Episodes We Love to Defend.

While The Next Generation is widely loved and home to some of Star Trek's greatest stories, it's also well known for having a few episodes that are a nacelle (or two) short of achieving warp speed. From Season One's "Justice" to Season Seven's "Sub Rosa," there are those that just don't seem to stick with most Trek fans. In this episode of Earl Grey hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx each choose the top three episodes that they love despite the flaws, then defend them against the petaQ… we mean other hosts. It's a free for all on this week's Earl Grey! 

The Holodeck.

Besides a grand new ship, one thing The Next Generation introduced fans to was an amazing new technology called the holodeck. Essentially a blank slate for the writers, it allowed our ship and crew to be put in situations that they never would have otherwise. In this episode of Earl Grey hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx discuss the technology as well as the stories and plot devices that were made possible by the holodeck. 

The Romulans.

A minor player in The Original Series, the Romulans saw a new life start in the Season One episode "The Neutral Zone." From that point forward they have played an important role in the Star Trek mythos. In this episode of Earl Grey hosts Darren Moser, Phillip Gilfus, and Daniel Proulx discuss one of Star Trek's less-recognized—but vitally important—species including what they like, what they don't like, and the impact they had on The Next Generation. 

Jean Luc Picard.

When The Next Generation was launched, many people expected a captain similar to Kirk. Instead we were given a middle-aged bald Frenchman played by an English actor. It may sound odd, but this proved to be a successful gamble as Captain Picard became a huge part of TNG's appeal. In this episode of Earl Grey hosts Darren Moser, Phillip Gilfus, and Daniel Proulx discuss their favorite captain and how he has inspired them. Philosopher and poet, artist and explorer, all aspects of the character are considered including what didn't work as well as why Picard is Earl Grey's official skipper. 

The 1701-D.

One of the most iconic things to ever come out of The Original Series and its movies was the Enterprise herself. Recognizable to fans and non-fans alike, its simple-yet-elegant design influenced science fiction going forward. When it came time to launch Star Trek: The Next Generation, the ship had to be redesigned for a more modern era. Thus the Enterprise-D was born.

In the episode of Earl Grey hosts Darren Moser, Phillip Gilfus, and Daniel Proulx discuss all things Enterprise-D, from the design to the sets and everything in between. Starting with "Encounter at Farpoint" and going all the way through to Star Trek Generations, the hosts discuss what worked, what didn't, and what made the ship so memorable. 

The Next Generation.

In 1987, Star Trek got another shot at television with The Next Generation. A risky move at the time, Gene Roddenberry's attempt to recapture the magic of The Original Series replaced the famous crew and ship with brand new characters and an all new Enterprise. In the premiere episode of Trek.fm’s new TNG podcast, Earl Grey, hosts Daniel Proulx, Darren Moser, and Phillip Gilfus introduce themselves and their love for Picard's crew, the impact the series has had on them, and the importance of TNG to the franchise.