Cardassian/Maquis Conflict.

The Next Generation often introduced "aliens of the week" that may be referenced one or two more times before being forgotten about entirely. The episode "The Wounded" introduced a strange, new alien species, the Cardassians, who apparently were at war with the Federation for a significant amount of time. A controversial peace treaty finally brought peace between the two powers, leading to an uneasy alliance. However, the price of that peace was unhappy Federation colonists ("Journey's End") that would eventually lead to the rise of the Maquis ("Preemptive Strike").

Phillip, Daniel, and Darren discuss Next Gen's culmination of a story line that would be developed by Deep Space Nine ("The Maquis, Parts 1 and 2") and serve, essentially, as springboards for both the creation of DS9 and Voyager. From the origins of the memorable Bloody, Bloody Cardassian War to the political turmoil of the Demilitarized Zone to raiders attacking Federation and Cardassian targets - the Maquis storyline certainly showed that it was not all one "happy, shiny, perfect Federation" in TNG. Join Earl Grey as they tackle this ever-present storyline of the Cardassian-Maquis conflict. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

The First Duty Commentary.

In The Original Series, their movies, and early The Next Generation, Star Trek continually referenced Starfleet Academy, the training ground for our favorite officers. However, fans did not get their first introduction to the San Francisco-based Academy until the nineteenth episode of TNG's fifth season, "The First Duty." Daniel, Darren, and Phillip fire up this memorable episode and provide a commentary.

This episode focuses on Cadets Wesley Crusher, Sito Jaxa ("Lower Decks") and Tom Par-, um, Nicholas Locarno, as their poor choices lead to the death of a fellow cadet, and an investigation forces Wesley to make a life-altering decision. This episode also introduces the Academy groundskeeper Boothby ("In the Flesh" [VOY]), who has mentored many future Starfleet commanders. So open the door (with a handle!) to a great Captain Jean-Luc Picard speech, put on your cadet uniform, and join Earl Grey for this commentary on "The First Duty." 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Starfleet Career Path.

Many fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation and all other Trek incarnations continually imagine what life is like as a Starfleet officer. Phillip, Daniel, and Darren decide to play "guidance counselor" and explore the actual Starfleet career track. They begin with Next Gen's debut of Starfleet Academy in "The First Duty," as well as the multiple references to various crew member's experiences, including their application process to the Academy or their life as cadets.

Earl Grey then goes through the ranks step-by-step, exploring what life is like as a "blue" (science/medical) or "red" (command) shirt. What does a science lieutenant junior grade do on the Enterprise-D? Do red shirt ensigns do anything else other than pilot the ship? How can you be in command of anything when you are the lowest rank? The trio also reveals the "secret" behind the post-grad school blue shirt experience and spends time with the "Lower Decks," discussing life as a junior officer on the flagship. So put on the Academy sorting hat to determine your hous-...color uniform and enjoy this episode that analyzes the Starfleet career path.  

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

TNG Guest Stars.

The Next Generation was not accepted as official "Star Trek" during its first episodes and seasons, but it did not take long for TNG to become a pop culture phenomena. Every Trek series attracts guest stars, but there are also celebrities who, as Trekkies themselves, would love a chance to appear on the starship Enterprise. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip talk about those cameos and special appearances in this episode.

Actors from other famous TV shows and movies, including Kelsey Grammer ("Cause and Effect"), Kirsten Dunst ("Dark Page"), and Ashley Judd ("Darmok," "The Game"), appeared on the flagship in various episodes. However, there are those from the fields of science, e.g., astronaut Mae Jamison ("Second Chances") and Stephen Hawking ("Descent, Part 1"), and music, e.g., Michelle Phillips ("We'll Always Have Paris") and Mick Fleetwood ("Manhunt"), who wish to appear on their favorite television show. Join Earl Grey as they tour all the guests star of Next Gen who added a spark of celebrity of our favorite Trek series. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Chief O'Brien.

Husband. Father. Soldier. Bored transporter chief. He goes by many titles, but Chief Miles Edward O'Brien made an impression on Next Generation viewers from the first moment he piloted the stardrive section of the new flagship in "Encounter at Fairpoint." Even though Miles changed from red to gold (and changed ranks even more often!), this secondary character was a vital part of the Enterprise-D crew. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip lay out a character profile that follows Miles from his wedding to Keiko, to the birth of his first child Molly, and all the way until his last moment in Transporter Room 3, before he disembarked on a seven-year adventure on Deep Space Nine.

Join Earl Grey as they go through Chief O'Brien's many episodes, analyzing his "every man" role, his unique role as a Starfleet non-commissioned officer, and how his reactions to "boldly going where no one has gone before" made the series even stronger. So cuddle up with your pet spider, get your ship ready to be placed in a bottle, and enjoy this character profile on Chief O'Brien.  

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Debate: Is Starfleet Military or Exploration? 

There are fan arguments that have been debated since Star Trek: The Next Generation first aired on television - Who is the better Enterprise captain? Which starship would win in a fight? Is Starfleet a military or exploratory organization? Earl Grey tackles this last question for this week's episode and attempts to explore (or militarize!) the answer.

