The Edge: A Star Trek Discovery Podcast

Latest Episodes:

49: Don't Tackle Them on the Way to the Staircase Sep 21, 2018

Show notes

The Cast, Part 2. When watching a show we love, we try to find characters we identify with. Many times, we do this without much thought about those who breathe life into those characters. It takes more then just good writing to truly make a character come to life.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin are joined by Hayley Stoddart of Standard Orbit to continue our discussion of the talented actors of Star Trek: Discovery. We discuss the contributions their characters make to the show, their understanding of what makes Star Trek great for many, and their overall love of the fans.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Emily Coutts (00:03:33) Sara Mitich (00:08:24) Oyin Oladejo (00:13:07) Jane Brook (00:19:46) James Frain (00:25:31) Kenneth Mitchell (00:31:18) Rekha Sharma (00:36:53) Sam Vartholomeos (00:46:15) Rainn Wilson (00:50:06) Final Thoughts (01:00:24) Closing (01:06:25) Hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin

Guest Hayley Stoddart Production Amy Nelson (Editor) Patrick Devlin (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

48: Hope for a Better Future Sep 07, 2018

Show notes

Each character in a television series is merely words on paper when created. But, when portrayed by actors, these characters come to life. Each actor brings their unique talent, spirit, and interpretation to the lines crafted by the writers and makes the character their own. Personal stories add another layer of complexity and, when combined the ongoing ideas of the writers and creative vision of directors, form a rich and interesting story.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Patrick Devlin and Amy Nelson are joined by Hayley Stoddart of Standard Orbit to discuss the actors who bring to life our beloved Star Trek: Discovery characters. We discuss the specific contributions each actor has brought to the show. We also explore how, in this age of social media, the actors are more visible and accessible to the fans than ever before and their interactions with us personally—and within fandom in general.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Sonequa Martin-Green (00:03:53) Doug Jones (00:10:41) Shazad Latif (00:19:09) Anthony Rapp (00:27:04) Mary Wiseman (00:34:28) Jason Isaacs (00:45:54) Mary Chieffo (00:51:57) Wilson Cruz (00:59:11) Final Thoughts (01:08:33) Closing (01:15:16)

Hosts Patrick Devlin and Amy Nelson

Guest Hayley Stoddart

Production Patrick Devlin (Editor) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

47: It's Everyone's Second Chance Aug 24, 2018

Show notes

Burnham.

Caught between two worlds—one of nature and one of nurture—Michael Burnham is an orphaned human who was raised on Vulcan after being adopted by Spock's parents Sarek and Amanda. When she chooses to join Starfleet, she finds that, despite being human, her Vulcan upbringing has made connecting with those of her own species difficult. As she moves up through the ranks, she must allow herself to love and be loved by her new family aboard the USS Shenzhou and later the USS Discovery.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin are joined by Bill Smith of Trek Geeks to explore the character of Michael Burnham. We discuss her reasons for disobeying Captain Georgiou and question if it was mutiny or treason. We also explore how being raised Vulcan changed her life and debated whether there truly are second chances.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Welcome (00:01:10) Initial Thoughts (00:04:55) Female Michael (00:10:08) Mutineer (00:15:33) Logic vs. Emotion (00:26:05) Michael's Monologue (00:41:48) Final Thoughts (00:53:58) Closing (01:00:49) Hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin Guest Bill Smith Production Amy Nelson (Editor) Patrick Devlin (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

46: So We All Agree Aug 10, 2018

Show notes

Tilly.

When we first met Discovery's fiery cadet, Sylvia Tilly, she was a bright-eyed but socially awkward character serving in engineering. But she quickly befriends Michael Burnham and the two develop a mutually beneficial relationship, one that nurtures her goal of becoming a captain. At the end of the first season, she is promoted to ensign and sets out on the command track that could lead her to the captain's chair.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin are joined by Brandi Jackola of Warp Five to discuss Sylvia Tilly, how she helped Stamets with the spore drive, her interactions with the crew, and her short-lived command stint as Captain Killy in the Mirror Universe.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Welcome (00:01:05) Tilly Introduction (00:02:10) First Impressions (00:03:37) Social Awkwardness (00:10:42) Contributions to Engineering (00:15:17) Captain Killy (00:35:09) The Last Episode (00:42:56) Ode to Silvia Tilly (00:52:03) Final Thoughts (00:55:41) Closing (01:04:55) Hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin Guest Brandi Jackola Production Patrick Devlin (Editor) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

P21: Hit It! Aug 01, 2018

Show notes

Fan Response to the Season-Two Trailer.

The Star Trek: Discovery season-two preview is here! After watching the trailer released at San Diego Comic-Con, fans had much to talk about. In this episode of Postcards from The Edge, host Amy Nelson is joined by Rob Chapman to discuss all the feedback we've received from listeners—both positive and negative!

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Initial Thoughts (00:04:24) Fan Response (00:08:20) Questions and Complaints (00:31:57) Final Thoughts (00:38:33) Closing (00:40:36)

Host Amy Nelson

Guest Rob Chapman

Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

45: It's a White Uniform Jul 27, 2018

Show notes

Culber. One of the highlights of the first season of Star Trek: Discovery was the show's kind and compassionate doctor, Hugh Culber. We see these aspects of his character repeatedly as he tends to his shipmates. When Commander Landry suffers severe injuries in "The Butcher's Knife Cares Not for the Lamb's Cry," he still fights to save her. He also cares for his partner, Paul Stamets, on multiple occasions, pulling him through seemingly impossible odds, and he accurately diagnoses Ash Tyler's Klingon augmentation. The latter leads to his death, but his compassion and professionalism shown through to the very end—and beyond.

