Earl Grey: A Star Trek The Next Generation Podcast

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Earl Grey 103: TNG is the Daily Show Sep 01, 2015

Show notes

TNG's 24th Century Legacy.The creators of The Original Series had a second chance at modifying the Star Trek universe with Star Trek: The Next Generation. Those changes in approach, tone, characters, and philosophy "updated" the Trek universe, creating a 24th Century for the two subsequent series, Deep Space Nine and Voyager. Phillip, Daniel, and Darren examine the two "Enterprise-less" television series thru the lens of TNG's legacy. Earl Grey goes through early DS9 (pre-USS Defiant/Worf), the rest of DS9, and all of VOY, exploring characters, species, story lines, and approaches to Trek. Whether charting Next Gen characters who lived on in other series, e.g., the O'Briens, Worf, Nick Loca-...Paris, or how the spirit of Picard and Company can be seen, the Earl Grey trio honor the unique approaches of Sisko and Janeway's crews while seeing how all three series manage to live in the same 24th Century universe. So update your uniform, get used to small quarters, and join this episode that examines TNG's 24th Century legacy. HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

ChaptersDS9 Part 1 (Season 1-3ish) (00:04:16) DS9 Part 2 (season 3ish-7) (00:25:40) VOY - TNG Lite? (00:37:05) Final Thoughts (00:55:10) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Earl Grey 102: Emergency Power to Analogy Generators Aug 25, 2015

Show notes

Beverly Crusher.The pilot episode of The Next Generation, "Encounter at Farpoint," introduced the newest doctor of the U.S.S. Enterprise - Dr. Beverly Crusher, a widow and single mother. Throughout the first season, viewers saw this woman cure diseases, have an "interesting" relationship with her old friend Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and raise her ship-saving son, Wesley. And then she disappeared for season two. However, Dr. Crusher's return in season three, and her constant presence through the end of TNG and the four feature films, showed an in-depth character that Darren, Daniel, and Phillip analyze in this episode.Earl Grey focuses on the (good) Crusher-centric episodes like "Remember Me," "Ethics," "Suspicions," and "Attached," discussing how Beverly came across as funny, professional, and an "in-charge" Starfleet commander. They also examine Dr. Crusher's relationships with other characters, her many artistic hobbies, and her many turns in the captain's chair. So put on your blue coat, put a hypospray in your pocket just in case, and listen to Earl Grey's character profile of Dr. Beverly Crusher.HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

ChaptersEstablishing the CMO (00:05:06) Remember Me 4x5 (00:10:31)Ethics 5x16 (00:12:42)Suspicions 6x22 (00:20:11)Decent 6x26 (00:22:54)Attached 7x8 (00:24:05)Hobbies (00:30:32) Season 2 (00:36:20)Mother (00:40:43)Final Thoughts (00:47:20) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Earl Grey 101: Number One Dad Aug 18, 2015

Show notes

Rascals Commentary.On its face, the plot of the seventh episode of The Next Generation's sixth season sounds ridiculous: Captain Picard, Ensign Ro, Guinan, and Keiko O'Brien are turned into children and must re-take control of the Enterprise-D from the Ferengi. However, this fun-filled episode remains a fan favorite (though it also has its detractors). Daniel, Darren, and Phillip provide commentary for this episode, complimenting the outstanding work of the children actors portraying our TNG characters. From the Ro Laren sub-plot of her tragic childhood to Jean-Luc's struggle with losing command to Alexander Rozhenko & friends helping to defeat the surprisingly evil Ferengi, this episode features many takeaways. Daniel also reveals why this episode is the pinpoint for Chief O'Brien leaving the Federation's flagship for Deep Space Nine. So re-learn to brush your hair, get your boys/girls-sized Starfleet uniform and become a "Number One" fan with this commentary of "Rascals." HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

ChaptersCommentary Start (00:04:30) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Earl Grey 100: All Ships Are Big Shuttles Aug 11, 2015

Show notes

EGTNGRPG.Earl Grey celebrates 100 consistent weekly episodes of dissecting, celebrating, and laughing about Star Trek: The Next Generation with a role-playing game, "Earl Grey: The Next Generation Role-Playing Game" (EGTNGRPG). Phillip, aka The Narrator, serves as the Game Master (GM) for Darren (a.k.a., Bolian operations officer Hegg) and Daniel (a.k.a., Andorian science officer Thovin) as they play through an original episode of TNG. The story is set during the middle of the 100th episode of Next Gen ("Redemption, Parts 1 and 2"), and includes special appearances by recognizable members of theNCC-1701-D, as well as new characters onboard the Federation's flagship. Daniel and Darren must use their assigned skills and specializations, along with some dice rolls, to make it through a harrowing away mission that features a mysterious Romulan ship near the Klingon border. Along the way, they encounter familiar voices from other Trek.fm podcasts. So get your character sheet ready, have a d6 handy, and join in the 100th episode of Earl Grey with a fun-filled role-playing game. HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserGuestsDrew StewartCharlynn SchmiedtTristan RiddellChristopher JonesColin HigginsMike SchindlerAndi VanderkolkEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

