After being killed on an away mission and then revived by Seven's Borg nanoprobes, Neelix finds himself in a deep existential and spiritual crisis, questioning his faith and the meaning of his existence. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Mortal Coil" and swapping Chakotay for Neelix. Plus! The guys chat about hidden faith, getting serious with Neelix, and keeping someone dead for 17 hours. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When pirates steal the ship's main computer and other critical equipment, Captain Janeway tries to track down the missing equipment with the help of the holographic Leonardo da Vinci. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Concerning Flight" and its potentially life changing impact. Plus! The guys chat about the EMH changing our understanding of holograms, Janeway's submissive deference to powerful fake males, and walking around in sunny California. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

B'Elanna Torres is imprisoned for having violent thoughts on a planet of peaceful telepaths. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Random Thoughts" and analyze the subconscious of Star Trek: Voyager. Plus! The guys chat about Detective Tuvok's sexual adventures, Janeway's schizophrenia, and the impact of violent media. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Obsessed with restoring the Krenim Imperium, no matter the cost, a Krenim military temporal scientist creates changes in history that all but destroy Voyager. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss both episodes of the "Year of Hell" and Kurtwood Smith's excellent performance. Plus! The guys chat about remembering Kes, time-based weapons, and lackluster mutinies. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A group of aliens perform experiments on the crew without their knowledge. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Scientific Method" and skeletons kissing. Plus! The guys chat about shoehorning Seven, a variety of ailments, and flying a starship into a binary pulsar. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Seven of Nine experiences flashbacks, and believes that she is being called back to the Borg Collective. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Raven" and if that's its name or not. Plus! The guys chat about making women eat things, the slow tease of Seven's backstory, and Janeway remembering. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Doctor meets another sentient hologram, and tries to help the troubled program with his problems. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Revulsion" and Voyager's continued attempts at characterization. Plus! The guys chat about weirdo actors, having more questions than answers, and Seven being sexy in-universe. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Chakotay is trapped on a planet where two species are fighting a genocidal war against each other. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Nemesis" and its obvious "Deadwood" influence. Plus! The guys chat about projectile weapons in Star Trek, alien crossovers, and anticipating the twist. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Lieutenants B'Elanna Torres and Tom Paris admit feelings for each other while close to death; a race of homeless aliens ask for Voyager's help but are not quite satisfied with what they receive. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Day of Honor" and the definition of the word "honor". Plus! The guys chat about tight clothing, the difference between Worf and Torres, and premature emotional ejaculations. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Kes's telepathic and latent psychokinetic powers begin to grow rapidly while Voyager's newest crewmember, the former Borg drone Seven of Nine, deals with her new individuality. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Gift" and say goodbye to main cast member. Plus! The guys chat about drug allegories, interpersonal relationships, and tight clothing. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Captain Janeway forges a shaky alliance with the Borg Collective to defeat Species 8472, leading to a new potential crewmember coming aboard. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Scorpion, Part II" and the introduction of Seven of Nine. Plus! The guys chat about copying the Locutus angle for no particular reason, ships smashing together, and debates between friends. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The third season of Star Trek: Voyager has come to a close. It's been one of the worst seasons of Trek we've covered so far! In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the third season of Voyager and wonder where it all went wrong. Plus! The guys chat about narrative choices, ignoring aspects of characters, and which Deadwood characters would make the best starship crew. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Upon entering Borg space, Voyager encounters an alien race even more powerful than the Borg and bent on destroying all life in the galaxy, leading Captain Janeway to enter into an alliance with the Borg in order to defeat them. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Scorpion, Part I" and how it's the "Aliens" to "Alien" of Star Trek. Plus! The guys chat about aging CGI, Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Hey all you Pod-heads, Clay here! This Friday the 13th, I’m auctioning off 12 original drawings of Jason Voorhees from each Friday the 13th movie on eBay to benefit two great charities: The American Cancer Society and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I hope you’ll join me on 10/13/23 at 10 a.m. EST for a 24-hour auction event! Use the link below to take you to the listings on Friday. https://www.ebay.com/usr/cmccormack Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A buried holonovel with high entertainment value depicting a Maquis mutiny is discovered. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Worst Case Scenario" and episodes with end-of-season-itis. Plus! The guys chat about the bland charisma of Robert Beltran, the difference between a holo-novel and a holo-program, and forced comradery. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager crew members begin disappearing one by one, being replaced by aliens. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Displaced" and the white-hot passion of Torres and Paris. Plus! The guys chat about funny alien hats, the spectrum of comfortable temperature, and schisms between your A and B plot. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

An alien scientist finds evidence linking his species' ancestry to Earth, but government officials refuse to accept his evidence because it conflicts with existing doctrine. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Distant Origin" and the power of Voyager's holodeck algorithms. Plus! The guys chat about their favorite dinosaurs, historical trials, and stories told from an alien POV. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Doctor learns a few real life lessons with the holographic "family" he created; Voyager investigates massive subspace distortions. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Real Life" and why melodrama on Trek never seems to land. Plus! The guys talk about holographic superiority, never defining a baseline, and Klingons as a stand in for "urban youth". Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Kes finds herself in temporal flux with her consciousness moving back in time through various episodes in her life up until her birth. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Before and After" and the novel mechanics it uses to tell a story. Plus! The guys discuss the Ocampan lifespan, not knowing if we saw the future or not, and dirty Harry Kim. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Harry seemingly learns both that he is actually a member of a Delta Quadrant race and that "his" people want him never to leave his new home. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Favorite Son" and the sexual frustration of Star Trek: Voyager. Plus! The guys chat about episodes that lack themes, being reminded of "The Royale", and why one might not want to desiccate a grave. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager defends a planet that is being bombarded by asteroids. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Rise" and how it compares to "The Ascent" from DS9. Plus! The guys chat about Neelix's need to impress Tuvok, the proper amount of words in a resume, and the aesthetics of Tesla EVs. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Doctor alters his personality subroutines while Kes contemplates leaving Voyager for a man. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Darkling" and the disappointment of Kes. Plus! The guys chat about historical figures, Voyager getting dark, and badly setting up the Borg. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Chakotay is injured and trapped on a world where the inhabitants are embroiled in conflict, but the people who rescue and care for him harbor a disturbing secret. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Unity" and the confusion of returning to the Borg when we already know so much about them. Plus! The guys chat about the fall of the USSR, the definition of a "dead Borg", and the logistics of a neuro-electric field generator. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

B'Elanna Torres experiences symptoms similar to pon farr after being attacked by Ensign Vorik who is also undergoing the blood fever. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Blood Fever" and the mechanics of Pon Farr. Plus! The guys chat about Vulcan embarrassment, blaming Neelix, and finding Borg in your bushes. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After her apparent death, Captain Janeway's journey to the afterlife, guided by her father, leaves her with suspicions. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Coda" and being haunted by demons. Plus! The guys chat about rambling speeches, stained teeth, and copies of a copy. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Tuvok and Harry Kim become interested in a holodeck character who is more than she seems. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Alter Ego" and the after-school special vibes of Voyager. Plus! The guys chat about mysterious nebulae, Vulcan monogamy, and wasted cold opens. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A meeting with an old friend lands Neelix in an ever-deepening hole of trouble. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Fair Trade" and the value-add of keeping Neelix on the ship. Plus! The guys chat about yet another Expanse, learning a lesson very quickly, and forgotten break-ups. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A transporter malfunction splits Captain Kirk into two people – one good and the other evil, and neither capable of functioning well separately. In this repost of a Patreon revisit, Wes and Clay discuss "The Enemy Within" from TOS' first season. Voyager will return next week - Clay was traveling this past weekend and we don't have a podcast backlog at this point! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When viruses grow to a meter in length and begin attacking the crew of Voyager, Captain Janeway and The Doctor must retake the ship. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Macrocosm" and the appropriate number of mega-viruses. Plus! The guys chat about brick-wall exposition, trading Neelix for The Doctor, and transporting a holo-emitter. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Q has a novel idea for ending civil war in the Q Continuum: have a child with Captain Janeway. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Q and the Grey" and the trouble with visualizing a war amongst the gods. Plus! The guys chat about Q's choice of faction, male captains impregnating aliens, and the portrayal of Q in Voyager. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Kes is taken over by the mind-force of an obsessive rebel. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Warlord" and the many changes coming to Star Trek: Voyager. Plus! The guys chat about breaking up while not yourself, Kes' mysterious "journey", and bat attacks! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With just hours until the Europa Launch, Picard and the crew find themselves in a race against time to save the future. It's the season finale! In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Farewell" and the construction of a story built around ignoring its foundation. Plus! The guys chat about the show's understanding of the Borg, saying goodbye to Q, and Clay's ultimate solution to fix the season. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Picard and his crew fight for their lives as they come under attack from a new incarnation of an old enemy. But to survive, Picard must first face the ghosts of his past. Seven and Raffi have a final showdown with Jurati. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Hide and Seek" and being a single Borg seeking friends. Plus! The guys chat about Borg mercs, sword fighting, and potential endings. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With time running out before the launch of the Europa Mission, Picard and Guinan must free themselves from FBI custody. Seven and Raffi come face-to-face with Jurati and the horror of what she's become. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Mercy" and the watering down of the concept of trauma. Plus! The guys chat about casting fake-outs, eating batteries, and why Deadwood is one of the greatest shows of all time. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Tallinn ventures inside Picard's subconscious mind to help wake him from a coma and face both his darkest secrets and deepest fears. Seven and Raffi go in search of Jurati whom they fear has succumbed to the monster inside. Rios struggles to hide the truth of who he really is from Teresa. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Monsters" and finding out that the origin of your trauma is actually worse than you thought. Plus! The guys chat about El-Aurian technology, the potential impact of COVID on the production, and losing all hope. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With the help of Tallinn, Picard and the crew infiltrate a gala on the eve of a joint space mission, to protect one of the astronauts they believe to be integral to the restoration of the timeline – Renée Picard. Kore makes a startling discovery about her father's work. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Two of One" and the logistics of Q's plot. Plus! The guys chat about not knowing names, cigars so good you forget about fascism, and robot bodies. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Picard discovers an important person from his past may be integral to the divergence in the timeline. Q continues his manipulation of the timeline, taking an interest in Dr. Adam Soong. Seven and Raffi attempt a daring rescue of Rios, while Jurati faces the consequences of her deal with the Borg Queen. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Fly Me to the Moon" and getting over it in three days. Plus! The guys chat about Q's endgame, Resident Evil shotguns, and Rios putting ICE... on ice. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With time running out to save the future, Picard takes matters into his own hands and seeks out an old friend for help. Meanwhile, Rios ends up on the wrong side of the law and Jurati makes a deal with the Borg Queen. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Watcher" and the subtle way that Star Trek: Picard weaves modern politics into its sci-fi allegory. Plus! The guys chat about dog divorces, shotgun call-backs, and understanding acronyms. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Picard and the crew travel back to 2024 Los Angeles in search of the "Watcher," who can help them identify the point at which time diverged. Seven, Raffi, and Rios venture out into an unfamiliar world four hundred years in their past, while Picard and Jurati attempt to gather information from an unlikely, and dangerous, ally. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Assimilation" and being cool 24th century people in the 21st century. Plus! The guys talk about who deserves a statue, being cooler than Dan, and potential outcomes for Seven of Nine. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Picard finds himself transported to an alternate timeline in the year 2400 where his longtime nemesis, Q, has orchestrated one final "trial." Picard searches for his trusted crew as he attempts to find the cause of this dystopian future. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Penance" and how they are most definitely not in the Mirror Universe. Plus! The guys chat about the writing skills of George Orwell, Rios piloting a warship by himself, and the confused point of view of modern Star Trek. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Starfleet must once again call on legendary Jean-Luc Picard after members of his former crew – Cristóbal Rios, Seven of Nine, Raffi Musiker, and Dr. Agnes Jurati – discover an anomaly in space that threatens the galaxy. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Star Gazer" and how it feels to return to Star Trek: Picard. Plus! The guys chat about interesting ship design, Patrick Stewart's age, and retreading familiar ground. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The third and final season of Star Trek: Picard is currently airing on Paramount+. On our Patreon page, you can find all of our coverage for that season. In the meantime, we'll be taking a hiatus from Voyager due to a lack of time and a lack of a backlog. Over the next ten weeks, we'll be releasing the SECOND season of Star Trek: Picard (last year's episodes) on our normal podcast feed. If you've already heard our second season coverage, you can find brand new eps for the third season at Patreon. Otherwise, enjoy our coverage of season 2! We'll return to Voyager when S3 of Picard ends. Thanks! patreon.com/thepenskyfile Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After encountering a Federation timeship from the future, Voyager is sent back to 20th century Earth. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Future's End" and the lynchpin of 90s and "modern" Star Trek. Plus! The guys talk about not taking a hint, right-wing militias well documented hatred of bald men, and downloading Voyager. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Kes is injured when she accidentally commits sacrilege on an alien planet; in order to save her life, Janeway must go through a mysterious ritual that challenges her faith in science. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Sacred Ground" and getting deep into new-age mysticism. Plus! The guys chat about keeping tabs on your medical condition, misunderstanding science, and voicing Mrs Potato Head. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

