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

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

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

"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

Schisms Commentary.

Click. Click. Click. Click. There are not many episodes of The Next Generation that are considered to be scary, but "Schisms" is an alien abduction story that brings to mind the tone of The X-Files or a horror movie. Darren Moser, Daniel Proulx, and Phillip Gilfus kick off their second year of Earl Grey by providing their own episode commentary for "Schisms," the fifth episode of Season Six. Listeners can follow along to the commentary by queuing up their TNG Blu-rays, DVDs, or episode streaming service, or simply listen to this episode as a standalone podcast. Join the Earl Grey trio as they help Will Riker fight insomnia, wonder about malfunctions in Data's vision, and discover the secret behind the TNG writers' room.    

Hosts

Darren Moser, Daniel Proulx, & Phillip Gilfus

Editor and Producer

Darren Moser

Associate Producers

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Pen Pals Commentary.

The Prime Directive is a centerpiece of Star Trek storytelling, and in TNG's second season we get an early Prime Directive episode in "Pen Pals." A small girl on a dangerously volcanic planet contacts Data looking for help, and the crew must deal with the fallout of this unpredictable situation. In this episode of Earl Grey Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx bring you a commentary track for "Pen Pals" and discuss the many interesting ideas in this episode, which is generally not a fan favorite.

Hollow Pursuits Commentary.

Cliff Bole was one of the most prolific contributors to The Next Generation, having directed 25 episodes of the series. His recent passing is a great loss to the franchise, and in this episode of Earl Grey we take a moment to recognize his work through a commentary for "Hollow Pursuits." Join hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx as they take you through the very first appearance of Barclay, which is also one of Cliff Bole's finest moments on TNG.

Ensign Ro Commentary.

During TNG's fifth season the decision was made to shake up the show with the introduction of a new character. Ensign Ro Laren was a feisty Bajoran who would become an important part of the crew and someone we'd get to know for the next couple of years. In fact, she almost ended up on Deep Space Nine. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx provide their first commentary track as they take you through her namesake episode, "Ensign Ro." Along the way we discuss the introduction of the Bajorans, their conflict with the Cardassians, badmirals, the lack of blue shirts on TNG, Guinan, and how we feel about Ro as a character.