Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast

And so concludes Starfleet Academy‘s freshman season. Every good Star Trek needs a courtroom legal drama, and this two-parter serves it up, putting Starfleet on trial for the sins of the past and pitting Paul Giamatti’s Nus Braka against Holly Hunter’s Nahla Ake. Our young cadets bring to bear all the strengths they’ve learned and demonstrated throughout the season, working better together than they ever have apart. Staci and Ken reflect on this satisfying conclusion which nonetheless had some outsized writing gaps and plot holes — a recurring trend throughout the season. But we felt the show had far more hits than misses while also serving as a strong entry point for newcomers to the franchise, leaving us eager for more. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Starfleet Academy S1E09–10: 300th Night & Rubincon first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

As we near the end of Starfleet Academy‘s inaugural season, we see real character growth in our young cadets — as well as in returning characters, including Voyager‘s Doctor. Ken and Staci empathize with Darem and Genesys trying to live up to their parents’ expectations, even if we wonder what makes a pebble identifiably Khionian. And the parallels between Sam, Tarima, and Our Town‘s Emily Gibbs hit us in all the feels, as a returning character from Discovery gives a nuanced and gracious approach to facing trauma and living in the moment. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Starfleet Academy S1E07–08: Ko’Zeine & The Life of the Stars first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Photonic protagonist Sam becomes the vehicle for an unexpected and emotional coda to Deep Space Nine and the Sisko family, with familiar actors and characters once again gracing canon, leading Ken and Staci to reflect on connecting with and losing their own fathers. We then get the return of Paul Giamatti as Nus Braka in a chilling battle of wits and deception with Chancellor Ake, pairing with the previous episode to heal old wounds and reopen others. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Starfleet Academy S1E05–06: Series Acclimation Mil & Come, Let’s Away first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Starfleet Academy‘s youthful cast engage in petty campus squabbles in the third episode, showcasing some poignant character moments amidst some bizarre rounds of laser tag. A week later, they again demonstrate their ability to influence the entire Federation. Be the scale local or galactic, Ken and Staci enjoy seeing these saplings grow, likening their starting points to other fictional characters such as Reggie Mantle (Archie Comics) and Tahani Al-Jamil (The Good Place), and watching them come together as a class, team, and family. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Starfleet Academy S1E03–04: Vitus Reflux & Vox in Excelso first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Cadet Staci Lee joins the crew to review the debut of Starfleet Academy. Set in the 32nd century, the show follows the next generation of Starfleet officers against the backdrop of the Federation rebuilding itself after the Burn. The star of the show is Cadet Caleb Mir, who has a double agenda of finding his long-lost mother, torn from him by the very admiral who is now the school’s chancellor. Ken and Staci love the new, young characters who are complemented by Discovery and Voyager veterans, as well as the new and familiar species, from Lanthanite, Exocomp, Jem’Hadar, Betazed, and Brikar to Khionian, Klingerite, Photonics, and Dar-Sha. It’s an exciting time for two Trek fans, one with a long connection to the series’ 60-year history, and one who is seeing it with fresh eyes. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Starfleet Academy S1E01–02: Kids These Days & Beta Test first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

In the final episodes of the third season, Strange New Worlds gets its own take on “The Enemy” and Enemy Mine before Pike has his own “Inner Light” moment. It’s been a rough season with a few gems, some rushed editing, and a lot of wasted opportunities, as reviewed by Ken and Em. We also share the news from the recent Star Trek Day, including the Khan podcast series and the pre-teen YouTube series Star Trek: Scouts. How much of it will be canon? Does it matter? We’re off the air until more Star Trek debuts on Paramount+ in 2026. Need something to watch in the meantime? May we suggest Alan Tudyk’s Con Man or Brent Spiner’s Fresh Hell? Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Strange New Worlds S3E09–10: Terrarium & New Life and New Civilizations first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