B'Elanna Torres receives vivid dreams from an unknown passenger aboard Voyager. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Remember" and how COVID-19 has changed everything. Plus! The guys discuss playing with your balls, Japanese war crimes, and giving up your boyfriend very quickly. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager discovers a pair of Ferengi who control the economy of a primitive world; nearby is an unstable wormhole that leads back home. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "False Profits". Plus! The guys chat about gravity-defying anatomy, learning how to be a Ferengi, and embarrassing decisions. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Doctor suffers from a computer malfunction; Voyager is attacked by a swarm of alien warships. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Swarm" and disconnected A and B plots. Plus! The guys chat about New England vocabulary, Janeway letting her hair down, and Nemesis-esque endings. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Harry Kim and Tom Paris are found guilty and detained in a prison where a neural implant gradually drives the inmates mad. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Chute" and the legion of fan-fiction it inspired. Plus! The guys talk about the Unabomber's manifesto, twists that don't make any sense, and missing the landing on your metaphor. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When Tuvok begins to suffer from a mental breakdown, triggered by a suppressed memory, a mind-meld with Janeway takes him back to his tour of duty with Captain Sulu aboard the USS Excelsior. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Flashback" and the ghost that is Sulu. Plus! The guys chat about cavemen losing their grip, sycophantic tea, and Tuvok's sabbatical hijinks. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With the Kazon-Nistrim in control of Voyager, the crew must return to basics in order to survive on a harsh world inhabited by alien natives and vicious predators. Meanwhile, Suder and The Doctor assist Paris' attempts to retake Voyager. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Basics, Part II" and the missing middle of Lon Suder. Plus! The guys chat about Tuvok the Elven Warrior, talking slowly so people understand, and a lack of serial killer murder. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay give their final thoughts about the second season of Star Trek: Voyager. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

On a mission to rescue Chakotay's son from Maje Culluh, Voyager is captured by the Kazon-Nistrim in a sneak attack. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Basics, Part I" and close out yet another season of Star Trek: Voyager. Plus! The guys chat about sexual technique confusion, proto-Enterprise concepts, and yelling into the wind. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager is forced to abandon Captain Janeway and Chakotay when they are infected with a terminal illness. Tuvok leads Voyager on a mission to find a cure. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Resolutions" and going back after you've gone too far. Plus! The guys chat about Tuvok-in-charge, monkey co-stars, and a lack of tomato plants. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After a transporter malfunction, Tuvok and Neelix are merged into a single being. In the search for a way to restore them to their original forms, a moral dilemma is faced as the new being does not want to be terminated. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Tuvix" and being exceptionally ugly. Plus! The guys chat about the trolley problem, becoming the greatest podcast host, and why 2 > 1. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The crew attempts to rescue three aliens in stasis from a bizarre computer program that is based on fear. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Thaw" and how you define a clown. Plus! The guys chat about old man Harry, sending in the hologram, and not being scared when not in danger. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Tuvok is trapped on a moon with a group of alien children who are disappearing, one by one. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Innocence" and the nursery rhymes of Vulcan children. Plus! The guys chat about atmospheric interference, bad alien make-up, and surprise endings. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While trying to avoid Vidiian territory, Voyager is nearly destroyed by proton bursts coming from an unknown source. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Deadlock" and how being weird is part of the game. Plus! The guys chat about torturing Ensign Wildman, the "real" USS Voyager, and effective Vidiians. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Neelix searches for a traitor aboard Voyager using his morning news program. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Investigations" and the epic conclusion to the "Tom Paris is late again" storyline. Plus! The guys chat about not covering your tracks, the emasculation of Chakotay, and not using a password manager. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Doctor falls in love with a Vidiian patient whose life he saved. Meanwhile, Tom Paris' insubordination starts to go out of control. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Lifesigns" and the intragalactic appeal of the '57 Chevy. Plus! The guys chat about storage versus streaming, the powerful shoves of Tom Paris, and that guy on the ship who is still talking to the Kazon about... something. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A member of the Q Continuum comes aboard Voyager, seeking asylum so he can commit suicide. Q arrives onboard to stop him, leaving Captain Janeway to mediate a moral dilemma. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Death Wish" and the first appearance of Q(s) on Star Trek: Voyager. Plus! The guys talk about the less successful cousin of Allen Ginsberg, the internal politics of the Q, and dying just because. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager encounters Dreadnought, a Cardassian missile that B'Elanna Torres reprogrammed during her time in the Maquis. Even though lost in the Delta Quadrant, the missile still believes it is on a Maquis mission in the Alpha Quadrant, setting an intercept course with an inhabited world. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Dreadnought" and the logistics of building a missile with interior carpeting. Plus! The guys chat about similar episodes this season, Cardassian viruses, and ultimate weapons. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Tuvok is plagued by the senselessness of a murder aboard Voyager. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Meld" and being stuck with a murderous psychopath while 70,000 light-years from home. Plus! The guys chat about choking out Neelix, black contact lenses, and death row in space. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A specially-outfitted warp-capable shuttlecraft piloted by Tom Paris successfully reaches Warp 10, breaking the transwarp barrier. But the side effects of breaking the barrier may cost the crew of Voyager their best helmsman. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Threshold" and violating canon. Plus! The guys chat about infamous Star Trek episodes, Lynch versus Cronenberg, and hard outs. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After continuous Kazon attacks against Voyager cost the lives of several crewmembers and the damage to the ship continues to mount, Janeway seeks an alliance to secure Voyager's passage through the Kazon Collective. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Alliances" and developing the Kazon. Plus! The guys chat about pointless agreements, the breadth of the Kazon empire, and Netflix sound effects. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A sentient robot enlists Torres' help to make it possible for it to construct new members of its race. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Prototype" and being impressed by robots that are less impressive than Data. Plus! The guys chat about robot clothing, reinterpreting the Prime Directive, and the over employment of Kes. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In order to free her imprisoned crewmembers, Captain Janeway accepts the help of a delusional resistance fighter. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Resistance" and our foreknowledge of Enterprise. Plus! The guys chat about great guest stars, stoicism under pressure, and telling lies at the end. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After Seska steals vital transporter technology from Voyager, Chakotay sets off on his own to recover it. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Maneuvers" and a chess match that becomes a game of checkers. Plus! The guys chat about leaving Chakotay behind, the motivations of Seska, and spinal sperm. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While attempting to make contact with the Caretaker's mate (who may have the ability to send Voyager home), the crew discovers a colony of Ocampa whose representative has an interest in Kes and helping her explore her telepathic powers. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Cold Fire" and the "exciting" "return" of "Gary" Graham to our Star Trek adventure. Plus! The guys talk about names that seem to be homages, finding everything on the path home, and melting Tuvok's brain. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Chakotay investigates mysterious symbols and visions that are remarkably similar to one of his childhood experiences. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Tattoo" and their favorite facts about Native Americans. Plus! The guys chat about aliens visiting Earth, the correct number of scenes in an episode, and refusing to give a magical hypospray. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager crew members experience disturbing and violent hallucinations. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Persistence of Vision" and the sexual frustration of Captain Janeway. Plus! The guys talk about Tiny Doctor (the gift that keeps on giving), cucumber sandwiches, and XXX-rated material on Disney+. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A trip to "Planet Hell" proves therapeutic for Tom Paris and Neelix. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Parturition" and the end point of Tom Paris' nefarious scheme. Plus! The guys chat about their favorite pastas, getting the tone right, and feeding a baby some air. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager encounters an inversion field which twists and distorts the ship's hull. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Twisted" and getting bent out of shape about Star Trek. Plus! The guys chat about getting lost, sci-fi stories in later Star Trek series, and giving Chakotay some edge. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Harry Kim is placed in an alternate timeline where he was never assigned to Voyager. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Non Sequitur" and how it chose the wrong lead character. Plus! The guys chat about Harry Kim's favorite sexual position, the powerful vest game of alcoholic Tom Paris, and deciding who gets the nice apartment in the 24th century. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager encounters a swarm of spaceborne aliens, while Kes and Neelix must decide whether to have a child. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Elogium" and why Tom Paris deserves more blame. Plus! The guys chat about Neelix making everyone uncomfortable, beta-piloting, and Tuvok saving the day. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Doctor is informed that he is actually Lewis Zimmerman, the creator of the EMH, he is trapped on a holographic Voyager on Jupiter Station, and his whole Voyager experience was on a holodeck. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Projections" and everybody being a hologram. Plus! The guys chat about shooting holo-generators, being happy about prison, and Alanis Morissette. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Data records a day in his life for Commander Bruce Maddox, including observations on Chief O'Brien's wedding, and the mystery of a Vulcan ambassador who apparently dies in a transporter accident. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay revisit the fan-favorite TNG episode, "Data's Day". The guys chat about the day-to-day activities of everyone's favorite android and how the episode is unique to its own series. This episode was originally posted on Patreon in 2020. If you're so interested, there are many more "revisits" available to patrons at patreon.com/thepenskyfile! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Chakotay becomes caught up in a young Kazon's rite of passage. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Initiations" and the problem with rebooting the Klingons. Plus! The guys chat about Voyager's love of the '90s, the economics of gang violence, and fighting to stay awake. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While investigating the origins of a 1936 Ford truck floating in space, Voyager discovers a 434-year-old Earth mystery on a distant planet. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The 37's" and never getting to see the Garden of Eden. Plus! The guys chat about people who disappeared, wearing a suit while flying a plane, and the endless micro-aggressions of Neelix. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the first season of Star Trek: Voyager and how it lived up to their expectations. Is this the best first season of any Star Trek series? Or are we just jaded from having recently watched the second season of Star Trek: Picard? Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Tuvok conducts a training session for Maquis personnel. Meanwhile, Voyager's bio-neural gel packs are mysteriously failing. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Learning Curve" as they close out the first season of Star Trek: Voyager. Plus! The guys chat about running with backpacks, sinister children, and low energy. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The scientist who developed a weapon that killed three hundred thousand of Neelix's people in a war fifteen years ago boards Voyager, claiming that Neelix is terminally ill. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Jetrel" and other famous atomic bombings. Plus! The guys chat about Neelix's round face, chasing yourself in a dream, and keeping your motivations a mystery. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Vidiians capture B'Elanna Torres and split her into two people, one fully Klingon, and one fully Human. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Faces" and revolting alien designs. Plus! The guys chat about Klingons as metaphors, Chakotay's very special mission, and Vidiians not recognizing each other. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While on a routine supply mission to a colony planet, the USS Enterprise comes under an attack from an unknown malevolent force. Pike brings all his heart and experience to bear in facing the crisis, but the security officer warns him that the enemy cannot be dealt with by conventional Starfleet means. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Strange New World’s fourth episode, “Memento Mori”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Strange New Worlds. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Memento Mori" and re-imagining the Gorn. Plus! The guys chat about similar dialogue, the saving grace of episodic television, and balancing character and plot. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager attempts to investigate the force that made Chakotay brain-dead, while an unknown entity keeps turning them back. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Cathexis" and sleepy understandings. Plus! The guys chat about Tuvok in the background, perfect star maps, and famous brain dead people from history. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Una must confront a secret she's been hiding when a contagion ravages the ship, incapacitating the rest of the crew. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Strange New World’s third episode, “Ghosts of Illyria”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Strange New Worlds. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Ghosts of Illyria" and callbacks to an all-timer of a Star Trek: Enterprise episode. Plus! The guys chat about exponential name growth, shades of nu-Trek, and concerns about sci-fi technology. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When several crew members disappear inside Harry Kim's "Beowulf" holodeck program, the holographic Doctor is the only one who can rescue them. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Heroes and Demons" and Star Trek: Voyager going metal af. Plus! The guys chat about the Doctor and other holograms, negotiations with aliens, and holo-novels of choice. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While on a survey mission, the USS Enterprise discovers a comet is going to strike an inhabited planet. They try to re-route the comet, only to find that an ancient alien relic buried on the comet's icy surface is somehow stopping them. As the away team try to unlock the relic's secrets, Pike and Number One deal with a group of zealots who want to prevent the USS Enterprise from interfering. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Strange New World’s second episode, “Children of the Comet”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Strange New Worlds. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Children of the Comet" and its take on Imposter Syndrome. Plus! The guys chat about Peck's Spock, determinism vs free will, and the pull towards serialization. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

