuss how Trek.FM has rejuvenated our passion for The Next Generation and Star Trek in general. Enjoy our individual paths to Star Trek and hopefully you will think on your personal journey and fandom for Star Trek. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Our Trek Stories (00:01:05) Fandom (00:05:33) Digital Versatile Disc (00:12:50) Literary (Star) Treks (00:16:00) Trek.FM (00:42:57) Hope For The Future (00:31:05) Lesson Plans (00:42:57) Previously On (00:42:57) Conclusion (00:49:16) Hosts Lee Hutchinson, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson Production Lee Hutchison (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

156: Peace in Our Time Dec 13, 2016

Show notes

The 24th Century Utopia. Star Trek has been described as a show about a utopian future; but only The Next Generation really showcased this vision. The Original Series showed the Federation fighting many battles with the Klingons, Deep Space Nine brought war and an undermining of Federation principles by Section 31, Voyager had terrorists serving on the crew, and Enterprise found early explorers struggling with morality. During The Next Generation, it truly was peace time and the Federation and the ideals of Roddenberry that it represented were explored in a way no other series could. In First Contact, Picard remarked to Lilly that money doesn't exist in the 24th century and that wealth is no longer the driving force. Instead humanity works to better itself. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Lee Hutchison explore Star Trek's vision of a utopian future, whether the society portrayed on The Next Generation is possible, how it could be achieved, and the consequences of a world without money. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) A Sequel (00:00:50) Richard on Utopia (00:02:30) Teachers on Utopia (00:04:30) Workhorse (00:07:07) The 1% (00:09:30) The Best (00:12:40) Insular Society (00:15:25) Stronger Together? (00:17:40) Enlist in Starfleet (00:23:16) Workers Rights and Jobs (00:26:30) Not Everyone Can Be a Poet (00:29:38) Intellectual Elitism (00:32:10) Unstoppable Progress (00:37:20) Money and Trade (00:40:20) Starfleet Socialism (00:44:31) What We've Learned (00:47:52) Closing (00:50:06) Hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Lee Hutchison Production Lee Hutchison (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

155: If We Can Dream It Dec 06, 2016

Show notes

First Contact Retrospective. In 1996, Star Trek was celebrating its 30th anniversary, and the biggest event of that year was the release of First Contact. Through the big screen success of Star Trek Generations, the cast of The Next Generation proved it could carry a blockbuster movie. A sequel was guaranteed. With a brand new Enterprise, new uniforms, a bigger budget, and the Borg, anticipation for First Contact was at fever pitch. In this episode of Earl Grey, new hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Lee Hutchison go back in time to 1996 to remember their experiences of the build up toFirst Contact, and how they felt when they came out of the cinema screens. Then they return to 2016 to examine the legacy and impact of this film that garnered universal praise from fans and critics, earned an Oscar nomination, landed in the box office top ten for 1996, and was the highest grossing Star Trek movie until 2009. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Continue the Voyages (00:00:39) Welcome to Earl Grey 2.0 (00:01:37) First Contact Anniversary (00:02:45) 1996 (00:03:10) Our Build-up to First Contact (00:04:45) Response to First Contact (00:15:00) Coming Out Of the Cinema (00:16:10) I Love a Military Uniform (00:28:40) Older, Greyer, Chubbier (00:30:50) Goldsmith Road Trippin' (00:34:55) It's Personal (00:38:20) Legacy (00:39:13) Our Future (00:45:40) Hope and Utopia? (00:49:30) Closing (00:58:05) Hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Lee Hutchison Production Lee Hutchison (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

154: Sky's the Limit Aug 23, 2016

Show notes

Crew Finale. "The trial never ended, captain. We never reached a verdict. But now we have. You're guilty." Daniel Proulx, Darren Moser, and Phillip Gilfus stood, provisionally, as representatives of Star Trek: The Next Generation fans for three years - never missing a week of giving testimony and evidence in defense of their favorite Star Trek series. But they now stand before Q one last time to receive their final verdict. The trio ends their time on Earl Grey in this episode - remembering their favorite podcast moments, what kept them coming to the mics week after week, what they believe are the "essential" ingredients for doing a Trek podcast, and what they will keep with them as they move on to their next adventure together. Listen for a "Shades of Grey" experience, as clips from past shows are intermixed with Daniel, Darren, and Phillip's list of "thank you's" to those many people who helped made their time at Trek.fm something they will never forget. They also spend their last moments recognizing what they learned most from each other (though not holographically in front of a Windows 95 desktop background). "You just don't get it, do you, Jean-Luc? The trial never ends. We wanted to see if you had the ability to expand your mind and your horizons. And for one brief moment, you did." Earl Grey spent time exploring the best way to experience bij, the importance of the shift key, and why it's not important to remember Q-episode titles. More than that, they explored and exhibited the spirit of Next Gen - a utopian vision of the future where the ties of friendship ensures that a crew can survive any danger and improve themselves through shared missions of exploration. Earl Grey remind all listeners to stay tuned and that a new crew will soon take their stations ... after all, there's still plenty of letters left in the alphabet. "In any case, I'll be watching. And if you're very lucky, I'll drop by to say hello from time to time. See you ... out there!" CHAPTERS Leaving (00:03:56) Shades of Earl Grey Montage? (00:11:00) Favorite Moments (00:16:13) Thanking Guests (01:01:50) Thanking the Lower Decks (01:17:59) To the Future Hosts of Earl Grey (01:25:14) Closing Statements (01:32:14) The End (01:58:49) HOSTS Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser PRODUCTION Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

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