As the third season nears its end, Strange New Worlds hits its stride with two excellent episodes that couldn’t be more different. “What Is Starfleet?” shows a different way to edit and present a story while both raising questions about the Prime Directive and offering metaphors for our modern geopolitical landscape; while “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” is an outright comedy that balances the dark and serious side of Star Trek. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Strange New Worlds S3E07–08: What Is Starfleet? & Four-and-a-Half Vulcans first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

In our two favorite episodes of the season so far, an away team has a point-and-click adventure while an ancient evil invades the Enterprise; then a proto-Kirk develops into the captain we know he will be. Want to keep better track of your Paramount+ subscription and other recurring charges? Get a free 34-day trial to You Need a Budget (YNAB)! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Strange New Worlds S3E05–06: Through the Lens of Time & The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Em and Ken review Star Trek‘s first zombie episode; then we jaunt into a metafictional 1960s universe of Nancy Drew and “The Final Frontier” — the first five minutes of which, Ken considers “must-see TV”. You can watch the entire episode online! Links mentioned in this episode: Companion movie starring Jack Quaid Star Trek comics megabundle Starfleet Academy first look Strange New Worlds season 4 teaser Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Strange New Worlds S3E03–04: Shuttle to Kenfori & A Space Adventure Hour first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Ken Gagne is joined by new co-host Em Maginnis to review the first two episodes of Strange New Worlds‘ third season! After a two-year wait, we get a resolution to the season cliffhanger “Hegemony” — but with so many loose threads to tie up, everything felt a bit rushed and convenient. The action slows down for its more light-hearted successor, “Wedding Bell Blues”, which features some deep cuts to The Original Series and The Next Generation, satisfying these two long-time fans. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Strange New Worlds S3E01–02: Hegemony, Part II & Wedding Bell Blues first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Michelle Yeoh reprises her role as Philippa Georgiou in Section 31, a feature-length, made-for-TV movie spinoff of Star Trek: Discovery. While not without some fun moments and characters (especially Sam Richardson as Quasi and Kacey Rohl as as a young Rachel Garrett), this heist-movie-without-a-heist fell flat for Ken and guest (and show artist) Allison Holt. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Section 31 first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Chief Engineer Ken Gagne and Commodore Mark Thompson bid adieu to Lower Decks. A homage to the entire Trek franchise culminates in the two-part series finale, showcasing the heroes of the Cerritos at their best. We debate what other cameos we would’ve liked to see in this show, how Harry Kim was written out of Picard, and where we might hope to see this crew in future series. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Lower Decks S5E09–10: Fissure Quest & The New Next Generation first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

What a missed opportunity for this podcast to be purple! Mark and Ken record their penultimate review of Lower Decks, in which a TNG character guest-stars and the Cerritos bridge crew get a frenetic chance to shine. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Lower Decks S5E07–08: Fully Dilated & Upper Decks first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

The Cerritos finally visits the infamous Starbase 80, where corn dogs are plentiful, free arcade tokens are available, and zombies abound. Then it’s a callback to the TOS episode “Who Mourns for Adonais?” as the Cerritos crew tries to resolve a geometry war between cubes and spheres. Mark and Ken enjoyed the jokes and the references in this pair of episodes while disgruntled that neither episode moved forward the final season’s overarching plot — there’s isn’t much time left before the series finale!! Recommend reading includes Cord Cutter News about a pre-Enterprise film beginning production in 2025; and TrekMovie to learn all the behind-the-scenes details of the new short film, Unification. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Lower Decks S5E05-06: Starbase 80?! & Of Gods and Angles first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

The best and worst episodes of Lower Deck’s fifth season to date make references to Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, Apocalypse Now, and a Klingon VCR game. Ken and Mark catch what we can as we explore Klingon and Klowahkan cultures, our own awkward breakups, and more Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Lower Decks S5E03–04: The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel & A Farewell to Farms first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Double the Cerritos, double the Lower Decks! The fifth and final season of the Star Trek animated comedy series kicks off with back-to-back episodes that has all the main characters confronting what their lives could’ve been. Commodore Mark Thompson joins Chief Engineer Ken Gagne as we marvel at all the ways the non-canon The Animated Series (TAS) has influenced canon Trek; whether there’s a Quantum Prime DIrective; and how much better Shades of Green is than Shades of Grey. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Lower Decks S5E01-02: Dos Cerritos & Shades of Green first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