Phillip moderates the debate that examines the origins of Starfleet in the 22nd and 23rd Century, as well as how it is portrayed in the 24th century. Darren powers up the phaser array and loads the torpedo tubes for his arguments that Starfleet is a military organization. From its use of naval ranks, a chain of command, weapons, patrols of Federation space, and the use of Starfleet personnel as soldiers in the "bloody, bloody" Cardassian War, we see an organization that is similar to the armed services of the 21st Century. Daniel, Mr. Blue Shirt himself, explains how Starfleet is a futuristic NASA, with its focus on scientific missions, a Starfleet Academy that instructs its people on science and enginnering principles, and how its mantra is literally to "explore strange, new worlds."

Join this episode of Earl Grey, as these #BridgeMates name drop Zefram Cochrane at the drop of a tequila glass in order to prove their points, and finally put to rest whether Starfleet is a military or exploratory organization.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Voyager/TNG Crossover.

The Next Generation featured some "crossover" episodes with Deep Space Nine, from "Birthright, Part 1" to "Firstborn." By the time Star Trek: Voyager reached the airwaves, TNG had warped away from TV to become its own film franchise. In this episode, Darren, Daniel, and Phillip travel to a parallel universe where season 8 of Next Gen is on the airwaves along with the first season of Voyager. What would a meeting of Captains Jean-Luc Picard and Kathryn Janeway have looked like? How would the crews of the Galaxy and Intrepid-class vessels react to each other? Would such a meeting take place in the Alpha or Delta Quadrant?

Earl Grey talks about the myriad of possibilities between the two ship-based Star Trek series set in the 24th Century. From the battle of tea v. coffee, resurrecting the ill-fated original first officer, doctor, and conn officer of the NCC-74656, and figuring how Deep Space Nine could make an appearance well. The trio discuss the possibility of a "backdoor" pre-pilot for the fourth Trek series on TNG, featuring a special appearance by former Lieutenant Ro Laren as a Maquis fighter on the Valjean. Join Earl Grey as they help Dr. Beverly Crusher install the EMH and talk about a Voyager crossover episode on The Next Generation. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Gender Bender

The Next Generation was lead by Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his mostly male crew of officers. In this episode of Earl Grey, the trio gain inspiration from the IDW "Star Trek" comic book series called "Parallel Lives"that "flipped" the genders of the JJ-verse cast. How would the Enterprise-D's adventures unfold with Captain Jean Picard and her crew?

Daniel, Darren, and Phillip beam aboard Jarrah Hodge (co-host, "Women at Warp") to analyze the main and secondary characters of Next Gen under a "gender bender" thought experiment. Whether it's Commander Riker - a first officer who echoes Captain Phillipa Louvois ("The Measure of a Man") or her long-lost love Dean E. Troi - a sensitive Betazoid who is not only in touch with his feelings, but in touch with everyone else's. Earl Grey, along with Jarrah, analyze what characteristics would have remained the same if the sexes had been switched, what stereotypes may have been challenged, and how Suzie Plakson's Q would have made for quite a different "encounter." From uniform to name changes, and everything in between, join Earl Grey in this "gender bender" episode that imagines a parallel universe for the crew of TNG.
      

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guest
Jarrah Hodge

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Marina Sirtis Talks TNG, Internity, Women, and More.

Fans know her as "Imzadi" and ship's counselor, but Marina Sirtis is much more. Phillip, Darren, and Daniel interview Marina (on #DeannaTroiDay!) about her new series Internity and the campaign to fund its production.

Sirtis helms the cast of Internity, a medical dramedy, where she plays Dr. Camila Chivari, a 50-year-old divorcee embarking on a second career as a doctor. She finds herself being bossed around by a chief intern (Joey Adams, also writer and producer for the series) who is the same age as her children, while also encountering Nurse Tracey (Carla Jimenez) and Medical Director Dr. Owen Sieber (Richard Ruccolo). The pilot episode is directed by another Enterprise-D alum, Michael Dorn, who provides a chance for a TNG flashback reunion scene!

Marina not only talks about her excitement about being involved in Internity, but also describes what it's like to develop a show as a "fan-funded" series, the struggles of women in the entertainment industry (and society overall), and ... yes, why The Next Generation is the best. The Earl Grey trio and Marina discuss her voice acting exploits (from Gargoyles to Mass Effect), her adventures with her Next Gen family & the other Trek series she appeared on, what it was like to finally wear a blue shirt, and explains the Riker/Troi relationship dynamic.

Join this special episode of Earl Grey with Marina Sirtis as she reveals what position on the Enterprise-D she coveted, her favorite character on the Holodeck, and why she is proud to be a part of the TNG legacy.

Hosts

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guest

Marina Sirtis

Editor / Producer

Darren Moser

Executive Producers

Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Associate Producer

Stephen Boyd

Production Manager

Richard Marquez

Content Manager

Will Nguyen

Chapters

Phillip's Questions (00:01:39)
interity Campaign (00:13:58)
Daniel's Questions (00:18:44)
Darren's Questions (00:28:40)
Closing (00:41:35)

Links

Internity Website: http://www.internitytv.com/
Indiegogo Campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/internity-a-newbie-series
Afternoon Tea with Marina Sirtis: https://vimeo.com/139839316
Internity Facebook: www.facebook.com/internityTV
Internity Twitter: @internityTVShow

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Spooky TNG.