In this episode of The Edge, host Amy Nelson is joined by Hayley Stoddart of Standard Orbit to discuss Hugh Culber's role aboard the USS Discovery, his relationship with Paul Stamets, and whether it will continue into season two despite his death in "Despite Yourself." We also explore his possible existence within the mycelium network and ponder whether there is life after death.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Not the Chief Medical Officer (00:05:26) Relationship with Stamets (00:12:19) Life within the Mycelium Network (00:21:53) Untimely Death (00:31:27) Wilson Cruz (00:40:44) Final Thoughts (00:50:21) Closing (00:54:19) Host Amy Nelson Guest Hayley Stoddart Production Amy Nelson (Editor) Patrick Devlin (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

44: You're Saying Words that are Star Trek Words Jul 14, 2018

Show notes

Stamets.

In Star Trek: Discovery, we are introduced to a new mode of transportation that utilizes spores to travel enormous distances in the blink of an eye. Lieutenant Paul Stamets is willing to sacrifice his life for the success of his spore drive, which combines physics and biology, and injects himself with tardigrade DNA when there is no other way to operate the drive and save the ship. It is this dedication that shows what a great character the writers have created.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin are joined by Nic Anastassiou, associate producer of Standard Orbit and visual effects editor at Industrial Light & Magic, to discuss the chief engineer of the USS Discovery. We look into what leads him to become the navigator and ultimately exist in the mycelial network, as well as his relationship with Doctor Hugh Culber—a refreshing glimpse into couplehood compared with past Star Trek.

Chapters

Intro (00:00:00)

Meet Stamets (00:07:30)

The Mycelial Network (00:23:43)

Mirror Stamets (00:55:17)

Relationship with Culber (01:03:50)

Final Thoughts (01:20:33)

Closing (01:26:09)

Hosts

Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin

Guest

Nic Anastassiou

Production

Patrick Devlin (Editor) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

43: Get the Job Done Jun 29, 2018

Show notes

Georgiou.

One of the first moments of Star Trek: Discovery is the introduction of Captain Philippa Georgiou. We meet her during an away mission with Michael Burnham, and her wisdom is quickly evident. She asks Burnham to trust her as they seemingly meander through the desert. We soon discover that the route was not random; rather it created a landmark with which the Shenzhouto could locate them. Georgiou leaves us early, killed while attempting to capture the Klingon T'Kuvma, but this won't be the last we see of her. She turns up again in the Mirror Universe as Emperor Georgiou. Though ruthless and uncaring, the Emperor—like her Prime Universe counterpart—has a soft spot for Burnham.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin are joined by Clara Cook of Primitive Cultureto discuss Philippa Georgiou. We discuss her command style in both the Prime and Mirror Universes, similarities in character, what role Mirror Georgiou may play in the Prime Universe … and what Section 31 may have to do with it.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Initial Thoughts (00:02:30) Captain of the USS Shenzhou (00:05:41) Emperor Georgiou (00:19:45) Mentor and Mother (00:28:23) The Multiverse Theory (00:30:21) Try and Be Good (00:40:10) Bad Ideas (00:48:57) Self-fulfilling Prophecy (00:53:34) Section 31 (00:56:12) Spore Drive (00:58:56) Never Heard of Discovery (01:03:21) Final Thoughts (01:07:47) Closing (01:11:18)

Hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin

Guest Clara Cook

Production Amy Nelson (Editor) Patrick Devlin (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

42: A Little Dab Will Do Ya Jun 15, 2018

Show notes

Saru.

The first Kelpien in Starfleet, Saru served admirably aboard the USS Shenzhou and the USS Discovery, ultimately earning the Starfleet Medal of Honor. Although his rank was lieutenant when we first saw him in "The Vulcan Hello," he was promoted to commander and first officer by the time of "Context Is for Kings." He also served as acting captain multiple times when Captain Gabriel Lorca was away.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Patrick Devlin and Amy Nelson are joined by John Krikorian of Trek Profiles on The Tricorder Transmissions Network to discuss this new Star Trek species. Kelpiens are known to sense the coming of death through their threat ganglia, but what else do we learn about Saru's species? We deep-dive into his relationship with Michael Burnham, how he lives in continual fear, and his competency to be captain.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) A New Species (00:04:35) Brother–Sister Dynamic (00:06:00) One-Dimensional? (00:09:20) His Station in Starfleet (00:14:25) Fight or Flight (00:18:25) Pahvo (00:28:36) Mirror Universe (00:50:49) Captain Saru (01:09:26) Final Thoughts (01:17:06) Closing (01:26:13)

Hosts Patrick Devlin and Amy Nelson

Guest John Krikorian

41: She's a Smooth Operator Jun 01, 2018

Show notes

L'Rell. When we first met this unassuming Klingon in "The Vulcan Hello," we had no idea she would become such an important part of the Star Trek: Discovery story. A member of the House of T'Kuvma and the House of Mo'Kai, she uses her connections to protect Voq in the only way she knows how: by having him transformed into Ash Tyler. Her mission to unite all Klingons drives her to do anything she must, and this leads to her eventual rise to the top of the Klingon Empire.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin are joined by Barry DeFord of PoliTreks, to talk about L'Rell and her need to push unification forward at all costs. We highlight actress Mary Chieffo and her portrayal of L'Rell, and discuss the complex relationship between L'Rell and Voq/Tyler—and it's possible toxicity. We also explore her possible role in season two.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Mary Chieffo (00:03:58) Character Arc (00:8:23) End Game (00:15:21) Relationship with Voq (00:27:03) Toxic Relationship? (00:33:43) New Leader (00:44:38) Final Thoughts (00:54:04) Closing (01:01:13) Hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin

Guest Barry DeFord Production Amy Nelson (Editor) Patrick Devlin (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

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