All wormholes lead to Prodigy in this fitting finale to the season… and possibly, the series. Ken and Tiffany puzzle through one final lesson in temporal mechanics; we point to the moments that led to Dal’s maturation; and we approve of Prodigy cementing itself so firmly in Star Trek canon, even if it isn’t on Paramount+. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive. Transporter Lock will be back for Lower Decks‘ fifth and final season, starting October 24, 2024!(The post Prodigy S2E19–20: Ouroboros first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

What could’ve been a pair of action-packed episodes proved heavy on dialogue to carry the scenes. Ken and Tiffany get frustrated with Wesley the Traveler, but we appreciate seeing the return of Wesley the Starfleet officer. And we enjoy the voice-acting opportunities afforded by holograms! Speaking of which, was Captain Janeway… flirting with the Doctor?? Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S2E17: Brink & S2E18: A Touch of Grey first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Just as our protagonists are reunited and their mission seems to come to a chill conclusion… a dangling plot thread reemerges with a vengeance. This dark, action-packed, and poignant two-parter underscores the values of teamwork and sacrifice, while reminding Ken and Tiffany that we all suffer from a degenerative disease: aging. We also consider the potential role of temporal mechanics in the surprise return of a character, and we go on a tangent to debate the value of effective altruism. Don’t miss our unsolicited plug for Brandon Bird’s Kickstarter to create a Jonathan Frakes 2025 wall calendar! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S2E15-16: Ascension first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

It doesn’t get more Star Trek than Tribbles and parallel universes! The combination of TNG‘s “Parallels” with Voyager‘s “Shattered” and “Living Witness” finally gives Ken the crossover he’s been waiting for since 1998. We also ponder what Klingon-Federation relations are like under Chancellor Martok, whether using retroviruses on invasive species is biological warfare, and the representation of those who live with degenerative diseases. Finally, we pay our respects to actor Patti Yasutake, TNG‘s Nurse Alyssa Ogawa, who passed away on August 5 at the age of 70. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S2E13: A Tribble Named Quest & S2E14: Cracked Mirror first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

A grumpy old Chakotay learns to love again, while Dal learns an important lesson about being where he’s needed. Tiffany and Ken pontificate the meaning of a Shakespearean quote, contemplate the significance of actors being in the opening credits when they’re not in the episode, question the lack of instruction these kids got on how to sail a ship, look forward to Gen Con, and and draw comparisons to everything from Frank Herbert’s Dune to Sunsoft’s Blaster Master. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S2E11-12: The Last Flight of the Protostar first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

The midway point of Star Trek: Prodigy‘s second season sees the return of a franchise fan favorite while giving Admiral Janeway some killer action scenes. Our forecast was right that Prodigy would borrow heavily from another sci-fi series, The Flash — but maybe also Superman?? Ken and Tiffany also pontificate about the relationships between the multiverses, Voyager and The Next Generation, Travelers and Supervisors, and Zero and Maj’el. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S2E09-10: The Devourer of All Things first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Two episodes of Prodigy reintroduce us to two classic Star Trek themes: the Medusan species; and the filler episode. Ken and Tiffany welcome the opportunity for character-centered storytelling, especially when it happens to lean into the trappings of Voyager. And Zero’s opportunity to experience the senses, as Data did in Generations, is an opportunity for us to reexamine what makes us who we are. Plus a bonus review of the TOS episode “Is There in Truth No Beauty?”, as well as a round of the game “If you were a Discovery character, who would you be?” All this and more! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S2E07: The Fast and the Curious & S2E08: Is There in Beauty No Truth? first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

After an action-packed opening to Star Trek: Prodigy‘s second season, Ken and Tiffany enjoy a breather as our heroes regroup before their next adventure. We debate the originality of an in media res opening, appreciate Rok’s dedication to the team, and contemplate the energy between Zero and Maj’el. We also love the tie-ins to Star Trek IV (the one with the whales!), TNG (why is it always Jellico?), and even Lower Decks (is there a Voyager crossover in the works?!). Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S2E05: Observer’s Paradox & S2E06: Imposter Syndrome first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