An unknown Voyager crew member secretly sends information to the Kazon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "State of Flux" and the origin of a recurring antagonist. Plus! The guys chat about melted troll dolls, the hidden dangers of replication, and Voyager's ending scenes. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When one of Pike’s officers goes missing while on a secret mission for Starfleet, Pike has to come out of self-imposed exile. He must navigate how to rescue his officer, while struggling with what to do with the vision of the future he’s been given. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Strange New World's pilot episode, “Strange New Worlds”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Strange New Worlds. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the latest Star Trek pilot, "Strange New Worlds". Plus! The guys chat about bird-murdering wind towers, the tangled motivations of Chris Pike, and getting specific with the vague. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With just hours until the Europa Launch, Picard and the crew find themselves in a race against time to save the future.  This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season episode, “Farewell”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Picard. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Farewell" and the construction of a story built around ignoring its foundation. Plus! The guys chat about the show's understanding of the Borg, saying goodbye to Q, and Clay's ultimate solution to fix the season. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The crew of Voyager discovers a planet that has the technology to send them more than halfway along their journey home. However, the planet's inhabitants are more than reluctant to share this technology with Voyager's crew, as doing so would violate one of the society's own prime directives. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Prime Factors" and building an episode with distinct plot threads. Plus! The guys chat about masturbatory hedonism, being annoyed by the Prime Directive, and the decision of Tuvok. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Picard and his crew fight for their lives as they come under attack from a new incarnation of an old enemy. But to survive, Picard must first face the ghosts of his past. Seven and Raffi have a final showdown with Jurati. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season episode, “Hide and Seek”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Picard. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Hide and Seek" and being a single Borg seeking friends. Plus! The guys chat about Borg mercs, sword fighting, and potential endings. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Investigating mineral deposits on an asteroid, Harry Kim is trapped on an alien planet. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay are joined by Voyager Super Fan Sean to discuss "Emanations" and the proper way to disrespect ancient burial grounds. Plus! The guys chat about letting the ensign speak, a tough day at the transporter, and knowing the facts of your own demise. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With time running out before the launch of the Europa Mission, Picard and Guinan must free themselves from FBI custody. Seven and Raffi come face-to-face with Jurati and the horror of what she's become. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season episode, “Mercy”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Picard. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Mercy" and the watering down of the concept of trauma. Plus! The guys chat about casting fake-outs, eating batteries, and why Deadwood is one of the greatest shows of all time. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Tom Paris is convicted of murder. He denies having committed the crime, even though the images extracted from the victim's own memory seem to prove his guilt. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay talk about "Ex Post Facto" and the passionate adventures of Detective Tuvok. Plus! The guys chat about the sins of Tom Paris, unnecessary characters, and Vulcan detectives. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Tallinn ventures inside Picard's subconscious mind to help wake him from a coma and face both his darkest secrets and deepest fears. Seven and Raffi go in search of Jurati whom they fear has succumbed to the monster inside. Rios struggles to hide the truth of who he really is from Teresa. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season episode, “Monsters". To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Picard. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Monsters" and finding out that the origin of your trauma is actually worse than you thought. Plus! The guys chat about El-Aurian technology, the potential impact of COVID on the production, and losing all hope. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Voyager makes contact with a Romulan ship through a wormhole that leads back to the Alpha Quadrant. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Eye of the Needle" and getting the timing right. Plus! The guys chat about the year 2002, Maquis uniforms, and contaminating the timeline. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With the help of Tallinn, Picard and the crew infiltrate a gala on the eve of a joint space mission, to protect one of the astronauts they believe to be integral to the restoration of the timeline – Renée Picard. Kore makes a startling discovery about her father's work. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season episode, "Two of One”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Picard. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Two of One" and the logistics of Q's plot. Plus! The guys chat about not knowing names, cigars so good you forget about fascism, and robot bodies. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With energy reserves nearly depleted, Voyager investigates possible resources inside a nebula, which - as it turns out - is not really a nebula. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Cloud" and the sexual proclivities of Tom Paris. Plus! The guys talk about the Star Trek formula, the emptiness of Neelix, and body language from the captain's chair. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Picard discovers an important person from his past may be integral to the divergence in the timeline. Q continues his manipulation of the timeline, taking an interest in Dr. Adam Soong. Seven and Raffi attempt a daring rescue of Rios, while Jurati faces the consequences of her deal with the Borg Queen. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season episode, “Fly Me to the Moon”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Picard. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Fly Me to the Moon" and getting over it in three days. Plus! The guys chat about Q's endgame, Resident Evil shotguns, and Rios putting ICE... on ice. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Neelix's lungs are removed by a race that suffers from a deadly phage that is slowly destroying their population prompting them to harvest replacement organs and tissues from other species. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Phage" and why robbing Peter to replace Paul's lungs is never a good idea. Plus! The guys chat about the nature of Kes, itches you can't reach, and melty-faced villains of dubious quality. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With time running out to save the future, Picard takes matters into his own hands and seeks out an old friend for help. Meanwhile, Rios ends up on the wrong side of the law and Jurati makes a deal with the Borg Queen. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season premiere, “The Star Gazer”. To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you’ll get full access to our coverage of Picard. Plus! You’ll also unlock access to over 100+ podcasts that discuss sci-fi movies, horror anthologies, random topics, and much more. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Watcher" and the subtle way that Star Trek: Picard weaves modern politics into its sci-fi allegory. Plus! The guys chat about dog divorces, shotgun call-backs, and understanding acronyms. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While investigating a massive explosion that destroyed all life on a planet, Janeway and Paris are swept back a day in time, where they must prevent the explosion. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Time and Again" and how it makes a powerful, yet flawed, defense for the Prime Directive. Plus! The guys chat about generic sci-fi cultures, varieties of timepieces, and making a statement by killing an entire planet. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Picard and the crew travel back to 2024 Los Angeles in search of the "Watcher," who can help them identify the point at which time diverged. Seven, Raffi, and Rios venture out into an unfamiliar world four hundred years in their past, while Picard and Jurati attempt to gather information from an unlikely, and dangerous, ally. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the second season episode, "Assimilation". To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you'll get full access to our coverage of Picard. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Assimilation" and being cool 24th century people in the 21st century. Plus! The guys talk about who deserves a statue, being cooler than Dan, and potential outcomes for Seven of Nine. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Investigating an apparent distress call, Voyager becomes trapped inside the event horizon of a quantum singularity. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Parallax" and why it's the second-best (or is it best second?) episode of Star Trek. Plus! The guys chat about getting excited for science, guessing the right ship, and insulting people for their ignorance regarding temporal mechanics. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season episode, "Penance". To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you'll get full access to our coverage of Picard. Plus! You'll also unlock access to over 100+ podcasts that discuss sci-fi movies, horror anthologies, random topics, and much more. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Penance" and how they are most definitely not in the Mirror Universe. Plus! The guys chat about the writing skills of George Orwell, Rios piloting a warship by himself, and the confused point of view of modern Star Trek. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The newly commissioned starship Voyager and a Maquis raider are flung into the far reaches of the remote Delta Quadrant by a powerful entity known as the Caretaker. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Caretaker" from Star Trek: Voyager and how it compares to their most recent podcast conquest, Star Trek: Enterprise. Plus! The guys chat about Star Trek: DS9 being too cerebral, the wild west of the Delta Quadrant, and the impotence of Chakotay. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season premiere, "The Star Gazer". To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you'll get full access to our coverage of Picard. Plus! You'll also unlock access to over 100+ podcasts that discuss sci-fi movies, horror anthologies, random topics, and much more. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Star Gazer" and how it feels to return to Star Trek: Picard. Plus! The guys chat about interesting ship design, Patrick Stewart's age, and retreading familiar ground. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Star Trek: Voyager is the fifth Star Trek series. It was created by Rick Berman, Michael Piller, and Jeri Taylor, and ran on UPN, as the network's first ever series, for seven seasons in the USA, from 1995 to 2001. In some areas without local access to UPN, it was offered to independent stations through Paramount Pictures, for its first six seasons. The series is best known for its familial crew, science fiction based plots, engaging action sequences, and light humor. The writers often noted that many episodes had underlying themes and messages or were metaphors for current social issues. This is the first Star Trek series to feature a female captain in the main cast. However, Kathryn Janeway is not the first female captain. Additionally, the show gained in popularity for its storylines which frequently featured the Borg. Voyager follows the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation and ran alongside Star Trek: Deep Space Nine during its first five seasons. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay give an "Introduction to Star Trek: Voyager" and explain how their coverage of the new series is going to work. Plus! The guys chat about giving up on concepts, being semi-familiar with the crew, and where to find their coverage of the second season of Star Trek: Picard. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A transporter accident replaces the characters in Bashir's secret agent holosuite program with the physical forms of the station's senior staff. In this episode of the podcast, Wes is joined by Todd from the "Computer Resume" podcast to revisit "Our Man Bashir" from DS9's fourth season. Plus! Wes and Todd chat about podcast ethics, being a fan of James Bond, and the reality of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss Star Trek: Enterprise's fourth season. They also give their overall thoughts about the series and where it stands in relation to its sister shows. Plus! They talk about the best and worst of the series, the end of "90's" Star Trek, and what's next for the podcast. Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show on Patreon to ensure continuing coverage of Voyager. You might also want to subscribe to our YouTube channel for our live streams and other content. All the links can be found below. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In hopes of receiving some help before making a difficult personal decision, Commander William T. Riker of the Enterprise-D observes a holodeck simulation of the final mission of the original starship Enterprise, as commanded by Jonathan Archer, in the days immediately preceding the birth of the United Federation of Planets over two centuries earlier. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the series finale of Star Trek: Enterprise, "These Are the Voyages...". Plus! The guys chat about the return of Rick Berman and Brannon Braga, deciding that you have to die, and not getting court-side seats at the founding of the Federation. Thanks so much for joining us on our journey through Star Trek: Enterprise. We will do a series wrap up next week, with a live stream on our YouTube channel around the same time. Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel so you don't miss out - the link can be found below. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A Human isolationist leader threatens to destroy Starfleet Command unless all aliens leave the Sol system immediately. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Terra Prime" and its status as the "true ending" of Star Trek: Enterprise. Plus! The guys talk about redundant dialogue, Paxton's plan with the baby, and everyone getting a piece of the action. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A xenophobic faction of Humanity threatens to undermine talks to form a new coalition of planets. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Demons" and ending the show where it should have started. Plus! The guys chat about the simplification of complicated issues, the chaos of Trip and T'Pol, and attacking the ones that you love. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In the mirror universe, Commander Archer mutinies against Captain Forrest in order to capture a future Earth ship found in Tholian space. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss both parts of "In a Mirror, Darkly" and how effective the fourth season of Enterprise is being in delivering "fan service". Plus! The guys talk about captain power rankings, CGI Gorn, and the improved Tholian Web 2.0. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While T'Pol and Tucker discover that they have developed a psychic bond, Captain Archer receives three Orion slave girls as a gift for negotiating with the devious Orion Syndicate – with rather disastrous results. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Bound" and why it's similar to "Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night". Plus! The guys chat about third-wave feminism, the definition of "reactionary", and myopic stories. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With Columbia's help, the Enterprise crew grapples with sabotage to their ship as they pursue the truth behind the kidnapping of Phlox. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Divergence" and Klingon medical protocols. Plus! The guys talk about Section 31's ultimate plan, excellent Klingon acting, and cranial reconstruction surgery. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While Enterprise visits Earth for the launch of Columbia, Phlox is kidnapped and forced to help the Klingons deal with a grave threat toward their species. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Affliction" and the solution to Clay's most annoying and consistent complaint. Plus! The guys chat about the ultimate fashion solution, Klingon protocols, and pulsating lights. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer visits Shran's icy homeworld to find an Andorian subspecies called the Aenar, to determine their connection to the marauders destroying ships in the region. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Aenar" and confused endings. Plus! The guys chat about the characterization of Shran, needless canon connections, and when melodrama goes wrong. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer tries to unify the Andorians, Tellarites, Humans, and Vulcans in a plan to capture a marauder ship threatening to destabilize the region. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay analyze "United" the origins of what will eventually become the Federation. Plus! The guys chat about the definition of a loophole, speaking in subtle code, and condensing complexities into simplicity. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise journeys to Babel with a Tellarite ambassador on board for peace talks with the Andorians, when a distress call from Shran is received. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Babel One" and the difference between insults and arguments. Plus! The guys chat about characterizing the founding members of the Federation, trying to pack in information, and Romulan fashion choices. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A pair of non-physical Organians study the response of the Enterprise crew to the infection of Hoshi Sato and Tucker by a fatal silicon-based virus brought on board during an away mission. In this episode of the podcast, Wes (infected by a silicon-based virus) and Clay discuss "Observer Effect" and how simple tweaks can create novel situations. Plus! The guys chat about unnecessary connections, the deadly art of Aikido, and memory wipes that work. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The inventor of Earth's transporter comes aboard Enterprise for an experiment. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Daedalus" and the Star Trek trope of "megalomaniacal inventors and the inventions that un-do them". Plus! The guys chat about why something "feels" like Star Trek, the return of Angry Archer, and the end (?) of the Trip and T'Pol relationship. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer and T'Pol endeavor to expose an ancient Vulcan artifact to Vulcan society, while Enterprise becomes involved in a standoff between the Vulcan and Andorian fleets. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Kir'Shara" and the conclusion to the Syrannite Arc of Star Trek: Enterprise. Plus! The guys talk about continuity notecards, the spikey thing, and the dearth of Romulan interference. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer and T'Pol encounter the Syrrannites, the radical group supposedly responsible for a terrorist bombing on Vulcan. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Awakening" and predicting events incorrectly. Plus! The duo chat about things always being in the last place you look, the "greatest" Vulcan who ever lived, and the authority structure of the Vulcan High Command. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When Earth's embassy on Vulcan is bombed, the investigation puts Archer and T'Pol on the trail of a Vulcan religious faction hiding in a treacherous desert. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Forge" and course-correcting the Vulcans. Plus! The guys chat about Soval's abrupt change of heart, chasing away monsters, and frozen pizzas. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Happy Halloween! This episode of the podcast is a re-release of last year's Patreon podcast where we got together to discuss how "Genesis" works as a piece of horror. If you want to hear our thoughts about "Schisms", you should become a patron - it will be this year's Halloween special. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Dr. Soong's Augments acquire additional Augment embryos as well as biological weapons from Cold Station 12. A desperate plan is devised to use the biological weapons to foment a war between the Klingons and Earth in an attempt to flee Earth's control forever. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Augments" and the conclusion to the first mini-arc in Enterprise's fourth season. Plus! The guys talk about Soong's motivations, cutting out scenes on the BBC, and heavy-handed references. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "wej Duj", Boimler tries to find a bridge buddy while the USS Cerritos crew has down time during a long warp trip. In "First First Contact", the USS Cerritos is tasked to aid another starship on a first contact mission. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "wej Duj" and "First First Contact". Plus! The guys talk about improvements in season two, not recognizing characters, and disregarding serialized storytelling. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Soong's Augments take control of a medical facility containing more augment embryos and several dangerous diseases. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Cold Station 12" and the development of the character of Arik Soong. Plus! The guys chat about casting unremarkable actors, clothing that cannot have holes, and being friends with Phlox. CLAIM=563ca71e4e1e9516e3476e4a0e1b42843dbc58e4=CLAIM Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Mariner and Boimler are stranded on an uninhabited planet with a sentient computer. On the Cerritos, Lt. Commander Billups must prove his engineering abilities to an old adversary. A consultant arrives on the USS Cerritos to run drills that require the lower deckers and bridge crew to swap duties. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Where Pleasant Fountains Lie" and "I, Excretus" from the second season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Plus! The duo chats about riding a joke, doing a half-measure when you should go all the way, and the many roles of Jeffrey Combs. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Lieutenant Ro is sent undercover to root out a Maquis cell. In this episode of the podcast, Wes sits down with Marc from Enchantment of Eternity to revisit the penultimate episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Preemptive Strike". The duo discuss the uniqueness of Ro Laren, Picard being stuck in a DS9 situation, and the Maquis as the connective tissue of '90s Star Trek. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer needs the help of a criminal to prevent war with the Klingons. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Borderland" and Star Trek: Enterprise enthusiastically digging into franchise canon. Plus! The guys chat about the acting chops of Brent Spiner, forgetting to augment your acting genes, and the versatility of the Orions. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "An Embarrassment of Dooplers", Mariner and Boimler try to track down the location of a legendary Starfleet party while the bridge crew deals with an insecure alien diplomat. In "A Spy Humongous", Anomaly Consolidation Day on the USS Cerritos leaves the Lower Deckers with mixed emotions. Captain Freeman attempts to negotiate peace on the Pakled homeworld. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "An Embarrassment of Dooplers" and "A Spy Humongous". Plus! The guys chat about the reason that A.L.F. was canceled, Don Cheadle's early television performances, and Lower Decks spending time marinating in the joke. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

