Earl Grey: A Star Trek The Next Generation Podcast

Latest Episodes:

273: The Phantom Zone Apr 30, 2019

Show notes

The Lost Episodes, Part 7. There are many scripts, script outlines, and episode and movie concepts that never made it onto the screen on The Next Generation. These lost episodes can provide a fascinating window into what might have been, what characters and concepts ended up being modified and used later, and into the behind-the-scenes writing process. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss the never-produced season 5 episode "I.Q. Test" by Herb Wright. The Lost Episodes is a continuing series that will cover many unfilmed episodes and movie concepts over the course of the seven seasons and four movies of The Next Generation. Chapters Intro (00:01:10) Babel Conference Feedback (00:01:45) Lost Episode Guesses (00:05:27) IQ Test (00:11:04) Development of IQ Test (00:33:24) Q Makes Two (00:36:58) Q Goes Insane Story (00:40:41) Quantum Leap Q Story (00:42:48) Final Thoughts (00:45:24) Preview (00:49:34) Closing (00:50:02) Total Run Time: 57 minutes 9 seconds Hosts Richard Marquez, Justin Oser, Amy Nelson Production Richard Marquez (Editor and Producer) Justin Oser (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Joe Keegan (Associate Producer) Jim McMahon (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

272: Medical Metaphors Apr 23, 2019

Show notes

Favorite Badass Beverly Crusher Moments. Beverly Crusher is known for being a Starfleet doctor dedicated to saving lives and avoiding harm for her patients and fellow crew. However, we think that Beverly does have her share of badass moments throughout the course of The Next Generation episodes and movies. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser list their three favorite badass Beverly Crusher moments from The Next Generation. Each choice is discussed and highlights Beverly as tough and uncompromising. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:02:48) First Picks (00:09:48) Second Picks (00:19:41) Third Picks (00:28:14) Honorable Mentions (00:35:48) Final Thoughts (00:46:37) Closing (00:52:21) Runtime: 1 hour 52 seconds Hosts Amy Nelson, Justin Oser Production Justin Oser (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Joe Keegan (Associate Producer) Jim McMahon (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

271: GNDN Data Apr 16, 2019

Show notes

Deleted Scenes, Part 1. Scenes that were filmed, but not seen by the audience in the final aired productions are available for every season and movie of The Next Generation. These deleted scenes can provide a fascinating window into what might have been, including some scenes that would have had a far-reaching impact on the show and the films. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Justin Oser talk about the deleted scenes from seasons 1 and 2 of The Next Generation. A total of 19 deleted scenes are discussed from the following episodes: "Coming of Age," "The Child," "The Measure of a Man," "The Icarus Factor," and "Up the Long Ladder." Links to scripts and videos of deleted scenes not available on the Blu-rays are included below. Deleted Scenes is a series that will cover all seven seasons and the four movies of The Next Generation. Script of deleted scene from "Coming of Age": https://bit.ly/2WTiHHF Video of deleted scenes from "The Child": https://bit.ly/2G3HPFR Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Babel Conference Feedback (00:02:18) Deleted Scenes Series (00:05:59) "Coming of Age" (00:06:58) "The Child" (00:16:54) "The Measure of a Man" (00:33:12) "The Icarus Factor" (01:09:06) "Up the Long Ladder" (01:11:06) Final Thoughts (01:23:29) Closing (01:29:03) Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes 6 seconds Hosts Amy Nelson Richard Marquez Justin Oser Production Justin Oser (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Joe Keegan (Associate Producer) Jim McMahon (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

270: All Q Wants Is To Be Picard's Friend Apr 02, 2019

Show notes

Favorite Friendships in TNG. From the very beginning, the friendships that we see in Star Trek have been a significant part of the show's appeal and The Next Generation is no exception. Over the course of seven seasons and four movies, we see many different moments that highlight the value of friendships and reveal important aspects of the characters. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser list their three favorite friendships from The Next Generation. Each host talks about why the friendships discussed are meaningful to them and to the development of the characters on The Next Generation. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:01:50) First Picks (00:11:24) Second Picks (00:20:40) Third Picks (00:28:34) Honorable Mentions (00:36:43) Toxic Friendships (00:41:19) Final Thoughts (00:44:04) Closing (00:50:28) Runtime: 59 minutes 4 seconds Hosts Justin Oser Amy Nelson Production Justin Oser (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