ChaptersThe Characters (00:01:41)Last Time on Star Trek: The Next Generation (00:04:06)Captains Log (00:16:43)Beaming Over (00:24:48)1 to 3 Odds (00:38:17)Time is of the Essence (00:49:30)Wrong Button (01:04:28)Wrap Up (01:10:30)Thank You For 100 Episodes (01:19:19) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Earl Grey 99: These Are the Problems Aug 04, 2015

Show notes

These Are the Voyages. Star Trek fans generally decry the series finale of Enterprise as being an extended episode of The Next Generation - so Darren, Daniel, and Phillip discuss it from their TNG perspective, with the help of special guest Will Nguyen, co-host of "Warp 5." "These Are the Voyages..." is an episode featuring many things - action, adventure, the finale to the prequel series, the continuing story of TNG's episode "Pegasus," a 24th Century perspective on the 22nd Century, and a so-called "valentine" to the Star Trek franchise itself. Viewers get to revisit the NCC-1701-Dfor the first time in years, from CGI external shots to rebuilt sets that almost look like the real thing. This episode also features a ten year fast forward from the penultimate ENT episode "Terra Prime," featuring uniform changes and ... no apparent promotions. Earl Grey discusses how well (or ill) the episode closed the series, what it meant to have the Next Gen predominately featured, and whether this episode deserves all the criticism it receives in the Trek community. So put on your nametag, switch to objective mode on the Holdeck, and join Earl Grey as they discuss the Enterprise series finale "These Are the Voyages..."HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserGuestsWill NguyenEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

ChaptersEpisode Recap (00:04:36)Normal Intro (00:07:40) The Books (00:16:47)The A Plot - Shran (00:20:13)The B Plot - The Pegasus (00:32:21) The Ending (00:51:53)Final Thoughts (01:09:38) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Earl Grey 98: It's A Family Matter Jul 28, 2015

Show notes

Season Seven Overview.All good things must come to end, and so it was with the seventh and final season of The Next Generation on television. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip compare this final year to previous seasons and discuss how the quality ebbed and flowed during these final episodes. They sort through their favorite episodes like "Pegasus," "Parallels," "Gambit, Parts 1 and 2," and "Lower Decks," as well as "Sub Rosa"-level episodes ... like "Sub Rosa." This season also serves as an ultimate family reunion for the NCC-1701-D crew, including family members we never knew existed, like Data's "mom" ("Inheritance"), Captain Picard's "son" ("Bloodlines"), and Counselor Troi's sister ("Dark Page"). We also meet Worf's brother ("Homeward") and Chief Engineer La Forge's parents ("Interface"). There are attempts to wrap up character story lines, with Wesley turning into an energy being ("Journey's End") and Lieutenant Ro finding a new place for herself with the Maquis ("Preemptive Strike"). The brilliant series finale "All Good Things...", of course, ends the continuing mission of TNG on the small screen. So put on a mask, grab a slice of cellular peptide cake (with mint frosting), and join Earl Grey as they discuss Next Gen's final season. HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

ChaptersOverview (00:04:02) Sub-standard? (00:11:10) TORF (00:14:47)Family Matters (00:18:52) The Lows (00:29:42)Highs (00:40:52)Closing Thoughts (00:58:12) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Earl Grey 97: Windows 95 Jul 21, 2015

Show notes

Yar/Sela.Star Trek: The Next Generation was not the first, nor the last, Trek series to kill off a main character. Lieutenant Natasha Yar, the first tactical officer of the NCC-1701-D, appeared in 22 episodes of season one before being unceremoniously killed off, due to conflict between Denise Crosby and the studio. However, Yar (and Crosby) did not end her TNG journey with "Skin of Evil." Phillip, Darren, and Daniel are joined by Andi VanderKolk and Jarrah Hodge (co-hosts of Women at Warp) in a character profile of Lt. Yar, as well as her half-Romulan daughter, Commander Sela. Yar is a surprisingly complex character, introduced with perhaps the most definite backstory of all the main crew in "Encounter at Farpoint." However, season one did not give Yar many character-focused stories, and the episodes that did focus on Yar are probably best not mentioned. However, Yar's memorable appearances in two outstanding episodes, "Yesterday's Enterprise" and "All Good Things...", provided the audience and Crosby with a more complete Tasha Yar. Earl Grey explores Yar's role in Data's development, the best/worst Yar moments, and if Crosby's portrayal of Commander Sela ("The Mind's Eye," "Redemption, Parts I and II," and "Unification, Part II") added anything to Next Gen. Put on your skin tight yellow unitard, open hailing frequencies, and join Earl Grey (along with Women at Warp 2) as they discuss their character profile of Lt. Tasha Yar. HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserGuestsAndi VanderKolkJarrah HodgeEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