An overzealous Starfleet admiral begins a witch-hunt aboard the Enterprise, determined to find a conspiracy, and eventually accuses Captain Picard of treason. In this episode of the podcast, Lore Reloaded sits down with Wes to revisit "The Drumhead" from TNG's fourth season. The two discuss the three languages of politics, Picard as an "outdated" liberal, and why "The Drumhead" is so timeless. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Once Enterprise finally returns to Earth, the weary crew face repercussions from their journeys, both positive and negative. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Home" and how character-based episodes work at this point in the series run. Plus! The guys talk about the worst aspects of digital video, Vulcans wanting other Vulcans to be happy, and the continuing impact of the first three seasons. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "We'll Always Have Tom Paris", Mariner and Tendi team up for a mission to retrieve an heirloom for Dr. T'Ana. Meanwhile, the Cerritos is visited by Lieutenant Tom Paris, much to the excitement of Boimler, who is hoping to meet him. While all this happens, Rutherford is haunted by the mystery surrounding the reappearance of a familiar presence on the Cerritos. In "Mugato, Gumato", the USS Cerritos is dispatched to a planet to investigate an unexplained sighting of a dangerous Mugato. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "We'll Always Have Tom Paris" and "Mugato, Gumato". Plus! The duo chats about the trope of bringing back the dead, the lack of a central lead character, and Star Trek: Lower Decks bringing pathos into its narratives. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In an upcoming run of podcasts, we'll be revisiting episodes we've already covered. Let's see if we have any new perspectives! Wesley Crusher visits the Enterprise only to see everyone behaving strangely on account of an addictive, mind-controlling game. In this episode of the podcast, long-time friend of the show Modi Operandus returns to give some new thoughts about "The Game". Plus! He and Wes discuss Brannon Braga's first foray into Star Trek, mind-wiping Picard, and the metaphor of male virginity. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer and his crew find themselves in Earth's past, with events of World War II altered by the Temporal Cold War. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss both episodes of "Storm Front" and the end of the Temporal Cold War (huzzah!). Plus! The guys chat about the move to digital video, the logistics of changing the outcome of World War II, and the pointlessness of discussing time travel in Enterprise. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "Strange Energies", the USS Cerritos is dispatched on a mission where it ends up in a sci-fi event resulting in "strange energy," which Commander Ransom inadvertently absorbs. In "Kayshon, His Eyes Open", our Lower Deckers have trouble bonding with Ensign Jet Manhaver, who has been assigned Boimler's bunk and shift duties. Meanwhile, we get a glimpse of Boimler's life on the USS Titan, which is more intense than he thought it would be. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Strange Energies" and "Kayshon, His Eyes Open" and how it feels to return to the "best" modern Star Trek series. Plus! The guys chat about the highs and lows of a single episode, remembering how the first season ended, and characters being a means to an end. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The third season of Star Trek: Enterprise focuses on Enterprise NX-01's mission to prevent a second Xindi attack from destroying Earth. Unlike the show's second season, Enterprise's third season embraces a heavily serialized format dedicated to the search for the Xindi primary weapon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay break down Star Trek: Enterprise Season 3 and discuss the year as a whole. Plus! The guys chat about the best and worst episodes of the year, where Enterprise stands when compared to its Trek siblings, and the successes and failures of the Xindi arc. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With the weapon on its way to Earth, Archer leads a small team to intercept it before it can strike; T'Pol leads Enterprise on a mission to destroy one of the spheres in the Expanse. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay finish the third season of Enterprise with a discussion about "Zero Hour". Plus! The guys talk about the worst character in the entire Star Trek franchise, Jeffrey Combs auditioning for a captain role, and feeling like C.J. from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With help from some Xindi factions, the Enterprise crew attempts to stop the arming of the Xindi weapon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Countdown" and Enterprise reverting to familiar action set pieces. Plus! The guys chat about the death of Major Hayes, motivating the Aquatics, and fish tanks in space. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer confronts the Xindi Council while T'Pol, Reed and Mayweather infiltrate an Expanse Sphere to gather info about the Sphere Builders. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Council" and its incredible info dump of exposition. Plus! The guys talk about Elder Scrolls RPGs, not being sure about what is going on, and knowing someone is going to die. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

An accident during an attempt to use a Xindi subspace corridor places the Enterprise in a bizarre confrontation… with itself. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "E²" and Enterprise returning, yet again, to time travel. Plus! The guys chat about unnecessary ret-conning, switching the parents and children, and the continuing development of the Trip and T'Pol relationship. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Two members of the Xindi Council offer to stop the launch of the weapon if Archer can prove that the Xindi have been manipulated; the crew holds a memorial for their dead shipmates. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Forgotten" and whether or not some storylines were truly forgotten. Plus! The guys talk about the best actor in the ensemble, Temporal Agent Daniels being a no-show, and the best Vulcan-Human scene that Enterprise has done so far. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Enterprise crew must cope with devastating damage to the ship, with another alien ship needing assistance nearby. T'Pol seeks help from Phlox with a personal problem, and dissent grows in the Xindi Council. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Damage" and the trouble with chasing the dragon of emotion. Plus! The guys chat about Phlox taking his oath too literally, Enterprise's lack of subtlety, and doing something no Star Trek show has done before. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The crew discovers the Xindi weapon and plans to launch a suicide mission to destroy it, with Archer insisting that he be at the helm. But, when Archer is captured, he must convince Degra and the other Xindi leaders, that Humanity is no threat to the Xindi. Meanwhile, the Xindi launch a heavy attack on Enterprise that leaves the ship defenseless and almost destroyed. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Azati Prime" and the upsetting return of Temporal Agent Daniels. Plus! The guys chat about getting to know the Xindi, torture cliches, and the importance of emotional memory. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise finds a derelict Xindi-Insectoid starship carrying a cache of unhatched eggs and Archer takes an increasingly obsessive interest in preserving them. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Hatchery" and additional reasons to avoid close contact with alien eggs. Plus! The guys chat about disrespecting dead alien babies, taking off your helmet, and no one noticing you've gone crazy. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In order to traverse a trans-dimensional disturbance safely, Phlox must put the rest of the crew in stasis and pilot Enterprise himself. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Doctor's Orders" and chat about an "Austin Powers" influenced episode of Star Trek. Plus! The guys talk about choosing neither character work nor plot, the worst way to see Hoshi in the shower, and smashing the warp core with a hammer. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise rescues an alien from a massive spatial anomaly, but its lone pilot refuses to explain why he was there. Reed and Hayes confront each other over their roles on the ship. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Harbinger" and the potential WB-ness of Star Trek: Enterprise. Plus! The guys chat about the sexual tension between Reed and Hayes, Trip's massage technique, and not being interested in the Xindi. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise captures Degra, the mastermind behind the Xindi weapon project, and Archer tries to trick him into revealing the location of the final weapon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Stratagem" and solving a problem without fighting. Plus! The guys chat about sticking around, blaming the Insectoid Xindi for everything, and not having any other choice. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

An Andorian ship commanded by Shran unexpectedly appears in the Expanse to help the Enterprise locate the Xindi primary weapon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Proving Ground" and the benefit of characterization. Plus! The guys chat about getting to know the Xindi, ways the show could have developed the Andorians and Vulcans, and showing respect to the Andorian Mining Consortium. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise is hijacked by a group of religious extremists who worship the mysterious spheres in the Expanse. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Chosen Realm" and the utter failure of the M.A.C.O.'s. Plus! The guys chat about charismatic villains, not having a backup hard drive, and homages to The Original Series. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer and T'Pol travel back in time to stop the Xindi-Reptilians in 21st century Detroit. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Carpenter Street" and the logic of the Xindi travelling back to 2004. Plus! The guys chat about the lack of excitement for a Red Sox World Series victory, not finding a purple spacesuit to be all that strange, and using a pizza parlor's ventilation fan to commit genocide. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

During an engine performance test, Trip Tucker is critically injured and left comatose in sickbay. Phlox suggests that Tucker's only hope for survival is the creation of a "mimetic simbiot" – in other words, a clone. The crew and Trip's clone have to face the unforeseen emotional ramifications of his creation. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Similitude" and unusual massage positions. Plus! The guys talk about the two versions of Archer, conflict stacking, and novel ideas in a franchise that contains hundreds of episodes. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer and the crew try to discover why a 19th century-era Human settlement has been placed in the middle of the Expanse. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "North Star" and Enterprise finding a genre to match its storytelling habits. Plus! The guys chat about avoiding the Prime Directive, bad alien acne, and not having enough room to give someone a ride. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The effect of a Delphic Expanse anomaly leaves Archer unable to form any new long-term memories. Twelve years later, he wakes up one morning and is stunned to learn the outcome of the Human-Xindi conflict, including the loss of Earth, and the near-annihilation of the Human race. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Twilight" and telling the same story every day. Plus! The guys chat about old-age make-up, using a "reset button", and the time-honored solution of blowing yourself up. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise discovers a Xindi mining outpost where components of the Xindi weapon are being assembled. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Shipment" and making rash decisions you might later regret. Plus! The guys chat about intra-Xindi relationships, constructing the right away team, and getting bugs out of your guns. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Hoshi is contacted by a mysterious telepath, who offers to help Enterprise in its mission... for a price. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Exile" and our lack of knowledge regarding Hoshi's dreams, interests, and fears. Plus! The guys break down being truthful about your graveyard, bouncing shuttlecraft, and metaphors about the interaction between fans and stars. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After finding the drifting hull of a Vulcan cruiser inside an asteroid field, Captain Archer and his crew are surprised to find Vulcans "alive" on it. When they are stranded there, they must find out what happened to the crew before T'Pol succumbs to the same fate. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Impulse" and the ability of Star Trek to pull off an hour of zombie shenanigans. Plus! The guys chat about bouncing shuttlepods, Blalock's acting as T'Pol, and logical zombies. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise takes on board Rajiin, a beautiful, enigmatic passenger with ulterior motives. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Rajiin" and Enterprise's desperate attempts to conjure up an audience. Plus! The guys chat about the Xindi slinky shoulder pads, the potential waste of time that is Vulcan massage sessions, and possible outcomes for the Xindi bio-weapon. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer, Reed, and Sato are threatened by a virus that mutates them into a primal lifeform. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Extinction" and Enterprise returning to its roots - and not in a good way. Plus! The guys talk about easy solutions, final scenes, and cheap paper towels. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise is damaged by spatial anomalies and boarded by interstellar pirates who rob the ship of critical resources. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Anomaly" and the tight-rope walk of characterization that is "Angry Archer". Plus! The guys chat about Phlox's motivations, epic space battles, and threatening to decompress your enemies. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Six weeks into the Delphic Expanse, the crew is tipped off by a freighter captain who knows a lone Xindi working on a remote mining colony. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Xindi" and their early impressions of the changes the show has undergone very early in season three. Plus! The guys chat about making the Xindi distinct from the Dominion, the show getting better at making the episodes it loves to make, and T'Pol getting fingered by Trip. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

We've reached the end of the second season of Star Trek: Enterprise. We made it through another 26 episodes of the show and we're more than halfway through the entire series. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay give their final thoughts about the season. Plus! The guys list their favorite and least favorite episodes, update their character power rankings, and answer some listener questions. Please note that this episode was recorded as a livestream on YouTube so the audio quality will be a bit lower than normal. If you're interested in watching other streams, subscribe to our YouTube channel via the link below. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After a devastating attack on Earth by an alien probe of unknown origin, Enterprise is recalled and sent into a strange expanse on a new, more vital mission. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Expanse" and how it shuts down multiple plotlines while starting several new ones. Plus! The guys chat about their memories of 9/11, redundant travel, and the final appearance of Future Guy! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer is captured by a Tellarite bounty hunter who plans to hand him over to the Klingons; a microbe induces the pon farr in T'Pol who finds herself confined to the decon chamber with Phlox. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Bounty" and the excitement of having two B-plots. Plus! The guys talk about Enterprise era Klingons, the outgoing Phlox becoming a prude, and the reason why sexualizing T'Pol never seems to work. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When he is told of the death of an old rival, Archer reflects on his days in the NX test program. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "First Flight" and how Star Trek: Enterprise would have been best served if it had been allowed a chance to establish itself on Earth for the first season. Plus! The guys talk about their favorite time of day to drink at the bar, the "friendship" of AG Robinson and Jon Archer, and what seeing the Enterprise floating in space should feel like. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A scientific team in the Arctic discovers two mysterious cyborgs, similar to those described by Zefram Cochrane. When they assimilate the scientists and move into space, Enterprise is called upon to find the cybernetic beings and stop them. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Regeneration" and the risks of bringing the Borg into a prequel series. Plus! The guys chat about T'Pol the skeptic, the more-is-less problem of the Borg, and action sequences done well. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise encounters the Vissians, a race that includes a third gender of "cogenitors" who are treated as second-class citizens. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Cogenitor" and how making friends can go horribly wrong. Plus! The guys chat about Rick Berman's original pitch, Archer's dilemma, and the unfortunately small size of Reed's torpedoes. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While Enterprise rescues three Denobulan scientists from a planet under a new xenophobic government, Dr. Phlox must treat a patient with racist views against his people. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Breach" and how plot lines can become ethereal and disconnected. Plus! The guys chat about the fine line between comedy and the grotesque, hidden lunch boxes, and theme-less action plots. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While Enterprise diverts to observe an unusual planetary event, Travis Mayweather takes time off to visit his family on the cargo ship where he was born and raised, the Horizon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Horizon" and the unfortunate irrelevance of Travis Mayweather. Plus! The guys chat about returning to Enterprise after a season of Discovery, bouncing around on the bed without artificial gravity, and Trip's choice of horror movie! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