Mystery. Flickering lights. Strange sounds ... and clicking ... always the familiar, repeating clicking sounds ...

Star Trek: The Next Generation has its fair share of episodes that cause fans to hide behind the couch. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip turn down the lights, get out the flashlights ... er, palm beacons, and talk about their favorite spooky TNG episodes. 

There is the surreal happenings in the fourth season outing "Night Terrors," where a sleepless crew fights their own minds playing tricks on them. The trio also discusses the alien abduction mystery "Schisms," with the "scary" talents of the Holodeck computer knowing the difference between a table and a chair. The sixth season gave fans the Inception-like episode "Frame of Mind," with Commander William Riker taking us on a psychotic thriller of a ride. Then there is the "100% scientifically-accurate" story "Genesis," which has us ready to hang from the bulkheads, as we look out for "de-evolved" Lieutenant Worf or Spider-Barclay.

So feel the terror in this Halloween-inspired episode of Earl Grey, as they discuss the spooky episodes of Next Gen.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

A Final Unity.

The mission of creating a good game based on Star Trek: The Next Generation has been a continuous hit-or-miss enterprise. However, few games can boast the voice talents of the original TNG actors. In 1995, game developer Spectrum HoloByte and publisher MicroProse released "A Final Unity," for both DOS and Macintosh computers. The Enterprise-D faced Romul-, er, Garidian warbirds, went on various away missions, and had Captain Jean-Luc Picard deal with an ultimate moral question concerning power.

Daniel, Darren, and Phillip fire up their boot disks in this episode and talk about playing "A Final Unity." The trio discusses gameplay (both the regular and "quick" versions), the game's story, solving puzzles, the graphics, and how our favorite TNG crewmembers are used by players. The trio explain the accuracy of Commander Riker leaning on the bridge, the game mechanics of yesteryear, and why Daniel holds a game secret more powerful than anything the Chodak have to offer. Join Earl Grey as they enter the world of Next Gen gaming and discuss the 1995 release, "A Final Unity."   

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

BridgeMates.

Bridge officers get to know each other after years of service together, forming friendships, just like Data and Geordi La Forge's, that last a lifetime. But how well do they really know each other? That question is put to the test again with the now famous Star Trek: The Next Generation based-game, "BridgeMates." Phillip Gilfus plays game show host in a three-round competition (plus bonus round!) that places co-hosts Darren Moser and Daniel Proulx against the co-hosts of the sister Trek.fm podcast Standard Orbit, Drew Stewart and Mike Schindler. 

The two teams must answer TNG-based questions and see if they can correctly match the same answer that their co-host gives. Will the Next Genexperts Darren and Daniel redeem their reputations and finally win? Or will The Original Series duo of Drew and Mike use Kirk's fighting techniques and Spock's logic to carry the day? Join this fun-filled crossover podcast game show that asks the question, "How well do you know your #BridgeMates?"

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guests

TV vs. Movie Picard. 

The transition from the small screen of a television series to the big screen of movies was done by the actors/characters of The Original Series and The Next Generation. Kirk and his enterprising crew had the benefit of years passing before they reprised their roles on the big screen, while Next Gen had a few weeks. In this episode of Earl Grey, Daniel, Darren, and Phillip discuss the differences between Captain Jean-Luc Picard during his seven seasons of the television series versus his portrayal in the four Next Gen feature films. 

There is a fan opinion that "movie Picard" is more action hero than diplomat. The trio take a second glance at "TV Picard's" characteristics and what made him our favorite captain. Earl Grey then examines the trials and tribulations that Picard went through in Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis. They debate whether there were "off-character moments" in these films or whether the character was simply evolving through the decades. So finish your workout at the gym, grab a phaser rifle, and join Earl Grey as they look for any differences between TV v. Movie Picard. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Associate Producer
Stephen Boyd

Will Nguyen

Family.

The writers of Star Trek: The Next Generation created dramatic backstories for the crew of the Federation's flagship. Many of the TNG characters dealt early in their lives with the loss of one or both parents, conflicts and grudges with parents and siblings, and other unresolved issues that are addressed later in specific episodes. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip look at the family origins for Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his officers, examining the "daddy" and "mommy" issues for each characters, and how their familial background led them to become they people they are.

Earl Grey also examines how the Enterprise-D crew came together as a family of their own choosing. The trio looks at what role each person played in this new "family structure," as well as the behind-the-scenes "family" relationship of the Next Gen actors. They discuss how The Next Generation actors are the closest of all the other series' crew, and how that translates to their on screen portrayals and what tone it sets for fans. So gather around with your fellow TNG brothers and sisters, and join in this family affair, as Earl Grey discusses the family aspect to Next Gen. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Emotion Chip.

A central character struggle in Star Trek: The Next Generation is Lieutenant Commander's Data's lack of emotions. Our favorite android experienced life on the U.S.S. Enterprise-D but was constantly challenged in his attempt to relate to emotional humanoid life forms. Phillip, Daniel, and Darren look at the flagship's second officer's "pre-emotion chip" existence and ask: Did Data actually already have the capacity for emotion? Did he evolve over those seven years, experiencing emotional states?

