Standard Orbit: A Star Trek Original Series Podcast
32: The Trekkies Strike Back

1999 TOS Homages.

It turns out that 1999 was a big year for science fiction franchises. Not only did people finally get a new Star Wars movie, but three homages to Star Trek saw wide release that year. In this episode of Standard Orbit, Mike and Drew look at three movies that came out 15 years ago: Trekkies, Free Enterprise, and Galaxy Quest. Join us as we open up this time capsule and explore the conventions of the mid-Nineties, Mark Altman/Robert Meyer Burnett's not-really-biopic about nerds finding love in L.A., and the best movie about actors being mistaken for their characters since The Three Amigos!

Direct download: so-032.mp3
Category:Homages -- posted at: 1:47pm MDT

31: The Citizen Kane of Star Trek

Arena Commentary.

Events from The Original Series don't get mentioned much in the later series, so when they do, it's a big deal. When The Sisko wanted to talk to Kirk about battling the Gorn on Cestus III, it gave the impression that perhaps "Arena" was his favorite classic Trek. In this episode of Standard Orbit, Mike and Drew bring you a commentary for this fan favorite. We talk visiting the Vasquez Rocks, the aspect ratio of the Enterprise viewscreen, and the concept of trench warfare vs meeting the enemy face-to-face, among a myriad of other subjects. And don't worry, you don't have to be watching the episode to enjoy our talk!

Direct download: so-031.mp3
Category:Commentaries -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

30: Proto Peggy Olson

D.C. Fontana.

If Gene Roddenberry was the Founding Father of Star Trek, then D.C. Fontana was the Founding Mother. In this episode of Standard Orbit, we explore D.C.'s trek from secretary to script editor to writer to story consultant to show runner. We discuss her 10 episodes of The Original Series, her post-TOS episodes, and even touch on her non-Trek works. Find out more about this possible inspiration for a certain Mad Men character!

Direct download: so-030.mp3
Category:Creators -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

29: The Whole Pre-Re-Quel Thing

Star Trek 2009 Fifth Anniversary.

It's hard to believe that it's been five years since Star Trek was rebooted by J.J. Abrams. In this episode of Standard Orbit, Mike and Drew celebrate the fifth anniversary of Star Trek 2009 by having Matt Hansen join us to discuss this controversial movie. We cover our thoughts before it came out, our first experiences seeing it, and what we think about it today. Join us as we make the most shiny and reflective podcast you've ever heard!

Direct download: so-029.mp3
Category:Abramsverse -- posted at: 8:14am MDT

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