As the Emerald Chain tightens its grip and the mystery of the Burn is finally solved, Burnham and the crew have one last chance to save themselves – and the Federation. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "That Hope is You, Part II" and the underwhelming solution to "The Burn". Plus! The guys talk about shooting the Discovery, walking away before someone is dead, and the complete destruction of Admiral Vance. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After capturing the U.S.S. Discovery, Osyraa seeks a meeting with Admiral Vance while Burnham and the crew must overcome unimaginable odds as they attempt to regain command of their ship. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "There is a Tide..." and the incredibly frustrating storytelling of Star Trek: Discovery. Plus! The guys chat about hammering out a contract, Stamets forcing his familial self on Adira, and the technical details of The Burn. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Discovery ventures to the Verubin Nebula, where Burnham, Saru, and Culber make a shocking realization about the origin of The Burn as the rest of the crew faces an unexpected threat. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Su'Kal" and the failure of Star Trek: Discovery to merge the personal with the epic. Plus! The guys chat about fantastical holodecks, cloaking but remaining stationary, and Snapchat level conflict. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Captain Archer is tried in a Klingon tribunal for attacking a Klingon ship and inciting a rebellion. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Judgment" and how far you can try to bend the Klingons before they break. Plus! The guys chat about The Undiscovered Country, Martok as a lawyer, and the right way to drink coffee. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Georgiou uncovers the true depths of the plot against her, leading her to a revelation about how deeply her time on the USS Discovery truly changed her. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Terra Firma, Part II" and the clumsy exit of Phillipa Georgiou from Star Trek: Discovery. Plus! The guys talk about splitting timelines, the personification of the Guardian of Forever, and toasts made in bad taste. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise is captured by a ship of non-corporeal beings who wish to trade consciousnesses with the crew's bodies. But these "wisps" may not plan on giving the bodies back... In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Crossing" and debate why a species of non-corporeal aliens would have a spaceship. Plus! The guys talk about Vulcan pajamas, counting with Phlox, and punching Mayweather. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The USS Discovery crew journeys to a mysterious planet in hopes of finding a cure for Georgiou's deteriorating condition. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Terra Firma, Part I" and the "arc" of Emperor Georgiou. Plus! The guys talk about heading back to the Mirror Universe, super-ship USS Discovery, and Vance letting people do whatever they want to do. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

We're taking a break from Enterprise to give general access to our Patreon revisit of TNG's "The Arsenal of Freedom". On our Patreon page, we sometimes revisit old episodes to talk about them with a few years of Trek experience or to get opinions from people who weren't there the first time. "The Arsenal of Freedom" is one of the better episodes from the first season of TNG, but has it... aged well? You can hear more of the "revisits" by supporting the show at patreon.com/thepenskyfile! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Burnham and the U.S.S. Discovery crew travel to Book’s home planet to help rescue it from Osyraa, the formidable leader of the Emerald Chain. Meanwhile, Stamets and Adira continue their search for valuable information on the origin of the Burn. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Sanctuary" and how Discovery chooses to tell its stories. Plus! The guys talk about low budgets, alien locusts, and kimono bathrobes. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer and Tucker are mistakenly arrested and placed on a prison ship bound for the infamous penal colony of Canamar. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Canamar" and action plots done well. Plus! The guys talk about imparting a moral lesson in the last 5 seconds, gross aliens, and many "oh look it's that guy" reactions. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While grappling with the fallout of her recent actions, and what her future might hold, Burnham agrees to represent the Federation in an intense debate about the release of politically sensitive – but highly valuable – Burn data. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Unification III" and why Leonard Nimoy could yell at a grip and it would be provocative television. Plus! The guys discuss Tilly's very easy promotion, engaging in logic fallacies, and Mrs. Burnham's career choice. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise finds a small craft – apparently from the future – adrift in space, and both the Suliban and the mysterious Tholians are intent on retrieving it. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Future Tense" and the flat-lining Temporal Cold War arc. Plus! The guys talk about T'Pol's hatred of time travel, the TARDIS, and Van Halen's discography. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After receiving a message from Book, Burnham and Georgiou embark on a rogue mission to find him, leaving Saru to pick up the pieces with Admiral Vance. Meanwhile, Stamets forms an unexpected bond with Adira. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Scavengers" and why Star Trek: Discovery writes bad love songs. Plus! The guys talk about Saru getting in trouble, 32nd century communicators, and tinkering with the Spore Drive. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer is called in to mediate a territorial dispute between the Vulcans and the Andorians. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Cease Fire" and the continuing hostilities between the Andorians and the Vulcans. Plus! The guys talk about disagreements between two ill-defined groups, Rick Berman's inspiration for the character of Tarah, and why Soval is the worst Vulcan of all time. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After reuniting with what remains of Starfleet and the Federation, the USS Discovery and its crew must prove that a 930 year old crew and starship are exactly what this new future needs. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Die Trying" and the sweet relief of finally finding the Federation. Plus! The guys talk about the incoherence of Michael Burnham, Culber abdicating his responsibility, and the fact that the Federation seems unimpressed by the Spore Drive. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

T'Pol's position on Enterprise is jeopardized when the Vulcans discover that she has contracted a mind-affecting disease. Meanwhile, one of Phlox's wives comes aboard and expresses a romantic interest in Tucker, much to his discomfort. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Stigma" and curious timing of an AIDS allegory in 2003. Plus! The guys talk about it definitely NOT being T'Pol's fault, the whimsy of Mrs. Phlox, and the confusing Vulcans of Enterprise. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Burnham and Adira visit the Trill homeworld while Saru's efforts on the Discovery to help the crew reconnect yield surprises. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Forget Me Not" and whether or not it's possible to look beyond the flaws of Discovery. Plus! The guys discuss the newly religious Trill, emotional fragility, and the pointless sidekick that is Michael Burnham. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While in a shuttlepod performing tests, Tucker is attacked by a hostile alien and forced to crash-land on a desolate moon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Dawn" and why shade from the sun is overrated. Plus! The guys talk about re-doing superior episodes, the direction of Roxann Dawson, and the upcoming US Presidential election (just to date the podcast even more quickly). Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Reunited with Burnham, Discovery heads to Earth to find out what has happened to the Federation in the last thousand years. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "People of Earth" and debate how much your hair can grow in a single year. Plus! The guys talk about endless platitudes, Earth in the 32nd century, and the return of the Trill to Star Trek. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When a deadly neutronic storm threatens the ship, the crew must take refuge for eight days inside the maintenance shafts of the warp nacelles. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Catwalk" and the template that all Star Trek: Enterprise episodes must follow. Plus! The guys discuss travel by air, Archer watching "water polo" on his iPhone, and Reed's short fuse. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After the USS Discovery crash-lands on a strange planet, the crew finds themselves racing against time to repair their ship. Meanwhile, Saru and Tilly embark on a perilous first-contact mission in hopes of finding Burnham. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Far From Home" and the crew of the USS Discovery coming into their own (minus Michael Burnham). Plus! The guys discuss Burnham's incredible hair growth, the terror of parasitic ice, and whether or not this is a "Magnificent Seven" story. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After Enterprise rescues a pair of aliens with a mysterious cargo, Trip finds himself in a major predicament after he accidentally opens the cargo. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Precious Cargo" and the troubles that many seem to have with writing a Star Trek script. Plus! The guys talk about Archer talking T'Pol into his tribunal charade, getting into an escape pod ass first, and the Brannon Braga method of breaking a story. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Burnham navigates a strange, new galaxy, 930 years in her future, looking for the rest of the Discovery crew. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "That Hope is You, Part I" and lay the ground work for how they're going to approach the latest season of Star Trek: Discovery. Plus! The guys talk about Star Trek becoming more ethereal and religious in its storytelling, the lack of suburbs on alien planets, and the resetting of Michael Burnham. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Following her first experience with the transporter, an eerie series of events makes Hoshi think she is becoming invisible to the rest of the crew. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Vanishing Point" and the awkwardness of a phone call where you have to inform someone that a loved one is dead. Plus! The guys talk about episodes that are different every 10 minutes, Enterprise's surprising success with subtlety, and learning a lesson through a dream. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The USS Cerritos encounters a familiar enemy. Tendi helps a struggling recruit find her footing. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "No Small Parts" and why Lower Decks is more true to Star Trek than the Picard series pretends to be. Plus! The guys talk about cinematic animation, shuffling the cards at the end of a season, and why Mariner is no Michael Burnham. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Upon approaching a black hole, the crew starts exhibiting strange behavior and uncharacteristically obsesses over trivial matters. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Singularity" and debate whether or not being weird is enough to carry an episode. Plus! The guys talk about can openers, those desks from high school, and how Enterprise chooses to end episodes. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Mariner repurposes Boimler's holodeck program to cast herself as the villain in a "lower decks"-style movie. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Crisis Point" and why Mariner is the heart and soul of Lower Decks. Plus! The guys talk about the walking-back of Boimler, sneaky marijuana references, and balancing Star Trek and cynicism. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

During an investigation of a pre-warp alien planet, Reed accidentally leaves his communicator behind. When he returns with Archer to get the piece of technology, they are captured by soldiers who accuse them of being enemy spies. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Communicator" and how it's as if someone took seven random episodes of Enterprise and stuck them in a blender. Plus! The guys talk about Reed's masochistic streak, Archer making a bad situation worse, and the frustratingly similar cultures that Enterprise keeps encountering. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Mariner, Boimler, Tendi, and Rutherford are caught off guard when aliens force them to testify about a series of seemingly unrelated events. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Veritas" and explain why it's the strongest episode that Lower Decks has produced. Plus! The guys talk about modern sound mixing, getting stressed out when everyone starts yelling, and the need for the show to branch out from referencing The Next Generation! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

T'Pol asks Archer to accompany her on a top secret mission to capture a fugitive that has eluded the Vulcan High Command for two decades. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Seventh" and why being down on Enterprise episodes is different from being down on every other Trek series. Plus! The guys talk about Trip being unwilling to inflict diarrhea on his shipmates, Mayweather in bokeh, and no one being concerned about the Vulcans fiddling with other cultures. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Mariner tries to impress her best friend from Starfleet Academy who is now a visiting captain. Boimler is sent to a Starfleet medical ship after a transporter accident puts him “out of phase.” In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Much Ado About Boimler" and wonder about the relationship to Shakepeare's original work. Plus! The guys talk about Lower Decks riding a joke, the show mixing up its character pairings, and turning your TV around to watch it in "handheld" mode! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise discovers a deuterium mining colony that is being controlled by Klingon marauders. The crew trains the colonists to defend themselves and prepare for battle against their Klingon oppressors. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Marauders" and why genre shows need to abandon doing their own version of The Magnificent Seven. Plus! The guys talk about Klingons not acting like Klingons, training montages, and beige landscapes! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The lovable but awkward Ensign Fletcher makes work difficult for Mariner and Boimler. Rutherford introduces Tendi to a holodeck training program he created. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss getting what we wished for in regards to Star Trek: Lower Decks. Plus! The guys talk about bringing aboard a new main cast member, the hyper-violence of a holodeck gone bad, and give their thoughts about the recent trailer for Discovery's third season! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer spends a night in sickbay with Dr. Phlox after Porthos picks up a deadly virus on an alien planet. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss bringing your dog everywhere you go! Plus, the guys talk about using a chainsaw while very sweaty, T'Pol being the focus of the male gaze, and choosing whether to save your dog or a random stranger! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Mariner is suspicious of Boimler’s new girlfriend. Tendi and Rutherford grow jealous of a bigger starship's gear. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay analyze "Cupid's Errant Arrow" and wonder if Lower Decks would be better suited to exploring the dark edge of Star Trek lore. Plus! The guys talk about sitcom plots versus Star Trek plots, mixing up the characters, and Wes gives some truncated thoughts about the latest trailer for "The Batman"! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise docks with a strange, automated repair space station, which proves too good to be true. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss Enterprise switching up its "mystery" formula! Plus, the guys talk about the characterization of Malcolm Reed, Mayweather's twelve-pack, and trying to delay an automated phone service! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Captain Freeman seeks the ultimate payback after Mariner blatantly disrespects her in front of the crew. A well-meaning Tendi accidentally messes up a lieutenant's attempt at spiritual ascension and tries to make it right. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the latest Star Trek: Lower Decks episode, "Moist Vessel"! They break down society's discomfort with the word "moist", the success (or not) of the show's attempts to be emotionally grounded, and over-stuffing an episode with ideas! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Enterprise NX-01 strays into a Romulan "Minefield" and is disabled by a cloaked mine. Meanwhile, Reed is pinned to the hull of the ship. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay describe how to pay extra attention to make sure you're truly bored. Plus! The guys talk about watching an episode of Enterprise while angry, the survival of soccer into the 22nd century, and surfing an explosion to safety! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A new work protocol eliminating “buffer time” has the Cerritos crew running ragged as they try to keep up with their tightened schedules. Ensign Mariner and Commander Ransom's mutual lack of respect comes to a head during an away mission. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss an episode that makes you expect some time travel, only to end up with some new timekeeping habits. Plus! The guys chat about the screen time of the senior officers, cultural misunderstandings, and balancing the stuffiness of Star Trek with the comedy of Lower Decks! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When Star Trek: Picard started, Clay and I went back to re-watch "The Measure of a Man". The themes are characters seemed like they were going to be important to the first season of Star Trek: Picard. Since our original coverage of the episode was a solo affair by me, the re-watch also allowed us to hear Clay's thoughts about an episode that many consider to be one of TNG's finest. So, what did we think? This episode was originally available to only our supporters on Patreon. If you wish to get access to more content like this, please make a pledge at patreon.com/thepenskyfile. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After a high-profile mission goes awry, Boimler is further plagued with self-doubt when Mariner proves herself to be a more naturally talented sci-fi badass than he. Rutherford quits his job in engineering and explores other departments on the USS Cerritos. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Envoys" and wonder if Lower Decks is a series that will be able to survive on its own once the supply of references runs low. Plus! The guys chat about the potential issues with Mariner, why Rutherford works so well as a comic character, and why you shouldn't expect to see any Lower Decks characters referenced in the next season of Star Trek: Picard. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

