Episodes
In this week’s episode, James and Andrew dive into Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Conspiracy.” This iconic episode takes a darker turn than usual, and the crew faces a menacing infiltration within Starfleet itself. James notes that yet again, the season kicks off with another round of shore leave—something that’s become a bit of a theme this season. But this time, rest and relaxation are quickly set aside as Captain Picard and Commander Riker are drawn into a deadly...
Published 11/25/24
In this episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation Revisited, James and Andrew tackle “We’ll Always Have Paris,” an installment that promised a fascinating sci-fi premise but somehow veers into soap opera territory. This story could’ve offered intriguing exploration into time loops and quantum physics, but instead, it becomes entangled in Captain Picard’s unresolved romantic past with Dr. Jenice Manheim. While Picard’s vulnerability is refreshing to see, James and Andrew question whether the...
Published 11/18/24
In this episode, James and Andrew dive into the shocking Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, "Skin of Evil." For the first time in Star Trek history, a main character is killed off—Tasha Yar's sudden and brutal death stuns the crew and fans alike. While James sympathizes with Yar, Andrew surprisingly feels more pity for Armus, the malevolent creature responsible for her demise. The duo debates whether Yar's death should have been more meaningful. Riker’s disturbing encounter with Armus,...
Published 11/11/24
In this episode of the podcast, James and Andrew dive into the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Symbiosis," where the crew of the Enterprise faces a moral quandary that tests the very foundations of the Prime Directive. They praise the show's use of mystery storytelling, which unravels layer by layer, revealing the deeper philosophical stakes that make this episode a classic. Unfortunately for Commander Riker, he ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time, suffering a shocking...
Published 11/04/24
In this week’s episode, James and Andrew dive into "The Arsenal of Freedom" from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Join them as they explore the comically awkward interaction between Commander Riker and the holographic Captain Rice. Was this bizarre encounter a clue that Riker was destined for more than just being a First Officer? The hosts debate whether he made the right decision in turning down command of his own ship to become the number one on the flagship of Starfleet. They also discuss...
Published 10/28/24
In this episode, James and Andrew dive deep into Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Heart of Glory." They break down the action-packed story where Worf confronts his Klingon heritage, and the two take a shot at recreating the iconic Klingon war cry (with questionable success). The hosts also reflect on the Klingon view of death, debating how they would treat an "empty shell". As always, they dig into the technical side of Trek, asking the big question: how do the transporters really work? Can...
Published 10/21/24
In this episode of The Next Generation Revisited, James and Andrew dive into "Coming of Age," a Wesley-centric episode that, surprisingly, isn’t all bad! Wesley faces off in a competitive Starfleet entrance exam, but the real star of the show is the fascinating B-plot where Remmick conducts a mysterious investigation into Captain Picard’s past—setting the stage for the epic Conspiracy episode later in Season 1. The hosts explore the quirky design of Mordock’s "mouth-organ" device and wonder...
Published 10/14/24
In this episode, James and Andrew dive into the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Home Soil," which explores the fascinating discovery of a new form of life—an alien microbe that resembles a tiny speck of light. Our hosts reflect on how this episode evokes classic Star Trek themes, drawing comparisons to episodes from The Original Series where mysterious life forms take center stage. They ponder the question: what if it wasn’t the Federation who first encountered this life? How would...
Published 10/07/24
In this week's episode, James and Andrew take on Star Trek: The Next Generation's "When the Bough Breaks," and... well, let's just say the conversation quickly drifts to other topics. This Season 1 episode, cantered around the kidnapping of the Enterprise's children by a dying society, fails to captivate our hosts, leading to a lively debate on whether episodes featuring kids are inherently weak. While James argues that child-centric episodes often derail the narrative, Andrew steps in to...
Published 09/30/24
Our hosts dive deep into the Season 1 episode "Too Short a Season". The plot centres around Admiral Mark Jameson, a once-renowned negotiator who undergoes a dramatic transformation to revisit a troubled planet from his past. James and Andrew discuss the unique acting choices of guest star Clayton Rohner, who portrays the aging and then de-aging Admiral Jameson. Was his performance bold and effective, or did it fall short of capturing the gravitas the role required? The conversation also...
Published 09/23/24
In this episode, James and Andrew discuss the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "11001001." They explore the striking parallels to Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, particularly the Enterprise heist scene. The discussion also touches on the curious absence of Counselor Troi in the episode. Was this a convenient way to avoid her sensing the Binars' hidden intentions? James and Andrew speculate on how her absence plays into the plot's design. The Binars themselves offer an intriguing...
Published 09/16/24
In this episode, James and Andrew take a deep dive into one of the most bafflingly bad episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation—“Angel One.” Join them as they dissect the many flaws of this infamous Season 1 episode, where the writing seems to have beamed down to an alternate universe. The hosts tackle the mysterious virus that somehow infiltrates the Enterprise with barely any explanation (spoiler alert: it's connected to Wesley throwing a snowball—yes, really). Meanwhile, Riker decides...