As the temporal mechanics of Prodigy’s second season grow even more skewed, can kids keep up? Yes, because our youthful crew are still modeling important lessons. Jankom Pog reminds kids to be true to themselves — while Dal reminds parents that kids that age can be difficult, not because anything is wrong with them, but because they’re kids. It’s a journey for everyone, including our co-hosts, Chief Engineer Ken Gagne and Commander Tiffany Bridge! This episode of Prodigy also features a second appearance by real-life astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald, who last appeared in S1E20 “Supernova, Part II”, encouraging Rok-Tahk to pursue a career in xenobiology. Turns out Dr. Macdonald is a whiz as time travel, too! (Unlike Bill Maher, who appeared in the 1988 television movie Out of Time.) Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S2E03: Who Saves the Saviors & S2E04: Temporal Mechanics 101 first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Star Trek: Prodigy returns, with all twenty episodes of the second season released simultaneously on Netflix! First Officer Tiffany Bridge joins the crew of Transporter Lock as we begin our reviews. We start with the two-part opener, “Into the Breach”, which sees Dal and crew engage in further cockamamie plans that cement Voyager in the franchise’s lore. What other characters and cameos can we expect this season — Captain Harry Kim, perhaps? Stay tuned as we continue our journey through a season of family-friendly adventures! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S2E01-02: Into the Breach first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Discovery engages in some tactical espionage action in the season’s penultimate episode before finally taking a graceful bow in Life, Itself, culminating with the Progenitors’ technology, a space wedding, and tie-ins to Star Trek past and present. Some confusing action and dialogue doesn’t ruin an otherwise enjoyable series finale, featuring some touching codas to our characters’ journeys on the longest-running Trek series ever, as reviewed in our longest podcast episode ever. Seven years marks not only the end of Discovery‘s run on Paramount+, but Captain Sabriel’s run on Transporter Lock. Our fearless co-host has earned some shore leave and will be stepping away from the mic. Stay tuned to learn the future of our podcast! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Discovery S5E09–10: Lagrange Point & Life, Itself first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Are you ready to L’ak and Moll?! Our Breen and human couriers take center stage in what Ken and Bri deem the best and worst episodes of Star Trek: Discovery‘s final season. The ship’s visit to the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library was also a highlight, as was its librarian, Hy’Rell, whom Bri loved from the beginning and Ken admired by the end. But oh, how we wish characters — from Ariam to Picard’s son to Burnham herself — were less opaque about their fears so that it wouldn’t be such a surprise when they’re revealed! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Discovery S5E07–08: Erigah & Labyrinths first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Sabriel & Ken are joined by returning guest Commodore Mark Thompson for this mid-season review of Discovery. Is it too soon to dip back to the Mirror Universe well? Have we learned too much about the Breen — or not enough? Why are Denobulans exempt from the Prime Directive? And with Star Trek being so based in (pseudo)science, how do we feel about a character embarking on a spiritual journey? Find out in this week’s podcast review!(The post Discovery S5E05–06: Mirrors & Whistlespeak first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

In a saga that spans the eras, Discovery continues its quest for the Progenitor technology, seeking clues from a centuries-old Trill and fighting a time bug in the past and future. Ken gets gleefully agitated by the details, Sabriel offers insight and answers, and both enjoy the mix of humor and character development seen exhibited by this pair of episodes. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Discovery S5E03–04: Jinaal & Face the Strange first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