269: Teachers Are the Best Students Mar 26, 2019

Show notes

Science in TNG, Part 1. Science is an essential part of Star Trek that has inspired generations of fans to learn more about science, to become scientists, and to make influential discoveries. The Next Generation is no exception and includes many episodes that include new inventions, the application of existing science, and important scientific questions. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser are joined by science teacher Joe Keegan to talk about science in seasons 1 through 3 of The Next Generation. The discussion includes holography, the definition of life, the special theory of relativity, premature aging syndromes, nanotechnology, and much more! Science in TNG is a series that will cover all seven seasons of The Next Generation. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Babel Conference Feedback (00:01:52) Welcome, Joe! (00:04:50) Holography (00:06:59) How Do We Define Life? (00:12:38) Special Theory of Relativity (00:17:09) Premature Aging Syndromes (00:22:27) Neutronium (00:27:03) Nanotechnology (00:30:19) Technological Implants (00:32:36) Spaceborne Lifeforms (00:37:19) The Periodic Table (00:41:41) Final Thoughts (00:47:47) Closing (00:57:38) Runtime: 1 hour 5 minutes 27 seconds Hosts Justin Oser Amy Nelson GuestJoe Keegan Production Justin Oser (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

268: Agent Troi Mar 12, 2019

Show notes

Section 31 in TNG. Section 31 first appeared in the Deep Space Nine season 6 episode "Inquisition," which aired in April 1998. Section 31 appeared in 2 more episodes of Deep Space Nine, 4 episodes of Enterprise, the movie Into Darkness, and 5 episodes of Discovery (so far). What would Section 31 have looked like if it had been introduced on The Next Generation instead of Deep Space Nine? In the episodes and movies of The Next Generation that we did get, are there hints of Section 31 that we can find? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss Section 31 and what it may have looked like on The Next Generation. Topics discussed include our thoughts on how Section 31 has been portrayed in Star Trek, how Section 31 might have been different if it were first introduced on The Next Generation, and the clues that we see in several episodes and movies that we think may point to Section 31's involvement. Chapters Intro (00:01:24) Babel Conference Feedback (00:02:17) Section 31 (00:06:49) Face of the Enemy (00:28:05) The Pegasus (00:33:14) Insurrection (00:41:56) The Drumhead (00:48:33) Reunification (00:53:02) Yesterdays Enterprise (00:54:39) The Maquis (00:56:33) Final Thoughts (01:10:52) Total Run Time: 1 hour 21 minutes 51 seconds Hosts Richard Marquez, Justin Oser, Amy Nelson Production Richard Marquez (Editor and Producer) Justin Oser (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

267: TNG Goggles Mar 05, 2019

Show notes

Death in TNG. Although we don't see deaths on The Next Generation very often, when a character does die, it can have a profound impact on the viewer. How are the effects of death portrayed on the show and what does it mean in our own lives? In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss death on The Next Generation. Topics discussed include how religion and death are shown, how mourning is depicted, deaths we wish hadn't happened, and how the age and importance of the character who dies may affect how we feel about it. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Babel Conference Feedback (00:02:53) What is Death? (00:05:24) Religion and Death in TNG (00:08:37) Mourning in TNG (00:26:46) Deaths We Wish Hadn't Happened (00:33:09) "Lower Decks" (00:41:34) The Impact of Command Decisions (00:44:30) Cheating Death (00:47:35) Age's Effect on How We View Death (00:50:51) Not of Equal Importance? (00:53:13) Final Thoughts (00:55:53) Closing (01:04:17) Total Run Time: 1 hour 14 minutes 56 seconds Hosts Richard Marquez, Justin Oser, Amy Nelson Production Justin Oser (Editor and Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