Published 09/09/24
In this episode, James and Andrew dive into the Star Trek: The Next Generation classic, "Datalore." Join them as they explore the fascinating introduction of Data's sinister twin brother, Lore, and how the episode uses intriguing synth music to subtly hint at the unfolding deception. The duo also discuss the memorable moment that introduced the iconic phrase "Shut up, Wesley" to the Star Trek lexicon. From Brent Spiner's dual performance to the tension-filled soundtrack, this review unpacks...
Published 09/02/24
Join James and Andrew as they dive into "The Big Goodbye," a standout episode from Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season. In this episode, we experience the first of many iconic holodeck adventures, setting the stage for the future of the series. But it’s not all fun and games—when the holodeck malfunctions, Picard and his crew find themselves trapped in a 1940s detective noir that turns deadly. The guys discuss the intriguing plot and how Wesley, once again, steps in to save the day,...
Published 08/26/24
In this episode James and Andrew take a deep dive into "Haven," the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode that brings us the first of many Troi-centric stories. This time, Deanna Troi's personal life takes center stage as her mother, the indomitable Lwaxana Troi, makes her unforgettable debut. James highlights some fun behind-the-scenes facts, including the surprise return—whoops! first appearance—of Armin Shimerman in the Star Trek universe, though Andrew isn't convinced that these trivia...
Published 08/19/24
Welcome to our Star Trek podcast! In this episode, we're diving into "Hide and Q" from Season 1 of The Next Generation. James shares his thoughts, noting that while this isn't his favorite Q episode, it stands out reasonably well compared to other episodes in the first season. Meanwhile, Andrew offers his insights on Riker's character development, particularly focusing on how Riker evolves as he grapples with the immense power bestowed upon him by the Q. Tune in as we explore these dynamics...
Published 08/12/24
Welcome to another engaging episode, where James and Andrew take a closer look at "The Battle". In this episode, they delve into the nuances of reused sets and the intriguing return of the Ferengi—who, as always, appear in groups of three. James and Andrew also discuss the backstory of Captain Picard presented in this episode, debating whether it adds depth to his character or falls flat in relevance. Tune in for a mix of insightful analysis, a touch of humour, and a deep dive into the...
Published 08/05/24
James took a trip up to Blackpool, UK, to Norbreck Castle Hotel where Destination, an unofficial Star Trek Convention, had there 2024 gathering between 26th-28th July. James had the opportunity to lead a discussion on the best Star Trek series of the 20th century on the Saturday. Join James, and the other fans who attended, in this live recording on this event.
Published 07/29/24
Join James and Andrew in this lively and hilarious episode of "Give Me Genesis" as they dive into the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, "Justice." In this review, our hosts can't help but question the writers' decision to prioritize a hedonistic alien society over a coherent sci-fi plot. The Enterprise crew finds themselves on Rubicun III, a paradise planet inhabited by the Edo, a race more interested in boldly going to bed with one another than exploring the galaxy. When Wesley...
Published 07/22/24
In this week's episode, James and Andrew dive into "Lonely Among Us" from Star Trek: The Next Generation. They dissect the episode's muddled plot, focusing on the underwhelming and seemingly pointless B-plot that distracts from the main story. Despite the episode's flaws, our hosts commend Patrick Stewart's stellar performance as Captain Picard, which manages to elevate an otherwise lackluster episode. Tune in for an honest and entertaining review that explores the highs and lows of...
Published 07/15/24
Join us as we delve into Season 1, Episode 5 of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Where No Man Has Gone Before." In this captivating episode, the crew of the USS Enterprise-D embarks on a journey to the farthest reaches of the universe, encountering mysterious phenomena and pushing the boundaries of space exploration. This episode marks the intriguing introduction of the enigmatic character, the Traveller, whose unique abilities and philosophies leave a lasting impact on Wesley Crusher and...
Published 07/08/24
Welcome to another thrilling episode of our podcast reviewing Star Trek: The Next Generation! In this installment, we dive into Season 1, Episode 4: "The Last Outpost." This episode marks the fascinating introduction of the Ferengi, a race that will become a significant part of the Star Trek universe. Join us as we explore their initial portrayal and the intriguing dynamics they bring to the series. We'll also discuss the unique and somewhat peculiar makeup design of the Guardian, the...
Published 07/01/24
Welcome back, Trekkies, to another exciting episode of "Give Me Genesis"! This week, your hosts James and Andrew dive deep into "Code of Honor," the fourth episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Join them as they explore the highs and lows of this controversial episode, discussing everything from the intricate layers of the Prime Directive to the complex moral codes that guide our favourite Starfleet officers. James and Andrew dissect the challenges of adhering to the Prime...
Published 06/24/24
Welcome to the latest episode of "Give Me Genesis," the ultimate Star Trek podcast! This week, hosts James and Andrew dive into the second episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "The Naked Now." Join our intrepid hosts as they explore the highs and lows of this early TNG outing. In "The Naked Now," the crew of the Enterprise-D encounters a mysterious virus that strips away their inhibitions, leading to some humorous, awkward, and downright bizarre moments. James and Andrew discuss the...
Published 06/17/24