After a two-year hiatus, Star Trek: Discovery is back on the air for its fifth and final season. We say goodbye to some familiar faces (again) and some returning crew (again) while managing to introduce at least one new character! We’re also introduced to a surprising tie-in to Trek lore, leading to this season’s chase. Will altruistic intent be weaponized against the galaxy? Ken and Bri ponder and posit how the end of Discovery as we know it has begun! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, RadioPublic, or the Internet Archive. Find links to sites mentioned in this episode below. Kickstarter for short film Type-1 Kickstarter for The Assassin’s Apprentice 2 Delta Flyers podcast Deep Space Nine documentary What We Left Behind Gary Graham passes away Kenneth Mitchell passes away Borg Remastered online CD-ROM game Star Trek Blu Rays on sale at Amazon.com The Roddenberry Archives on Deep Space Nine (The post Discovery S5E01–02: Red Directive & Under the Twin Moons first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Bri and Ken finish the fourth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks with its final four episodes: “A Few Badgeys More”, “Caves”, “The Inner Fight”, and “Old Friends, New Planets”. Plenty of loose ends are tied up, spanning the breadth of Lower Decks as well as The Next Generation. We offer answers to the season’s hardest questions: How is Badgey like Lex Luthor? What connection does the Cerritos engineering crew have to the Uncharted video game series? And how would Captain Picard and Seven of Nine react to seeing Robert Duncan McNeill? Tune in to find out! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive. (This show was recorded on 5 Nov 2023. Please pardon the lower energy output from Ken, who was extremely jetlagged after a redeye flight from Boston to Munich. )(The post Lower Decks S4E07-10 first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Tendi and T’Lyn take turns in the spotlight in the Lower Decks episodes “Something Borrowed, Something Green”, “Empathological Fallacies”, and “Parth Ferengi’s Heart Place”, with the last featuring the return of two beloved Deep Space Nine characters. Ken and Bri analyze the dynamics these new and old characters bring to the show before proceeding to be both amused and disgusted by the final three Very Short Treks — I kid you snot. Also check out Star Trek-inspired soaps from Bold Bubbles, courtesy former podcast guest Charlynn Schmiedt! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Lower Decks S4E04-06 & Very Short Treks S1E03-05 first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

“Twovix”, “I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee”, and “In the Cradle of Vexilon” are Lower Decks‘ excellent parodies and homages to everything from Pokémon to Voyager, while Very Short Treks‘ “Skin a Cat” and “Holiday Party” celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Animated Series. Is it just us, or is Star Trek getting sillier? Whatever is happening, Ken and Bri are here for it — just like Ken was at Dragon Con, with all the tales to tell from meeting his favorite Starfleet actors!(The post Lower Decks S4E01-03 & Very Short Treks S1E01-02 first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Strange New Worlds‘ second season concludes with familiar faces of friends and foes! Also familiar are plenty of tropes, from A Quiet Place to Alien 3. Ken and Bri clash over the the introduction of a legacy character, but we agree that objects in motion tend to stay in motion — a basic Newtonian law the directors forgot this week. Nonetheless, we’re uncertain how the third season will resolve this cliffhanger… or when it will do so, with the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strike! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Strange New Worlds S2E10: Hegemony first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Strange New Worlds continues to demonstrate its range with the darkest and lightest episodes of the season. First, Ken and Sabriel review “Under the Cloak of War”, which deals with PTSD, murder, and forgiveness. What is in M’Benga’s past, and how do we relate to him? In sharp contrast is the season’s penultimate episode, “Subspace Rhapsody”, the long-awaited musical episode, which also moves forward several characters’ plots. What are our favorite songs? Do we even like musicals? Is Chapel’s arc believable? And must we be seeing so much of James T. Kirk this season? Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive. (The post Strange New Worlds S2E08–09: Under the Cloak of War & Subspace Rhapsody first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