Earl Grey also examines the ever-changing look and features of Dr. Noonian Soong's emotion chip, introduced in the fourth season episode "Brothers." They discuss its appearance in "Descent, Parts 1 and 2," and the chip's installation during the inaugural TNG film, Star Trek: Generations. The trio asks whether "emotional" Data in the film was done well and how fans received that portrayal. They also look at the emotion chip's cameos and various "upgraded" features in the other three feature films. So "stop it, stop it, stop it!", open up your mind, and listen to this episode (which may overload your neural net), analyzing Data's emotion chip.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

"Masks" Rewrite.

The seventh, and last, season of The Next Generation is not often listed as the best year of the Enterprise-D crew. It features great, bad, and "meh" episodes. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip take one of those "meh" efforts - "Masks," an episode that is considered an "okay" episode and rewrite it. They decide what elements worked, like Captain Jean-Luc Picard "geeking out" over archaeology and the overall mystery of the alien probe, and seek out what elements didn't work, e.g., Brent Spiner playing every single character and then some, as well as the "on the cheap" effects. 

The trio also incorporates new elements, characters, and story twists, using original ideas, as well as aspects from other TNG stories, including the other Star Trek. Their new "spec script" includes a memorable guest star that may remain a fan favorite for a long time. So join the other children in the clay room, forget all about the sun and moon, and join Earl Grey are they re-write the Next Gen episode "Masks."

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Q-like Beings.

Captain James T. Kirk and the NCC-1701 crew were not that impressed with aliens posing as "gods," from Apollo to Vaal. However, it turns out that, a generation (or so) later, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the NCC-1701-D encounter just as many awesome creatures. Q sets the standard in "Encounter at Farpoint," but The Next Generation features other "new life" that seems beyond human understanding. 

In this episode, Daniel, Darren, and Phillip look at the Q-like beings of TNG. From Nagilum and his magic maze ("Where Silence Has Lease") to the Edo Guardian (#Justice!), the Enterprise-D was forced to look at the galaxy in an entirely new way. Earl Grey also examines The Traveler ("Where No One Has Gone Before," et. al.), The Great and Powerful Kevin ("The Survivors"), and even Mr. Green Screen, John Doe ("Transfigurations"). The number of "light beings" is added up in this episode, leading the Next Gen trio wondering why there was not a Blu-Ray fan disc release of "The Light Beings of Next Gen." So get ready to raise your consciousness, move beyond your corporeal being, and join Earl Grey as they discuss the Q-like beings in The Next Generation. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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."   

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guests
Drew Stewart
Charlynn Schmiedt
Tristan Riddell
Christopher Jones
Colin Higgins
Mike Schindler
Andi Vanderkolk

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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..."

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guests
Will Nguyen

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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.    

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guests
Andi VanderKolk
Jarrah Hodge

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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."  

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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."
 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

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.       

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Single Use Sets.

The U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701-D, is one of the largest starships in 24th century Starfleet. It makes sense that viewers only got to see certain sections of the ship during its seven years on television. In this episode, Darren, Daniel, and Phillip go through the various parts of the ship (and re-dressed sets) that were only rarely seen. From the seldom used battle bridge (with its accompanying Ensign Miles O'Brien action figure) to the torpedo bay featured in the episode "In Theory," these sets were used as other ship rooms throughout TNG and other Star Trekincarnations. The trio also explore the sensor maintenance room ("Lonely Among Us"), the warp nacelle interior ("Eye of the Beholder"), the planetary sciences lab ("Pen Pals"), and the gymnasium, which was often used for patri-combat purposes ("The Icarus Factor").  

This tour of one-off locations also includes the docking port seen in "11001001" and the battle bridge access turbolift. Earl Grey ends up discovering a ship-wide rivalry that literally splits the ship into half, causing all to choose a side. Join this episode for the "blink and you miss it" parts of our favorite Galaxy-class starship as the once used sets of Next Gen are discussed.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

The Trial.

Star Trek: The Next Generation is one of the few Trek series to begin and end with the same story - being put on trial by Judge Q. "Encounter at Farpoint" inaugurates the seven seasons of TNG on television with the accusation that humanity is a "dangerous, savage, child race." While the two-hour pilot attempts to refute that charge, the missions of the Enterprise-D can be seen through the lens of those accusations. The finale of "All Good Things..." sees Judge Q telling Captain Jean-Luc Picard that the trial never reached a verdict ... until now, and that humanity is found guilty of being "inferior." Once again, the Next Gen crew must solve a puzzle, one that spans three different time periods, in order to prove that humanity has indeed evolved.

Daniel, Darren, and Phillip join the jury in examining how Q's trial informs what we learn from our favorite Trek series. Do we believe this crew best represents 24th Century humanity? And does humanity simply refer to Terrans or to all of the flagship crew, from andriods to Klingons to Betazoids? Are the "criminal" accusations the same or different in both the pilot and the series finale? Earl Greydeliberates on a verdict of humanity's fate in this episode spanning the entire television run of TNG.
 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Command Styles.

When it comes to command, Captain Jean-Luc Picard is the pinnacle of Starfleet captains. However, many times in The Next Generation, Picard and his first officer Will Riker turn over command to other members of their crew. Phillip, Daniel, and Darren analyze the command styles of the other personnel who sat in the center seat of the U.S.S. Enterprise, and other starships, during various missions. 