ChaptersFirst impressions (00:04:23) Episodes Highlights (00:21:11)Death (00:35:03) "Yesterday's Enterprise" and "All Good Things..." (00:41:20)Sela (00:47:47)Final Thoughts (00:56:20) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Earl Grey 96: Not So Wacky Doodle Jul 13, 2015

Show notes

Chaos on the Bridge.Star Trek on television again? What a wacky-doodle idea! So begins the documentary "William Shatner Presents: Chaos on the Bridge" that interviews all the major players involved in the creation of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Shatner interviews the studio presidents, executives, producers, writers, and actors involved in making TNG and charts the story of the first three seasons of the television series. The film concentrates on the late Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and his interactions in making Next Gen possible, interspersed with a country twang soundtrack and illustrations that depict those interactions from 1986 to 1990. Darren, Phillip, and Daniel review the documentary itself and discuss their reactions to Shatner's interviews. They discuss Roddenberry's approach to Star Trek, how other people affected that vision for good and ill, and how all the "behind the scenes" conflict contributed to what we saw on screen from "Encounter at Farpoint" to "The Best of Both Worlds, Part I." So ante up with your poker chips, get our your banjo, and join Earl Grey as they discuss "Chaos on the Bridge." HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

ChaptersThe Right Captain For The Job (00:02:57)Roasting Gene Roddenberry (00:16:14)A DS9 Gotee Actually (00:21:26)The Best of Both Worlds (00:38:13)1 to 5 (00:47:51)Closing (00:57:52) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Earl Grey 95: awayteamnospace Jul 07, 2015

Show notes

Echoes from the Past.When it comes to Star Trek-based video games, there are many hits, misses, and self-destructs. In 1994, Star Trek: The Next Generation came to the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo (SNES) video game consoles. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip fire up their Sega Genesis emulators and discuss the game play of "Echoes from the Past." From the graphics, bridge mechanics, "awayteam" adventures, ship battles, and solving puzzle after endless puzzle, this game captures many TNG elements, including a storyline that resembles the season six episode "The Chase." Earl Grey also discusses the game's music, what could have been improved, and how it compares to its sister game, SNES' "Future's Past." They also debate how it compares to 21st century Trek-based games, whether "Echoes from the Past" is a "must play" for die-hard Next Gen-ers, and why the tactical station on the NCC-1701-D needs to be in a different spot. Fire up your emulators, meet Captain Picard in his darkened ready room, and join this episode about Sega Genesis' "Echoes from the Past." HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

Chapters

Overview (00:10:02)

Story (00:30:06)

Game (00:43:22)

Final Thoughts (00:53:11)

Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Earl Grey 94: The Fire In Which We Burn Jun 30, 2015

Show notes

Ageing in TNG.The writers of The Next Generation, despite being mostly young men, crafted several stories that tackle the nature of growing older. Phillip, Darren, and Daniel analyze how the movies and television episodes treat the issue of ageing in the 24th century. The inaugural TNG film, Star Trek: Generations, features Captain James T. Kirk dealing with life transitions (and death), Captain Jean-Luc Picard struggling with issues of family and mortality, and the antagonist Dr. Tolian Soran sacrificing entire planets to kill the "predator" of time. The third film, Star Trek: Insurrection, is centrally focused on the idea of a "fountain of youth," and theEnterprise-E crew, as well as the Son'a and Baku, react to "growing younger" in different ways. The Earl Grey trio also examine such episodes as "Half a Life" and "Relics" which pose questions about the treatment of older people in society. There are also the story-lines in "Rascals" that deal with "lost youth," with both Ensign Ro and Picard struggling with the consequences of a second childhood. Along with "Too Short a Season," this episode talks about bad "old age" make-up, being considered middle age on alien planets, and how certain scripts could have been improved. HostsDaniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren MoserEditor / ProducerDarren MoserExecutive ProducersNorman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Production Manager Richard Marquez Content Manager

Will Nguyen

ChaptersGenerations (00:03:41) Insurrection (00:18:24) Half a Life (00:32:42) Too Short a Season (00:41:57) Rascals (00:45:26)Relics (00:48:48)Unification (00:57:21)The Offspring (00:59:46) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

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