T'Pol tells Archer and Tucker a story about her great-grandmother and two other Vulcans, who crash landed in a small Pennsylvania town in the year 1957. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay debate the how much Carbon Creek is to Enterprise as The City on the Edge of Forever is to The Original Series. Plus! The guys talk about Vulcans in disguise, inventions you'd believe to be alien in origin, and the acting prowess of Jolene Blalock! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Ensign Tendi has her first day of work on Starfleet's USS Cerritos, where she meets fellow support crew members, Ensigns Mariner, Boimler, and Rutherford. Meanwhile, Boimler is tasked with a secret special assignment and Rutherford attempts to keep his dating life intact while a sci-fi disaster strikes the ship. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss how effectively Star Trek has (once again) moved into animated territory. Plus! They give their thoughts about Ensigns Mariner, Boimler, Tendi and Rutherford, how well Star Trek can do comedy, and how the show should try to work out its own niche in the franchise. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

As the Suliban take the crew hostage, Archer disappears off the ship. While stuck in the 31st century, Archer and Daniels work to find a way to get back to Enterprise and repair the timeline. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the second season of Enterprise choosing to bring a few topics into focus. Plus! The guys debate the characterization of Daniels, the confounding nature of Soval, and keeping things a mystery when you don't have much going on. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In this episode of the podcast, Wes phones in from a remote cabin in the woods to talk about Enterprise's first season. Clay is more than willing to discuss this latest group of episodes... he just has to remember which one is which. And then remember anything about them. In this recap of the first season, the guys give their general thoughts about how the first season succeeded and failed. Plus, they give a power ranking of the main cast members. And finally, they take out the abacus to determine the best and worst episodes from the entire season. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After apparently causing the destruction of an alien colony, the Enterprise is called back to Earth. Archer learns via Daniels that the Suliban are trying to sabotage Enterprise's mission. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the episode that closes out Enterprise's first season and how it serves as a bookend to "Broken Bow". Plus! They talk about Mark Zuckerberg's hair, hand waving away time travel, and how time travel seems to work in the Enterprise universe. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The crew takes shore leave on the famous pleasure planet of Risa. For many, it is anything but a vacation. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss visiting Risa and never going to the beach. Plus! The guys talk about staying at a Holiday Inn, the personality of Jonathan Archer, and Enterprise exploring sexuality. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer and Tucker are invited to a desert-like planet by an alien leader after they help fix his ship. After arriving, they discover he has invited them under false pretenses. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss yet another episode of Enterprise that feels like it wants to say something but just can't find the right words. Plus! The guys talk about the consequences of freeing the Suliban, Kirk being the most timeless captain, and having a story with no subtext! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Escorting a Vulcan ambassador accused of criminal misconduct, the Enterprise comes under attack by a corrupt race. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Fallen Hero" and why the episode doesn't manage to live up to its title. Plus! The guys talk about Phlox selling the plot, the confusing characterization of V'Lar, and never knowing how fast those ships could go. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A symbiotic alien comes aboard the Enterprise NX-01 and captures several of the starship's officers in its web. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Vox Sola" and the benefit of giving every character something to do, even if it doesn't amount to much. Plus! The guys talk about being distracted by other peoples thoughts, eating food like you're having sex, and how to determine the worst character of the ensemble. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer and Mayweather accidentally enter a militarized zone and are detained by an alien race called Tandarans, who are at war with the Suliban. Both men find themselves sharing cells with some Suliban detainees who they believe are wrongly imprisoned. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the problems with being too obvious with your allegory. Plus! The guys talk about being unfamiliar with the Suliban, returning guest actors, and Archer throwing himself into situations. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The crew finds a derelict spaceship from which they can salvage some supplies… only they find that the ship is not quite as deserted as they were led to believe. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss how a competent narrative doesn't necessarily mean a competent story. Plus! The guys talk about being indecisive with your main character, the possible influence that Rick Berman had on the series, and yet another fake mystery! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A group of interstellar thieves stun the Enterprise crew and begin looting the ship. Trip Tucker is the only one left to stop them, but can he do that in his underwear? In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss Enterprise's failed attempt to reinvigorate the Ferengi. Plus, the guys talk about stroking their lobes, piles of women, and Trip refusing to pretend that he's married to T'Pol! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer has visions of a mysterious humanoid woman on a rogue planet where it is eternally nighttime. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss how Enterprise expertly disguises its broken storytelling. Plus! The guys talk about the songwriting tropes of The Police, the ethics of hunting, and the pent up sexual frustration of Jonathan Archer! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In this episode of the podcast, Wes takes a break from our Enterprise coverage to talk to another Star Trek podcast. "The Trek Companion" show recently reached a ten-year milestone as a podcast as they simultaneously completed their coverage of Star Trek: Voyager. Wes talks to Brian, Adam and Steve about their long running podcast and why they think they've been able to stick to it for so long. They debate the merits of mediocre episodes, the reason why Star Trek enables so many unique discussions, and the differences between modern Star Trek and previous series! The Trek Companion can be found on most podcatcher apps and can also be found at https://trekcompanion.podbean.com/. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The crew of Enterprise meets a group of outcast Vulcans, who embrace their own emotions, leading to trouble for T'Pol. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the schism between the Vulcans we know and the Vulcans we see. Plus! The guys discuss doing a disservice to your female characters, Archer's 1950's-level handling of assault, and chubby Vulcans! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While investigating an asteroid field, Tucker and Reed are convinced that Enterprise has been destroyed and try to face their own oncoming deaths. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the storytelling focus of the Berman/Braga show-runner team and whether or not it works for this series. Plus! The guys talk about the qualitative properties of T'Pol's bum, the mystery-box that is Malcolm Reed, and how to kill drama by telling the audience that everything is going to be ok! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer and T'Pol are taken prisoner during an away mission on a war-torn planet in the Coridan system. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss Enterprise's attempts at serialized storytelling and whether or not the franchise as a whole needs to pick a narrative direction. Plus! The guys talk about taking a punch to the stomach, the weird characterization of the Vulcans, and the sexual frustrations of Shran! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While exploring a gas giant, Enterprise finds the wreck of a Klingon scout vessel sinking into the atmosphere. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the mind numbing banality of average episodes. Plus! The guys talk about the weird editing of the plane scene in The Dark Knight Rises, the best way to utilize the Klingons, and being confused by the decontamination chamber! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In the name of non-interference, Enterprise withholds a cure from a culture that has been stricken by a planet-wide plague. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss crafting the perfect situation for the Prime Directive. Plus! They guys break down Enterprise's Netflix queue, the cruelty of T'Pol, and the ethics of Phlox's decision! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise is attacked by an unknown alien starship, as Archer orders the crew to install experimental "phase cannons". Meanwhile, Sato is ordered to find out what Reed's favorite food is for a birthday dinner. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Silent Enemy" and whether or not it is succeeding at building a tone unique to Enterprise. Plus! The guys talk about recognizing bananas within a cake, the dark secrets surrounding Reed, and why Enterprise succeeds at being creepy! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Archer is confronted by a member of his crew who claims to be from nine hundred years in the future – and is there to capture a Suliban operative who has boarded Enterprise. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Cold Front" and the reintroduction of the Temporal Cold War. The guys discuss never being sure about what's happening, unrealistic treatments of the vacuum of space, and Archer being an idiot! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise is sent to assist the Fortunate, an Earth freighter that has been attacked by Nausicaan pirates. But the Fortunate may not be as innocent as it seems. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Fortunate Son" - both the episode of Enterprise and the song from Creedence Clearwater Revival. Plus! They talk about space football, refusing a drink, and awkwardly bringing up all the sex you've been having! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise finds a fully inhabited Earth-like planet, where some of the inhabitants are suffering from a mysterious disease. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Civilization"; a thoroughly average episode of Star Trek. They wonder if it's something that modern Star Trek shows should even consider doing. Plus! The guys talk about human-looking aliens, phaser fights in the middle of town, and scientists who don't ask questions. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With a Vulcan ship on their tail, Enterprise decides to investigate a comet. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss why "Breaking the Ice" has one of the strangest plot lines that the Trek franchise has ever done. Plus! The guys talk about eating before attending a dinner party, the humanization of T'Pol, and whether or not Avery Brooks would have made a good Archer! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise visits a Vulcan monastery, only to find that it is in the midst of being taken over by the Andorians. Wes and Clay discuss the introduction of the Andorians and their antennae. Plus! The guys talk about the trade off between competence and innovation, why Shran is not as interesting as Weyoun, and the conflicts that would eventually create the Federation! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Enterprise investigates the mystery of a lost Earth colony whose inhabitants disappeared decades before. But that doesn't mean they left. Wes and Clay discuss the problem with Terra Nova's timeline, the inability of the crew to learn from their mistakes, and the magic of not knowing the truth! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When Trip Tucker assists an alien vessel with repairs, a "friendly" encounter with one of the crew leads to rather unexpected consequences. Wes and Clay discuss the ethics of being impregnated by mistake, the popularity of certain names, and whether or not Enterprise is using too much pre-existing canon! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

An Enterprise landing party believes T'Pol is conspiring with a species of rock creatures on a strange class M planet. Wes and Clay discuss the difference between a story and a plot as they cover "Strange New World". Plus! They talk about cheap baseball hats, Archer never learning his lesson, and the ever dangerous transporter. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "Fight or Flight", the Enterprise finds an abandoned ship, filled with corpses which appear to have been used for an experiment. Wes and Clay discuss the second episode of Star Trek: Enterprise and how the show is living up to their expectations. Plus! The guys discuss finding a slug, getting the weapons online, and not being able to understand anyone! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Wes and Clay kick off their coverage of Star Trek: Enterprise by discussing the pilot, "Broken Bow"! Enterprise is the sixth Star Trek series. It launched in 2001 but only ran four seasons and was cancelled in 2005. Was it a victim of over saturation or was it the last gasp of a dying franchise? In this episode, the guys explain their (limited) knowledge of the series and then break down the pilot. Listen as they discuss the logic of crop tops in space, sexual camera work, and the warm familiarity of Scott Bakula! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The first season of Star Trek: Picard comes to a close with "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part II"! Picard squares off against the Romulans and Synths in a climactic showdown. And then an old friend appears and does his best to rescue the series. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss being betrayed by your own theme, the worst Star Trek villain of all time, and why modern Trek leaves us feeling so empty! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