“Lost in Translation” sees the return of Hemmer and the first prime-universe appearance of James T. Kirk, each of which give Ken and Bri the opportunity to reflect on how we process love and loss. It’s then a tonal shift — but a pitch-perfect one — as we see Boimler and Mariner from Lower Decks cross over onto the U.S.S. Enterprise. The physical manifestation of our animated characters, the self-aware humor, and the touching moments of Pike’s and Una’s futures make this unlikely union one of the best episodes of Trek ever. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Strange New Worlds S2E06–07: Lost in Translation & Those Old Scientists first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Ken and Bri review two Strange New Worlds episodes. Ken felt “Among the Lotus Eaters”, based was this season’s weakest episode to date, but even he was surprised to hear Bri call it one of the worst episodes of Trek ever! It’s reminiscent of the Enterprise episode “Twilight” and the Apple TV+ series Severance, all while being based on a passing line from the TOS pilot “The Cage“. We then enjoy a round of “Charades”, which dips back into the “Vulcans are funny!” well by giving them their own form of Festivus — yet the main plot for Bri was the heartbreaking romance between Spock and Nurse Chapel. With SNW being a prequel to TOS, is it a spoiler to know this cannot end well? We also pay tribute to Manny Coto, Enterprise showrunner who recently passed away; and we offer a brief review of the Chicago Gamespace and its tribute to 40 years of TRON. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Strange New Worlds S2E04-05: Among the Lotus Eaters & Charades first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Captain Sabriel Mastin rejoins the crew to review the latest two episodes of Strange New Worlds. “Ad Astra per Aspera”, an episode that’s been hinted at since the Short Trek “Q&A”, is hailed by some as the best Trek in decades, harkening back to the social commentary of TOS and TNG by providing an allegory for today’s discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community. Meanwhile, “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” pairs two unlikely characters in a timeline gone amok that Sabriel helps Ken make sense of. It’s the best of both worlds! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Strange New Worlds S2E02-03: Ad Astra per Aspera & Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

David Volante of Volante Design joins Ken to review the second season debut of Strange New Worlds. We have a new chief engineer in Carol Kane, a new trauma for Dr. M’Benga to process, new emotions for Spock to grapple with, and a new war threatening the Federation. More than just a humble tailor, David brings a unique sartorial perspective to the podcast as president and lead designer of Volante Design, which produces authorized jackets based on popular franchises such as Star Trek, Mass Effect, and Lord of the Rings. Check out Volante Designs’ Star Trek collection — and use discount code TRANSPORTERLOCK for 10% off your order. Our thanks to friend and former guest of the show Amanda for connecting us with Volante Design! (The post Strange New Worlds S2E01: The Broken Circle first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Sabriel and Ken bid farewell to The Next Generation cast in a thrilling climax that weaves action, suspense, and humor — even as it undoes some of the hard decisions from previous seasons. Still, we’re eager for the show’s inevitable spinoff, as well as for Michelle Yeoh’s Section 31 movie and for Strange New Worlds Season 2. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Picard S3E10: The Last Generation first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

In the lead-up to the series finale, two important characters rejoin the cast, including a surprise that left Ken both screaming and crying. (Look, it’s an emotional time, okay) We talk about who we thought the villain should be, why you should never agree to be a returning guest on a live-action Star Trek show, the distinction between memory and personality, the comic relief that is Worf, and the forgotten romances that give additional meaning to some already funny scenes. Also: the Star Trek Adventures TTRPG expands to Lower Decks! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Picard S3E08-09: Surrender & Vox first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Commodore Dana Ross joins Chief Engineer Ken Gagne to review two episodes of Picard, including what Ken considers the best season’s weakest episode. Many characters from The Next Generation and Voyager return, while others depart; do we have too many threads to follow, or not enough? We pontificate about Changelings, Irumodic Syndrome, and Section 31, Picard’s recurring role as a savior to all mankind, the reunions (of both casts and ships) that drove us to tears, and the new show set in the future of Starfleet Academy. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Picard S3E06–07: The Bounty & Dominion first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

The TNG crew responds to a seemingly hopeless fate, followed by the utterly unexpected return of a familiar character. One captain gets an angry moment that was denied to Sisko, while another captain proves more bitter than non-canon novelizations would have him. Ken and Bri continue to be surprised and enthralled by these unexpected twists and turns that nonetheless are consistent with the crew we’ve loved for decades and bring us the closure we didn’t know we needed. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Picard S3E04-05: No Win Scenario & Imposters first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