They study second officer Lt. Commander Data's command tenure on both theEnterprise and the Sutherland ("Redemption, Part 2" and "Gambit, Parts 1 and 2"), Commander Beverly Crusher's time in the captain's chair ("Descent, Parts 1 and 2" and "All Good Things..."), Lt. Commander Deanna Troi's turn in command ("Disaster"), and Lieutenant junior grade Geordi LaForge's time as acting captain ("Arsenal of Freedom"). Earl Grey also discusses that other captain of theEnterprise-D, Captain Edward Jellico ("Chain of Command, Parts 1 and 2"). 

How did these commanders handle people? What challenges did many of them overcome as first time captains? How many of them consulted Livingston for advice in the ready room? Put on your red shirt so you can tug on it, as Earl Greydiscusses the command styles in TNG.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

The Fandom Experience.

When it comes to experiencing the different levels of fandom of The Next Generation, it's safe to say that "the sky's the limit." Darren, Phillip, and Daniel explore the various ways of expressing TNG and general Star Trek fandom. They talk cosplaying (even including wearing a blue shirt!), attending Trek/general scifi & comic conventions, and what it's like to be members of a fan association like Starfleet International (www.sfi.org). Darren and Phillip share their personal SFI experiences, including the various types of chapters and methods of membership.

Earl Grey also discusses their own Trek game experiences, including the trio playing Star Trek Scene-It, the Last Unicorn version of a TNG tabletop role-playing game, #BridgeMates, and Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive VCR Board Game: A Klingon Challenge. They also speculate on what the official Earl Grey fan club would look like, what it would be called, and imagine their Mirror Universe Star Wars podcast.  So grab that Starfleet uniform from the closet, purchase your con ticket, and update your Next Gen RPG character sheet as Earl Grey tackles the fandom experience. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

The Original Series as Prerequisite. 

Viewers of The Next Generation started watching at different points in their Trek fandom -- for some, it was their first exposure to Star Trek, while other "legacy" Trekkies came to it after The Original Series and movies featuring Captain James T. Kirk and his crew. Guest co-host Andi VanderKolk, aka @FirstTimeTrek, joins Daniel, Darren, and Phillip in discussing how knowledge of TOS enhances the TNG viewing experience. 

Earl Grey explores whether it makes a difference if you discovered the character of Ambassador Sarek in the Next Gen episode "Sarek" without first seeing TOS "Journey to Babel." Does the appearance of Scotty ("Relics") and Spock ("Unification, Parts 1 and 2") have meaning without first experiencing the adventures of the NCC-1701 (no bloody A, B, C, or D!). We discuss "copy and paste" episodes like "The Naked Now" compared to "The Naked Time," and the use of Star Trek: Phase II scripts in TNG. Grab your copy of the 1966-1969 series, and explore how TOS is a required prerequisite for TNG.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guest
Andi VanderKolk

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

War in TNG.

Just as in contemporary times, war can take many forms. Star Trek: The Next Generation did not feature a primary war akin to those stories featured in Deep Space Nine or Enterprise, however many enemies confronted Captain Picard and his crew. The Romulan Empire posed a continuing threat to the United Federation of Planets that stood on the brink of war ("The Defector"), the results of the off-screen Cardassian War became a source of many episodes ("The Wounded," "Chain of Command, Parts 1 and 2," "Journey's End," and "Preemptive Strike"), and the Borg presented a new form of warfare heretofore unknown to the 24th Century ("I, Borg" and "Descent, Parts 1 and 2"). 

Phillip, Daniel, and Darren explore whether there are modern parallels to the "post-Wolf 359" era of TNG, how its combat/conflict compares to other Trek series, and how the serious potential for galactic war was continuously tackled by the flagship U.S.S. Enterprise. Come sing a mournful ballad of "The Minstrel Boy" and join Earl Grey as they discuss the role of war in Next Gen.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Time Travel.

Time travel and Star Trek go hand-in-glove, so it was no surprise that The Next Generation crew had several "timey-wimey" adventures in its seven years on television and in the feature films. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip go "OUTATIME" in this episode, exploring episodes including "Timescape," "Cause and Effect," "Time Squared," "Time's Arrow, Parts 1 and 2," and Star Trek: First Contact. 

The Earl Grey trio break down all the times Captain Jean-Luc Picard would have been visited by the laugh-a-minute members of the Federation's Temporal Investigations unit with TNG's experiences with time loops, temporal anomalies, and Q's TARDIS-like powers. Prepare to experience a "Quantum Leap" of traveling across the space-time continuum with the Enterprise-D 's "Excellent Adventure" as they try to avoid predestination-paradoxes, and enjoy this episode about TNG and time travel.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Tapestry Commentary.

The Next Generation often reached back to its early seasons to develop later stories, from the season one episode "Datalore" leading to season five's "Silicon Avatar" and season one's "The Battle" continuing all the way to season seven's "Bloodlines." In season six, an entire episode was devoted to a single story Captain Jean-Luc Picard shared with a young Wesley Crusher in the season two episode "Samaritan Snare." 

In "Tapestry," Q appears to a surprised Picard who has "died" due to his artificial heart, and allows Jean-Luc to "Back to the Future" to his young, wild, and wreckless past. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip provide commentary for this episode, debating the reality of Picard's experience, how they wished Nausicaans made more appearance throughout Trek, and how the evolution of Starfleet uniforms fit into the in-universe timeline. Prepare to get drinks thrown in your face by "handsome" people as Earl Grey provides commentary to the episode "Tapestry."  