We have reached the penultimate episode of the first season of Star Trek: Picard! In the first part of "Et in Arcadia Ego", Picard and his crew find the synth homeworld and attempt to warn its inhabitants about the imminent Romulan attack. Wes and Clay discuss approaching the end of the season, seeing familiar faces, and the sensibilities of modern Trek! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "Broken Pieces", mysteries start to unravel as our characters gain insight into the machinations around them. Picard and the crew discover the intentions of the Romulans and Commodore Oh, while Elnor and Seven attempt to re-take the Borg Cube. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "Nepenthe", Picard and Soji meet up with some old friends. The La Sirena races to the rescue, and Elnor and Hugh square off against Narissa. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the problem of nostalgia, rabbit pizza, and the failure of Soji. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Picard and the crew track Soji to the Artifact, the abandoned Borg Cube in Romulan space. There, Picard is reunited with Hugh and learns about the Borg Reclamation Project. Meanwhile, Narek makes some progress in extracting information from Soji,. Wes and Clay discuss an episode of Star Trek: Picard that features merging story lines and merging genitals! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The La Sirena tracks Bruce Maddox to Freecloud, a Vegas-esque planet that feels like a more polished version of Mos Eisley. Maddox has found himself in a dangerous position and Seven of Nine agrees to help rescue him. Clay and Wes put on their best fake accents to discuss "Stardust City Rag"! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Picard and the crew head to the planet Vashti. Fourteen years ago, Picard helped Romulan refugees settle on the planet, and he befriended a group of warrior monks who practiced the art of "absolute candor". On Vashti, Picard reunites with Elnor, a yound man who Picard knew as a small boy. Meanwhile, Narek continues to try to gleam information about Maddox and the other androids from Soji. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the merits of "absolute candor", using a holodeck as an office, and Star Trek beheadings! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "The End is the Beginning", Picard recruits a crew to help him find Bruce Maddox. On the Artifact, Asha works with ex-Borg (and returning character) Hugh to treat reclaimed Romulans. Wes and Clay discuss the third episode of Star Trek: Picard and reveal how they feel about Picard returning to the stars! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "Maps and Legends", we gain additional insight into the world in which this series takes place. As Picard begins to investigate the mystery of Dahj he learns that Starfleet will not assist him. But there's trouble underfoot - some Starfleet officers appear to be shady (surprise!) and are in league with the Romulans on the Borg Reclamation site. In this podcast, Wes and Clay dissect the episode like it's a Borg drone! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Jean-Luc Picard has returned to Star Trek! At the end of the 24th century, and 14 years after his retirement from Starfleet, Jean-Luc Picard is living a quiet life on his vineyard, Chateau Picard. When he is sought out by a mysterious young woman, Dahj, in need of his help, he soon realizes she may have personal connections to his past. In this episode, Wes and Clay break down the very first episode of the series! This episode was streamed live on YouTube and then re-cut to air as a podcast. If you'd like to view the streams, subscribe to our YouTube channel via the link below! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In the final Kelvin film, Star Trek Beyond, the USS Enterprise is destroyed and the crew stranded on an alien planet. They meet an alien named Krall who intends to destroy the Federation. Star Trek Beyond is not an oft-discussed film, but it's clearly the best of the three Kelvin films. Directed by Justin Lin from a script written by Simon Pegg (Scotty), Beyond works as both a Star Trek film and an action film. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the dynamics of Balthazar Edison, the benefit to a stationary camera, and the Kelvin Universes biggest failure! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Star Trek Into Darkness is the second film from JJ Abrams' Kelvin Universe. Khan returns as an unwilling agent of Section 31. In order to prevent a war with the Klingons, Kirk must stop both Khan and a corrupt admiral from achieving their goals. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss going bigger in a sequel, wet eyes, and bringing back Khan! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Wes and Clay get back to the Star Trek films! This time they've moved on to the JJ Abrams led reboot, "Star Trek" from 2009. The Abrams 2009 Trek film rebooted the franchise and created a new TOS universe (Kelvin) to play in. As such, we get familiar names with brand new faces. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the brilliant idea of creating an alternate timeline, walking the line of old and new, and Spock not getting where he needed to be in time! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After a devastating attack on the shipyards on Mars, two twelve year old rivals discover that anyone can be a hero. Even if just for one day. Clay and Wes get together to discuss the final episode from the second season of Short Treks. Does it work as something greater than a simple Picard tie-in? Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Having finished DS9, Wes and Clay watched the Star Trek DS9 documentary, "What We Left Behind". Directed by showrunner Ira Behr, the documentary tries to explain the legacy of DS9 through the memories of those involved with the show. Is it worth watching? Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With DS9 over, Wes and Clay get together to give some final thoughts about the series as a whole. Is DS9 better than TNG? Does it matter? The guys try to understand the complexities that make DS9 unique and both amazing and awful (but mostly amazing). Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

This is it. The final episode of DS9. "What You Leave Behind" serves to close out both the Dominion War and the series itself. It has action, drama, comedy and retrospection in spades. It's a brilliant ending to a fascinating series. But it's not perfect. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss what the finale does right and what it does wrong. They try to determine if "What you Leave Behind" is a fitting end to the series they've been watching for almost two and a half years. Thanks to everyone for listening and supporting the show. Thank you for not leaving us behind! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The two year journey through DS9 is almost finished! But before they tackle the DS9 finale, Wes and Clay head back to where it all began by revisiting the DS9 pilot, "Emissary". In this podcast, the guys discuss Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In the penultimate episode of DS9, Damar becomes the leader of a Cardassian revolution. Bashir and Ezri hook up. The Siskos get some big news. And Quark gets some exciting, and then upsetting, news. Clay and Wes get together to discuss the choice to involve the Ferengi so heavily in the second to last episode of the show. Plus! They defend their choice of O'Brien as the weakest character in the series, analyze the plots in the "Final Chapter", and look forward to the finale! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Odo is dying. The disease that has infected the Founders has spread to Odo, and he does not look well. To cure him, Bashir and O'Brien lure Section 31's Sloan to DS9. They plan to enter his mind and steal the cure, and hopefully end Section 31 once and for all. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the last Bashir and O'Brien adventure and the end of Luther Sloan. Plus! They talk about the ease of capturing a secret agent, boring "dream sequences", and unrealistic male friendships! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Short Trek series returns with a double header of animated shorts, "The Girl Who Made the Stars" and "Ephraim and Dot". Wes and Clay discuss how Star Trek works as animated shorts and whether or not it was a worthwhile experiment. Plus! The guys talk about vinyl versus digital and why so many animation studios shut down. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In this special episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay are joined by Sean to sample some "Star Trek Wine" which was generously provided by Wines That Rock! In addition to uninformed opinions about fermented grape juice, they guys also provide uninformed opinions about geography, the new Picard series, and The Irishman! We hope you enjoy this wide-ranging conversation! If the wine interests you, please visit https://winesthatrock.com/ for additional information. https://startrekwines.com/ Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "Tacking Into the Wind", our characters face an uphill battle against themselves. Gowron continues to sabotage the war effort, and Kira and Odo attempt to steal Breen technology. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the collapse of two Trek empires. Plus! The guys talk about the death of Rene Auberjonois, the pointless romance of Odo and Kira, and the evolution of Worf. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

"When it rains, it pours." Things go from bad to worse as Gowron arrives at DS9 and takes command of the Klingon forces. Odo discovers he is infected with the sickness ravaging the Founders. Bashir and O'Brien learn that Section 31 is responsible for the infection. Kira, Odo and Garak are sent to train Damar's soldiers. Dukat goes blind. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss an episode with an improved focus and structure and how it reboots the final arc. Plus! The guys talk about why Martok is an interesting Klingon, the intentional stalling of Dukat, and the problem with ordering spicy food! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Breen have attacked Earth. Dukat has convinced Kai Winn to review the ancient texts of the Pah-Wraiths. Damar rebels against the Dominion. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Changing Face of Evil". Plus! The guys discuss burning the peppers, the abrupt lethargy of the "final chapter", and the failures of the Winn/Dukat story line. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "Strange Bedfellows", the Dominion and Breen alliance could prove costly for the Federation. Worf and Ezri discover an unexpected ally on Cardassia. Dukat manages to turn Kai Winn to the Dark Side. Wes and Clay discuss an episode that seems like a superior reboot of "Til Death Do Us Part". Plus! The guys explore the potential redemption of Damar, the narrative need for Dukat, and the close out of Worf and Ezri. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Ignoring the will of The Prophets, Sisko and Kasidy Yates get married. Meanwhile, the captured Worf and Ezri are interrogated by the Breen. On DS9, Dukat works to lure Kai Winn to the Dark Side. Wes and Clay get together to discuss "'Til Death Do Us Part" and how it works as the second hour of the Final Chapter. Plus! The guys talk about the Breen popping up out of nowhere, treading water as a narrative, and Dukat and Winn bumping uglies! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

DS9 has entered "The Final Chapter"! In 'Penumbra', Sisko and Kasidy announce their plans to marry, and Ezri tries to rescue Worf. The "Final Chapter" is the series ending run of nine episodes that finish out DS9. in this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the problems with DS9's serialized storytelling, when characters get "too real", and the series treading water to get to this point! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges", Section 31 recruits Dr. Bashir to aid them in making sure that the Romulan Star Empire remains on the righteous" side of the Dominion War. Special guest Darren joins Wes and Clay to discuss the final "regular" episode of Star Trek: DS9. Plus! The three discuss pushing Star Trek to its moral limits, making a fashion statement with leather, and beaming out in the nick of time! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When Starbase 28 is attacked, Cadet Sidhu is given the responsibility of watching a surprise prisoner: Christopher Pike. In this podcast, Wes and Clay get together to discuss the final Enterprise-centric Short Trek! Plus, the guys talk about quoting technical language, supporting brands, and their own dream Short Trek plot lines! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "Badda-Bing, Badda-Bang", holographic mobsters try to run Vic Fontaine out of town. It's up the crew of DS9 to perform the heist of the century. Wes and Clay discuss being attacked while playing in the holosuite, a heist without much difficulty, and the powerful sexuality of Nana Visitor! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A Changeling, Laas, finds Odo returning from a conference. Laas reveals that he is another of the Hundred Changelings. Laas tries to convince Odo to leave DS9 and join him in the search for the other Changelings, but things are not so easy for a "Chimera" such as Odo. In this podcast, Wes and Clay get together to talk about the redemption of DS9's seventh season and the complexities of the Changelings. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A series of strange murders rock the station. A killer is on the loose. In response, Ezri consults with Joran, a previous Dax host, in order to enter the mind of a serial killer and find out who is responsible before it's too late. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Field of Fire" and find some brilliance amidst a lot of terrible rubble. Plus! The guys discuss a choir of angels for the Trill, solving crimes with no evidence, and shooting melons! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Grand Nagus Zek has gone missing in the Mirror Universe. Quark and Rom, with the aid of Mirror Universe Ezri, head into the "alternate universe" to rescue him. Many hilarious situations ensue! Wes and Clay discuss the final DS9 episode to deal with the Mirror Universe, "The Emperor's New Cloak". Plus! The guys talk about DS9 wasting everyone's time, the logistics of non-hologram Vic, and Ezri being too strong a focus in the final season of DS9! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

O'Brien has gone missing while looking for the widow of his old friend Bilby, and Ezri heads home to see if her family can help find the chief. Unfortunately, Ezri's family has its fair share of skeletons in the closet. Wes and Clay discuss "Prodigal Daughter" and try to determine if it has the worst script in the entire DS9 series. Plus! The guys talk about Trill not being supportive of being joined, bland descriptions of the murder you've committed, and dialogue centered around a mislabelled gizmo! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In "The Siege of AR-558", Nog lost his leg. In "It's Only a Paper Moon" he loses his enthusiasm for life and it's up to Vic Fontaine to pull him out of his depression. Clay and Wes get together to discuss an episode that quietly examines PTSD and phantom pain, as well as the distractions that tear us away from reality. Plus! The guys talk about making an episode without your main cast, getting punchy in a 1960s Vegas lounge, and slamming doors for no good reason! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Kira is abducted and taken to Empok Nor by a Bajoran cult that worships the Pah-Wraiths. Once there, she discovers that the groups charismatic leader is none other than Dukat. But is Dukat truly reformed or is this another of his tricks? Wes and Clay form a "Covenant" in this episode of the podcast and they discuss how Dukat is an encapsulation of some of DS9's worst flaws. Plus! The guys talk about aging into Calvinism, eating poisoned apple sauce, and convincing people that the baby isn't yours! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

During a supply run to AR-558, Sisko meets a group of Starfleet officers who have been pushed to the brink trying to hold a vital Dominion communications array. When a group of Jem'Hadar attack, Sisko and his crew experience, first hand, the horrors of front line combat. Wes and Clay discuss DS9 embracing the wretchedness of the Dominion War in "The Siege of AR-558"! Plus! The guys talk about taking Quark seriously, how to under-write effectively, and they wonder why there aren't more Ferengi in Starfleet! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Kor, the elderly Klingon warrior, arrives at DS9 and informs Worf that he wishes to die with honor. Worf tries to convince Martok to help Kor get his wish, but Martok has hated Kor for 30 years and that isn't about to change any time soon. Meanwhile, Quark and Dax have a strange plot about misunderstandings. Listen as Wes and Clay discuss exciting space visuals, the backstory of Martok, and the Legend of Kor! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Weyoun lures Odo to a remote planet and reveals two things. First, he wants to defect to the Federation. Second, he's not the Weyoun that Odo knows and loves! Or is he? Meanwhile, Nog teaches O'Brien about the Great Material Continuum when they kick off a scheme to repair the Defiant. Clay and Wes sit down and discuss "Treachery, Faith and the Great River" - which involves talking about all three of those things. Plus! The guys discuss being reunited with the Dominion, killing Weyoun 5 off-screen, and if DS9 is a "good" Star Trek series! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Captain Lucero takes command of the USS Cabot and meets Edward, a scientist who believes he has found an incredible new use for Tribbles. Uh oh, trouble! Wes and Clay discuss the latest Short Trek! "The Trouble with Edward" is a very funny short that suffers from Discovery's constant need to explain everything. Plus! The guys discuss the utility of the captain's log, Tribble sentience, and Edward's similarity to Milton from Office Space! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The genetically enhanced group from "Statistical Probabilities" returns to the station to have Doctor Bashir treat Sarina, the quiet one. After Bashir works his magic, he begins to fall in love with his patient and becomes too enamored with a life that he has always wanted but has never been able to have. Wes and Clay discuss "Chrysalis" and wonder if DS9 is on a slow, downward trajectory. Plus! The guys discuss the dated humor of the "deaf voice", the stationary characters of Kira and Odo, and the quantifiable loneliness of Julian Bashir! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The "Short Treks" have returned (along with a subscription to CBS All Access)! In the latest "Short Trek" we get a glimpse into Spock's first day on the Enterprise. He meets Pike and the mysteriously named Number One, and he gets trapped in an awkward situation on an elevator. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the emptiness around the turbolift, the power move of not telling someone your name, and mistaking lore for story! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Baseball has been in DS9's DNA since the pilot episode, so with the final season underway the producers of the series decided that it was finally time to have a baseball episode! Sisko and the station crew battle a Vulcan superteam on the holosuite while Odo plays umpire. Wes and Clay discuss an episode of the show that screams '90s television and '90s culture. Plus! They discuss the rise and fall of Boston baseball, the difficulty in filming a baseball diamond, and finding it hard to continue supporting Colm Meaney! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When Ezri Dax returns (?) to Deep Space 9, she is greeted with a mix of enthusiasm (Quark) and hesitancy (Worf). Meanwhile, Garak begins to suffer from panic attacks. Wes and Clay discuss "Afterimage" and try to decide if bringing Dax back to the show was such a good idea. Plus! The guys discuss Garak cracking under pressure, Ezri getting promoted, and why podcasting with a cold is so annoying! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The seventh and final season of DS9 opens with the reunion of Sisko and Dax, the emotional turmoil of Worf, and the empowerment of the Bajoran people. It ends with a revelation about Sisko that may or may not change everything? Wes and Clay get together to discuss Star Wars and Star Trek going outside their lanes, the lack of excitement amongst Bajoran officers, and a low key start to the final season! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In this podcast episode, Wes gives his final thoughts about the sixth season of DS9! He reviews his spreadsheets to find the logic behind the numbers, and he also gives out some end-of-year awards. The seventh season will start up in a few days! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With one stone, a Pah-Wraith possessed Dukat kills two birds: he manages to close the Bajoran Wormhole and he literally kills Jadzia Dax. "Tears of the Prophets" is the sixth season finale and works hard to both send off a major character and set the show up for the next season. It jumps headlong into the Bajoran Religion and foreshadows Dax's demise so heavily it might as well be an episode of The Walking Dead! Wes and Clay discuss the end to a very up and down season of DS9 and give their own personal eulogies to the up and down character of Jadzia Dax. Plus! The guys discuss making the Dominion War feel even smaller, the plot mechanics of murder, and needing time to grieve! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The crew of DS9 receives a distress call from a distant planet - a Starfleet captain has been marooned on a deadly planet and her only chance of survival is the Defiant. Guided (literally and figuratively) by "The Sound of Her Voice", Sisko, Bashir and O'Brien take stock of themselves as they try to rescue the voice on the other end of the line. Back on DS9, Quark teaches Jake about the finer points of being a black market smuggler when he realizes that Odo being smitten with Kira is opening some very profitable doors. Wes and Clay discuss the penultimate episode of the sixth season of DS9. Plus! The guys wonder about yet another strange time travel situation, debate the nature of Odo at this point in the series, and wonder why no one checked the computer! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While picnicking on an alien world, Molly O'Brien falls into a time portal. She is rescued but has spent the past decade of her life alone on an alien planet and has become feral and unfortunately stabby! Meanwhile, Worf tries to prove to Dax that he can be a successful father and that Alexander was just a one-off mistake. Wes and Clay discuss "Time's Orphan" and try to determine if it's worse than "Profit and Lace"! Plus! The guys discuss the fine line between a good and bad setup, the hatred that festers within the O'Brien family, and Odo abandoning his principles! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After he promotes equal rights for female Ferengi, Grand Nagus Zek is deposed and replaced by (acting) Grand Nagus Brunt (of the F.C.A.). To restore order, Quark undergoes a sex change operation to convince a Ferengi cola merchant that Zek's radical plan has merit. Yes, this really happens. "Profit and Lace" is frequently derided as not only one of the worst DS9 episodes of all time but of the entire Star Trek franchise! Wes and Clay discuss the attempt at a "golden age" homage and why it doesn't work in the Star Trek universe. Plus! The guys discuss sexual harassment in the workplace, the inability for the series to take the Ferengi seriously, and making a "truly" Ferengi episode! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