266: Wiping Minds Feb 26, 2019

Show notes

The Lost Episodes, Part 6. There are many scripts, script outlines, and episode and movie concepts that never made it onto the screen on The Next Generation. These lost episodes can provide a fascinating window into what might have been, what characters and concepts ended up being modified and used later, and into the behind-the-scenes writing process. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Justin Oser discuss the never-produced episodes "Ferengi Gold" by Gene Roddenbery, "See Spot Run" by Michael Halperin and "The Legacy" by Paul Aratow. The Lost Episodes is a continuing series that will cover many unfilmed episodes and movie concepts over the course of the seven seasons and four movies of The Next Generation. Chapters Intro (00:01:11) Babel Conference Feedback (00:02:16) Lost Episode "See Spot Run" Guesses (00:04:31) Lost Episode "See Spot Run" (00:12:36) Lost Episode "The Legacy" (00:27:06) Lost Episode "Ferengi Gold" (00:35:29) Preview for Next Week (00:51:07) Closing (00:52:06) Total Run Time: 1 hour 4 minutes 2 seconds Hosts Richard Marquez, Justin Oser, Amy Nelson Production Richard Marquez (Editor and Producer) Justin Oser (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

265: Masks Feb 19, 2019

Show notes

"Masks." The season seven episode "Masks" is often seen as one of the worst episodes of The Next Generation, but it does have its fans that love its unorthodox storytelling style. Written by Joe Menosky, who is well-known for his frequently unusual Star Trek episodes, "Masks" has a lot of layers and interpretations to explore. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Justin Oser are joined by guest Christopher D. Littlefield to talk about The Next Generation episode "Masks." The discussion includes talking about Joe Menosky's original concept, Data as a conduit for multiple characters, how we interpret the story being told, whether the episode is actually like a video game, and much more! This is an in-depth conversation and we think you'll enjoy the discussion, whether or not you're a fan of "Masks." Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Listener Feedback (00:01:57) Welcome, Chris! (00:07:17) Chris' Star Trek Story (00:07:41) Initial Thoughts on "Masks" (00:09:37) Joe Menosky and the Original Concept (00:14:37) Very Old Archive (00:20:44) Ship Transformation (00:24:43) Data as a Character Conduit (00:29:27) The Story Being Played Out (00:33:33) Video Games, Picard, Troi, and Art Classes (00:40:34) The Masks That We Wear (00:51:20) Final Thoughts (00:58:41) Closing (01:07:28) Runtime: 1 hour 13 minutes 6 seconds Hosts Justin Oser Amy Nelson GuestChristopher D. Littlefield Production Justin Oser (Editor and Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

264: Mentally Connect with Her Feb 12, 2019

Show notes

Troi's Dishonor. Star Trek never shies away from an issue - usually tackling things such as racism, sexism, the evils of war, and human rights violations, with assault and rape being no exception. The way Counselor Troi's assaults were portrayed on The Next Generation as a psychic rape instead of a physical rape brings the issue to the forefront of conversation of the issue. In this episode of Earl Grey, host Amy Nelson is joined by Zach Moore of Standard Orbit to discuss the character of Troi and her violations within specific episodes as well as the movie Nemesis. We debate the issues of consent and intent of a perpetrator. We also consider if Troi's empathic ability is a vulnerability or disadvantage which therefore makes her a victim. Chapters Intro (00:01:14) Cleavage Character (00:05:31) "Hollow Pursuits" (00:10:25) "The Survivors" (00:15:02) "The Loss" (00:21:27) "Man of the People" (00:24:24) Definition of Rape (00:29:37) "The Child" (00:34:07) "Violations" (00:43:07) Nemesis (00:48:47) Final Thoughts(00:58:41) Closing (01:03:40) Runtime: 1 hour 11 minutes 15 seconds Host Amy Nelson Guest Zach Moore Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Justin Oser (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

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