The momentum keeps going in the final season of Picard with two shocking revelations: one that had Ken literally screaming, the other we were both blasé about. Are TNG‘s characters staying in character? What are Riker and Picard up to? And does Worf take his tea with sugar? We also talk about Star Trek‘s many connections to Hungary, from Mrs. Columbo to the founder of Paramount; we ask ourselves who was the better Vulcan: Kirstie Alley or Kim Cattrall; we wonder what it’d look like if Man of Steel had been in color; and Ken gets quizzed on the significance of photonic energy. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive. (The post Picard S3E02–03: Disengage & Seventeen Seconds first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Picard‘s third and final season begins — and, as always, Bri and Ken are cautiously optimistic while brimming with questions. Can the writers find something more to Seven of Nine’s character than being ex-Borg? Will Bri’s theory of who Raffi’s handler prove correct? (Almost certainly.) Are the bad guys Romulan, and are they thinking with portals? Does Wil Wheaton’s Tumblr post make us want to cry? Where is Guinan? And just how many daughters does LeVar Burton have? Tangents include Ken calling in from Budapest, where he’ll make a point of visiting the Columbo statue and watching a young Kate Mulgrew in Mrs. Columbo. We also pay our respects to Annie Wersching (Picard‘s Borg Queen) and Kellie Waymire (Enterprise‘s Ensign Cutler) Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Picard S3E01: The Next Generation first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

After more than a year, Star Trek: Prodigy has concluded its first season. Our ship of misfit kids have gone on a journey — and so have our opinions of the show: we’re digging this secret successor to Voyager! From the characters’ backstories to guest appearances by favorite characters to Kate Mulgrew acting out of character, there’s a lot to like about the adventures of the USS Protostar. Join Ken and Bri as we review the latest eight episodes of Prodigy and the complementary Trek Logs. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive.(The post Prodigy S1E20: Supernova first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Ken and Bri recap the third season of Lower Decks while welcoming back Prodigy. Lower Decks has shot up our list of favorite modern Treks, though Ken still tends to overthink things; meanwhile, we continue to not be the target audience for Prodigy, which is a fun romp but tends to move too quickly for adults accustomed to hour-long adventures. Bonus material in this podcast includes a trip to Riverside, Iowa, future birthplace of James T. Kirk; stumbling across the Star Trek: Voyager arcade game at the Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame; and whether Ken and Bri will follow Marina Sirtis in exiting Twitter. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive. SHE CALLED ALL OF THEM. #StarTrekLowerDecks pic.twitter.com/woOBRCaTYP— Star Trek on Paramount+ (@StarTrekOnPPlus) November 2, 2022 (The post Lower Decks S3E10: The Stars at Night & Prodigy S1E11-12 first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

Voiceover artist Ensign Enfys Book joins Ken to review the Lower Decks episodes “Room for Growth”, “Reflections”, and “Hear All, Trust Nothing” — featuring a return to Deep Space Nine! We also discuss which Star Trek captain would be best at the helm of the International Space Station, why the Section 31 spinoff is taking so long, that time Enfys met Jason Isaacs (Captain Lorca), the garbage human that is Tom Paris, and more! Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive. Links mentioned in this episode: Misbehavin’ Maidens — funny filthy feminist fandom folk bandMajor Arqueena — Magick. Queer stuff. Qabala. Snark.Let’s Nope! — YouTube series by LoadingReadyRunFrom Rewatch With Love — James Bond podcast by LoadingReadyRun(The post Lower Decks S3E04–06 first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)

The annual Star Trek Day unleashed a bounty of teasers and sneak peeks of Picard, Strange New Worlds, Star Trek Online, and Ceti Alpha V, which Captain Sabriel and Chief Engineer Ken are here to review! We also discuss seeing Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan on the big screen, meeting William Shatner and Michael Okuda in Ticonderoga, New York, and enjoying the first three episodes of Lower Decks‘ third season. Stream the audio edition of Transporter Lock above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Podchaser, or the Internet Archive. Picard Season 3 teaser Strange New Worlds Season 2 sneak peek Star Trek Online: Wil Wheaton returns as Wesley Crusher Tribute to Nichelle Nichols (The post Star Trek Day 2022 & Lower Decks S3E1-3 first appeared on Transporter Lock - A Star Trek podcast.)