In this episode, Wes talks to Bill from Trek Live on YouTube and the man behind the Trekfan4387 Twitter handle. Bill has been watching and rewatching Star Trek for decades, and enjoys ranking and rating the episodes and everything else that comes along with Star Trek. The two discuss the utility of grading and ranking art, and why Wes gets so bothered by polling Trek fans on the internet. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While on a trip to Ferenginar, Jake and Nog are attacked by the Jem'Hadar. They are saved by the USS Valiant, which is apparently commanded by a crew of Red Squad cadets - an elite group from Starfleet Academy that we last saw in Paradise Lost. The Valiant is on a dangerous mission to locate a Dominion warship behind enemy lines, but the biggest danger might be the cadets themselves. DS9 pays homage to "Lord of the Flies" with a story about the collapse of values in the face of authoritarianism. Or at least... that's what it seems like they were doing. But hey, the destruction of the Valiant is pretty great, huh? Wes and Clay also discuss the unique uniforms of Red Squad, the training protocols of Starfleet, and the growing schism between themselves and the listeners! Support Clay's Kickstarter at www.blodyhel.com! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

After an ancient Bajoran tablet is discovered, Sisko finds himself embroiled in a battle between good and evil. The battle is known as "the Reckoning", and the result will determine the fate of Bajor. Unfortunately, the ultimate battle is between Jake and Kira. The Reckoning is the annual "Bajor" episode, so we get another Kai Winn appearance, some vague statements from the Prophets, and a lot of questions about the need to continue this storyline. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss their frustrations with the Prophets and the confounding actions of Kai Winn! Plus! They discuss the problem with important stories happening once every 26 episodes, Sisko as Abraham, and accepting the Prophets as the "good guys"! Support Clay's Kickstarter at www.bloodyhel.com! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When Bashir shows off his new holosuite creation, a swinging lounge singer with top-notch relationship advice named Vic Fontaine, Odo has his interest piqued. He's been pining after Kira for years now, but he's unsure of how to proceed with her. Will this insightful, lightbulb powered hologram be able to provide him with any meaningful advice? DS9 feeds the 'shippers with an episode that finally gets Odo and Kira together! It's also a holodeck adventure, which is fairly unusual for DS9, and it has a light-hearted, charming tone has has Clay absolutely smitten. Put on your finest lounge act record, stir up a martini, and have things "Your Way"! Plus! Clay and Wes discuss the nonsense of judging a romantic relationship, the schism between backstory and series, and who O'Brien is looking at, but not touching! Support Clay's Kickstarter at bloodyhel.com! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The war against the Dominion is going poorly. The Federation is suffering defeat after defeat, and the death toll is rising. One last hope remains: to bring the Romulan Star Empire into the war effort against the Dominion. But the Romulans are hesitant to commit to the war, as they've cozied up to the Dominion in the hopes that the war eliminates all of their enemies. In "In the Pale Moonlight", Captain Sisko must decide how far he is willing to go to save the Alpha Quadrant. Are the values of the Federation sacrosanct, or must he prove Section 31 correct? The war has taken many lives, and it just might take Sisko's soul. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the critically acclaimed episode and try to measure the RPM of Gene Roddenberry in his coffin! Plus! The guys talk about the ethics of "the needs of the many", the joy of seeing a Romulan, and the problems with the final scene! Support Clay's Kickstarter at bloodyhel.com! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Internal Affairs visits the station and begins to interrogate Doctor Bashir, who they believe to be a Dominion double-agent. "Inquisition" is most famous for being the introduction of Section 31, a shadowy covert ops group that operates without the supervision of Starfleet or the Federation. It's also a solid episode that manages to create a creepy, paranoid atmosphere that dovetails into a look at what values the Federation might need to compromise in order to survive. We also get some adorable shots of Bashir's teddy bear! Clay and Wes also discuss Section 31's penchant for leather, the nuances of Sloan's argument, and how they could have made Section 31 even more intimidating! Support Clay's Kickstarter at bloodyhel.com! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Dukat contacts Kira and informs her that he and her mother were once lovers. Kira is disgusted enough to request that Sisko allow her to use the Orb of Time to travel into the past to verify the claim. While in the past, Kira meets her mother, Kira Meru, and discovers a dark family secret that threatens to change everything. While the time travel aspect is a bit questionable, Wrongs Darker than Death or Night is an extremely fascinating character piece for Kira and for the Bajoran Occupation as a whole. It delves into some moral questions that might not have answers, and it works to both flesh out the pre-DS9 universe and the choices that Bajorans had to make during the Occupation. Plus! Wes and Clay discuss the impact of faulty plot mechanics, the importance of "Waltz", and the devastation of the Kira family! Support Clay's Kickstarter at bloodyhel.com! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While on a mission to rendezvous with a Cardassian spy, Dax is seriously wounded and Worf is forced to make a choice between saving his wife and completing the mission. It's our first episode since the wedding to focus on the marriage of Worf and Dax, and "Change of Heart" gives you plenty to chew on. We get some insight into the banter of newlyweds, learn about Worf's definition of "duty", and learn all about the sleeping arrangements of our favorite Trill and Klingon! In the B-plot, Bashir and O'Brien try to defeat Quark in a game of Tongo, and Clay reveals how little knowledge about early DS9 he has retained. The guys also discuss literal figures of speech, expecting explanations from Star Trek, and how to make a nonsense game work for television! You can support Clay's Kickstarter at www.bloodyhel.com! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pensky_file/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

O'Brien is recruited for an undercover Starfleet operation where he must infiltrate the Orion Syndicate and bring it down from the inside. During his mission, he befriends a man named Bilby. As their friendship flourishes, O'Brien becomes more and more conflicted about his mission: will he be able to betray Bilby? Back on DS9, the station is falling apart without its chief engineer. And that's pretty all that you need to know about that plotline because... that's all that happens. Wes and Clay discuss "Honor Among Thieves" and find themselves thinking about The Departed, wondering how an episode that features the theme of "family" can so completely ignore Keiko and the kids, and debate the plotlines that feature Miles O'Brien! Be sure to check out the Kickstarter for Clay's new book, "BLOODY HEL": www.bloodyhel.com Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

O'Brien, Dax, and Bashir are shrunk down to "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" size while exploring an anomaly. Meanwhile, the Defiant is attacked and captured by Jem'Hadar, leaving the tiny runabout and tiny O'Brien, Dax, and Bashir no choice but to take their miniature ship and selves into the Defiant to retake it. Fortunately, it's a tiny ship that can still shoot tiny photon torpedoes! DS9 returns to a sci-fi concept episode while still keeping the focus on the Dominion threat, and the result is an episode with a whole bunch of plots and information and tones. Clay and Wes discuss an episode that refuses to take things too seriously and ends up feeling like the whole is less than the sum of its parts. Plus, the guys discuss the physics of being small, the whole being less than the sums of its parts, and revising the Jem'Hadar! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Ben Sisko suddenly finds himself as a science-fiction writer in the mid-1950s and creates a character named "Benjamin Sisko", a black commander of a space station in the distant future. The rest of the DS9 cast is also here - they're writers, ballplayers, con men and corrupt cops. Far Beyond the Stars deals with racism and the insidious ways that it finds its way into various aspects of life, and it's generally regarded as one of the strongest stand alone episodes that the series ever produced. Listen as Wes and Clay discuss DS9's attempt to re-calibrate the series with an episode that has a lot to say and does so in a very sophisticated way. Plus! The guys discuss the extreme pipe-work of Colm Meaney, what would have gone wrong with the TNG cast, and the unfortunate misery of enduring 3+ hours of make-up for a single shot! Website: https://thepenskypodcast.com Subscribe: https://wavve.link/pensky Patreon: https://Patreon.com/thepenskyfile Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/the-pensky-file Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenskyFile Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepenskyfilepod/ Discord: https://discord.gg/DU4hthX YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUQ6GnjEtxm1vcvVw0t7HA E-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When Morn, Quark's best customer, dies in an accident, his barkeep is shocked to learn that Morn was rich! And not only was Morn rich, but that his will stated that, upon his death, everything should be left to Quark. With his newfound wealth, Quark also gains some new enemies: a group of colorful con artists have arrived on DS9 in search of Morn's wealth. It's up to Quark to get a handle on the situation, find Morn's money and get out with his life (and a cool 20%). Wes and Clay also discuss building an episode around a gag, finding out that latinum is a liquid, and wondering about the impact of having the end of DS9 in sight! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While en route to war crimes hearing, Sisko and Gul Dukat are attacked by Cardassians and end up marooned on a deserted planet. Sisko is badly injured and must rely on an increasingly unstable Dukat if he has any hope of making it out alive. Unfortunately, the Federation's psychiatric care seems to be lacking, as Dukat is now hearing voices in his head and appears to be losing his grip on sanity. Patron Isaac marks the end of a guest-hosting era as he joins Wes to discuss a very important episode in the arc of Dukat, a character who has been there from the very start of the series and is inarguably one of the great villains of Star Trek. Wes and Isaac also discuss the motivations of Thanos, being annoyed that you saved the wrong people, and villains mischaracterizing Benjamin Sisko! Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

When Quark's mother is kidnapped by the Dominion, a group of rag-tag Ferengi assemble to save her... and collect on the reward. In yet another Ferengi episode of DS9, this one loosely based on the Magnificent Seven, we return to what both works and does not work for this Star Trek species. Clay and Wes discuss the mindset of Ira Steven Behr, the upside of Iggy Pop, and bad reasons for visiting Empok Nor. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

A group of genetically enhanced augments visit Deep Space 9, seeking mentorship from Julian Bashir (who was similarly enhanced as a young child). The group quickly demonstrates impressive forecasting abilities and Dr. Bashir is drawn towards working with people on his own intellectual level, even if they are quirky and potentially violent.. When Weyoun and Damar visit the station for peace talks, Dr Bashir and his new friends discover that their calculations imply that the war against the Dominion cannot be won. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The Mirror Universe and Vedek Bariel are brought back to life when the Mirror Universe version of Kira's long lost love appears on the station. Is he another Mirror Universe character unhappy with his own lot in life, or is he a thief scheming to steal one of Bajor's most treasured possessions? Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

The marriage of Worf and Dax is put to the test when the matriarch of the House of Martok visits the station. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

With Federation defeats piling up, Sisko hatches a plan to retake Deep Space 9 and prevent additional Jem'Hadar troops from entering the Alpha Quadrant. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Sisko is removed from commanding the Defiant, and Odo becomes unable to resist the allure of the Great Link. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While aboard a Klingon vessel commanded by General Martok, Worf is reunited with his estranged son Alexander. It’s been many years since father and son have seen each other, and in that time Alexander seems to have changed. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

While attempting to escape Dominion territory, Sisko and the crew on the Defiant crash land on a planet devoid of anything but rocks and shoals. Unfortunately, a crew of Jem'Hadar and their Vorta, Keevan, have also survived a crash landing on the same planet. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

It's been three months since the events of "Call to Arms" and the war against the Dominion is going poorly for the Federation. Fleets of ships are being lost every day, and the Cardassian-Dominion alliance has proven to be a fearsome enemy. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com

Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com