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

The Most Alien of Aliens.

Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as the other Trek series, are often poked fun at for featuring the new "forehead" or "nose" of the week when encountering new alien species. However, there were many new strange lifeforms featured inTNG that fully embraced the concept of science fiction. In this episode of Earl Grey, the trio have a round robin discussion of their favorite examples of the most "alien" aliens encountered by the Enterprise-D. They discuss "space jellyfish" ("Encounter at Farpoint"), Gomtuu ("Tin Man"), the allasomorphs ("The Daupin"), and the crystalline entity ("Datalore"/"Silicon Avatar"). Phillip, Daniel, and Darren also talk energy beings, other space-dwelling life forms, and other antagonists that challenged our favorite crew. Activate your universal translator, refresh yourself on first contact protocols, and join in on this episode that examines Next Gen's most alien species. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

The 1701-C.

Throughout The Next Generation, fans were intrigued by the Enterprise models displayed in the flagship's observation lounge. What was the story behind those mysterious ships that served the Federation between Kirk and Picard's times? In "Yesterday's Enterprise," viewers finally got to see the U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701-C, under the command of Captain Rachel Garrett, along with her ill-fated crew. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip analyze this Ambassador-class vessel, and how it served as a transition between the 23rd Century Starfleet ships and the Galaxy-class vessels. They also discuss the Enterprise-C's crew, their missions, and what a prequel series to TNG would have been like with this maroon-uniformed crew.

Take a trip back in time with Earl Grey as they ensure that history never forgets the name ... Enterprise-C.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Season Six Overview.

When "Encounter at Farpoint" premiered in 1987, it was considered the "Great Experiment" of Star Trek - could The Original Series' "lightning in a bottle" be captured again? The sixth season of The Next Generation began the second "Great Experiment" - could two syndicated Star Trek television shows successfully air at the same time? Many TNG fans think of seasons three through six as the epitome of the series; this specific season would feature the return of "Scotty" (James Doohan), the memorable torture of Captain Picard ("Chain of Command, Parts 1 and 2"), and the return appearances of Lieutenant Reg Barclay ("Realm of Fear" and "Ship in a Bottle"), Q ("True Q" and "Tapestry"), and the Borg, along with Lore ("Descent, Part 1").

Daniel, Darren, and Phillip discuss how the sixth season continued to raise the bar of TNG, with only a sparse number of clunker episodes, like "Aquiel." From Crusher playing Quincy, M.D. in "Suspicions," Troi taking command of Romulans in "Face of the Enemy," and Picard making emoticons in warp corp breeches in "Timescape," the sixth season continues to show the power of The Next Generation. Join Earl Grey as they travel from 19th Century San Francisco to the Ancient West as they provide an overview of season six of Next Gen, as well as lost crossover opportunities with the new series Deep Space Nine.  

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

BridgeMates.

Bridge officers get to know each other after years of service together, forming friendships just like Data and Geordi La Forge's, that last a lifetime. But how well do they really know each other? That question is put to the test with the newestStar Trek: The Next Generation based-game, "BridgeMates." Phillip Gilfus plays game show host in a three-round competition (plus bonus round!) that places the remaining Earl Grey co-hosts Darren Moser and Daniel Proulx against the co-hosts of the sister Trek.fm podcast To the Journey, Charlynn Schmiedt and Tristan Riddell. The two teams must answer TNG-based questions and see if they can correctly match the same answer that their co-host gives. Will the Next Genexperts Darren and Daniel get to have their "arms raised in victory" at the end? Or will the more "seasoned" duo of Charlynn and Tristan use their Delta Quadrant-based Borg knowledge to think with one hive mind? Join this fun-filled crossover podcast game show that asks the question, "How well do you know your #BridgeMates?"

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guests
Charlynn Schmiedt & Tristan Riddell

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

The Picard Conspiracy.

An adventure in Sherwood Forest? A temporal anomaly that repeats every 14 hours? The accidental creation of sentient life in the Holodeck? Viewers of The Next Generation realize that many of our favorite (and not-so-favorite) episodes contain plots that sound crazy when summarized. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip discover that they do not sound any saner when sent as log entries to Starfleet Command. The trio goes on a comic romp this episode and attempts to explain the logical reaction of Starfleet Headquarters to Captain Jean-Luc Picard's trek through space. Whether the good captain is suffering early from early symptoms of his neurological disease or whether he is the lead conspirator among his crew in covering up a range of ghastly serial killings, Earl Grey goes through seven years and the feature films. They explain how the U.S.S. Enterprise's mission logs paint a disturbing picture of our favorite Starfleet officers ... and may have, in fact, never happened.  

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Scotty in TNG.

The continuing mission of the characters from Star Trek The Original Series was left a verboten topic for the first half of The Next Generation. However, after the appearance of Ambassador Sarek in season three ("Sarek"), as well as the cameo of a certain ornery admiral in the pilot episode "Encounter at Farpoint," the floodgates were open for TOS characters to "special" guest star in the second incarnation of Trek on television. 

Captain Montgomery "Scotty" Scott beamed into the 24th century in the sixth season episode "Relics" and found it difficult to find a place on this new Enterprise, with its "bloody" D suffix. Daniel Proulx, Darren Moser, and guest co-host Andy Farber explore Scotty's difficulties of being a man out of his time, and whether theTNG writers were faithful to his character. The interplay between the competingEnterprise chief engineers, Scotty and Lt. Cmdr. Geordi LaForge, reveal not only the differences between those two characters, but also the differences between the two beloved Trek television shows. Join Earl Grey as they mourn poor Franklin, drink something green, and remember times past on the Holodeck for their discussion of Scotty's appearance on TNG.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx and Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Troi.

The introduction of a counselor to the bridge of U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701-D was seen as a product of the therapy-happy 1980s. The character of Deanna Troi went through many changes during her seven seasons on television and four feature films - from wearing a blue skant in "Encounter at Farpoint" to a wedding dress inStar Trek: Nemesis. Troi's role as a bridge officer often fluctuated from merely stating the obvious to making a significant contribution to the conflict du jour. Phillip, Darren, and Daniel discuss the evolution of the character from an accented, "exotic" empath to an in-charge uniform-wearing commander. They discuss her relationships with her Imzadi Commander William T. Riker, her mother Lwaxana, her captain and patient Jean-Luc Picard, and her brief boyfriend, Worf. The trio also struggles with why the writers ignored and "victimized" Troi on far too many occasions. So replicate your favorite chocolate concoction, avoid anything called "tequila," and join Earl Grey for a character profile of Counselor Deanna Troi.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Cast Direct Episodes.

Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner began the tradition of Star Trek actors getting behind the camera as directors. In The Next Generation, Jonathan Frakes was the first to "take the helm" of an episode as a director, beginning with the season four episode "The Offspring" and spanned all the way to the third TNG feature film, Star Trek: Insurrection. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip examine the Frakes' led stories, as well as Patrick Stewart's, Gates McFadden's, and LeVar Burton's adventures in directing TNG episodes. Earl Grey also follows Burton's directing work into all subsequent Star Trek incarnations (Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise). They also discuss when Micheal Dorn eventually got a chair ... a director's chair that is ... for three episodes of DS9 and one of ENT. Take off your Starfleet uniform, get into some comfortable clothes, and get ready to tell your friends what to do in this episode about cast directed TNG episodes.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

State of the Federation.

The United Federation of Planets is a great place to live, find a career, and raise a family. However, during the time of the NCC-1701-D and NCC-1701-E, there were major crises that affected the life of Federation citizens. Star Trek The Next Generation is a Starfleet-centered show, but the missions of the U.S.S. Enterprise impacted those working outside of Starfleet, from the events of "Conspiracy," to the strategic threat posed by the reemergence of the Romulan Empire ("The Neutral Zone"), to the fateful attacks on Earth by the Borg ("The Best of Both Worlds, Parts 1 and 2"/Star Trek: First Contact). Daniel, Darren, and Phillip explore what these impacts, what we wish we could have seen about the political and social life of Federation citizens, and inadvertently uncover the greatest Starfleet conspiracy since Lieutenant Commander Remmick's slug exploded. So get your favorite drink from the replicator, stop reading your copy of "Utopia," and join Earl Grey as they discuss life in the United Federation of Planets.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Sexuality and Relationships.

The Next Generation was not bashful about examining issues of sexuality and relationships during its seven seasons. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, episodes like "Justice" and "Captain's Holiday" portrayed a 24th Century where sexual expression was much more open and equal for both sexes. TNG also introduced alien species like the Betazed (in the forms of Lwaxana and Deanna Troi), the J'naii ("The Outcast"), and the Trill ("The Host") who have completely different perspectives on romantic relationships. Phillip. Daniel, and Darren examine how Gene Roddenberry's vision of futuristic sexual expression compares to modern day attitudes, and how people will view relationships 300 years from now. The Earl Grey trio attempt to explain how the Commander William T. Riker/Counselor Troi relationship best represents 24th Century mores. So set your coordinates for Risa, bring along your horga'hn, and join in on the discussion of sexuality and relationships in TNG.

Hosts

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer

Darren Moser

Production Manager

Richard Marquez

Content Coordinator

Will Nguyen

Chapters

TNG is a Sexy Show (00:03:04)  

The Edo (00:04:40)  

Risa (00:12:50)  

J'nali (00:18:43)  

Trill (00:23:24)  

Betazeds (00:38:00)  

Human (00:44:10)  

Closing Thoughts (00:52:56)  

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Reginald Barclay.

There are few characters who achieved success in more than one Star Trek series. Lieutenant Junior Grade Reginald Barclay was introduced in The Next Generation's season three episode "Hollow Pursuits" and would appear in four more episodes of TNG, in addition to a cameo in the feature film Star Trek: First Contact. 

However, when Mr. Barclay appeared in the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Projections," fans may have thought it was a one-time TNG special appearance on the sister show. However, Reg would eventually become an honorary member of the Voyager crew by establishing himself as their lifeline to the Alpha Quadrant. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip fire up the Pathfinder Project and beam aboard "To the Journey" co-host Charlynn Schmiedt to discuss Starfleet's most neurotic lieutenant. So pull yourself away from the Holodeck and join Earl Grey as they do an in-depth character profile of Mr. Broccoli.    

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guest
Charlynn Schmiedt

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Production Manager

Season Five Overview.

The Next Generation peaked during its fifth season, featuring its highest viewer ratings and the long-anticipated return of a main cast member from the originalStar Trek. The season begins by completing the Klingon and Romulan-focused two-parter "Redemption," and then covers new ground with a metaphor-speaking alien species ("Darmok"), the introduction of a new featured character ("Ensign Ro"), and a multi-story episode in "Disaster." Fans of both Star Trek generations finally received their wish with the return of Spock to the television screen in the two-parter "Unification." 

This was unfortunately the same year that Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry died. However his legacy lived on in season five as it sought new perspectives on established TNG characters with the returns of Lwaxana Troi ("Cost of Living"), Wesley Crusher ("The Game" and "First Duty"), and the Borg ("I, Borg"). Captain Jean-Luc Picard was faced with one of his greatest challenges in the critically acclaimed "The Inner Light," while the season ended with fan-debated episode "Time's Arrow, Part 1." Join Daniel Proulx, Darren Moser, and Phillip Gilfus as they put on their brand new captain's jackets and examine the fifth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

The Arts in TNG.

The Next Generation arguably features the most concerts, play performances, poetry readings, and art works than any other Star Trek television series. Whether it was having every senior officer being musically inclined, having fun in the clay modeling room making a mask or an entry for "Captain Picard Day," or keeping Commander William T. Riker from the nude modeling painting class, TNG inserted cultural works into many episodes. The show's writers/producers made sure that noted Shakespearean performer Sir Patrick Stewart incorporated several references in the series' seven-year run, from the Bard's historical plays to his sonnets. Lt. Commander Data's development in humanity also included his exploration of artistic self-expression, leading to him playing the violin, painting his dreams, and being directed by Captain Jean-Luc Picard in his one-man performance of a "A Christmas Carol." 

Join co-hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx as they find the "sweet spot" of the NCC-1701-D, bust out their Ressikan flute and rolled-up piano keyboard, and talk about the great music, plays, and art of TNG. Try not to fall asleep as they reenact the most famous poetry reading in all of Trekdom!  

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

"The Best of Both Worlds" Alternate Ending. 

One of the most memorable musical moments in The Next Generation was the final seconds of the season three cliffhanger episode, with the television screen displaying those fateful words, "...To Be Continued." TNG's "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II" opened with the Enterprise-D's deflector weapon being  rendered useless by the Borg Collective. But what if it had worked? The destruction of the Borg cube, along with Captain Jean-Luc Picard/Locutus would have shift the show to an almost entirely new series, led by Captain William T. Riker. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip discuss how all the characters would be affected by this change in circumstances, how the series would have radically changed, and if we would have ever seen Sir Patrick Stewart in TNG again. Join Earl Grey as they explore a parallel universe where season four set a new course for the crew of the NCC-1701-D.  

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

"Face of the Enemy" Commentary. 

Romulans. Vulcans. Tal Shiar. Conspiracies. In the sixth season episode of The Next Generation, "Face of the Enemy," a rare Troi-focused episode explores the consequences of Ambassador Spock's work with Romulans from the two-parter "Unification." Darren, Daniel, and Phillip provide their commentary for this episode that depicts the strengths and further potential of Counselor Deanna Troi, as she must play the part of a Tal Shiar agent aboard a Romulan warbird. This story also provides greater insight into the Romulan Imperial Fleet, as we see different uniforms, ranks, and the explanation of what it is like to live in such a police state. Add to that a Starfleet ensign with a blonde Romulan haircut and this episode will get you craving a plate of viinerine and a glass of Romulan ale. Put on your pointed ears and shoulder pads and enjoy Earl Grey's commentary to "Face of the Enemy." 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Comedic Episodes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation is a show that tackles serious issues, including life and death, morality, mortality, and the meaning of existence. However, TNGalso features many comedic episodes and moments showing that it does not take itself too seriously. Comedy features in Q's many appearances (either showing up naked on the bridge or as the Sheriff of Nottingham) to Lwaxana Troi chasing Captain Picard around the Enterprise. Phillip, Daniel, and Darren discuss their favorite comedic episodes, from "Captain's Holiday" to "A Fistful of Datas," as well as the lines and moments that made them laugh just like Data at the end of "Deja Q." Join in the laughter as Earl Grey initialize The Comic Holodeck program and talk comedy in TNG.

Hosts
Phillip Gilfus, Daniel Proulx, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Interactive TNG VCR Game.

The Next Generation has inspired the development of many games on various platforms. A board game released during the live run of TNG was the cutting-edge technological feat of "Star Trek: The Next Generation - Interactive VCR Game - A Klingon Challenge." Darren, Daniel, and Phillip choose their characters, press "play" on the VCR, and set their wits against the Klingon Kavok who has hijacked the Enterprise-D. The Earl Grey trio must cooperate, and compete, to ensure they earn computer access levels, gain access to a phaser, and avoid being paralyzed by stasis fields. The timer speeds up as they crawl through Jefferies tubes to the bridge in their attempt to stun Kavok. Tune in and see if they are successful or if Kavok is manages to use the flagship to take over the Klingon Empire.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser